You will have grown accustomed to listening to about free software program updates to new vehicles. Many automakers now roll out enhancements over the air with some regularity. Some may even enhance a automotive’s horsepower remotely because it sits parked.
However a free {hardware} improve? That’s new.
Volvo and its all-EV company cousin Polestar at the moment are providing free upgraded laptop chips for sure vehicles. House owners of recent 2025 Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 SUVs can schedule a free chip alternative. With the upgraded chips, the businesses can push out extra characteristic upgrades over time.
The 2026 model of the Polestar 3, the corporate explains, comprises “an improve from its current-generation NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Xavier processor to a brand new, extra highly effective, NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor.”
House owners who purchased a 2025 Polestar 3 can schedule a complimentary improve to put in the brand new chip.
“This complimentary {hardware} change will likely be carried out at a Polestar authorised service level, and prospects will likely be contacted when the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor is obtainable to be fitted,” the corporate says.
Volvo is making the identical supply for homeowners of 2025 EX90s.
The improve will allow the businesses to activate new options over time by over-the-air downloads. The Polestar 3 has solely been out there since June, and already, the corporate says, it has despatched out greater than 30 software program updates.
They’ve added options like walk-away locking and new digital key capabilities. “Updates aren’t restricted to further purposes, options, or larger software program stability however may embody modifications to driving attributes and energetic security techniques,” Polestar says.
