The next generation of Volvo vehicles will run on the company’s own operating system (OS) called VolvoCars.OS.
The new VolvoCars.OS will act as an umbrella system for electric Volvo cars. It incorporates the company’s various operating systems across the car and the cloud, creating one coherent software OS environment. The underlying operating systems include Android Automotive OS, QNX, AUTOSAR and Linux.
Through a variety of application programming interfaces (APIs), including the previously announced Extended Vehicle API, the VolvoCars.OS gives developers access to in-car features such as vehicle sensor data, user interfaces and cloud-based features such as fleet data, subject to customer consent. This allows developers to create new services and applications for Volvo cars.
“By developing software in-house we can boost development speeds and improve your Volvo faster than we can today,” said Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer. The interior being featured here is from the Volvo Concept Recharge, more information can be found here.
“Just like on your smartphone or computer, new software and features can be rolled out swiftly through over-the-air (OTA) updates, making your Volvo better and even more enjoyable over time,” Green added.
Rather than various multiple electronic control units (ECU) around the vehicle that control specific individual features and systems, the VolvoCars.OS will also operate a core computing system in partnership with NVIDIA plus in-house developed software.
Volvo Car Group was the first company to team up with Google on integrating an infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services built-in, and the fully-electric XC40 Recharge became the first Volvo car to carry the system.
In the next generation Volvo models such as the all-new XC90 that is due as early as next year, Volvo Cars and Google are building simple, easy to use interfaces with large, centralised touch screen with responsive interaction. Seamless connection with smartphones will also take precedence, with the device acting as a key to the electric vehicle and its ecosystem.
Features such as finding and paying for charging and connecting to your home devices will be included, as well as popular remote features already appreciated today such as preheating and cooling.
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