Volvo EX90 to receive Google HD maps

The recently unveiled Volvo EX90 will get Google HD maps, the Swedish automotive brand said.

Per Volvo, would-be owners of the upcoming EX90 electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) will get to enjoy Google’s comprehensive, highly detailed, and up-to-date automotive map.

“The addition of Google HD maps in our future car line-up marks an expansion of our strategic collaboration with Google, reflecting our commitment to work with technology leaders. Implementing Google HD maps in our upcoming cars will help us offer our drivers a more enjoyable driving experience and in future contribute to the introduction of safe autonomous driving,” said Volvo Cars Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Javier Varela.

Further, Volvo said that the integration of Google HD maps on the EX90 electric SUV will enhance the automobile’s assisted and suggestive driving technologies — with plans of reaching autonomous driving in the future.

Volvo explained that Google HD maps can help the EX90 (equipped with state-of-the-art sensors like lidar, cameras, and radars) recognize the environment around the vehicle in detail.

With features like lane markers and localization objects such as signs, Google’s HD map supports L2+ and L3 assisted driving technology offered by car manufacturers for safer, more hands-free driving on select roadways.

“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. We’re excited to continue partnering with leading automakers like Volvo to improve the safety and comfort of drivers everywhere,” said Google Geo Automotive Vice President and General Manager Jorgen Behrens.

This road information combined with the data from the Volvo EX90’s lidar and other sensors will be processed through the car’s core computer system powered by Nvidia Drive Artificial Intelligence platforms Xavier and Orin.

Additionally, Volvo stated that by combining data from Google’s HD maps with information collected from the vehicle’s exterior sensors, and software developed by assisted driving software company Zenseact, the Gothenburg-based brand aims to create a more predictable, safe, and comfortable drive.

“Zenseact is proud to work alongside Volvo Cars and Google on the implementation of this game-changing technology for assisted, and later on, autonomous driving. It will play an important role in our journey towards zero collisions,” said Zenesact CEO Ödgärd Andersson.

The addition of Google HD maps in the Volvo EX90’s arsenal of advanced driving features makes the carmaker the first automotive company — alongside Volvo Cars-owned Polestar — the first to bring HD map technology into its cars.

To note, Volvo is also the first company to allow direct integration of Google Assistant-enabled devices in its vehicles.

Photos from Volvo Cars

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