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In future, when motor vehicles can operate themselves and move around without control by a human driver, a steering wheel would no longer be necessary. That would add an extra seating space for a passenger who would not need to be qualified to drive. However, for now, autonomous vehicles (AVs) still require a steering wheel as a back-up in case control must be taken by a human in an emergency. The autonomous vehicle systems are still not considered 100% safe to be left to operate without such a safeguard.

Nevertheless, progress is being made and in April this year, authorities in China started permitting the removal of the steering wheel in AVs. In the US too, new regulations allow AVs to operate without having a steering wheel or pedals present. Of course, before such vehicles can be run on public roads, they would have to be tested and certified to be safe for use.

Baidu Apollo RT6 autonomous vehicle

One company which has a production ready AV is Baidu, the well known tech company in China. Its name may not come to mind when talking about cars, but it claims to be the market leader in autonomous driving in China. This is based on the number of test kilometres and number of test licenses. As of December 31, 2020, Baidu had 199 autonomous vehicle driving licenses with extensive geographical coverage in China, compared to the second player which had approximately 20 licenses.

Baidu Apollo RT6 autonomous vehicle

Recently, the company made headline news in the auto world when it announced a next-generation AV called the Apollo RT6. Designed for complex urban environments, the car will be put into operation in China in 2023 on Apollo Go, Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing service. Baidu plans to sell the Apollo RT6 at RMB250,000 (about RM165,000), a price level that it believes will quickly boost volumes for economies of scale.

“Massive cost reduction will enable us to deploy tens of thousands of AVs across China. We are moving towards a future where taking a robotaxi will be half the cost of taking a taxi today,” said Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu, at the Baidu World 2022 conference recently.

Baidu Apollo RT6 autonomous vehicle

Baidu is expected to start its robotaxi service in Beijing from the second half of 2023. It will help accelerate AV deployment at scale, bringing the world closer to a future of driverless shared mobility.

As Baidu’s 6th generation AV, the RT6 is distinct from previous generations that were otherwise retrofitted on conventional vehicles. Measuring 4760 mm long with a wheelbase of 2830 mm, it has a completely flat floor and rear legroom up to 1050 mm. The steering wheel is optional and can be removed if not required.

AVs require many sensors to collect information and images about their surroundings to safely move on roads, especially in complex urban environments. The RT6 has Baidu’s most advanced Level 4 autonomous driving system, powered by automotive-grade dual computing units with a computing power of up to 1200 TOPS. The electrically-powered AV utilizes 38 sensors, including 8 LiDARs and 12 cameras, to obtain highly accurate, long-range detection on all sides.

Baidu Apollo RT6 autonomous vehicle

It is the first vehicle model built on Xinghe, Baidu’s self-developed automotive E/E architecture specially for fully autonomous driving. The autonomous driving capability of the RT6 is said to be equivalent to a skilled driver with 20 years of experience. Its safety and reliability have been confirmed by extensive real-world data from over 32 million kms of real-world testing. There is full redundancy throughout both hardware and autonomous driving software.

Baidu Apollo RT6 autonomous vehicle

As the world’s largest robotaxi service provider, Baidu’s Apollo Go has expanded to 10 cities in China since its launch in 2020, including all first-tier cities, and provided more than 1 million orders. The Apollo ecosystem has more than 200 partners, tier one suppliers and other strategic partners.

The Apollo Robotaxi operation which will use the RT6 has been a massive business opportunity for Baidu. The company has T4 licenses, the highest level of autonomous driving test license issued by the working group led by Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, which permits AVs to operate in complex driving conditions such as urban roads, tunnels, school zones and other scenarios. A pilot robotaxi program was made available to the public in 2019 and since then, the service has been extended to Beijing, Changsha and Cangzhou and expanded into larger networks and more complex road conditions.

 

The Mercedes-EQ sub-brand for fully electric Mercedes-Benz models was introduced in Malaysia some 4 years back, and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has been waiting for the right time to start its EQ offensive. That right time has come in 2022, with the government providing full duty exemption on the import and sale of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for a few years and a bit long if they are assembled locally. Like the duty-free incentive provided by hybrids and EVs 10 years ago, the move is aimed at popularising zero emission vehicles to generate the demand which the industry needs in order to make it viable selling them.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

MBM has been ready for some time as Mercedes-Benz already has a range of Mercedes-EQ models in production which cover a range of segments, including the top end. Here, the brand is represented by the EQS, the flagship of the range. The EQS is fairly new in the Mercedes-EQ range, having been launched just a year back as the fifth model of the BEV line-up.

It’s also the first Mercedes-EQ model to be based using the Modular Electrical Architecture (MEA), internally referred to as EVA II. This is a dedicated platform and architecture for BEVs intended for use with the Mercedes-EQ models from the midrange upwards, as opposed to the MFA II platform for the compact models. The MEA platform accommodates modular battery packs and can be varied to have different wheelbases as well as use single or dual motor powertrains.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

The EQS, like the S-Class, takes its place at the top of the Mercedes-EQ range and therefore has the prominence in its design to generate a strong presence. The designers have taken advantage of the fact that it does not have a combustion engine which, in some ways, allows new approaches to styling and modelling surfaces with ‘Sensual Purity’.

Aerodynamics have always been important in car design as this influences performance as well as noise levels. For BEVs, it is even more crucial because wind resistance has to be minimised as much as possible so that more of the available power can be used to propel the car rather than to overcome resistance. The EQS thus has carefully modelled surfaces with reduced joints and seamless transitions between panels in its coupe-like silhouette. Unique in this segment is the cab-forward design: the overhangs and the front-end assembly are short, the rear is smoothly rounded.

With a lot of meticulous detail work, the aerodynamicists in close cooperation with the designers were able to achieve a new Cd benchmark of 0.20. This makes the EQS the most aerodynamic production car in the world at the moment. 40 years ago, the lowest Cd for a production car was 0.30 which was achieved by the Audi 100.

For the Malaysian market, MBM is importing the EQS in EQS 450+ form and prices it at RM698,888 (without insurance but with sales tax). It comes with AMG Line package which includes 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. Below the ‘radiator grille’ (a radiator is unnecessary), there’s an AMG-styled bumper which is sportier and likewise, the rear bumper also gets treatment from the brand’s high-performance subsidiary.

The EQS450+ is among six power output choices for the model and this has a single motor powering the rear wheels which generates 245 kW/333 ps and 565 Nm of torque. That can take the 2,480 kg EQS450+ from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 6.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 210 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz has spent a lot of money on battery development as this is a critical component of a BEV, the ‘fuel tank’ which determines how far the car can travel. For the EQS, there is a new generation of batteries with significantly higher energy density. These have a usable energy content of around 107.8 kWh. A range of 782 kms is claimed for a full charge and this is helped by an effective recuperation strategy with high recuperation power (up to 290 kW).

Owners get a charging cable with each EQS450+ that can be used for various recharging options with varying times. AC charging is supported up to 11 kW and direct current (DC) charging can be up to 200 kW for shorter times. According to MBM, it would take 10 hours to recharge to 100% from 10% with an 11 kW and just 31 minutes from 10% to 80% if a 200 kW charger outlet is used. So the slower speed could probably be best for home recharging overnight where a wallbox can be installed while the high-speed charging can be used when travelling long distances.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

The Mercedes-EQ MEA architecture allows interior designers new freedom in packaging which provides more space front and rear. The highlight of the cabin, which can be bathed with light from above through the panoramic sunroof, is the visual technology. This is exemplified by the MBUX Hyperscreen which makes its debut with the EQS. Featuring a fingerprint scanner, the MBUX multimedia system and an OLED front passenger display form a large and continuous panel from left to right. The integrated ambient lighting installed in the lower part of the MBUX Hyperscreen makes the display unit appear to float on the instrument panel.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

The passenger side display and operating area has up to seven profiles to customize the content. If the passenger seat is not occupied, the screen becomes a digital decorative part. In this case, animated stars, ie the Mercedes-Benz Pattern, are displayed.

For better display quality, OLED technology is used in central and passenger displays. This is where the individual image points are self-luminous; non-controlled image pixels remain switched off, which means that they appear deep black. The active OLED pixels, on the other hand, radiate with high colour brilliance, resulting in high contrast values, regardless of the angle of view and the lighting conditions. All the graphics are styled in a new blue/orange colour scheme throughout.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

Futuristic as the MBUX Hyperscreen is, there is still a classic cockpit display with two circular instruments to give the driver a sense of familiarity. Perhaps, in future, everything will change as later generations are more comfortable with a fully digital world. The instrument panel has been reinterpreted with a digital laser sword in a glass lens. In EV mode, important functions of the electric drive are visualized in a new way, with a spatially moving clasp, and thus made tangible.

MBUX is also an interactive system which acts as an intelligent ‘personal assistant’ for both front and rear occupants. There’s also MBUX Navigation Premium for extended functions and this uses augmented reality for navigation. Also included is the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System, 2 wireless headsets, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

The Electric Art interior allows creating an ambience according to personal preferences with a choice of 64 colours of ambient lighting. An active system allows passengers to experience a technological leap visually as it links aesthetics with innovative driver information and extended functions. Wraparound light strips and trim elements amalgamate to form an additional lighting level. This also supports driving assistance systems visually, thus emphasising the intelligence of the Mercedes-EQ vehicle.

The EQS has been subjected to a long period of tough development and testing so that it will meet the quality and reliability standards that Mercedes-Benz has built its reputation on. Owners will have a 4-year/unlimited-mileage warranty for the car and a separate warranty for the battery pack which is up to 10 years or a maximum of 250,000 kms.

2022 Mercedes EQ EQS450+

Showcars or concept cars used to be exercises in fantasy, showing the public the sort of vehicles people would be travelling in many decades in the future. Sometimes they got a bit outrageous with fancy ideas that would never become reality. But over time, concept cars have become previews of near-future products and designers use them to gauge response to some of the ideas they are exploring.

Cadillac’s latest showcar, called the CELESTIQ, has been conceived for that purpose – to present the brand’s vision of innovation and purpose in a 3-dimeensional form that will be the basis of its all-electric flagship sedan in future.

202x Cadillac CELESTIQ concept EV

“The CELESTIQ showcar is the purest expression of Cadillac,” said Magalie Debellis, Manager, Cadillac Advanced Design. “It brings to life the most integrated expressions of design and innovation in the brand’s history, coalescing in a defining statement of a true Cadillac flagship.”

Looking to the past for ideas
In developing the showcar, the design and engineering teams immersed themselves in the artisanship and customization that defined early Cadillac sedans such as the bespoke V16 powered coaches of the pre-war era, and the hand-built 1957 Eldorado Brougham. The CELESTIQ is the culmination of that heritage, created today with innovative production methods and new technologies.

202x Cadillac CELESTIQ concept EV

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was a limited edition model, with only 400 cars built.

“Those vehicles represented the pinnacle of luxury in their respective eras, and helped make Cadillac the standard of the world,” said Tony Roma, Chief Engineer. “The CELESTIQ showcar — also a sedan, because the configuration offers the very best luxury experience — builds on that pedigree and captures the spirt of arrival they expressed.”

The designers drew further inspiration from classic architecture such as the mid-century masterpieces of architect Eero Saarinen, along with other iconic American designs, which made era-defining statements when introduced and endured with distinctive timelessness.

202x Cadillac CELESTIQ concept EV

Clean-sheet development
Realizing and infusing those influences within a General Motors’ Ultium-based EV architecture enabled a clean-sheet expression for the CELESTIQ that considers the entirety of travel as a curated experience — one intended to evoke an emotional response. The result is a car that makes a magnetic first impression and cultivates a permanent personal connection.

“We’ve combined the beauty of function with the beauty of form,” said Laetitia Lopez, Creative Designer, Cadillac Colour and Trim. “We had to reconsider all aspects to immerse the customer, all of their senses, and create a connection with the vehicle through the finest genuine materials, exceptional detailing and advanced technology.”

202x Cadillac CELESTIQ concept EV

The show car previews some of the materials, innovative technologies and handcrafted attention to detail harnessed to express Cadillac’s vision for the future. Highlights include 5 high-definition, advanced LED interactive displays, including a massive 55-inch-diagonal advanced LED display, along with expected industry-firsts such as a variable-transmission Smart Glass Roof and Ultra Cruise. The latter will be General Motors’ next evolution of available handsfree driver assistance technology which Cadillac plans to offer with the CELESTIQ.

202x Cadillac CELESTIQ concept EV

Smart Glass Roof
The Smart Glass Roof features Suspended Particle Device technology that allows for 4 zones of variable lighting. This allows passengers to fine-tune their cabin experience for completely personalized comfort and visibility. Additionally, the huge advanced LED display introduces a passenger display with electronic digital blinds, an active privacy technology which is designed to allow passengers to enjoy video content while blocking it from the view of the driver. While they are previewed on the showcar, these technologies and others will make CELESTIQ the most advanced vehicle ever from Cadillac when it goes on sale.

202x Cadillac CELESTIQ concept EV

The launch date for the CELESTIQ production model has not been indicated but GM is investing US$81 million (about RM360.6 million) to support its assembly at GM’s Global Technical Centre the heart of the company’s engineering and design efforts. The CELESTIQ will be the first production vehicle built there since the facility’s inauguration in May 1956.

General Motors is fully committed to going electric as quickly as possible and all its divisions are headed in the same direction. While some of the divisions have shown concept cars, Chevrolet has revealed a production-ready electric model – the 2024 Blazer EV.

“The 2024 Blazer EV sets a new tone for electric SUVs, with options and intuitive technologies that help position Chevy for leadership in one of the fastest-growing EV segments,” said Scott Bell, Vice-President of Chevrolet. “Along with the all-new Silverado EV and Equinox EV coming next year, we are making great strides in offering more choices for zero tailpipe-emissions vehicles — choices that make switching to an EV easier than ever.”

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The Blazer EV is not a combustion-engined Blazer with an electric powertrain. It was developed independent and uses GM’s modular Ultium Platform which has been designed for multiple applications. The Ultium platform and its batteries are the heart of GM’s strategy. The batteries are unique in the industry because the large-format, pouch-style cells can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack. This allows engineers to optimize battery energy storage and layout for each vehicle design.

The athletic styling of the Blazer EV mimics that of the 2018 Blazer – with  performance cues inspired by the Camaro and Corvette. Each version has a muscular, athletic profile with taut  converging body lines. Prominent front-fender extractor vents associate with Chevy’s motorsports legacy.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The designers elevated the Blazer EV’s presence with a bold, dual-element LED exterior lighting signature that also has choreographed lighting sequences. These activate when the driver approaches or walks away. The effect features a full light bar and illuminated Bowtie emblem on the front. The front lighting also conveys the state of charge while the vehicle charges. A sequential orchestration of the lighting increases in speed and intensity as the battery’s charge increases.

Inside, the cabin also makes a modern design statement. Like the exterior, many of its elements draw inspiration from Chevrolet’s sportscars and performance heritage, such as a flat-bottom steering wheel and sculpted vents inspired by turbines.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

An expansive, 17.7-inch-diagonal colour touchscreen is the focal point of the cabin and the command centre for the vehicle’s infotainment system. A large 11-inch-diagonal colour Driver Information Centre in the instrument cluster complements the central touchscreen.

With design and engineering developed to live up to the legacy of the iconic Super Sport performance designation, the Blazer EV SS offers customers the most powerful experience in the line-up. It features an exclusive performance AWD propulsion configuration designed to produce up to 557 ps/878 Nm, and unique WOW (Wide Open Watts) mode enabling very quick acceleration.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

When it comes to charging, the Blazer EV uses an 11.5 kW onboard AC charging module for home charging and public charging, along with high-speed DC public fast-charging capability of up to 190 kW. It can recharge in about 10 minutes and get around 125 kms of range. A fully charged battery pack is claimed to be good for 515 kms.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

A major enabler of the Blazer EV’s technologies is Ultifi, GM’s new end-to-end vehicle software platform. It separates the vehicle’s software from the hardware to enable the frequent and seamless delivery of software-defined features, apps and services to customers over the air (OTA). Ultifi will allow customers to upgrade and personalize their vehicle as improvements and new features become available over time.

Besides four different versions for sale to the public, Chevrolet will also be offering a pursuit-rated Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) model for police fleet applications. These PPVs will have the largest Ultium battery in the line-up and a specific interior designed for police officers with ample room to accommodate emergency equipment and gear. To go on sale from mid-2023, the Blazer EV will have prices ranging from US$44,995 to US$65,995.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

As the pace of automotive development speeds up, improvements to many areas of a car occur much faster than before. During the period of one generation of a model, there can be many technical changes which can enhance performance or efficiency. In the past, carmakers might wait for the next generation to incorporate these changes as they might involve changing hardware, which can be costly and time-consuming.

With modern cars having many more electronic systems, the process of updating doesn’t have to wait so long. New software can be loaded into the system ECUs and the car can be updated right away. That’s what Porsche will be doing with the more than 75,000 Taycan electric sportscars now in use around the world. And instead of incremental updates, it is making one comprehensive update that will make all those cars similar in software status to the 2023 model year. It’s just like the updates you get for your smartphone which sometimes introduce new or improved features.

Improvements in many areas
Depending on when their vehicle was delivered and the specific features, owners will benefit from an increase in powertrain efficiency as well as new functions and improvements in the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), Porsche Connect and assistance systems. The uPdate also includes the option of having additional functions and equipment unlocked after purchase (known as ‘function on demand’ or FoD), an approach now being market-tested by some carmakers.

“This campaign will allow our customers to benefit from the continuous further development of the Taycan. We have extensively optimized the model series in almost every respect since 2019,” said Kevin Giek, Vice-President Model Line Taycan, during a media briefing online two days ago. “New functions have been added and others have been revised or tweaked to further enhance the customer experience.”

Porsche Taycan EV

The uPdate is free for owners but they have to bring their Taycan to an authorized Porsche service centre. It’s probably too extensive for an over-the-air (OTA) update which would not require the visit, but Mr. Giek said that this uPdate will enhance the OTA capability of all Taycan models. Presumably, that means that later updates can be broadcast to owners so they don’t need to go to the service centre.

The precise scope of the uPdate, and the duration of the service centre visit, will depend on the model year. Since the car was launched in 2019, many improvements have been made and for the older cars, more software may need to be updated.

Porsche Taycan EV

Main uPdates at a glance
Powertrain: While in the ‘Normal’ and ‘Range’ driving modes in all-wheel drive models, during partial load operation, the front electric motor is almost completely disconnected and de-energised. While coasting and at a standstill, both axles are free of drive torque. The electric freewheel reduces frictional drag losses which can increase the range.

The all-wheel drive indicator is now shown as an energy-flow indicator in the central display. This makes the current operating status of the drives easier to see. The energy recuperation strategy has also been optimized. The automatic recuperation setting is retained even when the driver changes the driving programme.

Porsche Taycan EV

Thermal management: The battery packs are sensitive to temperatures and operate at their best within a certain temperature range. The new software will enable better conditioning of the battery pack, especially at low outside temperatures. This will enable the Taycan to be rapidly charged more frequently overall and over a wider range of battery charge levels. The waste heat from the electrical components is used even more than before for this conditioning. For those Taycans of the 2020 and 2021 model years, the improvement will be in greater range and shorter charging times.

Porsche Communication Management (PCM) and Porsche Connect: These systems get new functions, a colourful tile design on the start screen, and even greater ease of use. For the 2020/2021 models and up to mid-February 2022 production, the uPdate optimizes the voice control and integrates the Spotify app. Android Auto is also available wirelessly.

Porsche Taycan EV

Charging stations can be filtered and selected in the navigation system based on charging capacity. Drivers of 2021 Taycan with a head-up display will also have an optimized view of the navigation map, among other elements. The display contents have been expanded, presenting additional information. For all Taycan models prior to the 2023 model year, the on-board operating instructions can now also be used via voice control.

Porsche Taycan EV

Assistance systems: The uPdate will adjust some systems to support the driver in even more situations. For example, the sensors of the ParkAssist function will work with a greater range. The search for available parking spaces has been improved as well, so that even smaller spaces are offered to the driver as an option.

Onboard charger retrofit
The 22 kW onboard charger has now become available for retrofitting as an extra-cost offering. With up to 22 kW of charging capacity, the more powerful variant charges the battery significantly faster. In Europe and North America, the retrofit also includes activation of the Plug & Charge function. This enables convenient charging and payment without a card or app. As soon as the charging cable is plugged in, the Taycan establishes encrypted communication with the Plug & Charge-compatible charging station. The charging and payment processes then start automatically.

“An exercise as big and comprehensive as this one has never been done before for any of our combustion engine models. Following this uPdate, anyone driving a Taycan from early in the car’s production run will be pleasantly surprised by how much has developed on the vehicle side since then,” said Mr. Giek, adding that, internally, Porsche refers to this as the ‘uPdate’ (with a capital ‘P’) because the 2023 model year, which started in July 2022, bears the letter ‘P’.

Sunshine has energy which can be converted into electricity. With that energy source shining down on our planet daily for around 12 hours, it would seem that we should make use of it to power the many different types of modern equipment that we use today. And that is already happening with solar panels collecting sunshine which is converted to electricity for industrial use as well as things like water heaters in homes.

Now that there is this rush towards electrification of cars, why not use solar energy which is unlimited – and costs nothing? Manufacturers are spending billions in developing electric vehicles and surely they would have been able to come out with solar-powered cars by now. After all, they can even use hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity which is then used to power cars.

2023 Aptera Solar Electric Vehicle

Why are there few solar cars?
The problem is that the technology is still not advanced enough to generate the amounts of electricity constantly to keep a car running. Maybe in the Star Trek age another 250 years in the future, a small solar panel will be enough to power a car indefinitely but at this time, an array of solar panels on a medium-sized car would need around 8 days to fully charge a battery pack of 70 kWh. So it’s a technological issue that is keeping development of solar-powered cars at a snail’s pace for now.

2023 Aptera Solar Electric Vehicle

2023 Aptera Solar Electric Vehicle

But there are many ongoing efforts and such cars are ‘just around the corner’. In fact, by early 2023, one company might be able to start delivering solar cars to people who have booked one. The company is Aptera, a car company that started in 2005 in California, closed down and was revived in 2019 with a plan to make a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) that also uses solar power primarily, and a battery pack as a range-extender.

The idea of using solar power as a supplementary energy source for cars is not new. Companies like Toyota and Hyundai have put small solar panels on the roofs of some models for additional electricity to power ancillary equipment.

2023 Aptera Solar Electric Vehicle

Up to 1,600 kms range
Aptera’s solar electric vehicle (sEV) will require no charging for most daily use and the company claims that it can cover up to 1,600 kms per full charge if the battery pack is used as well. This is achieved with its ‘Never Charge system which uses 180 cells on diamond-shaped solar panels covering 3 square metres of the car’s body. These can collect sunshine to convert to as much as 700W which would be good for 64 kms of driving per day. Those 64 kms of essentially free range are collected by over 3 square metres of solar panels on the bodywork.

2023 Aptera Solar Electric Vehicle
A section of the solar cell array that covers 3 square metres of the vehicle’s bodywork.

If you’re just driving around town daily, then you really would not need to recharge. But for longer distances, then there is a battery pack which has stored electricity to provide the extra range required. And Aptera says that recharging can be done with a household power supply, though how long it will take is not mentioned.

Propulsion is by 3 liquid-cooled in-wheel electric motors (two in front, one behind) that can give an acceleration time of 3.5 seconds from 0 to 96 km/h and a top speed claimed to be almost 180 km/h. For stability, there will be all-wheel drive and vectorized torque control.

2023 Aptera Solar Electric Vehicle

Three wheels, instead of four
To maximize use of the electricity available, the sEV has to be as light as possible, requiring less energy to move. In fact, having three wheels instead of four is partly due to saving weight. At between 818 kgs to 1,000 kgs, the vehicle is said to weigh 65% less than other EVs on the market today. Aptera’s engineers have also used many different example to reduce energy loss, and by eliminating the fourth wheel, the contact point for friction and potential energy loss is lessened.

The body is built with ultra-lightweight composites and its arched shape mimics the physics of an eggshell to create a safety cell that is claimed to be much stronger than steel.

Aerodynamic efficiency of 0.13 Cd
Besides light weight, the other important factor is aerodynamic efficiency or how slippery the shape can be so that wind resistance is minimized. Less energy will be needed to overcome the wind resistance so performance will be better and at the same time, the energy saved can be used for extending range.

The aerodynamic form of the vehicle, which has a Cd of 0.13, is inspired by nature. The teardrop-shaped central body allows air to flow around it to ‘follow & copy’ that shape. This means airflow contacts the body at a certain angle around the front wheel area, as the air is being bent around the tapered nose. The wheel covers are tapered inward and the rear is tapered outward, making the overall shape more aligned with the main bodywork.

At the single rear wheel, the story is different. The wheel is positioned at the centreline of the vehicle and optimizations were applied to the bodywork in front of the wheel. Guiding the air in such a way that it avoids hitting the exposed part of the tyre, providing gains in terms of aerodynamic efficiency.

Intelligent cabin packaging
The sEV is a small vehicle and seats only two. However, intelligent packaging has ensured that those two people can carry a lot of gear or a lot of shopping from the supermarket. The layout has both occupants side by side, rather than in a tandem position like a motorcycle (as some solar vehicles have been designed). Much of the thinking behind the interior has been with manufacturing simplicity and flexibility in mind.

2023 Aptera Solar Electric Vehicle

2023 Aptera Solar Electric Vehicle

As would be expected, there are storage areas for the stuff we all carry these days as well as things like wireless charging pads. Environmentally-conscious materials are used, such as biodegradable and plant-based leather, recycled PET and 3D knit materials, bio-based plastic thread and recycled felt.

Pricing to be from US$29,500
Aptera is confident of moving into the production phase by the end of this year as it has received US$40 million (about RM178.3 million) in crowdfunding and commitments. It has also been accepting $100 (RM446) deposits from interested customers (it says there are already 25,000 reservations) and expects to price their first solar vehicle from US$29,500 (about RM131,500).

Fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology is not new to Hyundai Motor. In fact, the company was already carrying out R&D on such vehicles, which use hydrogen, from the early 2000s. By 2013, it was able to commercialise a FCEV in the form of the iX35, the first carmaker to do so.

Since then, development on FCEVs has advanced further and the company has accumulated even more experience and feedback through the use of its FCEVs over millions of kilometres in many parts of the world.

2022 Hyundai N Vision 74 prototype

Hyundai N, the performance arm, is also looking at FCEV technology for the future and has developed the N Vision 74 as a high-performance hydrogen fuel cell hybrid rolling laboratory. While it is the first such high-performance rolling lab for Hyundai N’s engineers to use, it is not the first time for N where FCEV technology is concerned.

2022 Hyundai N Vision 74 prototype

2022 Hyundai N Vision 74 prototype

In 2015, the company also created the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo with the launch of the N brand to envision the future of hydrogen-based high performance. The futuristic N 2025 was conceived to represent Hyundai in the Vision Gran Turismo program, a series of fictional concept cars for the Gran Turismo videogame by Polyphony Digital. While it was never produced as a real-life running model, it had advanced technologies that gave extremely high performance which gamers could experience.

For the N Vision 74, Hyundai’s engineers developed a hybrid structure of a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in combination with an FCEV system, placed in an all-new layout. By having a fuel cell system and battery-electric system powering the car together, the cooling efficiency is improved.

2022 Hyundai N Vision 74 prototype

The two different power sources can be used together or independent, depending on different driving conditions. This fine-tuned logic system enables better torque vectoring by twin motors on the rear, allowing a precise and responsive cornering experience. Moreover, the N Vision 74 explores the balance between the performance and cooling with a 3-channel cooling system.

Measuring 4952 mm long, 1995 mm wide and 1331 mm tall on a 2905 mm wheelbase, the design of the concept car is inspired by the Hyundai Pony Coupe concept of 1974. This concept car developed by the designer Giorgetto Giugiaro was a proposal for a sportscar based on the very significant model in Hyundai Motor’s history. The concept car was then built into prototypes for what was to be Hyundai’s first production sportscar. Although it could not reach production in the end, the daring attitude set the tone for the entire company.

2022 Hyundai N Vision 74 prototype

The N Vision 74 inherited the pure surface, dynamic proportioned profile and the unique B-pillar from the Pony Coupe concept. In addition, the lighting units have Parametric Pixel lighting, a feature which is seen on the latest models.

2022 Hyundai N Vision 74 prototype

2022 Hyundai N Vision 74 prototype

“N Vision 74’s future-oriented design reflects the respect and appreciation we have for the dedication and passion that went into the Pony Coupe concept,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice-President and Head of Hyundai Design Centre.

2022 Hyundai N Vision 74 prototype

 

These days, there’s a new electric vehicle (sometimes even more than one) being launched or previewed every month and the technical aspects sound pretty much the same. The technologies to are generally similar with each company having some advancements of its own to shout about.

So with the new IONIQ 6, Hyundai Motor seems to skirt the technical parts and instead draws attention to the inside of the first sedan in its EV sub-brand. The interior of the ‘Electrified Streamliner’ is developed to serve as a comfortable and personalized ‘hideaway’, providing a unique and distinctive experience for drivers and their passengers.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 6

“IONIQ 6 is designed and engineered to seamlessly enhance our daily lives as space to awaken your potential,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice-President, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Customer Experience Division, Hyundai Motor Company. “The innovative interior is meticulously thought out as a cocoon-like personal space, enhanced with the latest technologies to create a safe, fun, and stress-free driving experience. The spacious interior, with sustainability and usability at its heart, once again represents a step forward for electric vehicles, in line with the values of our customers.”

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 6

The cabin takes advantage of the E-GMP (the Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform) which allows an extremely long 2950 mm wheelbase, supported by a choice of 20-inch or 18-inch wheels. The E-GMP supports a streamlined body with an overall length of 4855 mm, 1880 mm width and 1495 mm height, which puts it in the D-segment.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 6

A modular touchscreen dashboard integrates a 12-inch full-touch infotainment display and 12-inch digital cluster that houses advanced technologies for an enhanced digital user experience that can be customized to meet their needs. The infotainment system provides real-time travel radius mapping based on the current state of charge, while connected car services help search and plan the best route to include a charging station along the way.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bring favourite smartphone apps to the widescreen display. For those without compatible smartphones, there’s also Bluetooth multi-connection support available. Two devices can be paired at the same time — one for phone calls and one for music streaming.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 6

The premium Bose sound system’s 8 speakers, including a subwoofer, are strategically placed throughout the vehicle for a high-quality listening experience. Complementing this is a ‘spaceship-like’ sound with a sound texture that changes based on the vehicle’s driving status. How this will be received by the occupants of the car remains to be seen. Perhaps the new generation of car-buyers brought up in the digital age will appreciate such sounds!

The optional Relaxation Comfort Seats in the first row promote leisure by simply adjusting the seat angle. In addition, all of its seats are specifically-manufactured for all-electric models, and they are approximately 30% thinner than those in other conventional models, providing more space for passengers.

Dual Colour Ambient Lighting allows a driver to customize the look and feel of the interior space by selecting from a spectrum of 64 colours and 6 pre-selected themes. The Speed Sync Lighting mode adds emotion to the driving experience by changing the brightness of the interior lighting in the first row based on the car’s travelling speed.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 6

The IONIQ 6’s personalized driving experience is further enhanced by the EV Performance Tune-up system. This allows the driver to freely adjust steering effort, motor power, accelerator pedal sensitivity and driveline mode. Drivers can create a variety of different combinations with just a few button clicks to meet their individual needs.

Of course, we still need to tell you something about the technical aspects and here, the powertrains are varied. Customers can choose a long-range 77.4-kWh battery with 2 electric motor layouts, either rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD). The top-of-the-line dual motor set-up is an AWD option producing a combined power output of 325 ps/605 Nm, with a claimed 0 to 100 km/h of 5.1 seconds.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 6

Hyundai Motor claims an impressive energy consumption rate of under 14 kWh/100 kms, with the 53-kWh standard battery pack, 18-inch tyres and RWD. It supports 400V and 800V charging infrastructures and with a 350 kW charger, the recharging time from 10% to 80 percent is said to be within 18 minutes. A fully charged battery pack should be good for over 610 kms.

The IONIQ 6, like the IONIQ 5, is also able to function as a mobile power station to charge electric devices. This would be ideal not only for camping but also when there is a disruption to power supply. In addition to the external power outlet, there is a second outlet under the back row seat which can be used for charging laptops, phones and other devices.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 6

This EV Is Hyundai Motor’s first model to offer the Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates for various controllers. This allows owners to upgrade the car’s controllers for electric devices, autonomous driving, battery, maps (and more) without having to go to a service centre. As such, the systems will be kept up to date and optimised.

In the Korean market, the IONIQ 6 is priced between 55 million – 65 million won (about RM185,000 – RM218.000). Production is to begin production in the third quarter of 2022. Sales are expected to begin before the end of the year with exports to selected markets starting in early 2023.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 6

Following the first round of the NEOM Island X-Prix on the island of Sardinia in Italy last week, the second round of the same event this weekend saw Rosberg X Racing (RXR) taking a with a late overtake to secure their second victory of Extreme E Season 2. X44 finished second and Genesys Andretti United Extreme E third after ABT CUPRA XE were disqualified following a safety infringement.

With team owner Nico Rosberg watching his team’s progress, a superb pass by Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky on ABT CUPRA XE’s Jutta Kleinschmidt sealed the win. Ahlin-Kottulinsky, and team-mate Johan Kristoffersson, who headed the standings prior to the double-header on the island off the coast of Italy, now have a lead of 37 points ahead of their nearest challengers No.99 GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing, with X44 now up to third.

EXTREME E 2022

RXR also scored maximum points from Round 3, with the quickest combined time in the Continental Traction Challenge adding 5 points to their tally, bringing their total overall to 80 points.

“It is such a pleasure for me to work with this team. It reminds me of my F1 days. It’s been a great team effort with everyone giving their best and being at the height of their game. Both drivers have been performing at an incredibly high level. Johan was the star of Race 1 in NEOM. Mikaela was the star of this weekend with her speed and incredible pass for the win through the water during the last lap. I couldn’t be prouder, said former F1 world champion Rosberg.

EXTREME E 2022

“It was a phenomenal weekend for us, starting with a good qualifying and we were also very fast in the super sector. The car felt amazing all week and we have got to thank the team for that. They worked very hard, and it paid off. My run was smooth, but Nasser was incredibly fast, so I just tried to stay as close as possible to him to give Mikaela the best possible basis for her run, and she made good use of it with a fantastic move. It’s a team achievement that we can all be proud of,” added Kristoffersson.

The scene was set for a thrilling climax to the double-header as ABT CUPRA XE’s Al-Attiyah lined up in the favoured number 2 spot between Timmy Hansen (Genesys Andretti United Extreme E) and Sebastien Loeb (X44). On the other end of the start line, Kristofferson was joined by Carlos Sainz (ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team), following their dramatic collision in last round’s Final. In that incident, RXR received a 30-second penalty that pushed the team from first to third.

EXTREME E 2022

EXTREME E 2022

As the teams set off, Sainz (father of the Ferrari F1 driver) experimented by taking his electrically-powered ODYSSEY 21 down the furthest possible lane on the right, away from Kristofferson’s car. The Spaniard’s gamble did not pay off, and he came out at the back of the pack as the cars merged into the single lane.

Meanwhile, Al-Attiyah stayed on the preferred line which proved the better one as he surged to the front of the group. Kristofferson kept the ABT CUPRA car in sight, followed by Loeb. After the 3 leading cars was Hansen holding fourth as he chased them along the rough and muddy course.

EXTREME E 2022

The ABT CUPRA XE driver picked his lines well and opened by a gap of 5 seconds, which was the same gap that Kristofferson had with Loeb. Further back, Sainz’ car had a problem and the ACCIONA | SAINZ XE car dropped off the back of the pack and eventually come to a stop out on track.

It was still a 4-way battle as the leading cars entered the Switch Zone until disaster struck for ABT CUPRA XE. During the mandatory driver switch, Jutta Kleinschmidt failed to properly buckle her seatbelt as she entered the car. This would later lead to the team’s disqualification from the Final, after they finished second on the course. ABT CUPRA’S loss of the lead occurred when an incredible overtake was done by from RXR’s Ahlin-Kottulinsky in the closing stages of the race.

EXTREME E 2022

ABT CUPRA XE’s disqualification also promoted X44 into second and secured Genesys Andretti United Extreme E the third place, their first top three finish of the season. It was a huge boost for both teams after a difficult start to the Sardinian double-header.

 

BMW’s experience making electrically-powered vehicles (EVs) goes back 50 years when it replaced a number of 1602 cars with an electric motor. The 1602e was developed specially for use during the 1972 Olympics that were held in BMW’s home city of Munich in Germany. Its main role was to lead long-distance runners without blowing unhealthy exhaust fumes in their faces.

The 1602e produced for use at the 1972 Olympic Games was BMW’s first EV.

In the years that followed, the company continued with R&D on EVs with a number of models shown to the public, run on public roads and largely used in real-world testing. The urgency to ‘electrify’ the range was not evident yet so attention was instead given to developing other technologies like EfficientDynamics.

In 2013, BMW began its era of electrification that continues to this day when it introduced the i3 as the first volume-produced model with a fully electric drivetrain. The i3, manufactured at the Leipzig factory, was a pioneer in many different ways. It had an independent architecture consisting of a drive module as an aluminium chassis, which carried the e-drive, the suspension and the high-voltage battery pack as well as a passenger cell made of carbonfibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). This module was referred to as the ‘life module’.

BMW i3 EV 2022

BMW’s fifth generation eDrive technology that is used in the latest BMW and MINI EVs can trace its origins to the i3. The high-voltage battery pack developed for the model has also undergone continuous development since 2013, doubling its storage capacity while retaining the same installation space. In its final form with a cell capacity of 120 Ah and a gross energy content of 42.2 kWh, the final version of the i3 could travel up to 307 kms on a single charge.

BMW i3 EV 2022

In addition to its electric drive, the i3’s eco-balance stemmed from the choice of materials fully geared towards sustainability and resource-conserving production. It was the first BMW Group model to receive an ISO certificate issued by independent auditors at the time of its market launch, confirming its optimised environmental performance throughout its entire life cycle.

Partly recycled raw materials were used for its outer skin made of thermoplastics. The plastic used in the interior contained 25% recycled material. The textiles used for the seat surfaces were made entirely from recycled fibres, with the door panels of kenaf fibres. Eucalyptus wood from certified cultivation in Europe served as the raw material for parts of the instrument panel.

BMW i3 EV 2022

BMW i3 EV 2022

After a production run of 250,000 units (sold in more than 74 countries), production of the i3 has ended, bringing an era to close. But the farewell is also linked to the start of a new chapter in electric mobility. In a seamless transition, further e-drive components will be manufactured at the Leipzig factory  and from 2023, the next generation of the MINI Countryman will be manufactured at the same location.

BMW i3 EV 2022

In the 8½ years that the i3 was on sale, it achieved a significantly higher market share in the EV segment in many markets than the BMW brand in the area of conventionally powered cars. It also succeeded in attracting additional target groups in the premium mobility offers from BMW. In the early years, more than 80% of all buyers were new customers for the BMW Group.

BMW i3 EV 2022

Many i3 owners were ‘early adopters’ and reported being impressed by the reliability, low energy and maintenance costs. They reported that the brake pads did not need replacing even after more than 250,000 kms – because a large part of the deceleration power was provided by recuperation. The long-term quality of the battery pack was also praised as there was only a negligible reduction in range even after long running times. The BMW Group took this positive experience as an opportunity to increase the maximum mileage associated with the 8-year warranty period for the battery pack, extending it from 100,000 kms to 160,000 kms at the beginning of 2020.

BMW i3 EV 2022
To commemorate the end of i3 production, BMW produced a HomeRun Edition (below) with extra features and a Frozen paint finish from BMW Individual for the first time. Only 10 units of this special edition were produced, making it a very exclusive i3. Customers who had bought the HomeRun Edition were invited to witness the completion of their cars in the assembly hall.

BMW i3 EV 2022

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