Best app for road trip planning MN to FL.

[halfbakedenchilada]

Another vote for ABRP, but caution that if you get it and the OBD adapter it may not work if you have a 2025 Lightning. I haven't dug into it much, but our OBDLink CX won't work in our 2025 Mach-e. I searched for why and it seems Ford is encrypting some of the modules and stuff like battery SoC is no longer readily available for 2025+ MYs. So ABRP and the adapter is useless for now on at least 2025 Mach-e, not sure if they changed the Lightning as well. Since OP doesn't list their vehicle year, I am just mentioning it.

Oh, dang, good to know, it would really be bad if Ford stopped letting those OBD dongles work. I agree with you on ABRP, once you have it dialed in I have found it to rival the best route planning software I've ever used in an EV (which was in my old Tesla), at least in terms of accuracy and intelligent charge planning. Not always perfect, but nothing is ...

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[G-Zeus]

Can you post an Amazon link for the ODBC, please? I know the one I have doesn't connect to the app.

Here you go! ODBLink CX

Here's more info from the ABRP docs: https://abrp.featurebase.app/en/help/articles/7457755-choosing-an-obd-device

 

[Throne]

A Better Route Planner.

Aside from that Google Maps. Less flexibility, but much more integrated.

No preconditioning, but practically nobody here has ever had preconditioning and it doesnt seem to make much difference.

Actually if you are using Android Auto it actually preconditions the battery. And yes precondtion is a real thing when taking long road trips!!!!!

https://www.ford.com/support/how-to...se-android-auto-ev-routing-for-ford-vehicles/

 

[Firn]

Actually if you are using Android Auto it actually preconditions the battery. And yes precondtion is a real thing when taking long road trips!!!!!

https://www.ford.com/support/how-to...se-android-auto-ev-routing-for-ford-vehicles/

Sorry, i was sating ABRP doesnt offer preconditioning. I see it wasnt clear which app i was talking about.

I get that its real but I have not seen any indication here that anyone has had any real benifit from it.

 

[oafydude28]

Another vote for ABRP, but caution that if you get it and the OBD adapter it may not work if you have a 2025 Lightning. I haven't dug into it much, but our OBDLink CX won't work in our 2025 Mach-e. I searched for why and it seems Ford is encrypting some of the modules and stuff like battery SoC is no longer readily available for 2025+ MYs. So ABRP and the adapter is useless for now on at least 2025 Mach-e, not sure if they changed the Lightning as well. Since OP doesn't list their vehicle year, I am just mentioning it.

For our 2024 Lightning though, ABRP and the OBD adapter were outstanding. So we subscribed to use it (and support the devs) and I was really impressed with the data. Beyond SoC, it took in battery temp, outside conditions, Wh/mile and all that to keep our projected SoC at charging as accurate as possible, and even offered to adjust our charging stop to a later one based on updated SoC projections.

We have iOS, so the alternative (and what I use with the MachE) is Apple Maps since you can integrate it with the Lightning or MachE to show current SoC in the app with no adapter needed.

The only problem with Apple Maps and it sounds like GMaps is similar is it's insanely conservative. It will pull you into a charging stop with 35% SoC even though there are other chargers that are on the route. When I was coming back from Chicago, it wanted me to stop three times for a 270 mile journey (this was in the MME). I did end up stopping twice because I left Chicago at a low SoC and only charged to about 70% the first stop because I was trying to get out before traffic got worse. But three would have been ridiculous.

I can confirm the OBD adapter works on the 2025 Lightning. That is what I use in my 2025 Flash.

 

[Throne]

FYI if using Android Auto a dongle is not needed at all for ABRP. THe only thing you need is the paid version of ABRP, ABRP can then pull the info from Android Auto via API. You welcome!!!!!

Cant speak for Apple Play!!!

 

[Yellow Buddy]

What is the best app that you have found for road trips. I assume it will plan out chargers so you don’t get too close to 0. Also preconditioning the battery would be nice. I’ve got 20,000 miles but have only charged at home.

Premium version of a better route planner is your best bet. Pair it with PlugShare to plan your overnight charging.

 

[jetfixr1]

ABRP for a rough estimate, plugshare to check scores and amenities of a station and adjust from there. Once you pick your final stations, plan it on ABRP and off you go. The free version of ABRP wont cast on carplay but will display what your SOC should be along that specific point in your route so you can easily cross check your current vs planned SOC.

 

[Firn]

The free version of ABRP ... will display what your SOC should be along that specific point in your route so you can easily cross check your current vs planned SOC.

IMO this is why I have NOT worked to set up my dongle. It is very nice to see if you are ahead of, or behind, the predicted battery percent. If running the battery down to say 10% its great to see if you might be using more power than planned and might require stopping early, especially where chargers are sparse.

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