What Android-based car operating system runs directly on vehicle hardware?

What Android-based car operating system runs directly on vehicle hardware? Android Automotive is the Android-based operating system that runs directly on a vehicle’s built-in hardware.

Unlike Android Auto, Android Automotive does not require a smartphone to provide the core experience. It is a full operating system for in-vehicle infotainment, allowing automakers to build interfaces for navigation, media, messaging, voice assistance, and vehicle functions such as climate controls. It can operate with or without Google Automotive Services, depending on the manufacturer’s licensing choices.

Google announced Android Automotive in March 2017, developing it with industry partners including Intel and automakers. The Polestar 2 became the first production vehicle widely associated with the platform, while Volvo, Renault, General Motors, and other manufacturers have adopted it in various vehicles.

The names are easy to confuse. Android Auto mirrors selected phone capabilities onto a compatible car display. Android Automotive is installed in the car itself. Google Automotive Services—such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play—are optional components layered onto some Android Automotive installations.