Musk admits that the HW3 hardware may not support FSD, and Stellantis invests $29.5 million to build a wind tunnel | Overseas Daily
"Top 3 News"
Elon Musk Finally Admits: Tesla HW3 Hardware May Not Support Full Self-Driving
Key Points:
In the meeting after the release of Tesla's Q3 2024 financial report, Tesla CEO Elon Musk admitted for the first time that the currently installed HW3 hardware in Tesla vehicles might not be able to support Full Self-Driving (FSD). Previously, Tesla had always promised that the HW3 hardware could achieve this function. Musk stated that although the company is not 100% certain, the capability of the HW4 hardware is several times that of HW3, making it easier to achieve the self-driving function, while optimizing these functions to be compatible with HW3 requires more effort. Musk also mentioned that if it is ultimately determined that HW3 cannot achieve unsupervised FSD, Tesla will offer free hardware upgrades to customers who have purchased HW3 FSD. Although the system is designed to be upgradable, HW3 cannot be directly upgraded to the existing HW4 hardware due to differences in power supply, camera harness, and hardware size. Tesla needs to design a new HW4 version to be able to retrofit it into HW3 vehicles. Tesla is currently selling the "Full Self-Driving" software package globally and claims to achieve this function next year. However, Musk's latest statement has raised further questions about Tesla's self-driving technology roadmap. Tesla has been adjusting its self-driving technology development plan in the past few years, and this statement by Musk seems to indicate that even within the company, there is uncertainty about the specific path and schedule to achieve full self-driving.
Tesla FSD Components (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
Musk's statement about the possibility that HW3 hardware may not support full self-driving is undoubtedly an important correction to Tesla's self-driving technology development route. This statement not only has an important impact on Tesla's investors and consumers but also poses a challenge to the expectation management of the entire self-driving industry. Firstly, this statement may affect consumers' confidence in Tesla's self-driving function. For a long time, Tesla's self-driving technology has been a major selling point of its brand, and the promise of "Full Self-Driving" has attracted the attention of many consumers. If HW3 hardware indeed cannot achieve this function, then consumers who have already purchased or are planning to purchase Tesla vehicles may be disappointed. Secondly, this statement also reflects the complexity and uncertainty of the development of self-driving technology. Despite Tesla's huge investment in the self-driving field, technological breakthroughs are not achieved overnight. Musk's statement reminds us that even industry leaders face challenges in technological development and market uncertainty.
Kia Partners with Korea's Largest Utility Company to Develop Electric Vans
Key Points:
Kia Motors is exploring new application scenarios for its first electric PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) van to be launched next year. At the 2024 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Kia showcased three PBV concept models (PV1, PV5, and PB7) for the first time, ranging from medium to large sizes. The company claims that the platform is "a blank canvas that can redefine the way space and mobility are adapted". The PBV is designed as a "comprehensive mobility solution", combining modern advanced software with purpose-built electric vehicles. Among them, the medium-sized electric van PV5 will be the first model to be launched next year. Before its official debut, Kia has found new uses for this platform. Kia is collaborating with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPC), the largest utility company in Korea, to create optimized electric vans for its fleet. Kia says the new partnership will "help expand customized mobility services and accelerate the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem". The two companies also plan to develop a "Fleet Management System (FMS)" to improve work efficiency. Kia aims to take a leading position in the Korean market and hopes to gain a leadership position globally. The company is collaborating with Uber to provide ride-hailing services on its extensive platform. Last month, these purpose-built electric vehicles made their debut in Europe at the IAA Hannover. Kia also signed an agreement with Sojit to sell its PBV in Japan starting from 2026. After the launch of the PV5 next year, Kia will introduce a series of software-defined electric vans ranging from medium to large sizes. Kia's PV5 electric van has undergone multiple tests before its official debut. At first glance, it may challenge Volkswagen's ID.Buzz. Kia will build the PBV models at the newly built dedicated facility Autoland Hwaseong in Hwaseong, South Korea. The factory is expected to open next year with an annual production capacity of 150,000 units. By 2030, production could double to 300,000 units.
Kia's First PBV, Kia PV5 Concept Vehicle (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
This collaboration not only demonstrates Kia's ambition in the electric van sector but also reflects its far-reaching layout in the field of sustainable mobility solutions. As an important branch of the commercial vehicle market, the electrification transformation of electric vans is crucial for promoting the electrification process of the entire automotive industry. Through its collaboration with KEPC, Kia can not only provide customized electric vans for utility companies but also improve work efficiency through the Fleet Management System (FMS), which is of great significance for improving the operational efficiency and reducing the operating costs of electric vans. In addition, this initiative by Kia also helps to promote the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem, especially in the construction of charging infrastructure and the popularization of electric vans. Kia's PBV platform provides a flexible solution that can be customized according to different needs. This flexibility can not only meet the specific needs of different customers but also provides strong support for Kia's competitiveness in the global market. With the launch of the PV5 electric van, Kia is expected to gain a foothold in the electric van sector.
Wayve Sets Up New Office in the US, Initiates Similar-to-Tesla Autonomous Driving Technology Testing
Key Points:
The London-based autonomous driving startup Wayve, supported by giants such as Uber and SoftBank, plans to start testing its "Tesla-like" self-learning autonomous driving software in San Francisco and the Bay Area in the US. To support its expansion in the US and artificial intelligence development, Wayve has opened a new office in Sunnyvale, California. The company's AI development aims to enable vehicles to interact and learn with human behavior in a real-world environment to improve the safety of autonomous vehicles and make the roads safer for everyone. Wayve says its test program will focus on its self-learning autonomous driving system, which is similar to Tesla's and aims to improve driving safety. At the same time, the company will also develop AI software that can provide a range of driving assistance and automation functions for various vehicles. The tests will start on a small scale and gradually expand to more advanced autonomous driving tests. Since 2018, the company has been conducting trials on public roads in the UK, which began one year after the company was founded. In May this year, the company raised $1.05 billion in its Series C funding round led by the Japanese investment bank SoftBank, with Microsoft and NVIDIA also participating in this round, making it one of the largest AI financings in the UK's history. Uber also announced its participation in Wayve's funding round but did not disclose the investment amount. Before Uber's participation, Wayve raised $200 million in its Series B funding in 2022 and $20 million in its Series A funding in 2019. In August this year, the company stated that it expects its autonomous vehicles to provide services in the Uber network in multiple markets around the world.
Wayve's New Studio (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
Wayve's move marks the rise of another important player in the autonomous driving field, especially in the US market. The company's self-learning autonomous driving software represents an emerging trend in autonomous driving technology, that is, to improve the adaptability and safety of the autonomous driving system by imitating and learning human driving behavior. The development and testing of this technology not only have important significance for Wayve itself but also have a profound impact on the development of the entire autonomous driving industry. Firstly, Wayve's choice to conduct tests in San Francisco and the Bay Area, where the complex traffic environment and diverse driving scenarios will provide the company with valuable data and experience. This data will help the company further optimize its AI algorithms and improve the adaptability and stability of the autonomous driving system in different traffic conditions. At the same time, this will also lay the foundation for the company to promote its technology globally. Secondly, Wayve's AI software has broad application prospects. The company plans to sell its software to automakers, which means that its technology is expected to be widely applied to various vehicle models and brands. This not only can promote the popularization of autonomous driving technology but also may change the competitive landscape of automakers in the autonomous driving field.
"Big Events"
Stellantis Invests $29.5 Million in Developing Innovative Wind Tunnel Technology
Global automaker Stellantis has announced that it has invested $29.5 million in its Research and Technology Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, to introduce an innovative Moving Ground Plane (MGP) technology. This technology upgrades the wind tunnel facility, enabling it to measure and reduce the aerodynamic drag of wheels and tires, which can account for up to 10% of the aerodynamic drag in real-world driving. Optimizing aerodynamic efficiency is crucial for improving the range of electric vehicles per charge. This improvement directly contributes to increased efficiency, providing customers with a longer electric vehicle range while potentially reducing the battery size, which could lead to savings in cost and weight.
Stellantis Wind Tunnel Test Site (Source: Electriccarsreport)
Mark Champine, Senior Vice President of Stellantis North America Engineering and Technology Center, said: "For customers transitioning to clean mobility through battery power, range is a core consideration. This makes this investment crucial. By reducing drag, we increase the range of electric vehicles, ultimately enhancing the overall driving experience for customers." After the company's innovative aerodynamic and aeroacoustic wind tunnel upgrade, it allows the test vehicle to remain stationary while simulating real-world driving. A conveyor belt suspended by air cushions enables all four wheels to move, while a fifth conveyor belt runs longitudinally under the vehicle to simulate driving conditions on the road. This realistic simulation allows for more accurate testing and aerodynamic improvements. Champine said: "For electric vehicles, the range increase achieved through improved aerodynamic performance could lead to a reduction in battery size. This has a positive impact from more efficient packaging to weight savings, ultimately enhancing the customer experience."
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Sets New Lap Record at Shanghai International Circuit
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (Source: Electriccarsreport)
Porsche's Taycan Turbo GT electric sports car, equipped with the Weissach package, has set a new lap record at the Shanghai International Circuit, achieving a time of 2 minutes, 11.28 seconds, making it the fastest production vehicle on this F1 track. This achievement is not only the first officially recognized lap record at the Shanghai International Circuit but also another success for the Taycan Turbo GT on different tracks around the world, following the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany and Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca in California, USA. Kevin Giek, Vice President of the Porsche Taycan product line, said: "Each track presents its unique challenges. To showcase the comprehensive performance of the Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach package, we set records on three distinct tracks around the world. Good things come in threes, and the Taycan has achieved excellent results in the Eifel region of Germany, California, and China, achieving success on the international stage." When challenging the Shanghai International Circuit, Porsche development driver Lars Kern said that the changing weather conditions added an extra difficulty to the challenge, with the track remaining slightly damp until the end. He was impressed with the performance of the Taycan on the Chinese track, especially in the section known as the "Snail Curve", where extremely intense braking is required when entering the corner. This corner is named for its shape, which gradually narrows as it progresses, mimicking the design of a snail shell. Lars Kern also emphasized the importance of accelerating out of the Snail Curve to ensure as much speed as possible is carried into the following left turn.
Scout Electric SUV and Pickup Open for Reservations with Over 500 Miles of Range
Volkswagen Scout (Source: Electrek)
The Volkswagen Group's revived Scout brand has finally unveiled the production-intent concept versions of its two flagship electric models. In Nashville, Tennessee, Scout Motors shared detailed information about its first SUV - the Traveler, and the electric pickup - the Terra. If Scout can achieve its goals, the prices of these new electric vehicles will also be quite reasonable. Scout's new electric vehicles have been in the making for 80 years. This brand originated from the Scout off-road vehicles produced by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. Although only about 530,000 Scout trucks were produced during that production cycle, this almost-forgotten brand still has a small but passionate fan base. Two years ago, the Volkswagen Group shared its plan to revive the Scout brand name using this heritage and to maintain its rugged off-road performance in the modern electric vehicle era. By November 2023, we learned that Scout has developed two electric models with the help of contract manufacturer Magna International. Until today, we have only seen extensive renderings of these two flagship models, while the physical models are being designed and developed in Novi, Michigan, where a new innovation center is being built. Scout President and CEO Scott Keogh promised that we would see the first two Scout electric vehicles this summer. Summer has passed, but this young electric vehicle brand has delivered on its promise in the autumn, officially debuting the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup for the first time.
Kia's 2025 Upgraded EV6 Spotted on American Streets
Kia Motors is set to launch the new upgraded EV6 electric vehicle in the US market. This 2025 version of the EV6 has undergone significant design upgrades. Recently, this new model was spotted on American streets, and although it was camouflaged, the new design elements were still noticeable. Since its debut in 2021, the EV6, as Kia's first electric vehicle based on the modern E-GMP platform, shares the platform with the IONIQ 5. The EV6 was launched in the US in early 2022 and was