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Stellantis Develops Next-Generation Electric Vehicle Power Architecture, Tesla Conducts Road Tests of Unmanned Taxis in Texas | Overseas Daily

EV Focus 日报2024-11-12 18:04
EV Focus Overseas Daily on November 12th

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Tesla Tests Steering Wheel-Less Cybercab Autonomous Taxi at Gigafactory in Texas

Key Points:

Tesla recently conducted tests of the Cybercab autonomous taxi at its Gigafactory in Texas. This move is notable as Tesla is limited in where it can test vehicles without steering wheels. Last month, Tesla unveiled the Cybercab at the Warner Bros. studio lot. The reason for this choice is obvious - Tesla wanted to showcase an autonomous taxi fleet operating in an urban setting. While the studio lot resembles a small city, it is all privately owned roads, which is the real reason Tesla chose to demonstrate here. Tesla has not applied for an autonomous driving test permit but relies on its "Full Self-Driving (FSD)" being classified as a Level 2 driver assistance system, where the driver is always responsible. Under these conditions, Tesla can test its system in its existing vehicle lineup, but the Cybercab is different as it has no steering wheel or pedals.

Now, Tesla has been spotted testing the Cybercab around the Gigafactory in Austin, Texas. Some of the roads in the Texas Gigafactory campus are private, and Texas has much looser autonomous driving regulations than California, where Tesla showcased the vehicle. Texas does not require a permit for autonomous vehicles, making it the preferred testing location for Tesla's Cybercab. Tesla has avoided testing its autonomous driving technology in California for years to avoid the California Department of Motor Vehicles' data reporting rules. At Tesla's last earnings call, CEO Elon Musk and Autopilot head Ashok Elluswamy said Tesla's goal is to have its supervised FSD system travel more than 600,000 miles between disengagements by the second quarter of 2025. At that time, Tesla plans to launch its unsupervised autonomous driving system before the Cybercab goes on sale in 2026. Of course, it should be noted that this is only Tesla's vision, and currently available data shows that Tesla has a mileage of 190 miles between key disengagements.

Tesla tests Cybercab (Source: Electrek)

Opinions:

The news of Tesla testing the Cybercab autonomous taxi at the Gigafactory in Texas has once again drawn public attention to the future development direction of autonomous driving technology. This test is not only a reflection of Tesla's technological progress in the field of autonomous driving but also a bold exploration of the future mode of travel. From a technical perspective, the test of the Cybercab shows Tesla's confidence and ambition in autonomous driving technology. The design without a steering wheel and pedals indicates that Tesla is moving towards fully autonomous driving, which not only liberates the driver's hands but also has the potential to completely change the urban traffic ecosystem. Tesla's choice to test in Texas also reflects its flexible response to regulations in different regions and its thoughtful consideration of the commercialization path of autonomous driving technology. From an industry trend perspective, autonomous taxis are regarded as a revolutionary product for future travel. They can not only provide more convenient and safe travel services but also reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution. Tesla's move will undoubtedly push the entire industry towards this goal. At the same time, this will also bring challenges to the existing traffic regulations and insurance industry, requiring relevant departments and industries to make corresponding adjustments and adaptations. However, the development of autonomous driving technology also faces many challenges, including technical maturity, regulatory restrictions, and public acceptance. Tesla's Cybercab test is a step on the road to achieving the goal of fully autonomous driving, but to achieve commercialization and large-scale deployment, many technical and non-technical obstacles still need to be overcome. Overall, Tesla's Cybercab test is a positive exploration of the future mode of travel. It not only showcases Tesla's technical strength but also provides new ideas and directions for the development of the entire autonomous driving industry.

Peugeot E-3008 Demonstrates the Extra-Long Battery Range of the STLA Medium Platform, Requiring Only Two Charges from Paris to Nice

Key Points:

The STLA Medium platform of Stellantis Group has achieved a new milestone in the electric vehicle field, with its long-range version performing exceptionally well in actual highway driving. The latest Peugeot E-3008, equipped with the long-range BEV powertrain, only requires two charges for the journey from Paris to Nice (France), while maintaining the maximum highway speed limit of 130 kilometers per hour and an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. This performance is comparable to the frequency of refueling and driver rest in internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE), making the long-range version of the STLA Medium platform stand out among similar products. Ned Curic, Stellantis Group's Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, said: "We are always focused on creating technologies that directly benefit our customers. The long-range capability of the STLA Medium platform makes it an ideal choice for long-distance travel without sacrificing the convenience and efficiency of BEVs. Now, drivers can enjoy fewer stops at charging stations and achieve longer trips, which provides both performance and peace of mind." Simulation tests show that vehicles built on the STLA Medium platform, such as the Peugeot E-3008, have shown similar results in long-distance trips from Turin to Naples (Italy) and from Prague to Brussels (Europe). The long-range version of the STLA Medium platform is the only one in its class that can cover nearly 1,000 kilometers at highway speeds with only two charges, further consolidating its leading position among similar products. Currently, the Peugeot E-3008, Peugeot E-5008, and Opel Grandland have been built on the STLA Medium platform, and it is expected that five new models will be launched by the end of 2026. In addition to the core advantages of electric vehicles (BEVs) such as zero tailpipe emissions, low operating costs, and a quiet and smooth driving experience, the long-range version also supports fewer stops at charging stations, thanks to the high-performance ACC battery produced at the Douvrin/Billy-Berclau Super Factory in the Hauts-de-France region of France.

Peugeot STLA platform (Source: ElectricCarsReport)

Opinions:

This achievement of the STLA Medium platform not only marks a significant progress in the long-range field of electric vehicle technology but also provides more convenience and practicality for long-distance travel with electric vehicles. With the continuous expansion of the electric vehicle market and the increasing demand for electric vehicle range from consumers, this breakthrough of the STLA Medium platform is particularly important. From a technical perspective, the long-range capability of the STLA Medium platform not only reduces the number of charging times but also improves the practicality and attractiveness of electric vehicles. This has a positive impact on the popularity and acceptance of electric vehicles, especially among consumers who have higher requirements for the range of electric vehicles. In addition, this long-range capability also helps to reduce the "range anxiety" of electric vehicle users, that is, the worry that the battery power is insufficient to reach the destination. From the perspective of environmental protection and sustainable development, the long-range electric vehicles of the STLA Medium platform reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global climate change. At the same time, the production and recycling of high-performance batteries are also an important part of the sustainable development of the electric vehicle industry, which requires the joint efforts of the entire industry to ensure that the battery production and recycling processes are environmentally friendly and efficient.

Kia EV3 Enters the Compact SUV Market with a Range of 600 Kilometers

Key Points:

Kia Motors Corporation recently launched its latest compact electric SUV, the EV3, in the European market. With a single-charge range of up to 375 miles, the EV3 has become a leader in its class. The EV3 not only excels in range but also focuses on space optimization, comfort, and ease of use in its interior design, demonstrating Kia's innovative strength in the electric vehicle field. The EV3 inherits the high-end technology of Kia's EV6 and EV9, both of which have received multiple awards. With its compact, efficient, spacious, and comfortable design, the EV3 can adapt to various lifestyles and become the main vehicle choice for families. After extensive testing under various driving conditions in Europe, the EV3 has performed well on highways, city streets, winding roads, and long trips, and its range and charging efficiency have been verified, making it one of the most efficient electric vehicles on the market. Based on Kia's dedicated electric vehicle architecture, the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV3 aims to enhance the driving and ownership experience while making electric vehicles more accessible. This is part of Kia's plan to launch 11 electric vehicle models in the market by 2026, expand to 15 models by 2027, and achieve an all-electric product line in Europe by 2035. The EV3's range can reach 479 miles in urban driving conditions, thanks to the i-Pedal technology and regenerative braking system, providing more flexibility and control for the driver. In addition, the EV3 also features an advanced aerodynamic design with a drag coefficient of only 0.263, helping to reduce energy consumption and increase range. The 400V fast charging technology enables the EV3 to charge from 10% to 80% in 29 minutes for the 58.3 kWh battery version, and 31 minutes for the 81.4 kWh version. The EV3 also supports bidirectional charging, including vehicle-to-grid, vehicle-to-home, and vehicle-to-building, which will be gradually introduced in the European market.

Kia EV3 Compact SUV (Source: ElectricCarsReport)

Opinions:

The launch of the Kia EV3 is not only another important layout of Kia in the electric vehicle field but also a powerful impact on the current compact electric SUV market. With its excellent range and innovative technology, the EV3 provides consumers with a new environmentally friendly and practical choice. In the context of the increasingly fierce competition in the global electric vehicle market, the listing of the EV3 will undoubtedly intensify the competition in this field. From a technical perspective, the high efficiency and fast charging technology of the EV3, as well as its innovative regenerative braking system, all show Kia's deep accumulation in electric vehicle technology. The application of these technologies not only improves the performance of the EV3 but also brings a more convenient and comfortable driving experience to the driver. At the same time, the bidirectional charging function and V2L technology of the EV3 also open up new possibilities for the versatility and practicality of electric vehicles. From the perspective of environmental protection and sustainability, the design concept and material selection of the EV3 reflect Kia's commitment to environmental protection. The use of sustainable materials and recycled plastics, as well as the recycled ocean plastic project in cooperation with The Ocean Cleanup, all show Kia's efforts in promoting environmental protection and sustainable development. Overall, the launch of the EV3 is another important milestone for Kia in the electric vehicle field. It not only meets the needs of consumers for high-performance electric vehicles but also brings new vitality and innovation to the electric vehicle market.

"Big Events"

Honda Partners with Swedish Startup GoCimo to Launch Battery Sharing Service Validation Test in 2025

Honda Battery Sharing Service (Source: ElectricCarsReport)

Honda Motor Company is collaborating with the Swedish startup GoCimo to conduct a one-year battery sharing service validation test in Malmö, Sweden, starting in February 2025. This test aims to verify the acceptability of the battery sharing service in Europe, the suitability of the new battery swap stations, and the commercial feasibility of the service. The test will involve Honda's Power Pack Exchanger e: (battery swap station), which will be installed at three locations in Malmö for swapping the Mobile Power Pack e: (battery) of the EM1 e: (electric motorcycle) sold by Honda in Europe. Honda will provide hardware and system support, including 30 EM1 e:, 60 Honda Mobile Power Pack e:, and three Honda Power Pack Exchanger e:, as well as after-sales service. GoCimo, founded in 2022, aims to address the rising emissions and traffic congestion in the delivery and transportation industry caused by the growth of the urban logistics market. GoCimo has been operating battery sharing services in two Swedish cities, Stockholm and Gothenburg. In this validation test, GoCimo will be responsible for the operation of the battery sharing service, customer acquisition and management, and the determination of battery swap station locations. Honda and GoCimo will also evaluate the potential for a long-term partnership in the European market during the test period. Honda has already launched battery sharing services in Japan, India, Indonesia, and Thailand. This validation test in Sweden will be the fifth country for Honda's battery sharing service. Through the collaboration with GoCimo, Honda aims to promote the electrification of electric motorcycles and the widespread use of replaceable batteries by promoting the use of battery sharing services for Honda products in major European cities, mainly for commercial users, supporting the electrification of mobility and contributing to a low-carbon society.

Stellantis Collaborates with Infineon Technologies to Develop Next-Generation EV Power Architecture

Stellantis and Infineon Technologies have announced their collaboration to develop the power architecture for Stellantis' electric vehicles, in support of Stellantis' vision to provide clean, safe, and affordable mobility solutions. The two parties have signed a significant supply and capacity agreement, laying the foundation for their cooperation in the development of the next-generation power architecture.

Stellantis and Infineon Technologies Collaboration (Source: ElectricCarsReport)

In addition, the two parties are expanding their cooperation by implementing the Joint Power Lab to define the next-generation scalable and intelligent power architecture, enabling Stellantis' software-defined vehicles. Maxime Picat, Stellantis' Chief Purchasing and Supplier Quality Officer, said: "As outlined in our strategic plan 'Dare Forward 2030', we are ensuring the supply of critical semiconductor solutions to continue our electrification transformation, leveraging innovative electronic and electrical architectures for our next-generation platforms." Peter Schiefer, President of Infineon's Automotive Division, said: "Infineon is now entering into a partnership of collaboration and innovation with Stellantis. As the world's leading automotive semiconductor supplier, we bring expertise from products to systems and reliable electronic products. Our semiconductors drive the decarbonization and digitalization of mobility, increase the efficiency of vehicles, and enable software-defined architectures, which will significantly improve the user experience." Infineon has the world's most cost-competitive SiC factory in Kulim, Malaysia, the upcoming 300mm "Smart Power Factory" in Dresden, Germany, as well as joint ventures with TSMC and partners (ESMC), and accompanying supply agreements with foundry partners. Infineon is ready to fully meet the market demand for automotive semiconductor solutions. According to market research firm TechInsights, Infineon is the number one supplier of automotive microcontrollers globally, with a share of approximately 29% of the global automotive microcontroller market.

Australia Promotes V2G Technology for Electric Vehicles to Provide a New Solution for Grid Stress Relief

The Australian government recently announced that it plans to allow domestic electric vehicles to use the V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) technology. This initiative aims to provide