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- OBD for EVs?, buy cars on Amazon!!, Rivian's OTA mistake..
OBD for EVs?, buy cars on Amazon!!, Rivian's OTA mistake..
OBD for EVs?
The increasing complexity of modern vehicles, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), has led to a need for standardized diagnostic systems similar to the OBD-II for combustion engines. California's proposed regulations aim to create a standard diagnostic system for EVs, covering all aspects of their propulsion systems. This standardization is crucial not only for emissions enforcement but also to facilitate easier and more efficient repairs, reducing guesswork for technicians. The implementation requires a consensus on hardware, data formats, and port designs. This move is significant for economic equity in vehicle repairs and environmental sustainability, potentially mandating at a federal level to ensure fair competition and property rights.
The current OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) standard has successfully achieved interoperability and the standardization of a common interface. However, it falls short in terms of security. The market is flooded with aftermarket tools that can access vehicle systems, some even wirelessly, and these tools have the capability to reverse engineer critical data from vehicles. Mostly through time consuming and trial and error methods.
As the technology in vehicles advances, the scale of potential threats increases correspondingly. This heightened risk of security breaches is a crucial factor that will influence the adoption rate of the new standard connector in the automotive industry.
A Standard Diagnostic Connector For EVs Is In The Works (Link)
Now you can buy cars on Amazon!!
Hyundai is set to become the first car brand to sell vehicles on Amazon starting in 2024, offering home delivery or dealership pickup options. While this move doesn't signify a direct-to-consumer model, as dealers will list cars on Amazon, it introduces a new purchasing avenue.
Hyundai aims to streamline the car-buying experience, potentially eliminating the need for dealership interactions. Additionally, Hyundai plans to integrate Amazon Alexa into its vehicles by 2025 and use Amazon Web Services for production optimization and new feature development, indicating a deeper collaboration with Amazon in the future.
In my opinion, this is an oversight from Hyundai in not actually going for a DTC model. The pseudo-DTC model means that the OEM is both paying for the DTC model front end, while still maintaining the relations and activities with dealerships. A better approach would have been to pilot this amazon front-end to some parts of US as the only option.
I can understand that the OEM does not want to take in the cost of maintaining the last mile and delivery activities also in house. But I see there is an opportunity to streamline. The assumption that the experience is the same when you buy a car from a dealership vs. directly from the manufacturer would look the same is not correct. A complete rework of the car buying experience would have been possible if Hyundai had decided to go for a true DTC model.
Hyundai and Amazon partner to deliver innovative customer experiences and cloud transformation (Link)Hyundai Becomes First Brand To Sell Cars On Amazon (Link)
Rivian's OTA mistake
Rivian recently faced a software issue when an incorrect OS update, caused by a human error, was sent to about 3% of its vehicles, disabling key infotainment features. The company's software head, Wassym Bensaid, explained that the problem arose from a wrong certificate used in the update. Rivian is now rolling out an OTA fix to address the issue and is reevaluating its update process to prevent future errors. Affected customers are being notified through the Rivian app or can contact the service line for update assistance. Rivian is working on enhancing communication and safety measures to ensure more robust and reliable software updates.
My initial thoughts on this incident was: Update the process -> Create fail safe/multiple redundancies that would not allow such a thing to happen. Dual or even triple sign-off to push something in production. Separating defining and reviewing responsibilities clearly within the process.
But as I gave it more thought, my conclusion was, we need better tools. At the end of the day, we could always build a tool that will only allow certain builds to production. A tool that verifies the certificates before it gets accepted to the server. But even then, we would need someone to actually map the builds to the SW. And then we could go one layer deeper and automate the certificate creation and the manifests that go into the build process. But even then, a verification process is still required to make sure the tool and the turn-key solution we have put in place still works as it should.
Rivian fixes infotainment software bug via OTA, around 3% affected (Link)UPDATE: Rivian’s ‘Fat Finger’ OTA Software Update Soft-Bricks R1T and R1S (Link)
Cybertruck Spec Rundown
After four years, the first production units of Tesla's Cybertruck have been delivered. At the event in Austin, Texas, only a small number of trucks were handed over, with many reservation holders still waiting. The Cybertruck boasts up to 845 horsepower in 'Beast Mode' and advanced features like active torque vectoring and steer-by-wire system. Three versions are available, offering varying range and acceleration capabilities, with the option for a range extender. Notable features include a powered front trunk and under-bed storage. Prices start at $60,990 for the base model, with deliveries for higher-end versions expected next year. The truck's unique stainless steel alloy provides durability and torsional stiffness.
InsideEVs did a great comparison between the specs Tesla announced the cybertruck for the first time vs. what was announced last week.
Here's a list of all the specs that have been announced last week
Three versions: Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and Cyberbeast
Towing capacity: Up to 11,000 lbs
Payload: Up to 2,500 lbs
Length: 223.7 in
Width: 86.6 in (side mirrors folded), 95 inches (extended mirrors)
Height: 70.5 in
Weight: 6,603 lbs (AWD), 6,843 lbs (Cyberbeast)
Bed length: 6 ft
Bed width: 4 ft
Cargo: 120.9 cubic feet
Suspension: Adaptive air suspension with 12 in of travel
Ground clearance: 17.44 in in Extract Mode
Charging: NACS connector, up to 250 kW
Storage: 67 cubic feet of lockable storage
Range: 250 miles (estimated) for the RWD, 340 miles (estimated) for the AWD, 320 miles (estimated) for the Cyberbeast
Power: 600 hp for the AWD, 845 hp for the Cyberbeast
Torque: 7,435 pound-feet for the AWD, 10,296 lb-ft for the Cyberbeast
0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds for the RWD, 4.1 seconds for the AWD, 2.6 seconds for the Cyberbeast
Top speed: 112 mph for the AWD, 130 mph for the Cyberbeast
Power outlets: four 120V (two in the cabin and two in the bed, up to 20 amps) and one 240V in the bed (up to 40A). Maximum continuous power: 9.6 kilowatts
Vehicle-to-home capability with up to 11.5 kW exportable power
Seating: up to 5 people
48-volt electrical system
800-volt traction battery
18.5 in central touchscreen, 9.4 in rear touchscreen
Compared to the initial specs that were displayed during the truck’s debut in 2019, the final numbers are slightly worse: lower towing capability, shorter range, and a smaller bed. Four years ago, Tesla’s pickup was advertised with the following specifications:
Cybertruck will come in three variants: Single Motor Rear-Wheel Drive, Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive, and Tri-Motor All-Wheel Drive.
Range: 500+ miles
0-60 mph acceleration: <2.9 seconds
Towing capacity: More than 14,000 lbs
Payload: Up to 3,500 lbs
Bed length: 6.5 feet
Storage capacity: 100 cubic feet of exterior, lockable storage including the vault, frunk, and sail pillars.
Suspension: 4 in in either direction
Touchscreen size: 17 in
Body: Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless steel. If there was something better, we’d use it.
Seating capacity: Up to six adults
Charging: It can be charged at home, at Destination Charging locations, and with our network of more than 14,000 Superchargers, including on the V3 technology, which is helpful for long hauls and towing.
Approach angle: 35 degrees
Departure angle: 28 degrees
Ground clearance: up to 16 in
Price: $39,900 for the Single Motor RWD, $49,900 for the Dual Motor AWD, and $69,900 for the Tri Motor AWD.
Some extra tesla news
Tesla's latest software update hints at the possibility of charging new Model 3 owners for heated front seats and windshield wipers. This was revealed by Tesla hacker GreenTheOnly, who has a history of uncovering future features in Tesla's software. While Tesla has previously software-locked features like footwell lights and additional battery capacity, charging for heated front seats and wipers would be a new approach. This could be part of Tesla's strategy to lower the base price of the Model 3 while generating additional revenue through post-purchase feature unlocks. However, there's no confirmation on implementation or pricing yet.
This news was concerning in 2 aspects
Hacking the SW in a Tesla seems to be not that hard. Not once but multiple times revealing future SW features.
Yet another OEM is resorting to putting smaller features behind a paywall. In my opinion, this is the lowest ROI business case to having all these SW in vehicles. Just to provide subscription based features, especially on an atomic level, is more annoying than convenient. Unless features are bundled to the extent that it becomes a no-brainer for the user to subscribe to the bunch of features. But the more sensible business model is the lifetime payment, where the user buys a SW based function by paying for all the value upfront instead of a subscription.
Tesla Could Be Preparing to Software Lock Heated Seats Behind Paywall (Link)
Lunchbox sized e-scooter
The Arma electric scooter, a Japanese competitor to Honda's Motocompacto, stands out with its ultra-portable design. Weighing just 10 lb and about the size of an A4 paper when folded, it's touted as the first "lunchbox scooter." Despite its small size, it offers a 9.3-mile range and a top speed of 14.9 mph. It's designed to be easily carried and folds/unfolds in 30 seconds. Honda's Motocompacto, already in production, is larger and heavier but is more established in the market. Arma's production is planned for the next year, with crowdfunding underway for pricing similar to the Motocompacto's $999.
This lunchbox-sized folding electric scooter is even funkier than Honda’s Motocompacto (Link)
Introducing the Uni Wheel
Hyundai and Kia introduced the 'Uni Wheel,' a new drive system for electric vehicles. This innovative design integrates key components into the wheel hub, eliminating driveshafts and allowing more compact motors. The Uni Wheel offers increased torque, enhanced interior space, and supports electronic torque vectoring for better handling. It's part of Hyundai's strategy to sell 1.87 million EVs annually by 2030 and could revolutionize vehicle design, particularly for purpose-built and autonomous vehicles. Hyundai and Kia have registered patents for this technology, which is adaptable for various EV types and could even be used in wheelchairs and bicycles.
Hyundai and Kia unveil ‘Uni Wheel’ in-wheel motor for EVs (Link)
EMotorad, indian e bike company raises another round
EMotorad, an Indian electric bike startup, has raised $20 million in a Series B funding round, led by Singapore's Panthera Growth Partners. Totaling over $22.5 million in funding, the startup aims to challenge China's dominance in the e-bike market and expand globally. The company, founded in 2020, has launched 14 e-bike models and operates in over 18 countries. It assembles components in Pune with a production capacity of 90,000 bikes annually. EMotorad sold 40,000 units last year, generating $36 million in revenue, and targets expanding to 800 stores in India and competing internationally, aiming for 100,000 global sales by 2025.
India’s EMotorad rides high with $20M investment for global e-bike push (Link)
Light Speed Tourbillon Transmission (LSTT)
Christian von Koenigsegg gives an engaging tour of the latest technology and facilities at Koenigsegg in Angelholm, Sweden. The focus is on the new transmission and twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 block used in the Jesko and Gemera models. The Light Speed Tourbillon Transmission (LSTT) is a compact and lightweight solution, fitting nine gears and weighing just 198 pounds. The 5.0-liter V8, weighing around 441 pounds, is adorned with the Koenigsegg logo and other artistic details. The video also showcases dyno tests, demonstrating the engine's performance on different fuel types, underscoring Koenigsegg's commitment to innovative and aesthetically pleasing engineering.
Koenigsegg details the madness of his Light Speed Tourbillon Transmission (Link)
France: 125 Million Euros Towards Development Of Cycling Infrastructure
Europe, particularly France, is experiencing a significant increase in cycling, with e-bikes becoming increasingly popular. The French government announced a major investment of two billion euros for cycling infrastructure development as part of its 2023-2027 cycling and walking plan. This includes a 125 million-euro budget, doubling by April 2024, for new cycling projects like cycle paths, greenways, and bridges. Focusing on inclusivity, the initiative targets regions with lower population density. Project submissions are open from November 22, 2023, to March 8, 2024, with grants to be announced in July 2024.
France: 125 Million Euros Towards Development Of Cycling Infrastructure (Link)