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March 2023
|Last updated:
July 2024

How to use the Octopus Electroverse car apps

Graphic of an electric vehicle dashboard and the Electroverse car app

Think the Octopus Electroverse app is just for your phone? Well, think again!

We’ve launched on Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Android Automotive OS - three different ways to access the Electroverse network straight from your EV. Call it thorough, but we just love creating new features that will help the EV community find their next charge that bit easier.

So, what are these car apps? And how can you get started? 

Let’s get plugged in…

xxx

What’s the difference between Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Android Automotive OS?

First things first, there are a few key differences between Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Android Automotive OS (AAOS) - not least in the length of the names! So, let’s clear this up:

Apple CarPlay is an intuitive piece of software from Apple which allows a user to connect an iPhone to a compatible vehicle and use the vehicle’s display as a controller for the smartphone. This means that suitable apps from the smartphone can be controlled through the vehicle while you drive (i.e. Spotify, Maps, Audiobooks etc.)

Similar to the above, Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google, which allows a user to connect an Android smartphone to a compatible vehicle and use the vehicle’s display as a controller for the phone. Unlike CarPlay, Android users need to download the Android Auto app from Google Play to pair phones with vehicles.

Android Automotive OS (AAOS) doesn’t require any smartphone to work, as it is an infotainment system built into the vehicle. Unlike Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AAOS allows users to install compatible apps directly onto the vehicle - there is no need to pair your phone.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Is my EV compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are compatible with a wide range of EVs, but we always recommend checking before trying!

EVs compatible with Apple CarPlay include the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW i3, Hyundai IONIQ, Nissan Leaf, and Polestar 2 & 3. Check the Apple CarPlay website to see the entire list or ask your vehicle manufacturer.

EVs compatible with Android Auto include the Renault Zoe, Mazda MX-30, and Jaguar I-Pace. Check the Android Auto website to see the entire list or ask your vehicle manufacturer about your specific model.

Is my iPhone compatible with Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay is compatible with iPhones 5 or newer. These phones must be operating on iOS 7.1 or later.

Is my Android phone compatible with Android Auto?

If you are connecting the phone and EV via cable, the phone must be operating on Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later.

If you are connecting the phone and EV wirelessly, the phone must be operating on Android 11.0 or later.

If you’re unsure or would like more help, check out the Android Auto Help Centre.

How do I set up Octopus Electroverse on Apple CarPlay?

Very easily! Firstly, you'll need to download the Electroverse app to your phone and create an account. If you’d like help creating an Electroverse account, follow the steps found in our blog: How to order an Electrocard (& what to expect once you have!)

Once your account is created, pair your iPhone to your EV in one of two ways:

  1. USB cable

    If connecting via a cable, plug in your iPhone using the car's USB port. Remember, this cable will need to be Apple Lightning to USB. You order this online or buy one in-store.

  2. Wirelessly

    If connecting wirelessly, press and hold your EV’s voice command button. Make sure your EV’s Bluetooth and your phone’s Wi-Fi are switched on. Select the CarPlay network and check that Auto-Join is on. Then go into your phone settings (CarPlay) and select your EV.

Once your EV and phone are paired/connected, tap the Electroverse app icon now displayed on your EV screen.

If you’re unsure or would like more help, check out the Apple Support Centre.

How do I set up Octopus Electroverse on Android Auto?

Very easily! Firstly, you'll need to download the Electroverse app to your phone and create an account. If you’d like help creating an Electroverse account, follow the steps found in our blog: How to order an Electrocard (& what to expect once you have!)

Once your account is created, pair your iPhone to your EV in one of two ways:

  1. USB cable

    If connecting via a cable, plug in your Android phone using the car's USB port. Your phone might ask you to download the Android Auto app or update to the newest version of the app.

  2. Wirelessly

    If connecting wirelessly, you’ll need to have completed the USB connection first and ensure your EV’s Bluetooth and your phone’s Wi-Fi are switched on. Once this has been set up, your phone will automatically connect with your EV wirelessly. If you would like to turn this function off, you’ll need to change the connection settings on your phone.

If you’re unsure or would like more help, check out the Android Auto Help Centre.

Does it cost anything to use Octopus Electroverse on Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

No - Octopus Electroverse is completely free to use! You'll only be charged for the energy you consume when charging your EV. So, feel free to browse and use the web, mobile and car apps however much you like!

What features does the Octopus Electroverse app have on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

When using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, Electroverse users can:

🔌 Search and filter for chargers

📍 See a list of nearby chargers

ℹ️ Get detailed charger info (e.g. speed, price, availability)

🧭 Navigate to a charger!

Fortunately, the Electroverse CarPlay and Android Auto app includes an inbuilt navigator, meaning you can follow the route from the app to the charger - no need to switch apps or double-check other route mappers.

And in case you were wondering... our navigator works across the entire Electroverse network, meaning you can use it to navigate a charge from Exeter to Barcelona (or further) if you wanted!

Android Automotive OS (AAOS)

Is my EV compatible with Android Automotive OS?

Launched in 2017, Android Automotive OS (AAOS) is still relatively new tech - as such, currently, there are only a handful of EVs built with AAOS technology. Compatible vehicles include the Polestar 2, Polestar 3, Volvo XC40 ReCharge and Renault Megane E-Tech.

Although the above list is hardly extensive, the rollout of AAOS in the coming years is something to be excited about. Big household car manufacturers have already publicly announced their plans for AAOS, so it won’t be long before the current list of four compatible vehicles multiples dramatically.

How do I install the Octopus Electroverse AAOS app?

Remember, no need to use your phone! Head straight to your EV’s display interface and find the Play Store icon. Tap into the Play Store, search for Electroverse, and hit enter. The Electroverse car app should appear in your results list - simply tap the icon and follow the instructions to download it to your EV. 

To get more help downloading apps in your EV, check out the Google Play help page.

What features does the Octopus Electroverse AAOS app have?

  1. Search, zoom and pan around the Electroverse map

  2. Filter the map to search for EV chargers (e.g. speed, connector type, network etc.)

  3. Search for chargers using a location address

  4. See a list of nearby chargers

  5. View charger information by clicking on charger icons (e.g. speed, price, availability etc.)

  6. Navigate to a charger by setting it as a destination

Does the Octopus Electroverse AAOS app cost anything?

Nope! Just like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, using the Octopus Electroverse app on Android Automotive OS costs nothing to download or use! You'll only be charged for the energy you consume when charging your EV.

xxx

Feeling enlightened or do you think something was missing? Let us know by sharing your feedback.

Interested in learning more? Head over to our Electroverse Community area for more electrifying content.