Tesla's new Model Y begins production, Bosch and Rivian sue each other | Overseas Daily
"Top 3 News"
Amazon Equips Its Electric Delivery Vehicles with AI Package Retrieval Function
Key Points:
Amazon is using a new proprietary artificial intelligence solution called Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR) to reduce the time and effort delivery drivers spend searching for packages in their vans. VAPR automatically identifies packages to be delivered at a specific stop, then projects a green "O" on all packages to be delivered at that stop and a red "X" on all other packages. When the driver picks up all the "correct" packages, VAPR gives an audible cue to ensure no packages are left behind. This system combines camera and laser technology to make deliveries easier.
Amazon's delivery drivers will benefit from VAPR (Source: Amazon)
Opinions:
Amazon's VAPR system (Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval) is designed to simplify the delivery process for delivery drivers, eliminating the need for them to use their mobile phones during deliveries. VAPR automatically identifies packages to be delivered at a specific stop and projects a green "O" on these packages, reducing the time drivers spend organizing packages between stops, reading labels, or manually checking customer names or addresses. Drivers simply need to look for the green marks, pick up the packages, and continue with the delivery. Amazon's transportation team says they have spent hundreds of hours testing VAPR in the field with their drivers to verify the system's ability to assist drivers. In early tests, Amazon found that the perceived physical and mental burden on drivers decreased by 67%, and more than 30 minutes were saved per route. The VAPR system will be immediately installed on 1,000 new Amazon electric delivery vehicles, and if these results persist, the plan will be expanded. Considering that Amazon has over 390,000 delivery drivers worldwide and over 100,000 delivery vehicles delivering millions of packages every day, technologies like VAPR promise to save time and effort on a massive scale.
Ford Is Replacing Some NACS Adapters Sent to Electric Vehicle Owners
Key Points:
Drivers of Ford F-150 Lightning and Mach-e may have to wait longer to access Tesla's Supercharger network. Although some owners have received their NACS adapters, Ford has notified many users via email that they are replacing the device. During this period, the company does not recommend using the current adapter. Ford is replacing some NACS adapters because of potential problems that could cause the charging speed to decrease over time and even damage the charging port in some cases.
Ford electric vehicles are equipped with NACS charging ports (Source: Ford)
Opinions:
In May last year, Ford CEO Jim Farley and Elon Musk jointly announced a partnership that allows Ford electric vehicle drivers to use Tesla's extensive Supercharger network. Ford was the first major automaker to announce such a plan. Although Ford's electric models will not have a built-in NACS port until next year, Ford said it will send adapters to drivers to use Tesla's Supercharger stations more quickly. After opening adapter reservations in January, Ford initially said drivers could order an adapter by June 30. Earlier this summer, this deadline was pushed back to August 31. Now, Ford has planned to replace some NACS adapters that have already been sent to vehicle owners. Some Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E drivers have received an email stating, "As part of ongoing testing, Ford has determined that there is a potential issue with your adapter that could cause the charging speed to decrease over time and, in some cases, cause damage to the charging port."
Rivian (Rivian) and Bosch (Bosch) Launch a New Round of Legal Battles over Electric Vehicles
Key Points:
A new legal dispute has erupted between electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian and the world's largest automotive parts supplier, Bosch (Bosch). Both sides have filed lawsuits against each other because Rivian decided to produce its own electric motors, ending the supply agreement with Bosch. In 2019, Rivian and Bosch signed an agreement to supply electric motors for Rivian's electric models R1T and R1S. However, as Rivian began to produce its own electric motors, Bosch claims that Rivian replaced its products without notice. Rivian counters that the number of motor products supplied by Bosch was not sufficient to meet production needs, resulting in production problems and damage to the brand and its finances. This legal battle began in July when Bosch sued Rivian for contract breach. On the same day, Rivian also filed a lawsuit against the supplier, claiming contract breach and damage to brand value. Bosch claims that after Rivian began to build its own electric motors, Rivian refused to pay $204 million in damages. Rivian blames Bosch for its production difficulties, which have hindered production, resulting in only 24,337 vehicles being produced in 2022.
Rivian R1T (left) and R1S (right) electric vehicles (Source: Rivian)
Opinions:
The legal conflict between Bosch (Bosch) and Rivian has intensified, with both sides filing lawsuits against each other. Bosch made a large-scale investment in its German factory to prepare for motor production and established a new production line in its factory in South Carolina, USA. Bosch claims that since Rivian is a startup company without automotive production experience, a contract was signed stipulating that if Rivian terminates the contract early, it needs to pay Bosch for the unamortized costs. But after Rivian began to produce its own electric motors, Bosch accused Rivian of refusing to pay $204 million in damages. Rivian alleges that Bosch sent many unqualified personnel and did not invest sufficient resources to produce the motors, resulting in production problems and significant damage to the brand and finances. Rivian's lawsuit points out that Bosch overcommitted to several startup electric vehicle companies, and it is expected that some of them will soon fail. Rivian engineers found the Bosch production line chaotic during a visit to Germany, not using industry standard technology, and even using teenage interns with flashlights for quality control, causing Rivian to be deeply concerned about the quality of Bosch's products.
"Big Events"
According to Chinese Social Media Reports, Tesla Model Y Production to Begin on October 22
Tesla Model Y updated camouflaged vehicle (Source: Electrek)
Tesla plans to start limited trial production at its Shanghai factory to launch the new Model Y "Juniper" update. The new model is expected to begin production on October 22. Last August, Tesla released the "Highland" version of the Model 3 update, which was more significant than expected. Although the release time of the Model Y update has not yet been determined, there are signs that it may be launched soon. Tesla may feel the need to accelerate the pace of the Model Y update, after all, this is their (and the world's) best-selling model. As more and more people expect an update to be coming soon, they may delay their car purchase decisions. Although Tesla said there would be no Model Y update this year, as the end of the year approaches, many signs of an upcoming update have emerged this year.
Tesla Releases New Mobile App Update with More Offline Commands, Battery Meter, etc.
Tesla APP update (Source: Tesla)
Tesla has released a new update for its mobile application, adding more offline features, a Powerwall energy meter, and several other functions. This update allows users to execute commands when near the vehicle without an internet connection, requiring the vehicle software version to be at least 2024.38. Additionally, the Control Center in iOS 18 now allows users to add their favorite commands. Although it is not clear exactly which commands can work offline, this could be very useful. Especially for users who are already near the vehicle, unlocking the vehicle and opening the trunk may be the most practical functions. In addition to the updates mentioned in the release notes, there are several other updates. Tesla software engineer Alex Guichet reports that a new energy meter is now available in the app for Powerwall and Powershare users.
Hyundai Recalls Some Nexo SUVs Due to Fire Risk
Hyundai Motor has recently announced the recall of some Nexo SUV models produced from 2019 to 2024 due to a possible defect in the vehicle's Thermal Activation Pressure Relief Device (TPRD), which could cause foam leakage and increase the risk of fire. This recall involves approximately 1,545 vehicles. Hyundai owners are advised to park their vehicles outdoors and away from buildings before the vehicle is repaired and to continue using it after the problem is fixed. Hyundai has not received any reports of fire accidents, but still decided to take preventive measures to ensure the safety of vehicle owners.
Hyundai Nexo SUV (Source: Hyundai)
This is not the first time that the Hyundai Nexo has been recalled for fuel-related issues. In turn, the company has previously recalled the Nexo for oxygen detection sensor and intake port filter problems, which raised concerns about the airbags of hydrogen fuel vehicles. However, the Nexo has also been recognized for its safety performance, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded it the highest safety rating of "Top Safety Pick+" indicating its excellent performance in crash tests and its advanced leading collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems. As part of new energy technologies, hydrogen fuel vehicles have attracted widespread attention in recent years. However, compared with electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel vehicles still face certain challenges in terms of infrastructure and safety. Although hydrogen fuel offers a faster refueling time and a longer driving range, the maturity and safety of the technology still need to be further verified.
Stellantis Recalls 44,500 Plug-in Hybrid SUVs Due to Brake Pedal Problem
Alfa Romeo Tonale (Source: ElectricCarsReport)
Stellantis is recalling 44,500 hybrid crossover SUVs globally due to a possible brake pedal malfunction. This recall involves the 2024 - 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and the 2024 Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid models, which all use the same platform. Approximately 21,000 of the recalled vehicles are in the United States, with the remainder distributed in Canada, Mexico, and other global markets. Stellantis estimates that 5% of these vehicles have a faulty brake pedal.
"Cool Products"
Porsche 911 GT3
Porsche has updated its existing 911 GT3 and launched the new 2024 version to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the GT3 series. The new GT3 offers two options: the standard GT3 and the cooler GT3 Touring. Both models are equipped with the familiar 4.0-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine. As an update from Porsche, the new car has undergone subtle improvements to meet more stringent emission standards. The cylinder head has been redesigned, and the camshaft from the GT3 RS is used in the GT3 to provide more dynamic performance. The oil cooler and throttle valve have also been optimized. Power remains the same at 503 horsepower, but torque has slightly decreased from 347 lb-ft to 332 lb-ft.
Porsche 911 GT3 (Source: Porsche)
Porsche 911 GT3 (Source: Porsche)
Nevertheless, the GT3 is still very fast. Porsche claims that the 0-62 mph (0 - 100 km/h) acceleration time of the GT3 is 3.4 seconds (3.9 seconds for the manual transmission), and the top speed is 193 mph (0 - 312 km/h) (194 mph for the manual transmission). The final drive ratios for both the manual and PDK transmissions have been shortened by 8%. Other moderate changes include a redesigned front splitter, a fine-tuned spoiler lip, and modified chassis fins, which subtly increase downforce and improve airflow.
