Car Tech
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Chakratec brings back flywheel tech in a package that could do a lot of good in balancing the grid as fast-charging needs put the pinch on it.
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Xpeng P7 upgrade cribs Navigate on Autopilot functions, adds lidar
The suite called Navigation Guided Pilot, released by the Chinese EV maker Xpeng, sounds very close to Tesla's Navigate on Autopilot functionality—but with the addition of lidar.
Stephen Edelstein -
Like Tesla Autopilot, Fisker driver assistance tech won't use lidar
Fisker Intelligent Pilot won't count lidar sensors as part of its initial component set, although like Tesla it will offer cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar.
Stephen Edelstein -
Polestar 2 qualifies, DIY electric Mini Cooper on a budget, VW ID.4 launch approach: Today's Car News
The Polestar 2 is a Green Car Reports' Best Car To Buy 2021 finalist, a YouTuber built an electric Mini Cooper, and Volkswagen's taking a different marketing approach in launching the ID.4.
Joel Feder -
Georgia gets first solar roadway in the US
The road-surface solar panels might power streetlights or serve with energy storage as backup for grid outages.
Stephen Edelstein -
Electric car platform for Hyundai, Kia, Genesis: Bi-directional charging, robotaxi ready
Hyundai's platform for a generation of EVs offers a modular layout, rear- or all-wheel drive, more than 300 miles of range, and some very flexible charging.
Bengt Halvorson -
Lordstown poached employees and stole infotainment secrets and know-how from Karma Automotive, the latter alleges.
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Ford's rival to Autopilot and Super Cruise: Priced, and coming to Mach-E electric SUV
Active Drive Assist will allow hands-free driving on more than 100,000 miles of highways in North America—in more than 100,000 vehicles in the first year.
Bengt Halvorson -
Tires could be costing EV owners an extra charge a year, study suggests
Underinflated tires—and tire choice in general—subtract a surprising amount of electric vehicle driving range.
Bengt Halvorson -
Tire dust is pollution, and this invention will help vehicles clean up as they go
The UK national winner for the James Dyson Award is an innovative idea for collecting particulate matter pollution from tires.
Bengt Halvorson -
Volvo claims first system to assess PM2.5 air quality inside vehicle cabin
Drivers will be able to assess what the air quality is like inside their vehicle, which with filtration might be better than that inside their houses.
Stephen Edelstein -
Solar tonneau cover charges electric pickups, provides portable power
The Terravis solar tonneau will be aimed not just as a feature for upcoming electric trucks, but as an accessory for gas trucks.
Bengt Halvorson -
A new alliance could take the partnership to a next level, involving the joint development of full vehicle platforms and a shared supply chain.
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In future Audi EVs, one big brain will manage all the physics
Next-generation premium gasoline and EV Audi models will have an electronic chassis platform with 10 times the computing power of the current unit.
Bengt Halvorson -
Nvidia will enable Mercedes over-the-air upgrades, future automated-driving functions
The partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Nvidia will allow OTA updates and upgrades and future autonomous-vehicle features.
Stephen Edelstein -
Apple CarPlay will help BMW i4 electric car find chargers along the way
Apple announced a series of iPhone iOS updates Monday, some of which will bring new features to BMW vehicles soon.
Bengt Halvorson -
Ford Active Drive Assist vs. Tesla Autopilot: How the systems might compare
These two Tesla and Ford systems might have nearly the same function, but a cultural rift between Detroit and Silicon Valley separates them.
Aaron Cole -
Hyundai and Kia honing heat-pump tech for next-generation EVs
Heat pumps help preserve precious miles of range in cold weather—and Hyundai and Kia have been embracing the technology.
Stephen Edelstein -
Ford's electric-vehicle chief, Mark Kaufman, revealed more details about Ford's upcoming electric vehicle that will make it different than anything else from the Blue Oval.
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VW design chief: ID electric vehicles among first created all-digitally
The newest Vokswagen Golf and the fully family of ID electric models have been designed via a new digital process.
Bengt Halvorson -
Polestar 2 electric car will offer a new generation of safety systems
The upcoming Polestar 2 will have a new inner airbag system for the front seats, plus a new version of Volvo's Pilot Assist.
Stephen Edelstein -
All 2020 Hyundai hybrids have a clever 12-volt lithium-ion accessory battery
A lithium-ion accessory battery is now included in the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and all other hybrids from the brand.
Bengt Halvorson -
Wireless charging demo for trucks: 20 kw across 11 inches, 92% efficiency
Although still in demonstration mode, a DOE lab project shows that wireless charging for commercial trucks is feasible with current tech.
Stephen Edelstein -
Touchless charging: An app summons Aiways' robotic concierge
The Chinese startup Aiways hasn't found much market traction from its EVs yet, but its robotic charging concierge is refreshingly different.
Stephen Edelstein