Renault teams up with Google to bridge the gap between software and hardware

The French car manufacturer Renault has teamed up with Google to bring software and hardware closer than ever. The two companies have a history of collaboration, however, the recently made pact introduces an ambition to develop a “software defined” vehicle (SDV). 

Renault has its eyes on the capacity of Google’s cloud division, to develop an artificial equivalent of the Renault vehicle. The purpose of this “digital twin” is to replicate real-life environments in the virtual realm, so as to test the capabilities of Renault’s future projects. 

This is a significant step towards testing new onboard and offboard applications that could potentially be integrated into the cars. The simulated environment will allow Renault to detect any glitches in a timely manner, as well as offer a greater degree of personalisation for the users. For starters, this may imply creating a more advanced archive of ride history, memorising preferences of the driver’s preferred electric charging stations, among other things. 

Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, noted that customer expectations are one of the main drivers of the gradual sophistication of the field, which also stimulates the complexity of the electronic architecture of the cars. He is confident that equipped with a shared IT platform, continuous over-the-air updates, and streamlined access to car data, the SDV approach developed in partnership with Google will transform Renault’s vehicles. 

The two companies first collaborated in 2018, when Renault invited Google to integrate the tech giant’s Android operating system into in-car media displays.