Volvo is rolling out new connected safety alerts to warn drivers of hazards such as animals or vulnerable road users ahead, using vehicle-to-vehicle data sharing rather than crowdsourced systems like those in Google Maps or Waze. When one Volvo detects a risk via its sensors and cameras, it logs the location and relays it via Volvo's servers to other Volvo vehicles travelling the same route, though the feature relies on cloud connectivity and up-to-date map data.

The alerts cover four hazard types: large animals, vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, roadworks, and accidents, and will be added to the Volvo EX90, ES90 and EX60 electric vehicles. Volvo says it already has one million vehicles equipped with connected safety capabilities and shares this data with traffic management centres and other car manufacturers, not just its own fleet. The Swedish firm has used similar cloud-based technology since 2016, developed with Ericsson, to flag slippery roads and hazard-light warnings. Separately, Volvo confirmed the EX90 will gain Spatial Audio support for Apple CarPlay users.