Volvo Strengthens Its Partnership With Google For Next-Gen EV Lineup

Announcing its plans for a new generation of electric vehicles, Volvo has confirmed it will continue its partnership with Google to develop its infotainment interface based on the Android Automotive OS.

New Volvos will be equipped with a 15-inch central touchscreen display and a sleek digital driver’s display, as previewed in the Concept Recharge. There will also be a large head-up display for the driver’s convenience. Volvo and Google are working closely together to ensure the user interface for this new setup is clean, simple, and safe to use while driving. The idea is that all the relevant information should be easily accessible, either by touch input or voice command.

Speaking about the developments, Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer, Volvo Cars, said, “Our teams have spent a lot of time with Google to further develop and improve our user experience for the next generation of Volvo cars. Especially in terms of safety, serenity and simplicity, we have made great strides thanks to a deeper integration of design and technological development. We are convinced it will allow us to create even better Volvo cars and set a new industry standard.”

Various models from Volvo’s current lineup have already been running Android-powered infotainment systems that feature Google services such as Maps and Google Assistant without having to pair your Android smartphone. It started with the XC40 Recharge, before being rolled out to the S60, S90, XC60, V90, and V90 Cross Country.

While Volvo is strengthening its partnership with Google, the carmaker is also working on developing in-house software for its operating system, VolvoCars.OS. It will be an umbrella for the upcoming EVs that incorporate the various systems on the cloud, including Android Automotive. With car-specific apps and over-the-air updates, Volvo EVs will aim to offer an experience that is enhanced over time with new features.