> Also, a regular tablet UX would be dangerous while driving, and typically they don't have their own mobile data connections.
I think it's still possible to run the Android Auto app (with its purpose-built interface) on a regular tablet.
Android Auto for Phones has been dead for a few years. That would be the app you'd use on an Android tablet.
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/android-auto-for-phones-i...
Also, these days AA can connect to the car's systems to do range estimations for its route suggestions and suggest charging on the routes. I'd hope whatever connectivity they do here includes sharing that data with the device in the cabin.