Swedish luxury car manufacturer Volvo Cars has launched a new Range Assistant in-car app that is released in a beta version as part of the latest over-the-air (OTA) software update for Volvo cars with an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS. With this latest OTA, owners of Volvo XC40 Recharge can soon optimise the driving range.
The Range Assistant app helps drivers keep track of the available range of their pure electric Volvo car and optimise it through smart energy management and advice on driving style from an efficiency perspective.
With the app, embedded seamlessly in the Android-powered infotainment system, drivers of fully electric Volvo cars get a clear and accurate indication of the estimated remaining driving range and real-time energy consumption. It also helps them understand the key factors that affect their driving range.
A range optimiser functionality in the app can adjust the climate system automatically in order to improve driving range, the company said, adding the feature will be especially helpful on longer trips as it reduces the need for charging stops.
Volvo Cars plans to continue the development of the app on the path to full release and introduce additional features, such as coaching of drivers with smart and easy-to-follow recommendations on how to adjust driving style and speed in order to maximise range.
The app will be made available via the latest over-the-air software update to XC40 Recharge drivers and will be installed from production start on the C40 Recharge.
“Through in-house development of software and over-the-air updates, we can constantly improve our cars and make sure that your electric Volvo stays fresh. The Range Assistant app is a great example of how quick development and deployment of new features can improve the Volvo customer experience every day,” said Sanela Ibrovic, Head of Connected Experience, Volvo Cars.
Volvo Cars has been offering over-the-air updates since the beginning of this year and they will soon become available in more Volvo models and markets, which will make the company an industry leader in the field, it claimed. This allows customers to keep their cars up-to-date without having to visit a workshop.
Other features and updates in the latest software release include further improvements on the safety systems, new information about cold climate impact on battery range and various bug fixes.
Drivers will also see software version information in their centre display and will be notified via the Volvo Cars app of a planned software update and can follow the progress of the downloading and installation process through app notifications.
The roll-out of this latest software update is planned to start immediately, with all applicable models expected to be updated by the end of October.