For electric vehicle (EV) owners and tech-savvy drivers, the integration of OBD2 scanners with navigation apps like A Better Route Planner (ABRP) seems like a promising upgrade. The idea of real-time data feeding directly into your route planning, especially for EVs managing range and charging, is undeniably appealing. But are Bluetooth OBD2 scanners actually “better” for everyday car navigation, particularly when you’re behind the wheel? After spending some time using ABRP with and without an OBD2 reader, I wanted to share my personal experience and thoughts on whether the added tech truly enhances the driving experience or if it introduces more complexity than necessary.
The Promise of OBD2 Scanners with ABRP
On paper, the concept is brilliant. An OBD2 scanner, especially a Bluetooth-enabled one, can wirelessly transmit crucial vehicle data to your smartphone or car interface. For apps like ABRP, this means automatic updates on your car’s State of Charge (SOC), speed, and potentially other metrics that influence range calculations and arrival times. This eliminates the need for manual input while driving, theoretically leading to more accurate and dynamic navigation, especially crucial for long EV journeys where charging stops are involved. The appeal is clear: a smoother, more informed, and potentially less stressful navigation experience.
My Real-World Test: Bluetooth OBD2 and ABRP on the Road
Eager to test this integration, I used ABRP while driving, initially without an OBD2 scanner and then considering adding one to the mix. While ABRP’s data-rich backend and planning capabilities are impressive, using it for turn-by-turn navigation on a phone screen felt less intuitive than I hoped. Switching between the navigation app and other phone functions, especially when trying to update SOC manually using on-screen arrows in ABRP’s driving mode, proved to be somewhat clunky. In a modern car with a built-in infotainment system and heads-up display (HUD), reverting to phone-based navigation felt like a step backward in terms of user-friendliness and minimizing driver distraction. Stowing the phone away for distraction-free driving and relying on the car’s integrated displays is generally a safer and more convenient approach.
Update Frequency: Does it Really Matter?
The question then arose: would a Bluetooth OBD2 reader significantly improve this in-route navigation experience to justify its use? And if so, is a faster, more expensive OBD2 scanner noticeably better than a cheaper, slower one? ABRP can use OBD2 data to automatically update SOC and speed, but even with manual updates, the app recalculates effectively. This led me to question how critical real-time, second-by-second data updates truly are for navigation. Does recalculating SOC and speed every second, or even every minute versus every few minutes, drastically alter the navigation guidance or overall journey experience? My initial thought is probably not.
Simpler Navigation Solutions: Google Maps and Built-in Systems
Frankly, for pure navigation while driving, established systems like Google Maps offer a far more polished and user-friendly experience. Features like lane guidance, real-time traffic information, clear voice navigation, and well-named roads make Google Maps incredibly intuitive. Even my car’s built-in navigation, despite sometimes having outdated charger locations or road data, often feels less cumbersome than using a phone-based website for primary navigation while driving.
Conclusion: OBD2 for Planning, Simpler is Better for Driving?
My personal conclusion is that while Bluetooth OBD2 scanners offer interesting possibilities for data integration and could be valuable for detailed trip planning and vehicle diagnostics, their benefit for in-route navigation, particularly with apps accessed via a phone screen, might be overstated. The interface can still feel less streamlined than dedicated navigation systems. If you’re curious about using an OBD2 reader for navigation, starting with a cheaper model to test the waters and see if the data integration truly enhances your driving experience is a sensible approach. You might find, like me, that for actual navigation, the simplicity and user-friendliness of established systems like Google Maps or your car’s native navigation remain hard to beat.
