Volvo Cars has been named the lead development partner for Android automotive software in an expanded collaboration with Alphabet’s Google, a move that is expected to shorten the time it takes for new Android features to reach vehicles.
The deeper integration, announced during Google’s I/O developer conference, is aimed at improving the in-vehicle software experience and reducing the gap between Android releases on mobile devices and those available in cars. Volvo vehicles currently run Android 13, while its upcoming EX90 electric SUV, showcased at the event, is already operating on Android 15 — the most recent version of Google’s mobile operating system.
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“On average, the automotive industry is about two Android releases behind mobile phones,” said Alwin Bakkenes, head of global software engineering at Volvo Cars. “That means things you can do on your mobile phone, in many cases you cannot do in the car.”
Volvo’s role as a lead development partner will involve close collaboration with Google engineers, who will test software in Volvo vehicles to accelerate feedback and refinement cycles. Bakkenes said the approach allows engineers to “experience how their product behaves in a real context much earlier and much faster.”
In addition to software version upgrades, the companies also demonstrated Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence model integrated into the EX90. The AI system enables drivers to perform tasks using natural language, such as retrieving destinations from email or generating a shopping list from a recipe.
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“This really gives us an edge in building fantastic customer experiences,” Bakkenes said. “We’re going to be able to be fast in bringing new capabilities, new features and new experiences to our customers.”
Volvo plans to roll out the new Android version and Gemini features to other models with Google built-in later this year.
