The 2024 Acura ZDX is poised to become Acura’s first-ever production EV, but while the company is still not ready to formally unveil it yet, the luxury brand chose to unveil another piece of the ZDX puzzle instead with confirmation that the model will be the first model to come integrated with Google based software.
Google Aims To Make ZDX Better EV
While the ZDX will technically be the second Honda/Acura model to feature Google’s integrated software (the Honda Accord beat it to the punch), the ZDX’s Google-sourced software will be the first time that the company’s software package will make an appearance on one of the company’s EV models. Acura also clarified that this wouldn’t be a mere copy-and-paste job, with the company confirming that the ZDX will come with a few EV-focused features to help the Google software be a better fit for owners. For example, Google Maps will get an EV-focused reboot with the software, getting optimized route planning and information about nearby chargers and the charging time for said chargers. If it’s a DC fast charger, the system will go one step further and initiate the preconditioning of the battery for charging.
Google Assistant and Google Play will also play prominent roles in the ZDX experience, with the Assistant feature streamlining voice assist commands, while the play store will allow owners to install and gain access to a wide range of apps. Acura also promises that wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard, too, which should please younger tech-savvy buyers. Acura’s decision also reflects just how popular Google-based software has become in recent years, with several other automakers also infusing the company’s software into their models, including Polestar, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz.
When Can I Buy One?
The 2024 Acura ZDX is slated to go on sale early next year, with the teaser campaign expected to continue through the remainder of 2023. The ZDX will debut a new online shopping tool for Acura, with the brand planning to sell 100 percent of its EVs online over the next few years.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.