Newsletter
Google has always had a pretty close relationship with Polestar and Volvo (Polestar’s parent-company), and now it’s continuing that, by debuting a higher-resolution version of Google Maps on the Polestar 3, when it comes out later this year. The Polestar 3 is expected to launch in late 2023, and retail for around $85,300.
The Polestar 3 won’t be the only one with HD Maps from Google though, as the Volvo EX90 is also expected to see this upgrade. Both Volvo and Polestar were some of the first to include Android Automotive in their vehicles, so this should come as no surprise here. However, there’s no word yet on if other Android Automotive vehicles (now called Google Built-In) will see this upgrade. It could be a timed exclusive for Polestar and Volvo.
What are these new HD Google Maps?
You might be wondering what is HD Maps? It’s exactly what it sounds, Google Maps with more details. It’s not necessarily going to be an upgrade to make it sharper, but you’ll see more details on Google Maps. The extra details include more lanes and road signs on the roads. This extra information will also help existing driver aids like Pilot Assist and should also be a big deal for self-driving features. Which will be available on the Polestar 3, through an optional LiDAR-based pilot pack.
That’s not all that Google has in store for Polestar either. There’s an update rolling out to the Polestar 2, which will add Google Assistant-based remote actions. Allowing you to do things like precondition the climate control system in your vehicle, unlock the doors, check on the battery level (which does include the range left), and other basic tasks without having to reach for your phone. This feature is only available in the US currently, but we do expect to see this reach other markets in the near future.