Volvo-backed electric vehicle maker Polestar today announced that the latest over-the-air update for the Polestar 2 adds CarPlay support, allowing iPhone users to conveniently access commonly used apps from the dashboard, complete with Siri control.
The addition of CarPlay in the Polestar 2 is interesting given that the vehicle's infotainment system is powered by Android Automotive, which is a full-stack operating system running directly on the in-vehicle hardware. Android Automotive is not to be confused with Google's similarly-named CarPlay competitor Android Auto.
In a tweet, Polestar said the over-the-air software update is rolling out to customers incrementally, and noted that the update is also available for installation at Polestar workshops. It's unclear when the rollout will be completed.
CarPlay is available in over 600 vehicle models from dozens of automakers, according to Apple, but some of the most popular electric vehicle brands like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid Motors have yet to support the feature in their vehicles.
The most fun part about driving a Polestar is driving it, but there's more to it. Our latest over-the-air update for the Polestar 2 comes with Apple CarPlay, allowing Polestar owners with an iPhone to change music, use apps, and communicate through Siri or the infotainment system pic.twitter.com/mulkjIUR6D — Polestar (@PolestarCars) June 22, 2022
At WWDC 2022 earlier this month, Apple previewed the "next generation" of CarPlay, which includes support for multiple displays in a vehicle and direct integration with a vehicle's speedometer, fuel gauge, climate controls for A/C and heat, and more.
Apple said the first vehicles to support the new CarPlay experience will be announced in late 2023, with committed automakers including Ford, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Honda, Acura, Jaguar, Land Rover, Audi, Nissan, Volvo, Porsche, and more. Apple said it would share additional information about the new CarPlay experience in the future.
Top Rated Comments
When I found out it was not just running Android Auto, but the whole software stack was Google, I lost interest. I don’t need Google in my car.
I've had it about 4 months, have had zero problems, and the range always exceeds what they claim - very unusual.
As for charging - It can easily fast charge on high voltage chargers, and get from 15% to 90% in about 25 mins. that gives me over 200 miles, without thinking of driving economically, or turning anything like the AC off.
At home I use my 7.5KW charger and go from 20% to 90% on a 6 hour charge during cheap rates at night.
I dont work for Polestar, but I would recommend one if you are in the market.
That said - I'll give it a few days to let other owners install the Car Play update and see how it goes for them before I dive in.
Here’s a few other reasons:
1. Branding. Volvo is known for security and well, rather boring cars. Polestar isn’t an entirely new brand from Volvo, but has been used in the past for their more sporty and fun initiatives.
2. Sales model. Unlike Volvos, Polestars aren’t sold through dealerships. Instead, just like Tesla, they are sold directly to customers without any middle hands.
So the whole idea is to create a bit more freedom without any of the Volvo baggage. While still being able to use all the tech and experience of Volvo.