# EV Infotainment and Connected Features Explained

By EV Charge Cables · Published 18 October 2026

**The short version**

EV infotainment systems control far more than entertainment, managing charging, climate, navigation, and remote access from one screen.

- Most EVs offer charge-stop navigation, climate control, and companion app access
- Connected features include charge scheduling, live traffic, and remote pre-conditioning
- Data privacy and connectivity subscriptions are worth checking before you buy

EV infotainment systems are more central to how the car works than anything you'll find in a petrol vehicle. Because charging, range management, climate, and navigation are all digitally controlled, the screen is effectively the car's operating panel. Most modern EVs ship with large touchscreens, smartphone integration, and a companion app that lets you interact with the car remotely. If you are still working out the basics of owning an EV, our [guides index](https://www.evchargecable.co.uk/blogs/guides) is a good place to start.

| Feature | What it does | Available on most EVs? |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Charge-stop navigation | Routes you via public chargers based on your current battery level | Common, not universal |
| Climate control via touchscreen | Manages cabin temperature, heated seats, and demisting | Yes |
| Charging status display | Shows current charge level, rate, and estimated time to full | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Mirrors your phone's navigation and apps on the car screen | Common, not universal |
| Remote app control | Lock, unlock, pre-condition, and check charge status from your phone | Common on newer EVs |
| Charge scheduling | Sets the car to charge during off-peak electricity tariff windows | Common |
| Live traffic data | Adjusts route and range estimate based on real-time congestion | Common on connected models |
| Over-the-air software updates | Delivers software improvements wirelessly without a dealer visit | Varies by manufacturer |

### What does EV infotainment actually include?

At its core, EV infotainment is a touchscreen interface that controls both entertainment and the car's core functions. That typically means navigation, music and media playback, phone connectivity, climate settings, and a live view of your charging state. Unlike a petrol car, where the engine behaves the same regardless of what the screen shows, an EV's range estimate, battery temperature, and charging behaviour are all displayed and, in many cases, adjusted through the same interface. The screen is less of an optional extra and more of the car's primary control layer.

### What are connected features, and why do EVs have more of them?

Connected features use a mobile data connection built into the car to pull in live information and allow remote control. This suits EVs particularly well because drivers genuinely need up-to-date information: live charging network availability, real-time traffic affecting range, and the ability to warm the car before setting off without walking to it in the cold. Common connected features include live traffic routing, remote pre-conditioning via a phone app, charge status notifications, and over-the-air software updates. Not every EV supports all of these, and connectivity may depend on an active subscription after an initial free period.

### How does charge-stop navigation work?

Charge-stop navigation, sometimes called charging-aware routing, calculates your journey factoring in your current battery level, your driving speed, and the locations of compatible public chargers. If the car determines you cannot reach your destination on a single charge, it will suggest a stop at a charger along the route and adjust the estimated arrival time accordingly. Some systems will also pre-condition the battery as you approach a rapid charger so it can accept charge at its peak rate. This removes a lot of the range anxiety that new EV drivers worry about, though the quality of routing varies between manufacturers.

### Can I control my EV from my phone?

Most modern EVs come with a companion app that gives you remote access to several functions. Typical capabilities include:

- Checking the current state of charge and estimated range
- Starting or scheduling pre-conditioning so the cabin is warm before you leave
- Locking and unlocking the car
- Starting, stopping, or scheduling a charge session
- Receiving notifications when charging is complete or interrupted

The depth of remote control varies by manufacturer and model year. Older EVs may have limited or no app connectivity, while newer models tend to offer more. Some advanced features may require an active connected services subscription.

### What is charge scheduling, and should I use it?

Charge scheduling tells your car to begin charging at a set time rather than immediately when you plug in. This is useful if you are on a time-of-use electricity tariff that charges less during off-peak hours, typically overnight. You plug in when you get home, but the car waits until cheap-rate electricity kicks in before drawing power. Most EVs let you set one or more schedules through the infotainment screen or the companion app. If you have a home charger and a smart tariff, using charge scheduling is one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of charging overnight.

### What data does my EV collect, and is it private?

Connected EVs collect a significant amount of data, including location history, driving behaviour, energy usage, charging patterns, and sometimes in-cabin sensor data. This information is used to improve navigation, provide remote features, and, in many cases, is shared with the manufacturer for product development. What data is collected, how it is stored, and who it is shared with should be set out in your car's privacy policy. If privacy is a concern, check whether you can opt out of non-essential data sharing through the car's settings. Disabling connectivity may limit some features but does not usually affect core driving functions.

### Tips for getting the most from your EV's connected features

- **Set a charge schedule:** If you have a time-of-use tariff, configure overnight charging from day one to keep running costs down.
- **Use pre-conditioning:** Warm or cool the cabin while still plugged in so you start every journey with a full range.
- **Keep the app installed and logged in:** Remote notifications are useful for monitoring public charge sessions.
- **Allow software updates:** When an update is available, let it run overnight on a stable connection. Updates can improve range estimates, navigation accuracy, and charging behaviour.
- **Check your connectivity subscription:** Some manufacturers include connected services free for a period, then charge a subscription. Know when yours expires so you do not lose features unexpectedly.

### Frequently asked questions

#### Do all EVs have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

No. Most new EVs sold in the UK include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it is not universal. Some manufacturers have chosen to use their own navigation systems instead. Check the specification sheet for the model you are considering before assuming it is included. Wireless versions are becoming more common but wired connectivity is still standard on many cars.

#### Can I control my EV from my phone?

Most modern EVs come with a companion app that allows you to check charge status, start pre-conditioning, lock and unlock the car, and schedule charging. The range of remote functions varies by manufacturer and model. Older EVs often have limited or no app support. Some advanced remote features may require an active connected services subscription after an initial free period.

#### What is charge scheduling?

Charge scheduling lets you set a time for your EV to begin charging rather than starting as soon as you plug in. It is most useful if you are on an off-peak electricity tariff, where overnight electricity is cheaper. You can usually configure schedules through the infotainment screen or the companion app, setting the car to charge during cheaper overnight windows automatically.

#### Does connected technology drain the 12V battery?

All EVs have a 12V auxiliary battery that powers the car's electronics when the main battery is not actively being used. Connected features that run in the background, such as app connectivity and remote wake-up, do draw a small amount of current from this battery. In normal use this is not a problem, but if a car is left unused for several weeks without being plugged in, the 12V battery can deplete. Keeping the car on charge when parked for extended periods avoids this.

#### Is my data safe in a connected EV?

Connected EVs collect location, driving, and charging data, which is stored and managed by the manufacturer. The car's privacy policy sets out what is collected and how it is used. You can usually review data-sharing preferences in the car's settings. If you want to limit data collection, check whether non-essential sharing can be turned off without losing core connected features. Reading the manufacturer's privacy policy before buying is worthwhile.

#### What if the infotainment screen freezes?

Most EV touchscreens can be restarted without affecting the car's ability to drive. The process varies by manufacturer but typically involves holding a button or button combination for several seconds to trigger a soft reset. Core driving functions, including accelerator, brakes, and steering, operate independently of the infotainment system and are not affected by a screen freeze. If the problem recurs, a software update or dealer visit may resolve it.

EV infotainment and connected features make the day-to-day experience of owning an electric car more practical than many drivers expect. From scheduling overnight charging to warming the cabin before you leave the house, the technology is designed to fit around how you actually use the car. For more guides on getting the most from your EV, visit our [guides index](https://www.evchargecable.co.uk/blogs/guides). And if you need help finding the right charging cable for your car, the [EV Charge Cable home page](https://www.evchargecable.co.uk/) lets you search by registration number.

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