The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is the first EV to be locally assembled in Malaysia and the on board infotainment system runs on Android Automotive OS. When the SUV was first released, it didn’t support Apple CarPlay. Now, iPhone users can rejoice as Volvo has just pushed a software update that enables Apple CarPlay functionality.
According to Volvo, its latest version 2.2 software update introduces Apple CarPlay and it opens the front data USB port for this purpose. The update also brings a host of bug fixes and optimisation such as reducing the rate of false “no entry” traffic sign alerts, and improved iPhone connectivity including wireless charging. A similar update is also pushed to the new XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid and the S90 that runs on Android Automotive OS.
Interestingly, the new update also enables auto brake hold for the first time on the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. The change log mentions that the driver can release the brake pedal once the hold symbol is illuminated in the driver’s display. This is useful during stop and go traffic or while waiting at the traffic lights.
How to update the software on the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
XC40 Recharge Pure Electric owners should be receiving a notification for the software update and they can download it over the air (OTA) through a mobile network connection. Before updating the software, the EV must have a charge level of at least 40%. Once the update is ready to be installed, you’ll have to follow the instructions on the screen and then exit and lock the vehicle to start the installation. Volvo says a software update may take up to 90 minutes and once it is finished, you can then operate the vehicle as usual.
To use Apple CarPlay, you’ll need to connect your iPhone to the USB-C port located at the front. Unfortunately, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric doesn’t support wireless Apple CarPlay so you’ll have to use the cable.
With Apple CarPlay, you will be able to receive notifications, messages and calls from your iPhone through the infotainment display. On top of that, you can get direct access to your installed apps including Waze and Spotify, as well as Siri voice commands.
By default, you can already access most of your apps from the built-in Android Automotive operating system on the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric. This is a standalone Android OS for your car and it can run apps and services without having a wired or wireless connection to your phone. Just login to your Google account and it will sync your data automatically.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric was launched in April with a price tag of RM262,460 inclusive of the sales tax exemption. Volvo Malaysia has yet to reveal the updated pricing for the EV SUV with SST included. Among the EVs that are currently offered in Malaysia, the XC40 Pure Electric has the most horsepower for the money on our EV Buyer’s Guide. Its dual electric motors provide a whopping 402hp of power and 660Nm of torque, and it can get from 0 to 100km/h in under 5 seconds. On a full charge, it has a rated driving range of 418km.
[ SOURCE ]
Related reading
- SoyaCincau’s Malaysian EV Buyer’s Guide – May 2022 Edition
- The Malaysia-assembled Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is now on sale for RM262,460
- Volvo wants to make Malaysia an EV hub and it starts with the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
- New Volvo cars from 2023 onwards will be able to get software updates over-the-air
