Premium EV manufacturer Polestar has released the latest OTA update for its vehicles which includes the addition of Android R for the Android Automotive OS infotainment system. The company says that this update also brings enhanced app and functionality potential for the future, and will roll out to owners incrementally from early April 2022.
The P2.0 software revamp is the latest in the ongoing series of over-the-air (OTA) software releases, with 10 major OTA releases totaling close to 100 improvements having been issued since remote updates for the Polestar 2 were launched, representing an average of one major OTA release every seven weeks.
Recent examples of enhancements delivered via OTA updates include drivetrain optimizations, the ability to schedule preferred charging times, Polestar Digital Key improvements, an eco-climate mode to improve real-world range, and battery optimization with preconditioning, among others.
“Our approach to software technology in our cars is that it should not be any different from how the latest software is pushed out on smartphones and computers in everyday life,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath. “With OTA updates, our customers receive constant enhancements and can choose when to install the latest updates, without making a trip to a workshop. We’re very encouraged by the positive response as seen from the exponential growth in the number of OTA installations, and will continue to deliver ongoing enhancements.”
Polestar aims to ramp up its updates with the introduction of more apps, starting with the Journey Log app launched in February 2022. The app enables Polestar 2 drivers to export the journey logs – useful for those who need to claim travel expenses at work. The Journey Log app is currently available in the UK, USA, Canada, Sweden and Australia and will continue to be rolled out incrementally in all markets where the Google Play Store is available.
A collection of infotainment features was launched for Polestar 2 in 2021 as well. Of these, the Vivaldi browser, Video Player and A Better Route planner are proving most popular with customers, with more than 12,000 downloads each as of the end of March 2022. Polestar notes it will also continue to leverage on the joint collaborations with partners and developers using Android Automotive OS.
