Xpeng integrates Google Play in vehicles

Xpeng, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, announced during the Paris Motor Show that Google Play will be available directly in its vehicles starting in early 2027. This will allow drivers to download music, podcasts, videos, navigation, charging, and parking apps on the central screen without needing to connect their smartphone.

Xpeng promises global app availability

Xpeng promises hundreds of applications adapted to the dashboard screen, available in more than 100 countries and regions. The brand sells its electric vehicles in several European countries, including France, and emphasizes technology. Xpeng is also the only brand alongside Tesla to have tested its autonomous driving at the Paris Motor Show.

Google Play on Android Automotive OS

Google Play will function on Android Automotive OS, the version of Android that runs directly in the car. Android Auto, on the other hand, displays the applications of the connected phone on the dashboard screen. Xpeng retains its own multilingual voice assistant, which will be used to open and control the downloaded applications.

Application updates and game restrictions

The manufacturer has not explained how the assistant will communicate with each application. It is also unknown if Gemini will be available, as is the case with Volvo and Renault. The applications will be updated via Google Play, without waiting for a complete software update of the car. Games, on the other hand, will only be accessible when the car is stopped.

Xpeng and Google collaboration

Xpeng and Google have been working together since the summer. On July 16 in Munich, the manufacturer launched its L03 coupe SUV in 65 countries and regions. The navigation relies on the Google Maps Auto SDK, a development kit that allows a manufacturer to create its own map application with Google's data and guidance.

Xpeng’s navigation and future plans

Xpeng presented itself as the first manufacturer in the Asia-Pacific region to deliver a car with this kit. Outside of China, these maps also serve its driving assistance systems. It needs them for its autonomous driving VLA 2.0, expected in Europe in 2027. "With Google Play, we are extending this navigation approach to the entire digital ecosystem," explains Xianming Liu, vice president of Xpeng, in the October 15 statement.

Continued support for CarPlay and Android Auto

CarPlay and Android Auto remain in place. With CarPlay and Android Auto, everything goes through the smartphone, which displays its applications on the car's screen. Xpeng does not abandon them, however. Its G6 and G9 sold in Europe offer CarPlay and Android Auto as standard since their 2025 renewal. Xpeng's statement also refers to a "optional" phone.

Chinese manufacturers and Google integration

Volvo and Polestar, two brands belonging to the Chinese group Geely, have been using Google for a longer period. The Polestar 2 was the first car sold with Google integrated in 2020. Volvo has also deployed Gemini on the Volvo EX30, also under Google Automotive. In Europe, Chinese manufacturers often highlight technical features, as BYD does with the Atto 8 and its 775 hp. BYD has also adopted the Google system with Google Play and its applications.

Future details remain unclear

Xpeng has not yet said which models will be affected or in which countries and at what date. This information will come later. Likewise, the choice of applications may also change according to the model and safety rules. It is also unknown if the cars already sold, or its SUV G9L, larger than a Range Rover, will have access to it.