Google’s new high-definition maps are arriving first on Volvo and Polestar electrical autos

Google is rolling out a brand-new high-definition model of Google Maps for vehicles with the tech big’s native Android Automotive operation system. The HD maps will present granular particulars that weren’t beforehand out there, like lane markings, highway indicators, and site visitors boundaries.

The first autos to get the brand new HD maps would be the Volvo EX90, the Swedish automaker’s new flagship electrical automobile due out later this yr, and the Polestar 3, the Volvo-backed efficiency marque’s first SUV. The Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 will share the identical platform, Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA2), and each use Android Automotive, which is Google’s native in-car working system.

Both Volvo and Polestar tout the inclusion of Google’s HD maps as a step towards extra exact, safer superior driver-assistance options. That contains so-called “unsupervised” driving options like Volvo’s Pilot Assist, which the automaker claims will allow drivers to take their arms off the steering wheel and eyes off the highway for sure stretches of freeway driving.

The highway knowledge offered by Google’s HD maps, mixed with inputs from automobile sensors like cameras, radar, and lidar, are processed by every automobile’s Nvidia computing system, which in flip, powers the driver-assist features.

“Building on our long history of mapping the world, Google’s new HD map is designed specifically for automakers and provides comprehensive lane-level and localization data that is crucial to powering the next generation of assisted and autonomous driving systems,” stated Jørgen Behrens, VP and basic supervisor of Geo Automotive, Google, in a press release. “We’re excited to continue partnering with leading automakers like Volvo to improve the safety and comfort of drivers everywhere.”  

Volvo and Polestar are additionally rolling out distant check-in capabilities by way of Google sensible dwelling gadgets. For instance, homeowners can ask Google Assistant to examine on their automobile’s battery ranges or to heat up the automotive from the consolation of their very own houses. The perform is initially out there within the US and can roll out to different markets later within the yr.

Google didn’t present any element on the way it creates its HD maps, besides to say that the function will solely be out there to automakers that use Google Automotive Services. According to Google, Google Automotive Services refers to “when a car has Google apps and services like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store directly integrated into the vehicle so you don’t need your phone to access them.” This is totally different from Android Automotive, which is a built-in working system powered by Android software program.

Some automakers, like Stellantis, are transport vehicles with Android Automotive, however aren’t utilizing Google Automotive Services. The automaker’s Uconnect 5 system that launched on the 2021 Pacifica is powered by Android Automotive. However, Stellantis opted not to use Google’s native apps, as a substitute selecting to make use of TomTom and Amazon’s Alexa for its mapping and digital assistant features, respectively.

GM launched a bunch of autos with Android Automotive with Google Automotive Services, together with the Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyriq. Renault can be launching fashions in Europe with related infotainment methods, and Ford has stated it’s going this route in 2023.