• The Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 will soon be compatible with Samsung’s Digital Key technology.
• The feature allows owners to use their Samsung smartphone as a key.
• The car can be locked, unlocked and started without having the original key at hand.

Volvo and Polestar are enabling some of their electric vehicles to be locked and unlocked with a Samsung smartphone using something called a Digital Key.

The feature will roll out this month in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia for the Volvo EX90 electric SUV. Meanwhile, the Polestar 3 electric crossover will receive the functionality in the coming days in North America, Europe and Asia.

Samsung’s Digital Key technology is built into its Galaxy smartphones and is available on devices as old as the Galaxy S20, Note 20, Z Fold2 and Z Flip 5G. The Digital Key is stored in the smartphone’s digital Wallet and offers three ways to control the car: Ultra-wideband (UWB) for hands-free access, Near Field Communication (NFC) for tap-to-unlock and start, and Bluetooth low energy (BLE) control.

Owners can leave their car keys at home and use a compatible smartphone instead to unlock and start the car. However, the technology does not allow users to remotely lock and unlock the car or to precondition the interior temperature from afar–you’ll still have to use the manufacturer’s smartphone app for these features. 

The digital key stored in the Samsung Wallet is protected with a PIN and biometric check. If a device containing a Samsung Digital Key is lost or stolen, the owner can remotely lock or delete the key via the Samsung Find service–which is similar to Apple’s Find My feature. The digital key can also be shared.

Samsung Digital Key launched in 2022 and is already available for some Audi, BMW, Mini, Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles in North America. In other markets, the feature is also available on some BYD models.