Volvo’s Keyless Future: Are We Ready to Lose Our Car Keys Forever?
If Volvo’s engineers have their way, we might never lose our car keys again—but you better not lose your phone!
Car keys are about to change forever, and Volvo is offering a glimpse of what’s to come. In just a few years, we may not even need keys to start our cars—not even a transponder, fob, or anything at all.
What’s Volvo Doing to the Car Key?
Luxury car makers have always done interesting things with their keys. For example, Porsche offers keys that resemble the cars themselves and can be painted in the same colors. BMW, not to be outdone, includes a built-in screen on their new 7-series key, which displays vehicle status on an LCD touchscreen. You can check fuel levels, monitor the range of your electric battery, and even see if the doors are locked—all from the upgraded fob.
But Volvo has taken things a step further by eliminating the key entirely. Starting in 2017, you’ll have the option to completely forgo a traditional car key. But how will you lock, start, and unlock your Volvo?
Introducing Your Smartphone as the New Car Key
Volvo plans to offer an app that will replace your car key entirely. New Volvo owners will use their smartphones to unlock their cars through the Volvo app, with Bluetooth playing a central role. Although details are scarce at the moment, Volvo is making it clear that the smartphone is the future of car access.
So Long, Car Keys: A Farewell
Car keys have been an enduring part of our driving experience for more than 100 years, but the way they function has drastically evolved. Until the mid-1990s, car keys were simple metal cut designs, easy to duplicate and use. These keys were often just for locking, starting the car, and unlocking the boot.
Fast forward to the modern day, and car keys have transformed in numerous ways. First came the electronic key fob, followed by transponder keys with chips inside them, laser-cut keys, switchblade keys, and now, smart keys. And it looks like we’re now moving toward a future with no keys at all, thanks to Volvo.
Why is Volvo Doing This?
Volvo isn’t just trying to be radical with their keyless innovation. The company has bigger goals in mind. By introducing the concept of using an app to control your car, Volvo is preparing us for the next step in transportation: shared cars.
Imagine a world where cars are parked anywhere and shared by users who can unlock and start them via an app, much like how rental cars work today. Volvo’s goal is to make this seamless and efficient, making it easier for users to access cars as needed—whether for sharing or renting.
See Volvo’s Keyless Technology in Action
If you’re curious about this keyless future, you can head over to Sweden’s Gothenburg Airport. Volvo will be debuting a limited number of keyless cars through Sunfleet, their car-sharing company, starting in Spring 2016. This debut comes after Volvo showcased their keyless technology at the Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona.
