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Category: ElectricVehicleTrends

ElectricVehicleTrends

  • Massachusetts Set to Ban New Gasoline Vehicles by 2035

    Massachusetts Set to Ban New Gasoline Vehicles by 2035

    Massachusetts is joining California and New Jersey in its efforts to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

    California became the first state to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles in September. New Jersey soon followed with a recommendation by its governor that the state implement a similar ban by 2035.

    Massachusetts has now taken a similar step, according to Car and Driver, implementing a ban nearly identical to California’s. The state’s goal is to achieve net-zero fossil-fuel emissions by 2050. Since 27% of emissions in the state come from passenger vehicles, the ban will be a big step toward that goal.

    The bans coincide with a number of major automakers setting the 2030s as their goal for exclusive electric vehicle (EV) production. Bentley announced its plans to build only EVs by 2030, Subaru has announced it will sell only EVs by the mid-2030s and numerous other manufacturers are accelerating their own transitions.

  • Cisco Pulls the Plug on Smart Cities Business

    Cisco Pulls the Plug on Smart Cities Business

    Cisco has reportedly decided to pull the plug on its plans to build a business around smart cities.

    Smart cities are considered the future of urban planning, using sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and other electronics to improve the city’s functioning. Everything from utilities to hospitals to policing to medical care to IT services to traffic and transportation can be greatly improved and made more efficient.

    Cisco had bet heavily on the technology, centering its efforts around its Cisco Kinetic for Cities software. According to The Wall Street Journal, however, the company is now abandoning its efforts.

    “We recently decided to stop sales and eventually support for the Cisco Kinetic for City product line to align our product investment to evolving market needs and customer requirements,” a company spokesman told The Wall Street Journal.

    Cisco has been working for some time to transition into software and services, relying less on hardware. Its latest earnings report showed the strategy is beginning to pay off, especially during the pandemic. Nonetheless, it appears the smart city business presented too many challenges for continued investment.

  • Apple Music Support Likely Coming to Tesla

    Apple Music Support Likely Coming to Tesla

    Teslas may soon have native Apple Music support, according to a hacker who found a placeholder in Tesla’s software.

    With an estimated 72 million subscribers, Apple Music is one of the most popular music streaming services. Apple has been steadily improving its offering, including family sharing options and making it easy for auto manufactures to integrate via CarPlay.

    Hacker @greentheonly was poking around the Tesla 2020.48.26 software update and found a reference to Apple Music.

    According to the hacker, Tidal integration is probably next, but it appears Tesla has been working on Apple Music integration for some time. Hopeful Tesla owners will soon be able to access the feature.

  • Volkswagen Offers First Glimpse of Mobile Charging Robot

    Volkswagen Offers First Glimpse of Mobile Charging Robot

    Volkswagen has provided the first glimpse of a mobile charging robot, designed to provide autonomous vehicle charging.

    One of the biggest challenges to the wide-scale adoption of fully electric vehicles is a charging infrastructure. With multiple automakers committed to transitioning to electric vehicles within the next two decades, the race is on to provide the charging infrastructure that will be needed.

    “A ubiquitous charging infrastructure is, and remains, a key factor in the success of electric mobility. Our charging robot is just one of several approaches, but is undoubtedly one of the most visionary,” explains Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.

    Volkswagen’s mobile charging robot, complete with blinking eyes, is designed to charge vehicles in close-quarters areas where a traditional charging station is not an option. The robots may be used in underground garages, restricted parking areas, or other places where space is at a premium.

    Users will be able to use to app or Car-to-X communication to summon the robot for charging. Once summoned, the robot will autonomously take over the entire process, including communicating with the vehicle, opening the charging port, plugging in, charging and disconnecting.

    “Setting up an efficient charging infrastructure for the future is a central task that challenges the entire sector,” says Schmall. “We are developing solutions to help avoid costly stand-alone measures. The mobile charging robot and our flexible quick-charging station are just two of these solutions.”

    https://youtu.be/Fk_j1m7ck0c

  • Verizon and Deloitte Team Up to Expand 5G Edge Computing

    Verizon and Deloitte Team Up to Expand 5G Edge Computing

    Verizon and Deloitte are teaming up to advance 5G and mobile edge computing (MEC).

    5G is a major upgrade to wireless tech, bringing speeds that are poised to revolutionize industries. One area where 5G stands to make a significant contribution is in the realm of edge computing. Edge computing involves processing data at or near the point of collection, rather than sending it to a faraway data processing center. As a result, edge computing is the ideal solution for low-latency applications.

    Verizon and Deloitte are working on a number of MEC capabilities, including a smart factory solution that will use MEC-enabled computer vision and sensor-based detection to improve the manufacturing process. The solution will predict quality defects, alerting management before costly mistakes are made.

    Similarly, the two companies are working on an edge compute environment that will improve plant efficiency by reducing waste, cutting down manual quality inspection and more.

    “By bringing together Verizon’s 5G and MEC prowess with Deloitte’s deep industry expertise and track record in system integration with large enterprises on smart factories, we plan to deliver cutting-edge solutions that will close the gap between digital business operations and legacy manufacturing environments and unlock the value of the end-to-end digital enterprise,” said Tami Erwin, CEO of Verizon Business. “This collaboration is part of Verizon’s broader strategy to align with enterprises, startups, universities and government to explore how 5G and MEC can disrupt and transform nearly every industry.”

    “In our recently published Deloitte Advanced Wireless Adoption study, over 85% of US executives surveyed indicated that advanced wireless is a force multiplier that will unlock the full potential of edge computing, AI, Cloud, IoT, and data analytics. Our collaboration with Verizon combines Deloitte’s business transformation expertise with advanced wireless and MEC technology to deliver game changing solutions,” said Ajit Prabhu, US Ecosystems & Alliances Strategy Officer and 5G/Edge Computing Commercialization leader, Deloitte Consulting LLP.

  • GM May Build More Hummer EVs Due to Overwhelming Response

    GM May Build More Hummer EVs Due to Overwhelming Response

    GM appears to have a hit on its hands with the Edition 1 of the Hummer EV pickup truck, and may build more to meet demand.

    GM acquired the Hummer brand from the original military Humvee maker, AM General. GM proceeded to make civilian models, which came to epitomize the gas-guzzling SUV. When GM went through its financial issues, ultimately resulting in bankruptcy, the Hummer brand was retired by the company.

    In January it was announced the Hummer would return, this time as an electric vehicle. The very thing that made it a costly, inefficient traditional SUV — its size — worked in its favor as an EV platform, providing ample room for batteries and electric motors.

    The Hummer EV Edition 1 is a limited edition model that was available for preorder in October. According to Detroit Free Press, a dealer who attended a national dealer meeting indicated the Hummer was already wildly popular:

    The Hummer Edition 1 sold out in 10 minutes and they said they had enough orders for it to fulfill their first year of production currently. But they are evaluating if they can build more.

    GM clearly has a hit on their hands with the new Hummer, and the preorder success will no doubt educate their future plans for the EV.

  • 5G Paranoia May Have Been Motive in Nashville Bombing

    5G Paranoia May Have Been Motive in Nashville Bombing

    As FBI investigators continue combing for evidence surrounding the Nashville bombing, 5G paranoia is emerging as a possible motive.

    Anthony Quinn Warner has been named a “person of interest” in the Nashville bombing, with investigators trying to learn everything they can about the man. According to News4 Nashville, the local NBC affiliate, the FBI were contacted by Steve Fridrich, a realtor who had previously hired a “Tony Warner” to do some IT work for him.

    According to Fridrich, the FBI asked if Warner was paranoid about 5G technology. A source close to the investigation told News4 that 5G paranoia was one of several angles that were being pursued.

    If Warner’s motivations were based on 5G paranoia, it wouldn’t be the first time the new technology has sparked extreme responses. 5G towers and base station around the world have been vandalized by those who believe the wireless tech causes cancer or, in the most bizarre theories, is somehow responsible for COVID.

  • Elon Musk Tried to Sell Tesla to Apple

    Elon Musk Tried to Sell Tesla to Apple

    Elon Musk has revealed that he tried to set up a meeting with Tim Cook to sell Tesla to Apple during the Tesla 3’s “darkest days.”

    Apple has been making headlines with its Project Titan, its effort to disrupt the automotive industry. Project Titan has alternately been described as a fully electric automobile, an AI system that Apple’s partners could integrate with new vehicles, or a third-party system that could be added to a wide range of vehicles. The most recent rumors have the Apple Car debuting in 2021, while others say it will be released in 2024.

    In a surprising revelation, Musk has indicated Apple may have missed out on a golden opportunity to purchase Tesla when the company was worth a tenth of its current value. Musk made the revelation via Twitter, in response to the most recent rumors about the Apple Car.

  • Apple Car May Debut in 2021

    Apple Car May Debut in 2021

    The long-rumored Apple Car may debut in 2021, two years before it was expected, according to supply chain reports.

    Apple has been rumored to be working on the Apple Car for years, with a number of high-profile executives leading the project, known as Titan, at various points. Most recently, the project was put under the oversight of John Giannandrea, Apple’s head of AI. Throughout Titan’s history, it has been describedalternately as a full-fledged car, an AI system for using with a manufacturing partner or an aftermarket system that can be integrated with a variety of vehicles.

    According to Reuters, the Apple Car is once again on track to be a full-fledged vehicle, slated for production in 2024. Apple is also reportedly working on a radical new battery technology that could give the company an advantage.

    A separate report by Economic Daily News (via MacDailyNews), however, puts the Apple Car’s debut much sooner, as early as September 2021.

    The key supply chain in Taiwan confirmed that Apple expects to release the Apple Car in September next year, at least two years earlier than the original plan. Its prototype has been tested on the roads in California, USA.

    According to the report, Apple is preparing a major manufacturing initiative.

    Futian’s second phase plant in Tongluo is expected to be put into operation next year. The production capacity of electric vehicle power motor components for the first and second phase plants can be increased from the current 400,000 sets per year to 1 million sets in one fell swoop, and the power integration system will increase to more than 400,000 sets.

    According to the executives of a major electric vehicle supply chain manufacturer, with the order shipment and assembly completed, dozens of Apple Car’s first prototype cars have been secretly tested on the road in California. 

    At this point, given Apple’s long-standing and well-deserved reputation for secrecy, there’s no way to know exactly what Cupertino is up to. Nonetheless, multiple rumors regarding the Apple Car’s development and (perhaps) sooner-than-expected release, could signal a major upheaval in the automotive industry.

  • Chinese Drone Maker DJI Faces Uncertain Future As It Faces US Blacklist

    Chinese Drone Maker DJI Faces Uncertain Future As It Faces US Blacklist

    Chinese drone maker DJI is the latest company added to the US trade blacklist, throwing its future into uncertain territory.

    The US and China have been locked in a costly trade war, one that has involved casualties on both sides. The US has blacklisted Huawei and ZTE, claiming the telecom companies represent a threat to national security.

    Now the US has added DJI to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List, according to Digital Trends. Being on the Entity List means that US companies can’t do business with DJI without a special license. The US is concerned about data Chinese companies could collect on US citizens, as well as drone technology being used in China’s persecution of ethnic minorities.

    DJI says customers can still purchase its drones, as being on the Entity List primarily impacts the company’s ability to sell to other businesses.

  • China May Push Tesla Over Its 500,000 Vehicle Goal

    China May Push Tesla Over Its 500,000 Vehicle Goal

    Demand for Teslas in China could help push the company over its 2020 goal of selling 500,000 vehicles, according to one analyst.

    Many were skeptical that Tesla could achieve the goal it set for itself when it announced it was planning on shipping 500,000 vehicles in 2020. Undeterred, the company reiterated its goal during its third-quarter earnings call.

    According to Business Insider, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives believes China is the key to Tesla’s goal. In November, Tesla sold some 22,000 vehicles in China. If that demand continues in December, it should be enough to push the company past the 500,000 mark.

    “We believe the company is tracking to another strong month of December in China which could be the tipping point to get Musk & Co. to hit/exceed its 500k annual delivery target, an achievement not even on the map for the Street going back to the late spring/summer timeframe,” Ives said.

    Ives believes Teslas stock could increase as much as 56% to $1,000 a share, in part as a result of China’s demand.

    “The China growth story is worth at least $100 per share in a bull case to Tesla as this EV penetration is set to ramp significantly over the next 12 to 18 months, along with major battery innovations coming out of Giga 3 and elsewhere throughout the China EV supply chain,” Ives added.

  • Uber Looking to Sell Uber Elevate Air Taxi Business

    Uber Looking to Sell Uber Elevate Air Taxi Business

    Uber is in talks to sell its air taxi business, Uber Elevate, to Joby Aviation.

    While Uber is best known for its ride sharing business, the company has also been working toward deploying an air taxi service. Most recently, at CES 2020 in January, Hyundai and Uber announced a partnership to help make aerial ride sharing a reality.

    It now appears that Uber wants out, as it is in talks to sell its Uber Elevate division, according to Axios. The talks are in the advanced stages, and have been confirmed by multiple Axios sources. Joby was already an Elevate partner, making it an ideal option to buy the division.

    It remains to be seen how a possible sale could impact other partnerships, such as with Hyundai.

  • Elon Musk Open to Friendly Merger With Legacy Automaker

    Elon Musk Open to Friendly Merger With Legacy Automaker

    Elon Musk sat down with Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner to discuss a range of subjects, including whether Tesla would acquire a legacy automaker.

    Once derided as a pipe dream with no real chance of widespread success, Tesla has risen to all-new heights in the auto industry. Its market capitalization far exceeds many legacy automakers. In addition, the entire industry is now pivoting to where Tesla currently is, with virtually every major automaker increasing their electric/hybrid production. Many, including Subaru and Bentley, have announced definitive plans to transition exclusively to electric/hybrid vehicles in the near future.

    The state of the industry has caused some speculation that Tesla might considering acquiring one of the legacy automakers, giving it access to a larger network of factories, dealerships and infrastructure. Döpfner addressed this directly in an interview with Musk Tuesday.

    “Is it a serious option to buy one of the incumbents, or one of the big car companies, for you?” Döpfner asked.

    “Well, I think we’re definitely not going to launch a hostile takeover,” Musk said. “So I suppose…if somebody said, ‘Hey, we think it would be a good idea to merge with Tesla,’ we certainly could have that conversation. But, you know, we don’t want it to be a hostile takeover sort of situation.”

    While it doesn’t appear there is any serious discussion or inquiry regarding such a merger, the fact that Tesla is open to such a proposal raises a world of possibilities, both for the automaker and the industry in general.

  • Hyundai Unveils New EV Platform; Vehicles Will Charge Each Other

    Hyundai Unveils New EV Platform; Vehicles Will Charge Each Other

    Hyundai has unveiled its new battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

    While Hyundai has built a number of hybrid and electric vehicles, these have largely been adaptations of existing designs. As automakers migrate toward all-electric designs, and especially as they compete with fully electric makers like Tesla, dedicated BEVs will be crucial to innovation.

    “Today our front-wheel driven Hyundai and Kia BEVs are already among the most efficient ones in their segments,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group. “With our rear-wheel driven based E-GMP, we are extending our technological leadership into segments where customers demand excellent driving dynamics and outstanding efficiency.”

    “E-GMP is the culmination of years of research and development and brings together our most cutting-edge technologies. Our BEV line-up will evolve and be strengthened by this innovative new platform,” said Fayez Abdul Rahman, Senior Vice President of Vehicle Architecture Development Center for Hyundai Motor Group.

    Another significant benefit to Hyundai’s new platform is the ability charge other electric vehicles.

    The E-GMP’s newly developed Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) represents an upgrade from existing On-Board Chargers (OBC), which typically only allow electricity to flow in a single direction from an external power source. The ICCU enables a new vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which can additionally discharge energy from the vehicle battery without additional components. This enables BEV based on the E-GMP to operate other electric machinery (110 / 220V) anywhere. The system can even be used to charge another EV.

    The news marks a significant step forward for Hyundai and Kia’s electric/hybrid plans, and put the companies on solid footing to compete in the new automative age.

  • Tasmania Joins Exclusive Club: Runs On 100% Renewable Energy

    Tasmania Joins Exclusive Club: Runs On 100% Renewable Energy

    The Tasmanian government has announced it has made the transition to 100% renewable electricity.

    Guy Barnett, Minister for Energy, issued a statement heralding the milestone achievement for the Australian state:

    Every Tasmanian should be proud that our State is the first in Australia and one of only a handful of jurisdictions in the world to achieve this target, delivering on a key Liberal Government commitment from the 2018 election.

    We have reached 100 per cent thanks to our commitment to realising Tasmania’s renewable energy potential through our nation-leading energy policies and making Tasmania attractive for industry investment, which in turn is creating jobs across the State, particularly in our regions.

    Barnett says the state plans to double its renewable energy generation by 2040, and says the state’s renewable energy projects will help it rebuild its economy post-pandemic.

  • Tesla May Introduce Compact Car or Hatchback

    Tesla May Introduce Compact Car or Hatchback

    Tesla CEO Elon Musk has teased the possibility of a compact model or a hatchback, in a big departure from Tesla’s standard designs.

    Tesla has largely been known for sedans, as well as one SUV and its upcoming Cybertruck. While larger cars are the norm in the US, smaller cars are favored in Europe. Speaking to a European conference on batteries that was hosted by Germany, Musk recounted struggling to find a parking spot in Berlin when driving a Model X.

    “I was driving a Model X around Berlin and we had quite a bit of trouble finding a parking space where we could fit,” he said, according to Reuters.

    As a result, Musk has said a compact or hatchback style car makes sense for the European market.

    “Possibly in Europe it would make sense to do, I guess, a compact car, perhaps a hatchback or something like that,” said Musk.

    Should Tesla move forward with a compact design, given the success of the Civic and Corolla, it’s a safe bet it would be popular in the US as well.

  • EU Working to Be Self-Sufficient on Electric Vehicle Batteries by 2025

    EU Working to Be Self-Sufficient on Electric Vehicle Batteries by 2025

    As electric and hybrid vehicles become standard, the EU is working to become self-sufficient in the batteries powering them by 2025.

    According to Reuters, China currently is responsible for 80% of the world’s lithium-ion production. European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic would like to ensure Europe’s ability to be self-sufficient in the critical tech.

    “I am confident that by 2025, the EU will be able to produce enough battery cells to meet the needs of the European automotive industry, and even to build our export capacity,” Sefcovic told the online European Conference on Batteries, according to Reuters. This would equal enough batteries to power 6 million electric vehicles.

    The news comes on the heals of the VW Group’s announcement it will be increasing its investment in future tech, including electric vehicle technology, to $86 billion over the next five years. In addition, Bentley announced its entire lineup would be electric-only by 2030.

    Being self-sufficient in electric batteries would help the EU and its automakers remain competitive as the industry adopts the new technology.

  • GM Recalls Chevrolet Bolts Over Fire Risk

    GM Recalls Chevrolet Bolts Over Fire Risk

    General Motors has issued a recall for nearly 51,000 Chevrolet Bolts over fire risks.

    The Chevy Bolt is one of the more popular electric vehicles, and has consistently received good reviews for its combination of features and price. Despite its success, however, GM is now recalling 50,932 of the vehicles due to fire risks.

    According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “GM has issued a recall of 50,932 Chevrolet Bolt vehicles for the potential of an unattended fire in the high-voltage battery pack underneath the back seat’s bottom cushion. The affected vehicles’ cell packs have the potential to smoke and ignite internally, which could spread to the rest of the vehicle and cause a structure fire if parked inside a garage or near a house.”

    GM says the issue impacts 2017-2019 models and “may pose a risk of fire when charged to full, or very close to full, capacity.” In 2017 and 2018 models, GM recommends changing the charge settings “to use the Hill Top Reserve option,” and recommends changing the 2019 charge settings “to enable Target Charge Level at 90%.” Starting November 17, GM will be rolling out a software update that dealers can apply to limit charging to 90% while the company works on a permanent solution.

    In the meantime, until the charge settings are modified, GM and the NHTSA recommend vehicles be parked outside and away from dwellings.

  • VW Group Increasing Its Investment in Future Tech

    VW Group Increasing Its Investment in Future Tech

    VW Group has announced it is increasing its investment in future tech to a total of 73 billion euros ($86 billion) over the next five years.

    Automakers all over the world are investing heavily in hybrid and electric vehicles. GM recently announced it was investing $2 billion in electric vehicle manufacturing, Bentley announced its entire lineup would be electric by 2030 and Subaru has committed to selling only electric vehicles by the mid 2030s.

    VW had already committed 60 billion euros to future tech, but has now raised that to 73 billion euros.

    “As part of Volkswagen Group’s investment planning, the Board of Management and Supervisory Board today set the cornerstones for securing the Group’s future success. The transformation of the Group and its brands and the strategic focus on the core areas of mobility will be consistently implemented. Considering the enormous challenges we face in the coming years, our financial basis is very solid,” said Hans Dieter Pötsch, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Volkswagen Group.

    “Having set the course for a battery-electric future in the Volkswagen Group early on, we are now a global leader with our electric platforms and a broad range of electric vehicles,” said Herbert Diess, Chief Executive Officer of the Volkswagen Group. “In the coming years, it will be crucial to also reach a leading position in car software in order to meet people’s needs for individual, sustainable and fully connected mobility in the future. To that end, we have doubled our digitalization spend.”

    The company’s increased investment should help it maintain its position as the world’s largest automaker.

  • General Motors Adding 3,000 Tech Jobs

    General Motors Adding 3,000 Tech Jobs

    General Motors is planning to add 3,000 tech jobs in the near future to support its software and vehicle initiatives.

    Like many automakers, GM has been working to transform its business, adopting new technologies and keeping up with the digital transformation. Complex entertainment systems, autonomous cars and electric vehicles are just some of the biggest trends automakers are dealing with.

    GM recently announced it was investing $2 billion in its electric vehicle manufacturing. The company isn’t stopping there, however, as it is also planning on 3,000 new hires in an effort to shore up its electric vehicle efforts. The jobs will also include more remote work opportunities.

    “GM wants to hire electrical system and infotainment software engineers as well as developers for Java, Android, iOS and other platforms,” according to the Houston Chronicle. “The company says it wants to increase diversity with the new hires to build on its existing software expertise.”

    This is just the latest development illustrating how important software programmers have become to the automotive industry, and will continue to be in the years ahead.

  • Bentley Commits to Full Electric Lineup by 2030

    Bentley Commits to Full Electric Lineup by 2030

    Bentley is the latest automaker to commit to a fully electric lineup of cars by 2030, phasing out fossil fuels.

    Automakers have increasingly been moving toward hybrid and electric vehicles in lieu of fossil fuels. GM recently announced it was investing $2 billion in factories in an effort to focus on electric vehicle manufacturing. Subaru announced in January that it would transition to electric vehicles by the mid-2030s. Ford has been increasing the number of electric vehicles it offers, including the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150. Now Bentley is joining the fray.

    “Since 1919, Bentley has defined luxury grand touring. Being at the forefront of progress is part of our DNA – the original Bentley boys were pioneers and leaders,” said Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bentley Motors. “Now, as we look Beyond100, we will continue to lead by reinventing the company and becoming the world’s benchmark luxury car business.

    “Driving this change includes, and also goes beyond our products, delivering a paradigm shift throughout our business, with credibility, authenticity, and integrity. Within a decade, Bentley will transform from a 100 year old luxury car company to a new, sustainable, wholly ethical role model for luxury.”

    As part of their commitment, Bentley plans on being end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030. This will include not only its electrification plans, but also improving its manufacturing and operations, as well as working with its third-party suppliers.