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Can you believe that the first mention of Apple being able to get into cars was back in 2014? Yes, almost ten years ago, news emerged that Apple’s ‘Project Titan’ would involve more than 1,000 engineers and the result would be a kind of autonomous car in the future.
Alas, the dream of self-driving cars has not been realized as quickly as many early technologists thought, so the project has been scaled back. But the big players at Apple, including the head of Apple Watch Kevin Lynch, are still reported on the project. The Apple Car could be closer than you think, but is it still the best?
Perhaps, because a lot has changed in the 10 years since the beginning of Project Titan, and it is probably the most powerful change in the industry to gather a head of steam, especially in the two last year.
Governments around the world have set tough(ish) goals for the elimination of internal combustion engines, but most of the world’s cars have been handed over to an all-electric line in 2040, 2035, if you are Nissan, Kia and Hyundai, such as. as soon as 2030.
The results are already evident. In 2020, global electricity sales will reach the 3 million mark and by 2023, it will be over. rocketed to 10.25 million. It is predicted that by 2028, those sales will exceed the 17 million mark and provide the majority of new car sales in developing markets.
This change in electric motors and battery packs has changed the way modern cars are designed and built, and is particularly relevant for EVs. Fewer vehicles are almost always more technologically advanced, but apart from the obvious battery packs, electric motors, suspension, braking and steering systems, modern EVs are giant computers on wheels.
This has allowed new innovators, like Elon Musk’s Tesla, to prove that what was once an engineering business can use the power of the platform… and win. Suddenly, we face a market leader that is not Ford, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors or any other ‘legacy’ OEM.
Success comes with competition and one of Tesla’s best bets is Chinese automaker BYD, another EV brand that has shot from obscurity to the mainstream in recent years. Zeekr, Xpeng and Nio are just a few of the other Chinese electric car companies that have started to make inroads in North America, Europe and the Middle East, as well as topping the sales charts in their biggest market in the the country.
So, with the growing acceptance of cars without license plates or history, why can’t a tech company thrive in the EV environment?
Find the best user experience
Besides EVs, another big change in the auto industry is the constant focus on infotainment. As automobiles improve to the point where it is difficult to distinguish one manufacturer’s vehicle from another, quality often declines. digital knowledge steals sales.
What’s more, electric cars are moving towards the category of software-defined vehicle (SDV), which means that most of the functions of the car (and even its powertrain) can be then upgrade and update via over the air update (OTA).
The bottom line is, cars are becoming more and more like your phone, tablet or computer, whether you like it or not.
Many car parks today have taken advantage of the opportunity to create natural environments that play well with your phone of choice. We are not talking about Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but programs that can open the car remotely, organize your service schedule and add new car features through subscription boxes. Tesla is very good at this, but Rivian, Lucid and many others have followed suit.
Alas, legacy automakers have been slow to catch on to this, perhaps due to the fact that they are often entangled in long contracts with technology partners, or are tied to them in product failure cycles.
Recently, Mercedes-Benz said it is looking to match this with its own operating systemwhile Porsche recently turned to the Android Automotive developer toolkit to envision the future of infotainment systems.
But if your future car is more about the technology and the system than the suspension system and the linearity of its torque curve, why not give the whole thing a sustainable technology companies?
Xiaomi hit first
Leaks from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) last month revealed that Xiaomi was busy working on its first electric car – the SU7 Sedan.
Set to be produced together with partners Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company (BAIC), which will handle all the traditional car parts, the SU7 seems to be the first car that does not use the Xiaomi ecosystem. A suitable extension of the smartphone.
It is expected to be supplied with a single engine, rear-wheel drive, producing 295hp, while the stock version will produce 663hp. There is the story of the 800-Volt architecture (for quick installation) and 100kWh battery, which should result in an electric range of more than 400-miles.
It looks like a great EV, but maybe customers will be more interested in the fact that it seems to boast the appearance, through a camera mounted on the B pillar, which allows owners to open and start the car without a key. .
There are few details about the integration of the phone, but we think that it will be an important part of the performance of the car, as an additional plus, a digital key and provide the opportunity for cars and occupants to continue their smart life in the car.
It’s not a flash in the pan, either, like latest report suggesting that Xiaomi is more serious about its entry into the car market, with rumors that a hybrid model will soon follow the launch of its EV, as well as other models in the pipeline.
Huawei has expanded its car lineup
Although the Chinese technology company Huawei maintains that it does not produce an electric car, its HarmonyOS is proving popular in many cars that are currently working in its domestic market.
Changan, which already offers the Avatr electric car (itself powered by Huawei’s operating system), is said to be ready to expand its technology partnership and Huawei in the future.
Similarly, BAIC Motors and JAC Motors recently established new working relationships, which will lead to many new Chinese EVs powered by Huawei smarts.
So far, we have already witnessed the Aito M5, which was developed by the Chinese manufacturer Seres but which features many of Huawei’s technologies, including the ability to unlock the car with smartwatches .
Again, it is currently limited to China and selected Asian markets, but many of these increasingly popular brands are quickly becoming commonplace in parts of Europe, North America and beyond. Look at the BYD’s good luck lately outside of its domestic market.
But to complete this round of unexpected technology is the news that some of these previously mentioned Chinese cars are also running on mobile technology. Nio recently announced a $900 Android phone in China, as we reported on Polestar teased a high-end Android smartphone at its Polestar Day event in LA.
These two models are rumored to offer the UWB technology that can be the key of the car, providing an additional installation when inside the car and keeping the most of the comfort and use of the car.
Closing the tech circle will only strengthen consumer confidence, bringing the perception of tech companies as carmakers into the public conscience and four make the transition easier.
Independent entertainment
Traditional OEMs, many of whom have dominated the industry for more than 100 years, seem to be breathing a sigh of relief as the road to autonomous driving has proven long and difficult.
Because when that time comes, the idea of being loyal to one type of car goes out the window. The traditional model of ownership will change, car sharing will become the norm and people will not worry about their surroundings and more about what they can achieve during the journey.
Even now, in-car entertainment is racing ahead, as manufacturers are looking to allow passengers to use the boxes and play games on the go. Porsche’s Taycan and the upcoming Panamera feature a screen that allows front passengers to watch whatever they like, without distracting the driver.
What’s more, anyone stuck at a slow EV charging station will attest to the value of chilling out or in the sports car while they wait.
Sony showed its concept Vision-S at CES back in 2020, but what seemed surprising now is more effective.
After all, why partner with an existing OEM to license the use of PlayStations in cars when you can make the car, complete with audio, television technology and phones integrated? It is a movement that seems to be installed by other technology giants in increasing numbers, so don’t be surprised if the Apple Car sees the light of day.