It's an automaker's job to keep tabs on deep, global trends that could contribute new features or technology to future product, and what deeper, more global trend could there be than the coronavirus? An article in the Detroit Free Press surveys how automakers, suppliers and tech companies are "investigating ways to virus-proof their vehicles to win customers in a post-COVID-19 market." Ideas began bubbling to the surface of public awareness in March, coming out of China. Geely — parent company of Volvo — said its new Icon electric crossover had been designed with an N95-certified air filtration system. Later that month, more Chinese carmakers announced a host of measures able to sterilize a city, like an autonomous 5G-capable van rolling through the city spraying disinfectant, or a manned van fitted with a negative pressure containment system. In May, Hyundai said it "is about to use UV light sterilization technology" that would be installed like a dome light in its vehicles. This week, Peugeot, Citroën and Vauxhall dealers introduced an anti-bacterial cleaning service and 29-point vehicle check.  When IHS Markit surveyed car owners in five countries, 80% said they'd pay extra for technology that could sterilize a vehicle. A Cox Automotive survey found a third of vehicle shoppers thinking about "air quality features" in a future car purchase. That's why all of the above ideas are in play closer to home, in addition to antimicrobial seating and surface materials.  A Fiat Chrysler spokesperson told the Freep, "Recent events have directed us to investigate additional technologies for improving cabin air for our heating and air conditioning systems. We're also looking at antimicrobial materials and easily-cleanable surfaces for our interiors." Michigan-based tech firm GHSP unveiled its grēnlite (pronounced "greenlight") UV-C light at CES this year. Much like the Hyundai UV light scheme, it sterilizes a vehicle when sensors detect there are no occupants, automatically scheduling new cleansing cycles when needed — and is already in use in emergency vehicles in three states. A VP at Tier 1 supplier Faurecia said, "We must combine the quick development and evaluation processes we’ve learned from the medical community with the auto industry’s needs for safety and durability," in reference to the large and small interior components the company makes. Faurecia is also looking at foggers that would spray a disinfectant such as hydrogen peroxide. Magna is evaluating "an ozone-generating system." The popular memory is short, and car development times are long, so there's no telling how this plays out. If a reliable vaccine appears in the near-term to reduce the threat of coronavirus, it's possible the public will rearrange its vehicle wishlist, returning sterilization to the same, much lower spot it held last year. Any innovations could come in through a side door, though; rehabilitating public transportation in the eyes of those who can afford other...

Tel Aviv-based Arbe has developed an automotive-grade (AEC-Q100) high-resolution radar chipset designed to help autonomous vehicles, as well as passenger vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), detect and identify objects. The technology can separate, identify, and track hundreds of objects in high horizontal and vertical resolution at a long range in a wide field of view. Arbe claims its radar chipset generates an image 100 times more detailed than any other solution on the market today. The system is then able to take those images and simultaneously localize and map the environment. The company’s proprietary millimeter-wave automotive-grade radar RFIC chipset includes a transmitter chip with 24 output channels and a receiver chip with 12 input channels. This processor is capable of processing 30 Gb/s of data, representing a virtual array of over 2,300 virtual channels. It can support over 100,000 detections per frame and is designed in accordance with ISO 26262 functional safety, enabling ASIL B (Automotive Safety Integrity Level) qualification. The radar processing chip makes it possible to integrate smart detection algorithms, post-processing, and SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) into the chip. SLAM is the computational problem of constructing or updating a map of an unknown environment while simultaneously keeping track of an object’s location within it. AI-based post-processing and SLAM can be leveraged to identify and track objects, differentiate dynamic objects from their surroundings, predict multiple object trajectory, and conduct sensor fusion with camera and other, parallel, automotive sensor systems. Achieving High-Res Object Separation Arbe’s chipset transmits and receives signals from multiple antennas. By converting information from time to frequency domains, the system provides a 4D image with high azimuth and elevation resolution while simultaneously sensing the environment in long range with a wide field of view in real time. 4D imaging radar uses echolocation and the principle of time-of-flight measurement to capture a space in 3D. In addition to azimuth, elevation angle, and slant range, it takes into account Doppler frequency as a fourth measure. Arbe’s processing chip generates 30 frames/s of 4D image, with equivalent processing throughput of 3 Tb/s. A radar system that has high-resolution object separation in azimuth and elevation will in theory lead to more accurate decision-making. When distance, height, depth, and speed are simultaneously assessed, radar can be repositioned from a supportive role to the backbone of the sensing suite. Indeed, Arbe is so confident in its radar chipset that CEO Kobi Marenko says it will enable Level 3 automation in passenger vehicles without requiring LiDAR (light detection and ranging radar). Level 3 is a designation by SAE that means conditional automation in which a driver must still be prepared to intervene. Arbe’s baseband processing chip integrat...

The market for artificial intelligence in the automotive industry will go from $1 billion today to $12 billion by 2026, according to a report from the prognosticators at Global Market Insights Inc. The increase is due to the push for more assistive and autonomous features for improved driving comfort and safety, as well as realizing the goal of self-driving cars and trucks. AI-powered features are already being developed, tested and offered on consumer vehicles. These include lane assistance, adaptive cruise control and automated parking. For instance, Toyota announced the launch of driver assistance for future cars that will get to level 4 of self-driving. One such feature, automatic valet parking, was jointly developed by Toyota and Panasonic; will provide affordable parking help to Toyota customers. There are several companies currently developing AI for vehicles. They include Audi AG, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Co., Harman International Industries, IBM, Microsoft, Alphabet Inc., BMW, Didi Chuxing, General Motors, Honda Motor Co., Tesla, Uber Technologies and Volvo Car Corp. These companies are primarily focused on long-term contracts and strategic collaborations to develop AI for the automotive market. Technology providers such as AMD, Intel and NVIDIA are constantly upgrading and introducing new features and energy-efficient hardware that will function in cars and consume little power. It is hoped AI can support situational intelligence with the help of several next-generation sensors and onboard computers to detect and classify parameters such as traffic, road infrastructure and pedestrians. It is predicted that this “context awareness” segment will see 35% annual growth between 2019 and 2026 based on the high demand for semi-automated cruise control and driver-assistance features. To support context awareness, computer companies are investing in all sorts of innovative technologies. For example, Intel invested $250 million into key technologies such as deep learning, security, connectivity and deep learning—technologies that will likely be broadly used if AI succeeds. Another area of development for AI is in image/signal recognition that will let cars “recognize and understand” traffic signs and speed limit indicators so the car can lower its speed without human intervention. Several government initiatives are promoting traffic sign recognition that would ensure adherence to speed limits, which would also help bump up demand for artificial intelligence in automotive markets. For example, the European Commission last year mandated that all vehicles manufactured after 2021 have built-in image or signal recognition. The goal is to reduce speeding and bad driving while promoting on-road safety. The image/signal recognition segment accounted for more than 65% of AI’s automotive market share last year, thanks to the widespread adoption of the idea that speed control is needed to reduce accidents. Europe has several major market leaders such as Audi,...

Driving in rural areas can be tricky when unmarked road edges become ragged and give way to open land, muddy ditches and sheer drops. Driving at night – in unlit areas especially – can be a challenge too. Most road fatalities in Europe occur on rural roads and – unlike in urban areas – car occupants make up the biggest share of those fatalities. Now Ford has introduced new technology to help make rural driving easier. Road Edge Detection scans the road ahead and can gently steer the vehicle back on track when needed. However, the company adds that "driver assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgement and need to control the vehicle.". How it works Designed for use on rural roads at speeds of 45-70mph / 70-112kph, Road Edge Detection uses a camera located below the rearview mirror to monitor road edges 50m in front of the vehicle and 7m to the side. Where a paved road becomes a soft verge, gravel hard shoulder or grass, the system provides gentle steering support as required to prevent the vehicle from drifting off the carriageway. The system features an advanced algorithm, added to Ford’s existing Lane-Keeping Aid, that determines when there are clear structural changes from the road to the area beside the road. It can also provide steering support on marked roads when the lane marking is obscured or hidden by snow, leaves or rain. If the driver is still close to the edge following initial steering support, the system vibrates the steering wheel, to prompt the driver to steer. At night, the system uses the illumination from the headlights and functions as effectively as during the day. Rural roads can be every bit as challenging for drivers as urban streets – especially for those who may be unfamiliar with their route. Road Edge Detection helps alleviate one concern to make journeys more comfortable and easier. ──Source：autocarpro.in

WHAT IS A HYDROGEN FUEL CELL? A HYDROGEN FUEL CELL is an electrochemical power generator that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water and heat as by-products. Simply put, hydrogen fuel cells form energy that can be used to power anything from commercial vehicles to drones. HYDROGEN FUEL CELL (HFC) TECHNOLOGY offers a clean and reliable alternative energy source to customers in a growing number of applications – electric vehicles including forklifts, delivery vans and cars, primary and backup power for a variety of commercial, industrial and residential buildings, and more futuristic-sounding applications like drones and mobile phone recharging. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Education Association (FCHEA) are two organizations working with the fuel cell industry to promote the technology across a growing number of commercial applications. HFC TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED How does a fuel cell work? A fuel cell is composed of three main components:an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane. Some people even call them a “fuel cell battery.” The “magic” of the PEM fuel cell is its proton exchange membrane, which looks like a piece of construction paper. It works by passing hydrogen through the anode side and oxygen through the cathode side. At the anode site, the hydrogen molecules are split into electrons and protons. The protons pass through the electrolyte membrane, while the electrons are forced through a circuit, generating an electric current and excess heat. At the cathode, the protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to produce water molecules. Fuel cells are very clean, with their only by-products being electricity, a little heat, and water. Additionally, as HFCs do not have any moving parts, they operate very quietly. ADVANTAGES & BENEFITS – 5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FUEL CELLS ZERO EMISSION POWER. HFCs produce no harmful emissions, eliminating the costs associated with handling and storing toxic materials like battery acid or diesel fuel. In fact, when fueled with pure hydrogen, the only by-products are heat and water, making this a zero-emission sustainable power source. HFCs are a part of many well-planned corporate sustainability programs. Hydrogen fuel cell products utilize environmentally-benign hydrogen as a fuel source, which eliminates the environmental impact of fuel spillage, leaks or air pollution and results in simplified zoning requirements. Because of this, they are exempted from the very stringent California Air Resources Board (CARB) and a number of other states’ emission permitting requirements. ROBUST RELIABILITY. HFCs have proven themselves against tough conditions including cold environments as low as -40 degrees F/C, weather environments like hurricanes, deserts and winter storms, and even the hard-working business environments of material handling warehouses. IMPROVED EFFICIENCY. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HFCs are generally between 40–60% en...

In the past, the largest proportion of automobile production cost was 30% of the power system, followed by 20% of the transmission and steering system, while the rest of the vehicles body, chassis, suspension, brake, electronic parts and other equipment shared the remaining 50%. However, with the development of technology, the proportion of electronic equipment is no longer the same. According to foreign research, automobile electronic equipment has accounted for the overall production 40% of the cost by 2017 will even reach 45% by 2030. In the future, you will buy a mobile electronic product. According to the semiconductor white paper released by Deloitte, the demand for electronic parts in the automobile industry is increasing year by year. The cost of electronic parts in automobile production has increased from 18% in 2000 to 20% in 2007, and reached 40% by 2017. The reason is that the common digital instruments, touch screens, active safety protection systems, electric steering machines, intelligent headlights, etc. Technology has boosted the number of electronic chips. The report points out that the semiconductor industry has jumped to a point in the automotive supply chain. In 2013, the total cost of electronic chips was about 312 US dollars, which has been raised to 400 US dollars so far. It is estimated that by 2022 it will be more than 600 US dollars. After all, the trend of the electric vehicle is obvious. Its functions of battery, motor, automatic driving system, vehicle communication network interface will gradually become popular, especially for self-driving. To achieve the level 4 goal, the sensors installed around the car body will have 24 modules. Without these chips to support your vehicle, you may not be able to drive. Therefore, the high growth of electronic equipment has gradually reshaped the automobile industry. ──Source：carture.com

According to information released by Morgan Stanley, by 2040, the market value of self-driving flying cars will reach 1.5 trillion US dollars (equivalent to about 10.4 trillion yuan). The author's survey found that several large companies that are now involved in the development of flying cars and have made good progress have set the landing time of flying cars in 2030. According to Uber's survey data, by 2030, urban infrastructure will face tremendous pressure from urbanization, 60% of the population will migrate into urban life, and the existing public transportation layout will even use the ground and underground transportation resources. Maximization is still difficult to support. At this time, the unlocking of urban short-distance travel is imperative. This huge outlet, whether it is a start-up company or Google, Uber, Geely and other companies we are familiar with, even the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has entered the board. Boeing As early as the 2018 Farnborough International Aerospace Exhibition, Boeing Chief Technology Officer Greg Hyslop said that it is very optimistic about the future of flying cars, and Boeing's existing technology can support it to create safe flying cars. "Autonomous flying cars will be a market with great potential, and Boeing's Boeing NeXt department will be used to solve the problems that arise in the development of flying cars." The Boeing NeXt department is headed by Steve Nordlund, Vice President of HorizonX, the venture capital business of Boeing. It will use the resources of the entire company to promote development in the future. If the progress is smooth, Boeing NeXt will also be independent from Boeing. Value. In addition, considering the automation and electrification of flying cars, Boeing has also established a cooperation with artificial intelligence company SparkCognition. Both parties will use blockchain technology and artificial intelligence to develop an air traffic management system. This new air traffic management system can improve the safety factor and operational efficiency by tracing the flight routes and conditions of unmanned flying vehicles in the air, allocating traffic routes and passages for flying vehicles. In terms of electrification, Boeing has invested in power and battery power technology-related industries to prepare for future electric flying vehicles. Auspicious As a well-known automobile group in China, Geely's actions have always been bold, after Geely fully acquired the flying car company Transition to enter the flying car industry. The first mass-produced flying car launched by Terrafugia, Transition, has passed safety inspections by the US Air Traffic Control Agency and the Department of Defense. It began accepting reservations in October 2018. The official guide price is 280,000 US dollars (about 1.9 million yuan). Transition not only has the appearance of a car, it also has two huge wings, the wings on both sides can be automatically deformed, and it on...

On 24 April 2020, CHAdeMO Association has released the latest CHAdeMO protocol (CHAdeMO 3.0) to its Regular members, specifying the requirements for designing the next-generation CHAdeMO chargers (“technical paper”), using the brand-new, identical plug with China’s GB/T protocol, allowing for maximum current of 600A. Operating under CHAdeMO communication protocol, CHAdeMO 3.0 is the first publication of the next-generation ultra-high-power charging standard, being co-developed by China Electricity Council (CEC) and CHAdeMO Association with the working name “ChaoJi.” The Chinese version, operating under the GB/T communication protocol, is also planned to be released next year. This latest version of CHAdeMO protocol enables DC charging with the power over 500kW (maximum current 600A), while ensuring the connector to be light and compact with a smaller diameter cable, thanks to the liquid-cooling technology as well as to the removal of locking mechanism from the connector to the vehicle side. Backward compatibility of the CHAdeMO 3.0-compliant vehicles with the existing DC fast charging standards (CHAdeMO, GB/T, and possibly CCS) is ensured; in other words, today’s CHAdeMO chargers can feed power to both the current EVs as well as the future EVs via an adapter or with a multi-standard charger. Started as a bi-lateral project, ChaoJi has developed into an international collaboration forum, mobilising expertise and market experience of key players from Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania. India is expected to join the team sometime soon, and governments and companies form South Korea and South-eastern Asian countries have also expressed their strong interests. Japan and China have agreed to continue working together on the technical development and to promote this next-generation charging technology through further technical demonstration events and the trial deployment of the new chargers. The testing requirements for CHAdeMO 3.0 specification are expected to be issued within a year. The first ChaoJi EVs will be likely commercial vehicles and expected to be launched in the market as early as 2021, followed by other types of vehicles including passenger EVs. ——Source:https://www.chademo.com

There’s no doubt that connected vehicles are the way of the future, as any number of initiatives from all corners of the tech spectrum illustrate. The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) for example, is a collaboration of vehicle manufacturers, tech companies and the telecoms industry that wants to come up with a more universal solution for our future mobility and transportation needs. Being connected is central to that. Complex problem However, this is a complicated and not easily solved issue. Standardising how vehicles, and indeed everything else from your household’s white goods to pets, prams and coffee percolators connect, is still far from clear. Whatever connectivity method is used, joining up the dots between vehicles, devices and people is certainly the way forward, particularly in urban areas where city populations are on the increase. One example in the USA aims to tackle the urban issue head-on. The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) connected vehicle pilot is a great new initiative designed with making streets in the Florida city safer and much more efficient. To do this, the city has been working with Siemens to develop a network of wireless boxes or Vehicle to Everything (V2X) roadside units (RSUs) that effectively join up those dots between vehicles. Connected tech This network of 46 roadside boxes is so far linked to around 1,000 car-owning volunteers along with 10 buses and ight streetcars. It’s just one of a handful of pioneering projects in the US, including one in Wyoming and another in New York City, aimed at streamlining traffic flow and cutting down on accidents. To do this THEA is utilising vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication technology to make it all work. The local authority signed an agreement with the US Department of Transport (USDOT) back in 2015 and the Tampa/Hillsborough Regional Expressway Authority (THEA) has been working alongside the Hillsborough Regional Transit Authority to implement the concept. They already had a solid foundation, after realising the benefits of all-electric tolling systems. The Connected Vehicle or CV project seemed like an obvious extension of that. Dynamic warnings For the Tampa project, CVs communicate using a two-way short-to-medium-range wireless tech called DSRC or Dedicated Short Range Communications, which is a bit like Wi-Fi. This doesn’t mean the car, bus or whatever it might be is automated or autonomous as the driver has full control at all times. However, it does mean the driver can receive a series of dynamic warnings on the go, including audio and visual indications for end of ramp deceleration and forward collision alerts, amongst others. We recently got to see the pilot in action and it boasts a number of potential solutions, all of which are tied into the connected vehicle concept. City officials even closed off a portion of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway for us in order to illustrate the various facets of the project. Ther...

Here is another E-Flex platform in Karma’s workshop. Karma Automotive announced another derivative of its E-Flex platform – this time for the high-performance super sports cars. The company says the initial development phase has been completed, which is great on the one hand, but on the other hand means that it has not yet been fully completed. Once it’s done, the performance of cars built on the platform can be spectacular: 96.5 km / h in less than 1.9 seconds up to 644 km range Flat-bottomed high-performance battery for long range and optimal weight distribution Four-wheel drive with four motors and torque vectoring 1,100 hp (over 800 kW) at peak power with a wheel torque of 14,000 Nm (10,500 lb.-ft) Power electronics made of silicon carbide (SiC) At the moment we don’t know if Karma will try to launch its own supercar model like the Karma SC2 Concept or if the platform will only be sold to OEMs. Kevin Zhang, Chief Technology Officer of Karma Automotive, said:“Our latest E-Flex platform is well suited for supercar configurations and is designed to be equipped with high-performance vehicles such as the SC2 concept car from Karma. The aim of all Karma E-Flex platforms is to offer our partners a variety of electromobility solutions with different drive motor systems and battery pack variants. Our powerful E-Flex platform is one of the highest quality of these configurations and offers unprecedented performance results. “ ——Source:n3on.org