TLDRs:
- GM will add Google Gemini AI voice assistant to upcoming EVs starting next year.
- Cadillac Escalade IQ will feature Level 3 hands-free driving in 2028 across U.S. highways.
- GM’s new computing platform promises faster updates and enhanced in-car processing power.
- Collaborative robots and home energy leasing are part of GM’s broader EV innovation plan.
General Motors announced plans to integrate Google’s Gemini AI as a voice assistant in its upcoming electric vehicles (EVs), starting next year.
The integration represents a major step in GM’s push to modernize its in-car experience, combining advanced AI capabilities with the automaker’s growing EV lineup.
The Gemini AI system will allow drivers to interact with their vehicles using natural voice commands, from adjusting climate controls and navigation to entertainment and hands-free communication. GM says this move complements its ongoing development of a custom in-house AI assistant, set to follow Gemini in future models.
Level 3 Driving Arrives in 2028
GM is also preparing to roll out Level 3 hands-free driving technology with the Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028. Level 3 autonomy enables drivers to take their eyes off the road in specific situations, primarily on highways, while still requiring them to resume control when prompted by the vehicle.
The system will cover all U.S. highways, a significant expansion from current Level 3 implementations like Mercedes-Benz’s DRIVE PILOT, which is limited to certain freeways in California and Nevada under strict speed and weather conditions.
GM’s announcement signals confidence in deploying advanced autonomy at scale, although regulatory rules for automated driving systems (ADS) remain pending from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
A Centralized Platform for Smarter Vehicles
To support both AI voice integration and autonomous driving, GM is launching a centralized computing platform alongside the Escalade IQ in 2028.
This platform promises faster over-the-air updates, more processing power, and a unified system for managing vehicle software. The automaker hopes this approach will streamline operations, enhance vehicle responsiveness, and pave the way for increasingly sophisticated AI and autonomy features.
“By centralizing computing and AI capabilities, we can deliver smarter, safer, and more connected vehicles for our customers,” a GM spokesperson said.
Beyond the Car-Robots and Energy Leasing
GM’s EV innovation extends beyond the vehicle itself. The company is developing collaborative robots for its factories to improve production efficiency and safety.
Additionally, GM is exploring a new leasing model for its home energy systems, including Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) integration.
The V2G model could unlock significant stored energy capacity, estimated between $3 billion and $7 billion annually, while creating opportunities for partners such as energy installers and aggregators. Programs in states like New York and California already support EV-to-grid initiatives, signaling a potential multi-billion-dollar market for GM’s future energy services.
Implications and Industry Context
The combination of Google Gemini AI, Level 3 autonomy, and centralized computing places GM at the forefront of automotive AI innovation. However, the rollout faces hurdles, including regulatory approval, safety testing, and potential limits on Level 3 operations due to weather, construction, and road conditions.
Still, the strategy illustrates GM’s commitment to integrating advanced AI while maintaining a human-centric approach. By merging AI, autonomy, and energy solutions, GM is positioning itself not just as a carmaker, but as a technology-driven mobility company ready for the next decade of EV innovation.
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