In the case of navigation, as in everything in Tesla, there are several nuances. You need to be a real fan and lover of Tesla to understand the new inventions of the company every time! He-he)

At first glance, Does Tesla Use Google Maps for its navigation system, and it is – in part.  In fact, Tesla uses Google Maps as the basis for Tesla maps. Another source is used for navigation and route data, MapBox.

This means that Tesla uses Google Maps to display maps on its screen, but not actual navigation data.

Google Maps is really the most popular online map in the world. According to the latest data, more than a billion people use it as a navigation. Tesla’s developers know this very well, and although Tesla is trying to develop its own databases, they have not yet managed to surpass Google.

So, Tesla does not use Google Maps as their primary navigation system. Tesla vehicles come equipped with their own proprietary navigation system developed in-house, known as Tesla Navigation.

Tesla Navigation offers turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic data, and a range of other features specific to Tesla vehicles. It utilizes a combination of GPS data, map databases, and over-the-air updates to provide accurate and up-to-date navigation information to drivers.

What Navigation System Does Tesla Use?

While Tesla uses Google Maps to display a map on Tesla’s screen, they use other sources of map data for navigation.  Here are the most popular ones:

Mapbox

The most recent version of Tesla’s navigation system  uses Mapbox for data, and their purchase by  Valhalla in 2018 for routing.

Traffic Data: INRIX & Tesla Data

Previously, Tesla received traffic data from INRIX to help you avoid traffic jams, accidents and change the route depending on operational data.  However, there are rumors that they switched to their own data sometime in 2020.

Tesla’s Own Map Data

Tesla is always looking to further incorporate its own data on the millions of vehicles they have on the road. This so-called “crowdsourcing data” can help provide more up-to-date information about specific types of driving, such as Summon.

TomTom

Tesla also used TomTom data for a while, about 4-5 years ago, but switched to Mapbox after that.

Navigon

The original supplier of map data was Navigon, but they always used Google Maps for display.

Can I Add Google Maps Into my Tesla?

There are several ways to use Google Maps on Tesla, the easiest of them is to search for a place on Google Maps on your smartphone and send location information to Tesla. To do this, once you have decided on your destination, click on the “Share” icon, and then select the Tesla application.

Here’s a quick instruction:

1. On your phone, go to Google Maps and enter the desired location.
2. Once you download the Google Maps route to your phone, click the “Share” button and the Tesla option will appear if your Tesla app is already installed on your phone.
3. The information is now sent to your Tesla screen, showing you the same route information from Google Maps.

Note: You don’t need Tesla’s Premium Connectivityto get basic navigation features, but you do need one if you want to also access Life’s traffic visualizations and maps with satellite overview.

Conclusion:

So those who say that Tesla uses Google Maps for navigation are right, as are those who deny it) It’s Tesla, it’s often ambiguous. But that only adds to the interest, isn’t it?

Tesla continues to enhance and update their navigation system through over-the-air software updates, introducing new features and improving overall performance. To obtain detailed and up-to-date information on the navigation system in Tesla vehicles, it is advisable to consult Tesla’s official documentation or reach out to Tesla directly.

 READ ALSO: Tesla Cabin Camera: 1 New Tesla Update Allows You to watch

FAQs

Does Tesla use Google Maps or Apple Maps?

The car has built in google maps but its often easier to locate somewhere on your mobile and you just want to send that location to the car. We are using google maps, but Apple maps works pretty much the same way as will Chrome if there is a share location on a web page.

What app does Tesla use for navigation?

You can start navigation remotely from your IOS® or Android™ device using the “share” functionality on your device after allowing access to  the Tesla mobile app.  When you specify a location, the touchscreen zooms out to provide an overview of the route you need to travel and displays a  turn-by-turn direction list.

Is Tesla navigation as good as Waze?

However, Tesla navigation is just for navigation.  It does not provide the traffic data you get from Waze.  You can use Google Maps on your phone and send the information to your Tesla.  As long as you have the Tesla app on your phone, you can hit share to send the location information.