The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) delivered its verdict on Tuesday, backing a decision by Italy’s antitrust authority, which had previously fined Google €102 million for the restriction.

Italy’s competition regulator imposed the penalty in May 2021, arguing that Google’s deeds hindered the growth of electric vehicle services at a critical time. JuicePass, developed by Enel, allows users to locate and manage electric vehicle charging points. 

However, Google initially prevented the app from integrating with Android Auto, a system that enables drivers to use navigation and messaging services directly from their car dashboards.

Google defended its viewpoint, noting security issues and the absence of a specific template for such apps. The tech giant challenged the Italian regulator’s decision, prompting the Italian Council of State to seek clarification from the CJEU. 

“A refusal by an undertaking in a dominant position to ensure that its platform is interoperable with an app of another undertaking, which thereby becomes more attractive, can be abusive,” the CJEU judges stated. 

However, they acknowledged that a company might justify such a refusal if allowing access would compromise the platform’s security or integrity. In cases where no suitable template exists, the court ruled that the dominant company must develop one within a reasonable timeframe.

Following the dispute, Google has since launched the requested feature, though it noted that at the time of Enel’s request, the technology was only relevant to 0.04% of vehicles in Italy. 

A company spokesperson commented, “We prioritise building the features drivers need most because we believe that innovation should be driven by user demand, not specific companies’ requests.”

The Italian Council of State will now have to rule on Google’s appeal in line with the CJEU’s judgment. The case is considered final and cannot be appealed further.

Beyond the ordinary, Android aims to make your time on the road safer, more connected, and thoroughly enjoyable.

For electric vehicle enthusiasts, Android is introducing real-time battery information sharing with Google Maps, initially debuting on the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. This integration simplifies EV driving by providing estimated battery levels upon reaching your destination, suggesting optimal charging stops, and estimating charging durations based on your vehicle. Android envisions a seamless journey for electric vehicle owners, enhancing the convenience of planning and executing trips.

For cars with Google built-in, trip planning gets a boost. Users can seamlessly send their planned trips from Google Maps on their Android or iOS phones directly to their cars, bridging the gap between planning and navigating effortlessly.

Android ensures that your time in the car is not just about transportation but also about staying connected, informed, and entertained. The Chrome browser is now rolling out in beta to select Polestar and Volvo cars, promising expanded availability later in the year. This feature allows users to shop or access saved bookmarks while parked.

In response to popular demand, The Weather Channel app is now accessible for cars with Google built-in, providing real-time updates on changing weather conditions. Additionally, entertainment for all ages is enriched with the inclusion of shows from PBS KIDS and Crunchyroll in select cars with Google built-in.

Android is focused on expanding its partnerships with brands and developers to bring more helpful apps and services to your car. Android Auto’s compatibility with nearly every major car brand and its presence in over 200 million cars on the road ensures a widespread integration of the best phone experiences into vehicles.

Major brands like Nissan, Ford, and Lincoln are set to roll out cars with Google built-in this year, while Porsche is expected to join in the future. The evolution of digital car keys is also underway, with select Volvo cars soon to receive this feature, extending to more phone and car brands in the future. This digital car key allows users to unlock, lock, and start their cars with supported Android phones, while also securely sharing keys with friends and family on both iOS and Android devices.

Whether you are at CES to experience demos firsthand or exploring updates online, Android’s efforts to enhance the driving experience is seen in the latest features on the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Polestar 3. Witness the future of driving by checking out these updates on the Android Auto and cars with Google built-in websites or a nearby vehicle showroom. Android is making every journey worthwhile.