In a groundbreaking move for the automotive industry, Gemini AI Volvo Cars has solidified its position as a pioneer in connected car technology by deepening its decade-long partnership with Google. Announced at Google’s I/O 2025 developer conference in Mountain View, California, this expanded collaboration will bring cutting-edge innovations to Volvo’s vehicles, including the integration of Google’s Gemini AI and the latest Android 15 operating system. This partnership not only enhances the driving experience for Volvo customers but also sets a new standard for smart mobility in the automotive world. With Volvo’s flagship EX90 electric SUV leading the charge, the Swedish automaker is poised to redefine what it means to drive a connected car.
A Decade of Collaboration Evolves
Volvo and Google have been working together since 2017, bringing advanced technology to Volvo’s vehicles. Their partnership has already delivered features like high-definition maps, voice-controlled climate systems, and built-in YouTube for in-car entertainment. Now, this relationship is taking a significant leap forward. Volvo has become Google’s lead development partner for Android Automotive OS, making its vehicles the reference hardware platform for testing and developing new features. This means Volvo drivers will be among the first to experience the latest Android innovations, often years ahead of other automakers.
Alwin Bakkenes, Volvo’s head of global software engineering, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “We strive to deliver human-centric technology, and a stunning customer experience is essential. Through this partnership with Google, we are able to bring the very latest features from the leading consumer ecosystem into our products first,” he said. This strategic alliance allows Google engineers to test software directly in Volvo cars, ensuring that new features are optimized for real-world driving conditions.
Android 15: A Game-Changer for Volvo Vehicles
Currently, Volvo vehicles run on Android 13, but the company is set to upgrade to Android 15 later this year. This leap to the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system is a significant milestone. While other automakers may wait up to two years to integrate the latest Android updates, Volvo’s partnership ensures its customers get access to new features and performance enhancements much sooner. The Volvo EX90, a fully electric seven-seater SUV, was showcased at Google I/O 2025 running Android 15, demonstrating the power and potential of this upgrade.
Android 15 brings a host of improvements to the in-car experience. It enhances the performance of the Android Automotive OS, which powers the vehicle’s infotainment system, climate controls, and other core functions. Unlike Android Auto, which mirrors phone functions to the car’s display, Android Automotive is a standalone operating system that runs directly on the vehicle’s hardware. This allows for seamless integration with car systems, providing a smoother and more intuitive user experience. For Volvo drivers, this means faster software updates, improved connectivity, and a more responsive interface.
Gemini AI: Smarter, Safer Driving
The star of this partnership is Google’s Gemini AI, a conversational artificial intelligence platform that will replace the current Google Assistant in Volvo cars with Google built-in. Gemini is designed to understand natural language, making interactions with the car’s systems feel more like a conversation with a friend. Whether it’s finding a nearby charging station, crafting a text message, or answering questions about the car’s user manual, Gemini aims to make driving safer and more convenient by reducing distractions.
Volvo, known for its commitment to safety, sees Gemini as a way to minimize the cognitive load on drivers. “With Gemini in the car, drivers can better understand what they want through natural conversations,” Volvo stated in a press release. For example, a driver could ask Gemini to find a café near a charging station and even suggest a park for a walk while the car charges. The AI can also provide real-time news briefings, summarize a book for a book club commute, or translate messages into another language—all without the driver taking their eyes off the road.
Gemini’s integration into Volvo’s vehicles will begin later this year, starting with the EX90. While cars using Android Auto will see Gemini in the coming months, those with Google built-in, like Volvo’s lineup, will have limited offline functionality, ensuring reliability even in areas with spotty connectivity. This focus on seamless, hands-free operation aligns with Volvo’s mission to prioritize driver safety and comfort.
Volvo as Google’s Testbed for Innovation
By serving as Google’s reference hardware platform, Volvo is positioning itself at the forefront of automotive software innovation. This role allows Google to develop and test new Android Automotive features directly in Volvo vehicles before rolling them out to other manufacturers. As a result, Volvo customers will enjoy early access to experimental features and cutting-edge updates, giving the brand a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving connected car market.
Patrick Brady, Vice President of Android for Cars at Google, highlighted the significance of this partnership. “For years, Google and Volvo Cars have collaborated closely to bring cutting-edge technology to connected cars. We’re excited to deepen this partnership, accelerating the pace of innovation that will not only improve the driving experience for Volvo customers but also set new benchmarks for the automotive industry,” he said.
This collaboration goes beyond just software updates. It represents a shift in how automakers and tech companies work together to create smarter, more connected vehicles. By using Volvo cars as a testing ground, Google can refine its software in real-world conditions, ensuring that new features are practical and user-friendly. This approach could lead to faster advancements in the connected car space, benefiting not just Volvo drivers but the entire automotive industry.
What This Means for Volvo Drivers
For Volvo customers, this partnership translates to a richer, more intuitive driving experience. The integration of Android 15 and Gemini AI will make Volvo’s vehicles smarter and more responsive. Drivers can expect features like enhanced navigation, personalized voice interactions, and seamless connectivity with their digital lives. For example, Gemini can pull up directions, send messages, or even provide destination-specific information, such as the history of a landmark or the best restaurants nearby.
The EX90, which serves as the flagship for this technology, is powered by advanced hardware, including Nvidia Drive AI platforms and Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms, alongside Volvo’s in-house software. This combination ensures that the vehicle can handle complex tasks, from battery management to infotainment, with ease. As Volvo rolls out Gemini and Android 15 across its lineup, drivers of other models with Google built-in will also benefit from these advancements.
Setting a New Standard for Connected Cars
Volvo’s expanded partnership with Google comes at a time when automakers are racing to differentiate their vehicles in a crowded market. As cars become more like smartphones on wheels, the integration of advanced AI and operating systems is becoming a key selling point. Volvo’s early adoption of Gemini and Android 15 positions it as a leader in this space, offering customers a glimpse into the future of driving.
The collaboration also highlights the growing convergence of automotive and mobile technologies. By working closely with Google, Volvo is not only enhancing its own vehicles but also helping to shape the future of connected cars. As other automakers look to integrate similar technologies, Volvo’s role as Google’s lead development partner gives it a head start, ensuring that its vehicles remain at the cutting edge of innovation.
Looking Ahead
As Volvo prepares to roll out Android 15 and Gemini AI later this year, the automotive world is watching closely. This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration between automakers and tech giants, and it sets a new benchmark for what drivers can expect from their vehicles. With a focus on safety, convenience, and innovation, Volvo is paving the way for a smarter, more connected future on the road.
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