Ford’s new AI assistant can check your fuel levels and tire pressure
Ford is rolling out a new AI-powered assistant that can answer questions about a customer's specific Ford or Lincoln vehicle, such as fuel needs for a journey or whether a truck can tow a particular load. The feature launches first via the Ford and Lincoln mobile apps, before an in-vehicle voice version arrives in 2027, as carmakers race to add AI features to compete with rivals such as Rivian, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and General Motors.
Because the app is linked to a customer's vehicle, the assistant can draw on real-time data including fuel levels, cargo capacity and towing capabilities, as well as information from the owner's manual, and owners can upload photos to check load or towing suitability. Ford aims to make the tool available to around 8 million Ford and Lincoln owners in stages, with the company's Mike Aragon saying an app-first approach lets it reach existing owners immediately rather than waiting for a new vehicle purchase. Ford has said its assistant is designed to be chatbot-agnostic, and will also integrate Google's Gemini as an opt-in alternative to Google Assistant.
In short
- Ford launches an AI chatbot in its mobile app for vehicle queries.
- It uses real-time vehicle data like fuel and towing capacity.
- In-car voice version and wider AI rollout planned for 2027.
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The case for
This development enhances vehicle ownership by providing instant, personalised information about fuel range, towing capacity, and maintenance needs, enabling safer, better-informed decisions. The app-first approach reaches millions of existing owners immediately, and the chatbot-agnostic design allows users to choose between AI assistants, preserving autonomy and avoiding singular vendor dependence.
The case against
Linking real-time vehicle data to cloud-based AI systems raises legitimate concerns about privacy, data security, and how personal usage information may be used by corporations. The feature's necessity is questionable when vehicles already display fuel and tyre pressure directly and owner manuals contain towing specifications, and reliance on external AI systems could undermine owners' practical knowledge of their vehicles rather than enhance genuine understanding.
Explained simply
Ford and Lincoln are car brands owned by Ford Motor Company, which sells vehicles ranging from passenger cars to vans and pick-up trucks. Owners can use the brands’ mobile apps to access information and services linked to their vehicles.
A vehicle’s manual explains its features and limits, including how much it can carry or tow. Connecting an app to a specific vehicle can also give it access to live details, such as fuel levels, which may help answer practical questions about a journey or a load.
Carmakers are adding digital assistants to their vehicles and apps, with rivals including Rivian, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and General Motors. Ford’s app-based approach matters because it can reach existing owners, while newer in-car features may depend on buying a vehicle that supports them.