Your car with Google built-in is about to get smarter, thanks to Gemini

Apr 30, 2026

With free-flowing conversations, vehicle-specific intel straight from your owner’s manual and more, Gemini is coming to cars with Google built-in.

Alankar Agnihotri

Senior Product Manager, Cars with Google built-in

General summary

Gemini is replacing Google Assistant in cars with Google built-in, offering a more natural, conversational way to manage navigation, music, and vehicle settings. This update is rolling out to both new and existing vehicles, starting with English-language users in the United States. Keep an eye on your dashboard for an upgrade prompt once you are signed into your Google account.

Summaries were generated by Google AI. Generative AI is experimental.

Bullet points

"Your car with Google built-in is about to get smarter, thanks to Gemini" upgrades your assistant.
Talk naturally to Gemini to find stops, manage messages and control your car's settings.
Gemini uses your car's manual to answer specific questions about your vehicle's unique features.
This update is coming to both new and existing cars through a software rollout.
Use Gemini Live to brainstorm ideas or learn facts while you drive hands-free.

Summaries were generated by Google AI. Generative AI is experimental.

Basic explainer

Google is adding Gemini to cars with built-in Google software to replace the old voice assistant. You can now talk to your car naturally to find restaurants, control settings or even learn facts about your trip. It works for both new and existing cars through a simple software update. It’s designed to make driving easier and more helpful while you’re on the road.

Summaries were generated by Google AI. Generative AI is experimental.

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Gemini — your helpful AI assistant — is starting to roll out in cars with Google built-in as an upgrade from Google Assistant. With Gemini, you can speak naturally to get more done with your favorite apps, brainstorm ideas and even ask for vehicle-specific info thanks to Gemini's integration with your car.

When cars with Google built-in first hit the road in 2020, we made a commitment that your car will get better over time. That means that Gemini is coming not only to new cars, but also to existing ones through a software update. The rollout will start with English in the United States and continue over the coming months.

Speak naturally to get more done

Say goodbye to rigid voice commands. You can have a natural conversation with Gemini, hands-free.

Find the perfect pit stop: Whether you’re craving a specific food or a scenic spot, just tell Gemini what you’re looking for. For example: "I need to grab lunch, find some highly rated sit-down restaurants along the way. I'm not in a rush, oh, and I’d like to eat outside." Gemini will reference information from Google Maps to find options, then you can follow up with questions like, "What’s the parking like?” or “Do they have vegetarian options?”
Know what’s ahead: Relevant, real-time updates about your journey from Google Maps empower you to make informed decisions and drive with confidence. Ask, “I'm driving by the stadium. Is there an event happening and should I avoid it because of traffic?” And if you see a traffic disruption, help others by reporting, “I see an accident in the right lane.”
Stay on top of your messages: Ask Gemini to summarize your new text messages so you can respond with context and confidence. Tell Gemini: "Reply to Jane that I'm on my way and add my ETA." And if you change your mind, you can edit your message without starting over: "Actually, also ask her if I should pick up dessert."
Create the perfect vibe: Ask for what you want on the radio, even if you don't know the station name or frequency: “Hey Google, play a jazz radio station for me.” Or get very specific with your favorite streaming music app, like YouTube Music: "Play upbeat ’70s folk-rock for a mountain drive, but skip the slow ballads."

Learn and brainstorm while you drive

Gemini Live, which is in beta, opens up new ways to learn and brainstorm while you’re driving. Just tap the Gemini Live button from the overlay or say, “Hey Google, let's talk” to start a free-flowing conversation.

Learn about your destination: Tell Gemini: "I'm heading to Lake Tahoe. Can you share some history and fun facts?" If the answer inspires another question, interrupt to dive deeper: "Wait, Mark Twain had a connection to the area? Can you tell me that story?"
Brainstorm activities: Gemini can help you make the most of every outing. Try a prompt like: "I want to go on some hikes while I'm in Tahoe. Can you recommend some good options?" Follow up with, "What are the views like on the Rubicon Trail?

Adjust settings and get vehicle-specific info

Modern cars are packed with features designed to make your drive safer and more comfortable, but discovering them isn't always easy. To help, we’ve worked closely with automakers to integrate Gemini deeply with your vehicle’s systems.

Ask questions about your car: "How should I prepare my car for an automatic car wash?" or "My garage ceiling is low and the trunk is hitting it. How do I program the trunk so it doesn't open all the way?" You get answers tailored to your specific car model because Gemini draws directly from manufacturer-provided owner’s manuals. (The availability and detail of these insights varies by brand and model.)
Get real-time EV insights: Understand your battery status and what it means for your drive. Ask, "What’s my current battery level?" or "What’s my battery on arrival?" Need to find a place to power up? Simply say, "Find a charger nearby" and Gemini will reference information from Google Maps to find convenient options. And to make the most of your stop, ask, "Are there any cafes near my destination while I charge?"
Make yourself comfortable: Say, “It's foggy and freezing in here,” and Gemini will understand what you mean and turn up the heat and turn on the defroster.

Hit the road with Gemini

Eligible users who are signed into their Google Account in their car will see the option to upgrade to Gemini. Once upgraded, access Gemini by saying, “Hey Google,” tapping the mic on the home screen or using your steering wheel button.

In the near future, Gemini will expand to more languages and countries and give drivers the ability to safely access their info in apps like Gmail, Calendar and Google Home.