Google and Renault are expanding their partnership to include the development of an advanced software platform for future vehicles. According to the announcement from Renault and Google, this “software-defined vehicle” will be built on Google’s Android Automotive operating system and send data to the company’s cloud servers for processing.
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While Renault’s previous deal with Google included a broader partnership with Nissan and Mitsubishi, this new deal is just between Google and the French car manufacturer. This includes its sub-brands Dacia, Alpine and Mobilize. Google is also now Renault’s “preferred cloud provider”, where most other car manufacturers have gone with Amazon Web Services.
Google and Renault say they will work together to create a “Digital Twin,” or a virtual carbon copy of a vehicle that features advanced artificial intelligence capabilities “for an easier and continuous integration of new services into the vehicle and the creation of new onboard (In-Car Services) and offboard applications,” the companies announced.
The collaboration will help the companies test out new AI capabilities in a virtual simulation that will help future vehicles’ operations through improved, real-time diagnostics and with the help of Google’s cloud solutions. The car will tell the driver when it’s in need of maintenance or even rectify the problem itself. In addition, vehicle owners will get to create a personalized experience that includes driving behaviour, frequently visited destinations, and EV charging locations. And insurance models can be built using real data from the car itself.
Most manufacturers are going down this route in an attempt to compete with Tesla, who epitomise the software-based motoring experience. It means all vehicles can be built to the same specification, but any added extras can simply be switched on or off through software. This paves the way for subscription services on various motoring features. BMW, infamously, now have a subscription services for its heated seats.
