One of the design highlights of Volvo Cars’ new EX30 electric SUV is its stylish interior and an infotainment system built around a single 12.3-in touchscreen mounted in the center of the instrument panel. Its contextual user experience makes it simpler and more intuitive to operate. The system’s 5G connectivity and over-the-air software updates enable a host of cloud-enabled features and make it easy for new functions to be added.

One of the enablers of the leading-edge experience is its ECARX Cloudpeak digital cockpit software stack, which its developer says is designed to meet the requirements of automotive manufacturers in the software-defined vehicle era. Developed by the supplier’s global R&D teams in collaboration with HaleyTek, the joint venture between ECARX and Volvo Cars located in Gothenburg, Sweden, Cloudpeak is based on Android Automotive and Linux operating systems.

The modular platform was created to provide an intelligent foundation for the advanced infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems of today and the software-defined vehicles of tomorrow. One of its first applications is the EX30.

“Cloudpeak is a key product line for ECARX and leverages our unique ability to develop full-stack solutions in-house, and in close collaboration with other suppliers, technology companies, and automotive OEMs,” said Peter Cirino, Chief Operating Officer of ECARX. “This ensures world-class functionality and robustness, enabling us to support our customers’ ambitions, and, at the same time, our ambition to build the ultimate vehicle mind in the era of software-defined vehicles.”

Putting everything into the single 12.3-in screen in the center of the EX30’s instrument panel helps create a feeling of space around the driver as well as saves on materials.

“Inside the EX30 we continue our strategy of contextual and focused interfaces,” said Tom Stovicek, Volvo’s Head of User Experience, at the car’s launch. “On the single screen, key driving information such as speed and charge levels are positioned prominently at the top, with navigation, media, and controls easily visible and accessible below. We also include a contextual bar that gives you the most relevant functions for your needs at any time.”

The car’s Calm and Surround display views are designed to give the driver the information they need and want the most. The Calm view strips away everything apart from the most vital information for extra focus. This feature is helpful at night when it can reduce the strain on the user’s eyes during long drives.

Cloudpeak manages the integration of all EX30 driver information including navigation instructions from Google Maps, hands-free help from Google Assistant, and apps from Google Play store—in addition to wireless Android Auto and, for the first time in a Volvo, wireless Apple CarPlay. It is also networked to the vehicle’s suite of ADAS features including collision avoidance and mitigation, pedestrian and cyclist steering avoidance, traffic jam assist, lane change assist, park pilot assist, door opening alert, and 360° camera.

The infotainment system comes with 5G where available. The premium in-vehicle experience is said to be ultra-responsive thanks to its Snapdragon Cockpit platform from Qualcomm Technologies.

The EV’s digital key functionality, scheduled to be rolled out next year via an over-the-air software update, is built on UWB and CCC industry standards for compatibility with various mobile phone brands and models. The car’s app offers services from charging to finding a car in a parking lot, locking it, and heating it on a cold winter day.

The EX30’s success story, with Volvo adding production capacity for the key model in its Ghent Belgium plant from 2025, is a boon for the automaker and its suppliers like ECARX. So is the supplier’s focus on software.

According to a recent BCG (Boston Consulting Group) article, software platforms are forecast to experience a 12% CAGR by 2030, reaching a market value of $13 billion. The main driver for growth is ADAS, in which ECARX has proven expertise and partnerships with some of the world’s leading technology companies.

For more on the EX30, see Futurride’s in-depth June 2023 report here.