Drivers of the fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge can soon optimize the driving range of their car with help from a new Range Assistant in-car app that is released in a beta version as part of the latest over-the-air software update for Volvo cars with an infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS.
With this latest over-the-air update, the company says drivers of fully electric Volvo cars can also expect increased range, thanks to improvements in smart battery management and regeneration performance, as well as a smarter timer to pre-condition the batteries.
The Range Assistant app helps drivers keep track of the available range of their pure electric Volvo car and optimize it through smart energy management and advice on driving style from an efficiency perspective, the company says. With the app, embedded in the Android-powered infotainment system, drivers of fully electric Volvo cars get an 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 optimizer functionality in the app can adjust the climate system automatically in order to improve driving range, a feature that 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 maximize 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. 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.
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.
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.
