The Short Cut: July’s hottest tech updates

Welcome to the latest episode of The Short Cut! As the summer heat continues to blaze on, we’re looking at a breakthrough in EV battery technology with a five-minute charge, EU safety regulations mandating ADAS features in all new vehicles and more. So, grab a cold drink, find some shade — here’s what we’ve been reading this past month!

Can an EV battery really charge in just five minutes?

Earlier this summer, a groundbreaking achievement in electric vehicle (EV) technology was showcased by UK start-up Nyobolt. During a live demonstration on a test track in Bedford, England, Nyobolt’s electric car battery charged from 10% to 80% in just four minutes and 37 seconds, BBC reported. This significant advancement aims to alleviate “range anxiety” and make EVs more appealing to a broader audience.

For comparison, current Tesla superchargers take about 15-20 minutes to charge a battery from 10% to 80%. Nyobolt’s rapid-charging battery, tested in a specially built concept sports car, managed a range of 120 miles after less than five minutes of charging. The tests weren’t without challenges; a heatwave caused the car’s cooling system to fail and the standard on-site charger wasn’t made by Nyobolt, affecting the results. Despite these issues, the event marks a notable milestone in EV technology.

Improving EV charging reliability: Is SCAR the answer?

While battery technology will play its part in alleviating range anxiety, EV chargers and their reliability also needs to be addressed. Last month, California’s Energy Commission introduced the “successful charge attempt rate” (SCAR) as a new reliability metric. SCAR requires each charging stall to successfully start and maintain a charge for at least five minutes 90% of the time to score high on reliability.

Traditional reliability metrics, like PlugShare scores, focus on whether a charge was obtained but can overlook issues like dead stalls or slow charging rates. Uptime percentages also have limitations, as a station can appear reliable despite significant downtime.

SCAR aims to paint a more accurate picture by tracking each charging attempt. However, it may not capture all user frustrations, such as slow charging speeds or broken connectors that drivers avoid. Combining SCAR with user ratings can give a comprehensive view of a station’s performance, helping both regulators and drivers to build up an informed understanding about the state of chargers.

How is AI and computing changing the automotive industry?

Not everything is about EV charging this month — advancements in automotive AI and computing are also making waves. A recent Yole Group report highlights this market evolution, noting how OEMs are increasingly collaborating directly with semiconductor companies to develop custom solutions. This trend is exemplified by Qualcomm’s significant share of the infotainment processor market.

Traditional OEMs like Ford, Hyundai, and Toyota have shifted their focus from engine development to enhancing ADAS features and infotainment systems. This change opens the door for new players, including tech and software companies and semiconductor firms, to enter the automotive market. Tesla pioneered the integration of advanced in-vehicle computing, with competitors like Zeekr, NIO and Li Auto following suit. Meanwhile, companies like Waymo and Cruise are focusing on the software and processing side of autonomous driving, rather than vehicle manufacturing.

Semiconductor firms such as Samsung, NVIDIA and AMD are now playing crucial roles in developing powerful processors for modern vehicles. This shift reflects the growing demand for sophisticated ADAS and infotainment systems that require robust computing power.

New EU safety regulations mandate ADAS features

From July 7, new EU regulations mandated the inclusion of several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in all new vehicles. These systems include intelligent speed assist (ISA), autonomous emergency braking (AEB), driver drowsiness and attention warning (DDAW), and emergency lane-keeping systems (ELKS). This regulatory update, known as the New Vehicle General Safety Regulation (GSR2), aims to enhance road safety by requiring these advanced features.

Yousif Al-Ani from Thatcham Research emphasizes the significance of these features for crash avoidance, noting that while modern cars are effective at protecting occupants, vulnerable road users (VRUs) like pedestrians still face high risks. The phased implementation of GSR2 aims to reduce these risks, with new requirements for existing vehicle models coming into effect in 2024 and further enhancements in 2026. The UK has not yet adopted GSR2, which may affect its automotive safety standards, Fleet News reported.

Autonomous trucking: The future of goods delivery?

The autonomous trucking industry is gearing up for significant growth. By 2044, the global trucking fleet is expected to include an additional half a million Level 4 (L4) autonomous trucks. These trucks will operate without human drivers, who will then act as supervisors or work in less developed regions. This shift is projected to result in an annual industry growth rate of 25.6% over the next two decades.

Autonomous trucks are addressing critical issues in the trucking sector, such as driver shortages, high operational costs and safety concerns. For instance, in China, autonomous trucks aim to reduce accidents, with a significant portion of incidents currently attributed to driver error. In the U.S., heavy-duty trucks and buses have a very low accident rate of 0.1 per million kilometers, with 1% being fatal. While autonomous technology promises safety improvements, it’s important to consider the complexities in reporting and attributing driver error, as well as the already relatively safe track record of U.S. heavy-duty trucks.

There are two main commercialization paths for autonomous trucks: upgrading from Level 2 (L2) to L4 systems and establishing high-quality L4 fixed routes. Companies like Inceptio and Einride are leading these efforts, focusing on improving safety and operational efficiency. Market leaders in China, Europe and the U.S. are each making significant strides in autonomous trucking technology.

Three pain points addressed by autonomous trucking. Credit: IDTechEx, https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/autonomous-trucking-delivering-on-hopes-and-goods/31383?rsst2id=3

Electric buses on the rise: What about coaches?

Similar to autonomous trucks, electric buses are also rapidly gaining traction, with significant sales growth in Europe, America, India and other key regions. As urban transport operators focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, electric buses are becoming the norm. A recent report by IDTechEX, reveals that over half of all city bus sales in Europe in 2023 were electric. However, the coach segment remains largely untouched by electrification, with only about 1% of sales being electric.

City buses are well-suited for electrification due to their predictable routes, opportunities for frequent charging, and concentrated infrastructure needs. These factors allow city buses to operate efficiently with optimized range and reduced costs. In contrast, coaches face challenges such as limited range, lack of charging infrastructure, and higher costs. The future of electric coaches may depend on advancements in battery technology and increased government support to overcome charging hurdles.


Credit: IDTechEx, https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-article/as-city-buses-turn-electric-what-awaits-the-electric-coach-market/31319?rsst2id=3

Future interactions in automated vehicles

A study from University of Nottingham explores how drivers and passengers will interact in automated vehicles (AVs) as technology advances. As AVs become more common, the role of the driver is expected to transition from actively controlling the vehicle to supervising it. This raises important questions about how to keep drivers alert and ready to take over in critical situations, emphasizing the need for clear communication and user-friendly interfaces to ensure safety.

For passengers, AVs open new possibilities for entertainment, productivity and relaxation. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of designing vehicle interiors that accommodate various activities, ensuring comfort and accessibility for everyone. It also addresses regulatory and ethical issues, underscoring the need for robust guidelines to manage the transition to more automated vehicles.

New rider assistance systems coming to India’s two-wheeler market

Just as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are becoming essential for car safety, Continental, a leading automotive supplier, is set to introduce radar-based advanced rider assistance systems (ARAS) to the Indian two-wheeler market. This move will begin with motorcycles and scooters already equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS). According to Dr. Anshu Gupta, a director at Continental in Germany, the company has had an ARAS solution in production globally for the past three years and is now assessing which category within the two-wheeler segment to target in India.

The company plans to focus on two-wheelers equipped with ABS, likely targeting motorcycles and scooters in the 125cc and above category. Continental’s 4D imaging radar sensor enables features such as blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control and rear-end collision warning. This sensor is also suitable for Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in modern cars.

Helping first responders with digital maps

Advancements in digital mapping technology are making it easier for first responders to navigate buildings during emergencies. Traditional GPS helps them get to the scene, but finding their way inside complex buildings can be tricky. New AI-powered digital maps create interactive 3D layouts from various sources like CAD drawings and photos. These maps, accessible on tablets and smartphones, provide detailed layouts of rooms, doors and hazards, helping responders make quick and informed decisions.

This technology has already been adopted by many public schools and fire departments, improving situational awareness and reducing response times. By integrating these maps into safety platforms, 911 dispatchers can offer precise location information, making emergency responses more effective and enhancing safety for everyone involved. Once again showing the power of maps.

That’s a wrap for this edition of The Short Cut! Stay tuned for more stories on the latest trends in technology, mobility and mapping. Catch you next time!