Connected Cars & Electric Future: Key Mobility Trends

Buckle up for a ride through the latest advancements in mobility! This edition of KPIT's Mobility Roundup features a packed itinerary, exploring everything from in-car voice assistants transforming the connected car landscape to cutting-edge battery technology pushing electric vehicles further than ever. We'll also be diving into the design philosophies shaping Honda's electric future, witnessing the race for solid-state batteries heat up, and checking in on Waymo's expansion of its robotaxi service into Los Angeles. So, gear up for some exciting news and get ready to be chauffeured through the future of mobility! 

Voice Assistants Take the Wheel: In-Car Tech Drives Growth in Connected Vehicles 

The future of cars is connected, and a key player in that future is the in-car voice assistant. A new report from ABI Research predicts a boom in embedded voice assistants (VAs) in vehicles, with shipments reaching 116 million by 2033. This growth is driven by two main factors: consumer demand for convenient, hands-free technology and carmakers' need to find new ways to generate revenue from connected services. 

The report highlights growing importance of features like in-car app stores and voice-activated payments. These features not only enhance the driving experience but also create opportunities for carmakers to offer paid services like video-on-demand or on-demand features. As connectivity becomes standard, carmakers need to find ways to make connected features valuable enough for consumers to pay for beyond the initial purchase. In-car voice assistants are poised to play a central role in this shift towards a software-defined car experience. 

Source: https://autotech.news/improving-voice-technology-and-expanding-automotive-use-cases-drive-116-million-vehicle-embedded-voice-assistant-shipments-by-2033/ 

Nio Revs Up Service for Long-Range Battery Pack 

Electric vehicle maker Nio is finally putting its highly anticipated 150-kWh semi-solid-state battery pack into service this quarter. This larger capacity battery boasts a range of up to 1,055 kilometers (655 miles) according to Nio, a significant leap from their current offerings. Nio founder William Li even took an ET7 sedan equipped with the new pack on a real-world test drive, achieving over 1,000 kilometers on a single charge.  

While details on production volume are still emerging, Nio expects to begin receiving bulk shipments from supplier WeLion in April 2024. This new battery technology comes at a premium, with estimates suggesting it could cost roughly the same as Nio's most affordable car, the ET5. 

Source: https://autotech.news/nio-to-put-150-kwh-semi-solid-state-battery-pack-into-service-in-q2/ 

Honda Unveils "0 Series" EV Lineup at CES 2024 

Honda unveiled a bold new direction for its electric vehicles at CES 2024, introducing the "Honda 0 Series." This global EV series emphasizes a "Thin, Light, and Wise" design philosophy, prioritizing efficiency, performance, and a connected driving experience. Ditching the "Thick, Heavy, but Smart" approach common in EVs, Honda aims to create vehicles that are lower, lighter, and more engaging to drive. 

The series is represented by two concept models, the Saloon and Space-Hub. These concepts showcase Honda's vision for the future, with a focus on artistic design, advanced safety features, and a spacious interior made possible by a dedicated EV platform. The first production model from the 0 Series is expected to launch in North America in 2026, with a global rollout to follow. 

Source: https://global.honda/en/stories/113-2401-ev-honda-0-series-ces2024/ 

Solid-State Battery Race Heats Up: Samsung SDI Ready for Mass Production 

The race for solid-state battery technology is intensifying. Just weeks after a major Chinese alliance formed to tackle this next-gen technology, Samsung SDI has announced plans for mass production of its own all-solid-state batteries boasting an energy density of 900 Wh/L. This news follows similar announcements from Toyota and a consortium of Chinese automakers and battery giants. While technological hurdles and high costs remain, Samsung SDI's roadmap unveiling at InterBattery in Seoul suggests they're on track for production by 2027, potentially accelerating the shift towards safer, longer-range electric vehicles. 

Source: https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/03/06/battery-heavyweights-reaffirm-commitment-to-solid-state-technology/ 

Waymo Wins Approval for LA Robotaxi Service, Faces Big City Challenges 

California regulators have cleared the way for Waymo to launch its autonomous taxi service in Los Angeles, marking a major win for the self-driving car company. This expansion comes despite opposition from local governments concerned about safety and oversight. Waymo plans a gradual rollout in LA, focusing on a large portion of the city initially. However, the company faces a skeptical audience, with local officials citing concerns about previous accidents involving autonomous vehicles in San Francisco. This LA launch could be Waymo's biggest challenge yet, as it navigates a complex urban environment and public scrutiny. 

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/waymo-los-angeles-robotaxi-autonomous-car-approval/

What did you find most exciting in this week's roundup?  Was it the potential of voice assistants to transform our cars, or maybe the race for next-generation batteries that could revolutionize electric vehicles? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Stay tuned for the next KPIT Mobility Roundup, where we'll keep you in the driver's seat of the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of how we move.