What kind of tech do you expect enabled in the car or interface?

[ID_ENG]

Standard Equipment:
- Built in GPS
- Innovative non-boring interior lighting
- Wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
- 360° Camera views
- Dashcam and Sentry cam recording
- User initiated OTA updates
- LED headlights / taillights
- Defrosting Windshield, rear window, and mirrors
- Rear lockers
- GPX recording / with option to location based snap shot from cameras
- Advanced navigation or at least notification system that will ahead of time highlight charging stations when you use a navigation app. For spots near your areas of depletion eta.
- 4 Pin trailer wiring hookup


Understandable if in an upsell package:
- Winter / Comfort package
- Heated / ventilated seats
- heated steering wheel
- Off-road Package
- Disconnecting sway bar
- Front lockers
- Winch
- Beefier / selectable tow hooks
- Bumper options
- Rock lights
- Auxilery lights
- Towing Package
- Bed scale
- Hitch scale, (not sure if there is such a thing but see how much your towing. Not bed payload)
- 7 + 4 pin trailer wiring
- Integrated brake controller
- Wireless camera you can temporarily place on the back of your trailer and view on infotainment or rear view mirror

 

[Albal]

Can I request automated parking assist? With a vehicle this big, I think having automated parking assist would be great to have when squeezing into tight spaces or parallel parking.

I’ll second this. I’m a terrible parallel parker, so if the system worked reliably and was quick it’d be a big plus. Also good to ease concerns of people moving up from smaller vehicles.

 

[Albal]

Wildfire-capable HEPA cabin filtration. It’s getting to be the new normal

 

[LastDayScout]

Do you have a reference post supporting this? Still no official word about it on the support pages.

UX engineer and a production executive both confirmed. I am paraphrasing this a bit, but they both said how good the Scout interface and nav will be that they would not use CarPlay or Android Auto, but that what customers want and what the market demands.

 

[ID_ENG]

UX engineer and a production executive both confirmed. I am paraphrasing this a bit, but they both said how good the Scout interface and nav will be that they would not use CarPlay or Android Auto, but that what customers want and what the market demands.

I mean if it's good I'll happily use the built in interface. As long as it can play my bespoke music and podcast apps. None of this silly only Spotify or Apple music stuff.

But having options is the best way to go.

 

[oldgeeksguide]

Ford reportedly is dropping the feature based on automated feedback that tells them no one is using it.

I haven’t experienced automated parking myself, but my impression is that it only works when there’s plenty of space, ie primarily when you don’t need it. One exception being the key fob controlled backing straight in our out, where there’s room to fit but not open the door once it’s parked.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

After about 50,000 miles, I love our Lightning and Mustang EVs. I also wish they had a few things (and didn't have a few other things). Here are some things I've thought about...

Want (many already mentioned):

• Heated / cooled seats
• Adaptive cruise control up to, but not autonomous--no self driving levels, just reduce our stress while making long trips.
• 8- or 10-way adjustable seats for all three front seats (I would like a "bench" seat that's adjustable for all three passengers
• Android Auto integration, including the ability for Google Maps to know the state of charge of the battery (see what Ford+Google have recently enabled)
• Because of the size of the vehicle, birds-eye view camera system and related safety equipment
  • Optional sentry mode
  • Optional camera recording
  • Optional trailcams (looking at the wheels and under the vehicle)
• Physical, real mirrors in all three positions, do not replace these with cameras--cameras are too slow and entirely useless at extremes of brightness (night or with direct sun) for these safety requirements
• An option to delete satellite radio, AM radio, and FM radio for a real cost savings to the buyer
• A solar-ready option
• An Open upfitters communications protocol and physical interface(s) for adding and programming accessories (see what Ford has for commercial upfitters, but make it better and easier to access for DIYers)
  • This can enable accessibility solutions that many other manufacturers make excessively costly and difficult or even impossible
• A credit-card sized fob instead of the massive anchor currently favored by manufacturers
• OTA updates if you're going to update the software (and I expect you'll have to since bugs are inevitable)
• Charge port at the front passenger side instead of the rear--it's far easier to tow if the charge port is in the front.
• In-vehicle membership to charging networks so plug-and-charge not only just works, but just works with our existing memberships.
• 240 volts, 30+ amps output in a place where I can do V2H without opening any doors on the vehicle and such that I don't have to install an extra $10k worth of V2G hardware at home. I like where the proposed outlets are at the charge port, but make one 240 volts, 30 or 50 amps. Model this after Ford's Pro Power Onboard--I can run my home from that when necessary.
• An OBD-2 bus
  • Including the ability to monitor (and record to an outside device) various data about the vehicle, for example, but not limited to:
    • High voltage Battery power, current, voltage, including as detailed information as possible about battery health
    • Motor power
    • Speed
    • Temperatures
    • GPS location
  • An optional package for DIYers to update software on the vehicle for when OTAs fail to work. Also an API and programming guide to turn on or off various features as desired. See FDRS and Forscan for Ford OBD-2 vehicles.

Do not want:

• Required monthly subscriptions for anything; either sell it with the vehicle or don't include the hardware.
• No factory navigation, voice assistance, or anything that already exists in Android Auto or Car Play--focus on the basics instead of wasting your talents on this--let the experts do this.
• No vendor-dependent technologies like 4G, 5G, or whatever--use open protocols and networks
  • This is one place where an optional monthly subscription might be useful--find a north-America-wide wifi provider to provide a discounted service for occasional use.

 

[J Alynn]

After about 50,000 miles, I love our Lightning and Mustang EVs. I also wish they had a few things (and didn't have a few other things). Here are some things I've thought about...

Want (many already mentioned):

• Heated / cooled seats
• Adaptive cruise control up to, but not autonomous--no self driving levels, just reduce our stress while making long trips.
• 8- or 10-way adjustable seats for all three front seats (I would like a "bench" seat that's adjustable for all three passengers
• Android Auto integration, including the ability for Google Maps to know the state of charge of the battery (see what Ford+Google have recently enabled)
• Because of the size of the vehicle, birds-eye view camera system and related safety equipment
  • Optional sentry mode
  • Optional camera recording
  • Optional trailcams (looking at the wheels and under the vehicle)
• Physical, real mirrors in all three positions, do not replace these with cameras--cameras are too slow and entirely useless at extremes of brightness (night or with direct sun) for these safety requirements
• An option to delete satellite radio, AM radio, and FM radio for a real cost savings to the buyer
• A solar-ready option
• An Open upfitters communications protocol and physical interface(s) for adding and programming accessories (see what Ford has for commercial upfitters, but make it better and easier to access for DIYers)
  • This can enable accessibility solutions that many other manufacturers make excessively costly and difficult or even impossible
• A credit-card sized fob instead of the massive anchor currently favored by manufacturers
• OTA updates if you're going to update the software (and I expect you'll have to since bugs are inevitable)
• Charge port at the front passenger side instead of the rear--it's far easier to tow if the charge port is in the front.
• In-vehicle membership to charging networks so plug-and-charge not only just works, but just works with our existing memberships.
• 240 volts, 30+ amps output in a place where I can do V2H without opening any doors on the vehicle and such that I don't have to install an extra $10k worth of V2G hardware at home. I like where the proposed outlets are at the charge port, but make one 240 volts, 30 or 50 amps. Model this after Ford's Pro Power Onboard--I can run my home from that when necessary.
• An OBD-2 bus
  • Including the ability to monitor (and record to an outside device) various data about the vehicle, for example, but not limited to:
    • High voltage Battery power, current, voltage, including as detailed information as possible about battery health
    • Motor power
    • Speed
    • Temperatures
    • GPS location
  • An optional package for DIYers to update software on the vehicle for when OTAs fail to work. Also an API and programming guide to turn on or off various features as desired. See FDRS and Forscan for Ford OBD-2 vehicles.

Do not want:

• Required monthly subscriptions for anything; either sell it with the vehicle or don't include the hardware.
• No factory navigation, voice assistance, or anything that already exists in Android Auto or Car Play--focus on the basics instead of wasting your talents on this--let the experts do this.
• No vendor-dependent technologies like 4G, 5G, or whatever--use open protocols and networks
  • This is one place where an optional monthly subscription might be useful--find a north-America-wide wifi provider to provide a discounted service for occasional use.

Curious on your thoughts to how a bench seat is adjustable for three people? Wouldn’t that just be 3 seats pushed together? Not criticizing, just wondering g what you envision as I can’t get my head around that idea but maybe I’m missing something obvious?
Thanks

 

[TaconicBear]

After about 50,000 miles, I love our Lightning and Mustang EVs. I also wish they had a few things (and didn't have a few other things). Here are some things I've thought about...

Want (many already mentioned):

• Heated / cooled seats
• Adaptive cruise control up to, but not autonomous--no self driving levels, just reduce our stress while making long trips.
• 8- or 10-way adjustable seats for all three front seats (I would like a "bench" seat that's adjustable for all three passengers
• Android Auto integration, including the ability for Google Maps to know the state of charge of the battery (see what Ford+Google have recently enabled)
• Because of the size of the vehicle, birds-eye view camera system and related safety equipment
  • Optional sentry mode
  • Optional camera recording
  • Optional trailcams (looking at the wheels and under the vehicle)
• Physical, real mirrors in all three positions, do not replace these with cameras--cameras are too slow and entirely useless at extremes of brightness (night or with direct sun) for these safety requirements
• An option to delete satellite radio, AM radio, and FM radio for a real cost savings to the buyer
• A solar-ready option
• An Open upfitters communications protocol and physical interface(s) for adding and programming accessories (see what Ford has for commercial upfitters, but make it better and easier to access for DIYers)
  • This can enable accessibility solutions that many other manufacturers make excessively costly and difficult or even impossible
• A credit-card sized fob instead of the massive anchor currently favored by manufacturers
• OTA updates if you're going to update the software (and I expect you'll have to since bugs are inevitable)
• Charge port at the front passenger side instead of the rear--it's far easier to tow if the charge port is in the front.
• In-vehicle membership to charging networks so plug-and-charge not only just works, but just works with our existing memberships.
• 240 volts, 30+ amps output in a place where I can do V2H without opening any doors on the vehicle and such that I don't have to install an extra $10k worth of V2G hardware at home. I like where the proposed outlets are at the charge port, but make one 240 volts, 30 or 50 amps. Model this after Ford's Pro Power Onboard--I can run my home from that when necessary.
• An OBD-2 bus
  • Including the ability to monitor (and record to an outside device) various data about the vehicle, for example, but not limited to:
    • High voltage Battery power, current, voltage, including as detailed information as possible about battery health
    • Motor power
    • Speed
    • Temperatures
    • GPS location
  • An optional package for DIYers to update software on the vehicle for when OTAs fail to work. Also an API and programming guide to turn on or off various features as desired. See FDRS and Forscan for Ford OBD-2 vehicles.

Do not want:

• Required monthly subscriptions for anything; either sell it with the vehicle or don't include the hardware.
• No factory navigation, voice assistance, or anything that already exists in Android Auto or Car Play--focus on the basics instead of wasting your talents on this--let the experts do this.
• No vendor-dependent technologies like 4G, 5G, or whatever--use open protocols and networks
  • This is one place where an optional monthly subscription might be useful--find a north-America-wide wifi provider to provide a discounted service for occasional use.

Your use of the term "trailcams" kinda threw me for a bit. That's a whole class of cameras that hunters and wildlife researchers hang in the woods to spy on our wild neighbors. Wasn't sure why you'd want them mounted on your Scout. I guess some serious rock-crawlers like cameras mounted in the wheel-wells, but I see that more as a personal add-on. I can't imagine SM or anyone ever positioning such an item so that it would please all the people in that community.

 

[TaconicBear]

Standard Equipment:
- Built in GPS
- Innovative non-boring interior lighting
- Wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
- 360° Camera views
- Dashcam and Sentry cam recording
- User initiated OTA updates
- LED headlights / taillights
- Defrosting Windshield, rear window, and mirrors
- Rear lockers
- GPX recording / with option to location based snap shot from cameras
- Advanced navigation or at least notification system that will ahead of time highlight charging stations when you use a navigation app. For spots near your areas of depletion eta.
- 4 Pin trailer wiring hookup


Understandable if in an upsell package:
- Winter / Comfort package
- Heated / ventilated seats
- heated steering wheel
- Off-road Package
- Disconnecting sway bar
- Front lockers
- Winch
- Beefier / selectable tow hooks
- Bumper options
- Rock lights
- Auxilery lights
- Towing Package
- Bed scale
- Hitch scale, (not sure if there is such a thing but see how much your towing. Not bed payload)
- 7 + 4 pin trailer wiring
- Integrated brake controller
- Wireless camera you can temporarily place on the back of your trailer and view on infotainment or rear view mirror

The 7-pin trailer wiring plus brake controller is a must, not just in upscale packages. The towing capacities invite larger loads which mean heavier and longer trailers (like flat towing or trailering our legacy Scouts). Safety requires brakes on the trailer that respond to the towing vehicle's actions.

 

[Andy_H]

Memory seats - or it will be mayhem in the car

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

Curious on your thoughts to how a bench seat is adjustable for three people? Wouldn’t that just be 3 seats pushed together? Not criticizing, just wondering g what you envision as I can’t get my head around that idea but maybe I’m missing something obvious?
Thanks

I'm not sure either. The issue is that I'm quite a bit taller than my partner, and we found that, while we like bench seats, for various reasons, they don't always work well. For example when she's driving, she needs to draw the seat in closer than is comfortable for me as a passenger.
Maybe a 40/60 split pair of seats that didn't have the captains arms?

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

Your use of the term "trailcams" kinda threw me for a bit. That's a whole class of cameras that hunters and wildlife researchers hang in the woods to spy on our wild neighbors. Wasn't sure why you'd want them mounted on your Scout. I guess some serious rock-crawlers like cameras mounted in the wheel-wells, but I see that more as a personal add-on. I can't imagine SM or anyone ever positioning such an item so that it would please all the people in that community.

You're right.
It would be nice if extra cams (trail, trailer, etc) could be plug & play with the upfitter system.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

I have at least two more:
Programmable and a remote, on-demand cabin preconditioning.

A dual heat pump thermal solution for independent (but coupled when needed) battery and cabin thermal management, with an auxiliary resistive heater for quick initial heating of the cabin during preconditioning or the first few minutes of driving while the heat pump warms up.

 

[Brandonium]

I have at least two more:
Programmable and a remote, on-demand cabin preconditioning.

A dual heat pump thermal solution for independent (but coupled when needed) battery and cabin thermal management, with an auxiliary resistive heater for quick initial heating of the cabin during preconditioning or the first few minutes of driving while the heat pump warms up.

I think it is a HUGE ask to both want a radio delete all the while wanting on-demand cabin preconditioning. These may have better options than most but many of these 'asks' are that of a bestoke manufacturer.. No way they would be even close to posted pricing on many of these.

 

[ferrarimanf355]

Oh, while I’m at it, can I request a built-in dash cam? Having one in case I get into a crash would be nice for insurance purposes, especially if it’s built in (like the Corvette) or pre wired for aftermarket installs (like Porsche).

 

[Brandonium]

Oh, while I’m at it, can I request a built-in dash cam? Having one in case I get into a crash would be nice for insurance purposes, especially if it’s built in (like the Corvette) or pre wired for aftermarket installs (like Porsche).

Wouldn't be too hard to have a USBC port on the rear view mirror that would allow for aftermarket power. I would prefer that over it coming with its own.

 

[ID_ENG]

The 7-pin trailer wiring plus brake controller is a must, not just in upscale packages. The towing capacities invite larger loads which mean heavier and longer trailers (like flat towing or trailering our legacy Scouts). Safety requires brakes on the trailer that respond to the towing vehicle's actions.

I can agree with that. With great power 10k lb towing. Should be great safety. So 7 pin and brake controller should be standard.

In my head thinking of keeping entry level costs down. But that really makes sense.

 

[ID_ENG]

After about 50,000 miles, I love our Lightning and Mustang EVs. I also wish they had a few things (and didn't have a few other things). Here are some things I've thought about...

Want (many already mentioned):

• Heated / cooled seats
• Adaptive cruise control up to, but not autonomous--no self driving levels, just reduce our stress while making long trips.
• 8- or 10-way adjustable seats for all three front seats (I would like a "bench" seat that's adjustable for all three passengers
• Android Auto integration, including the ability for Google Maps to know the state of charge of the battery (see what Ford+Google have recently enabled)
• Because of the size of the vehicle, birds-eye view camera system and related safety equipment
  • Optional sentry mode
  • Optional camera recording
  • Optional trailcams (looking at the wheels and under the vehicle)
• Physical, real mirrors in all three positions, do not replace these with cameras--cameras are too slow and entirely useless at extremes of brightness (night or with direct sun) for these safety requirements
• An option to delete satellite radio, AM radio, and FM radio for a real cost savings to the buyer
• A solar-ready option
• An Open upfitters communications protocol and physical interface(s) for adding and programming accessories (see what Ford has for commercial upfitters, but make it better and easier to access for DIYers)
  • This can enable accessibility solutions that many other manufacturers make excessively costly and difficult or even impossible
• A credit-card sized fob instead of the massive anchor currently favored by manufacturers
• OTA updates if you're going to update the software (and I expect you'll have to since bugs are inevitable)
• Charge port at the front passenger side instead of the rear--it's far easier to tow if the charge port is in the front.
• In-vehicle membership to charging networks so plug-and-charge not only just works, but just works with our existing memberships.
• 240 volts, 30+ amps output in a place where I can do V2H without opening any doors on the vehicle and such that I don't have to install an extra $10k worth of V2G hardware at home. I like where the proposed outlets are at the charge port, but make one 240 volts, 30 or 50 amps. Model this after Ford's Pro Power Onboard--I can run my home from that when necessary.
• An OBD-2 bus
  • Including the ability to monitor (and record to an outside device) various data about the vehicle, for example, but not limited to:
    • High voltage Battery power, current, voltage, including as detailed information as possible about battery health
    • Motor power
    • Speed
    • Temperatures
    • GPS location
  • An optional package for DIYers to update software on the vehicle for when OTAs fail to work. Also an API and programming guide to turn on or off various features as desired. See FDRS and Forscan for Ford OBD-2 vehicles.

Do not want:

• Required monthly subscriptions for anything; either sell it with the vehicle or don't include the hardware.
• No factory navigation, voice assistance, or anything that already exists in Android Auto or Car Play--focus on the basics instead of wasting your talents on this--let the experts do this.
• No vendor-dependent technologies like 4G, 5G, or whatever--use open protocols and networks
  • This is one place where an optional monthly subscription might be useful--find a north-America-wide wifi provider to provide a discounted service for occasional use.

The only subscription that I could understand. Is for the cellular required stuff. Like seeing statuses, remote start, while out and about. Because hosting having that connectiviy simply isn't free. Someone has to pay it.
But what I would expect is that after your 1-2 year free service, or heck during it too. That the vehicle can connect to WiFi and recieve commands that way no subscription required.
WiFi reaches to the front yard and remote starting in the morning to warm up will be way more frequent than remote starting away from home.

 

[AjzRide]

remote starting in the morning to warm up will be way more frequent than remote starting away from home.

You misspelled cool down.

If they offer a hands free driving option, I’m okay with a reasonable subscription for that. It takes work and resources to keep the maps updated with construction data/changes and ship those regularly.