Hyundai’s complicated relationship with CarPlay might soon get a little bit easier to understand. A new report this week suggests that Hyundai plans to add support for wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to its cars that are also equipped with integrated satellite navigation, starting later this year. Historically, Hyundai cars with integrated navigation have only supported wired CarPlay.
Hyundai’s adoption of wireless CarPlay has been incredibly confusing over the years. The gist of the situation is that Hyundai cars with built-in navigation only support wired CarPlay, but cars without built-in navigation support wired and wireless CarPlay.
In many instances, this means that lower-trim versions of Hyundai cars have CarPlay, whereas higher-end configurations do not. It also means that Hyundai cars with smaller infotainment screens have wireless CarPlay, and those equipped with larger screens do not. Clear as mud, right?
Given Hyundai’s lack of support for wireless CarPlay, many owners have opted for third-party accessories to fill that gap.
But according to a report from Chasing Cars, this is about to change – at least for new Hyundai cars. The report explains that Hyundai is planning to bring wireless CarPlay support to cars equipped with integrated satellite navigation starting with the forthcoming second-generation Kona EV and other 2024 model year cars.
The report says that wireless CarPlay and Android Auto could also come to cars that are already on the road via a software update, but the details here are a bit sparse.
“There is high confidence that new-generation Kona examples delivered before Q4 2023 will be capable of being updated,” the report explains. “There is lower confidence that other recent models will be able to be updated.“
The report also explains a potential reason for Hyundai’s scattershot adoption of wireless CarPlay, blaming it on a dispute with smartphone makers over who would have access to the “navigation” button inside Hyundai cars:
Chasing Cars understands that the dispute involved whether Hyundai or the smartphone mirroring software would have priority access to the “navigation” shortcut button inside the cabin. The problem did not affect Hyundai models that did not include a factory navigation system, as there was no such priority issue.
9to5Mac’s Take
We’re waiting on some more details from Hyundai before we get too excited about this news. But if it pans out, this is a major boost for some of the best EVs on the market. This move will also presumably apply to Kia and Genesis cars, many of which have also historically lacked wireless CarPlay and Android Auto for the same reason.
I’d love to know more of the backstory on why Hyundai has not supported wireless CarPlay on many of its vehicles. The reasoning cited by Chasing Cars makes sense, but my guess is there’s a lot more to the story than that.
This also seems to mean that we can add Hyundai to the list of automakers still committed to CarPlay. GM, meanwhile, still seems to be off in its own world, oblivious to the fact that CarPlay is a make-or-break feature for many car buyers.
If you already have a Hyundai car without wireless CarPlay, there are some pretty reliable accessories on the market that can bring wireless CarPlay to any vehicle.
With its tire-blistering acceleration and record-setting performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has been getting attention throughout the auto industry, impressing everyone who’s seen it. That “everyone” now seems to include the OG supercar brand, itself.
CarNewsChina posted pictures from a Weibo user that reportedly show a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra exiting the storied Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. According to a Chinese blogger going by 西米露在博洛尼亚 (which seems to translate to “Sago Dessert in Bologna”), the prancing horse brand is actively benchmarking the Chinese hypercar for its own upcoming EV.
The SU7 Ultra was definitely coming from inside Ferrari’s facility. After verification, we learned this specific vehicle was officially purchased by Ferrari for testing, and the development of their next-generation electric platform.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra made its debut last year, promising 1,548 hp, sub 2.0-second 0-60 mph times, and a top speed well over 200 mph – all at a price lower than a Tesla Model S Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The car sold out almost immediately after it was unveiled, racking up some 50,000 orders almost overnight.
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The new electric benchmark
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra at Fiorano; via Weibo user Piniluoshan.
In the automotive world, “benchmarking” is a process in which car companies systematically tear down each others’ competitive products to compare everything from sound insulation, vehicle ride and handling, component materials, and even manufacturing methods against their own or against other industry leaders. The goal is to evaluate performance, cost, quality, and other key metrics, effectively figuring out “where they stand” in the market.
Featured image via Xiaomi; sources throughout the post.
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We’re finally getting our first teases of the upgraded 2027 Chevy Bolt, built on GM’s battery/motor platform formerly known as Ultium. So far, so good for the vehicle, which will be revealed later this Fall.
Chevy took to social media today to tease the 2027 Chevy Bolt, saying, “You asked, we listened. The #ChevyBolt is back and better than ever. More this fall. 👀”
Chevy ended the original Bolt program with the 2023 model, which was loved by a loyal group of customers (including myself). Some of the major gripes, including charging speed and rear brake lights, already look to be addressed. Also, a new more aggressive fascia is debuting.
Hopefully, the new Bolt will have improved charging speeds over and above the 54kW that previous Bolts adhered to. One possible downgrade is that the old Bolt’s amazing wireless CarPlay/Android Auto system will likely be replaced by GM’s move to Android’s built-in experience. For a few years, the Chevy Bolt was the most affordable long-range EV, and it won our 2022 Electrek car of the year for its versatility and price.
I would, of course, like to see the new Bolt as a hot hatchback, but GM CEO Mary Barra has hinted that it will likely take more of the EUV’s SUV form factor. Things like AWD options, SuperCruise, pricing, power and range are yet to be revealed, but stay tuned to Electrek for the latest on Bolt developments.
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On today’s test-acular episode of Quick Charge, it’s a new day and a new Chinese ADAS test for Tesla to conquer – but this one’s got a LOT more pedestrian carnage to parse through! We’ve also got some great e-bike deals from Retrospec and a bladder-busting Hyundai.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec – the makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure! To that end, we’ve got a pair of Retrospec e-bike reviews followed up by the updated Hyundai IONIQ 6 with nearly 350 miles of range from its updated long-range battery. With that, Hyundai now has the longest range Korean EV on the market, while Texas is adding megawatts of battery energy storage to beef up its troubled grid, and it’s doing so faster and cheaper than ever before.
Plus: Quick Charge listeners can get an extra 10% off the price of their next awesome e-bike by using code ELECTREK10 at retrospec.com!
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (most weeks, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news.
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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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