Physical keys—who needs ‘em? Volvo Cars is hoping drivers will be saying that in a couple of years.
The automaker plans to begin testing a mobile app that will let drivers replace a physical key with a digital one.
The digital key on the new Volvo app would be able to lock or unlock doors and start the engine, according to the company.
This application could also make sharing rides a lot easier, so you don’t have to leave the key on the top of the car tire at the airport.
Volvo states in a press release on their website that drivers would be able to send the digital key to other family members, friends or coworkers.
It also opens up new possibilities when it comes to picking up rental cars.
The new digital key technology will be commercially available in a limited number of cars starting in 2017.
“At Volvo we are not interested in technology for the sake of technology. New technology has to make our customers’ lives easier and save them time. Mobility needs are evolving and so are our customers’ expectation to access cars in an uncomplicated way,” stated Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Cars Henrik Green in a press release. “Our innovative digital key technology has the potential to completely change how a Volvo can be accessed and shared. Instead of sitting idle in a parking lot the entire day, cars could be used more often and efficiently by whoever the owner wishes.”
