New smartwatch apps enable EV owners to check status from their wrist

Drivers of Ford electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles can now access their battery charge status, unlock their doors and get a driving score from their last trip with the MyFord Mobile application for smartwatches. The MyFord Mobile watch apps has been specifically developed to fit the design of both round and rectangular watch faces. 

“The app gives drivers the ability to quickly check important data like available range before leaving on a journey – without having to access the mobile application on their smartphone,” said David Hatton, Ford manager, Connected Vehicles and Services. “The app can also notify users when their car is fully charged, helping a driver be courteous to other electric vehicle owners so they can free up the charging spot or avoid fees applied at some charging stations when you overrun your time after the charge is complete.”

The watch apps were specifically developed for easy use and to fit smartwatch displays. For example, rounded gauges used match the look of round watch faces like that of the new Moto 360. If desired, using Apple Watch, the user can access the glance feature to simply swipe up on the watch interface to quickly launch the app. The apps are built to complement the MyFord Mobile platform, which debuted on Android and Apple smartphones in 2012.

Smartwatch app features include:

- Range and charge status for battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles

- Capability to initiate preconditioning of vehicle cabin remote

- Locking/unlocking capability

- Vehicle mileage summary

- Last trip summary includes personal driving score, percentage of electric vehicle miles

- Vehicle location provides walking or driving directions back to your parked car

The last trip feature lets drivers monitor their driving score – showing miles per gallon or miles per gallon equivalent, trip miles, and braking and driving efficiency. The graphic shows more green leaves the more efficient you drive.

Included with this update, the main app offers a Google Maps feature with pinch/zoom capability, which provides availability of nearby charging stations.   

The app with smartwatch features is designed for new or existing owners of Ford C-MAX Energi, Ford Focus Electric and Ford Fusion Energi.