Challenge Aimed at Accelerating the Transition to Cleaner Energy Solutions
LOS ALTOS, Calif., and CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (April 18, 2024) —Toyota Research Institute (TRI) proclaims a multiyear, multimillion-dollar problem geared toward closing the hole between latest advances in AI prediction of latest supplies and discovering the precise “recipe” wanted to make these hypothetical supplies in the actual world.
Researchers can presently use AI and simulation to seek out tens of millions of novel supplies at unprecedented charges. While that is encouraging, a bottleneck happens when making an attempt to create these supplies within the laboratory. Developing the recipe to create even a single new materials within the lab – the act of synthesis – can take years.
“Accelerating the synthesis of computer-predicted materials could be a game changer in the development of advanced technologies such as EV batteries,” stated Brian Storey, TRI’s Senior Director of Energy & Materials. “That’s why TRI is trying something new. We are inviting the best researchers in this field to bring fresh thinking to help close the gap between the computer and the lab.”
“When we started TRI in 2016, one of our founding principles was that we would enthusiastically pursue collaboration with others and avoid the ‘not invented here’ syndrome,” stated Gill Pratt, Chief Scientist for Toyota Motor Corporation and CEO of TRI. “Our intention is to shave years off the new materials discovery process by creating a collaborative research challenge amongst academics and research partners around the world.”
The Synthesis Advanced Research Challenge will present funding for 4 of probably the most promising concepts submitted for utilizing synthetic intelligence and simulation to synthesize new supplies for the following era of EVs and different rising expertise functions.
Submissions ought to ideally mix revolutionary approaches leveraging latest methodological advances with a compelling plan for collaboration. The software is open to school professors and nationwide laboratory scientists, and early-career scientists are particularly inspired to use.
Beyond the automotive business, developments in supplies synthesis have the potential to catalyze broader scientific discoveries and technological improvements.
Learn extra about this problem materials scientists are attempting to resolve on TRI’s Medium blog. To apply, please assessment the request for proposals.
The submission deadline is June 1, 2024.
About TRI’s Energy & Materials Research TRI is working to resolve some of the important challenges of our time: how can we transfer individuals round with out counting on fossil fuels? As the world races in the direction of sustainable transportation options, we should uncover and deploy breakthrough supplies, manufacture and deploy them at scale, and discover numerous options for emissions-free transportation.
About Toyota Research Institute Toyota Research Institute (TRI) conducts analysis to amplify human skill, specializing in making our lives safer and extra sustainable. Led by Dr. Gill Pratt, TRI’s crew of researchers develops applied sciences to advance power and supplies, human-centered synthetic intelligence, human interactive driving, and robotics. Established in 2016, TRI has workplaces in Los Altos, California, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. For extra details about TRI, please go to http://tri.global.
It’s widely believed that Triumph started plotting its transition into the bike market way back to 1895 after Muaritz Schulte bought a have a look at a motorized bike designed by Hildebrand and Wolfmuller. Reportedly, Schulte was so taken with the bike that he satisfied Siegfried Bettman to think about manufacturing them below license from Hildebrand and Wolfmuller.
As attractive because the prospect was, the Triumph mind belief opted to place the concept on ice, believing such a automobile would not fare nicely within the English markets. They had been probably smart to imagine so, as motorized autos had been closely restricted in Great Britain on the time because of the notorious Red Flag Act. Backed closely by stagecoach and locomotive firm leaders who feared private motorized autos may change them, the Red Flag Act restricted the velocity of a “horseless vehicle” to 2 mph in a metropolis and 4 mph within the nation.
These legal guidelines additionally required at the very least three people per motorcar, together with one to stroll forward, carrying a crimson flag to alert the general public of oncoming visitors. Believing such restrictions restricted the industrial attraction of a motorbike, Triumph saved out of the market till the Red Flag legal guidelines had been repealed.
The authorities’s “mixed messaging” across the transition to electrical automobiles threatens the UK’s prospects of assembly its transport emissions targets for 2050.
That’s the decision of a brand new report from the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee titled ‘EV Strategy: Rapid Recharge Needed’.
The report recognized a number of key areas of confusion for motorists. These had been the notion that possession of petrol and diesel automobiles might be banned in 2035, moderately than the sale of recent petrol and diesel automobiles; vital minerals (comparable to lithium) and their procurement; recycling and finish of life; and dangers to well being and security.
The committee additionally heard issues {that a} “campaign of misinformation” within the mainstream media has affected public opinion of EVs.
Richard Bruce, director of transport decarbonisation on the Department for Transport, advised the committee that “there has been an impact from a concerted campaign of misinformation” and that “there is an anti-EV story in the papers almost every day”, “almost all of which are based on misconceptions and mistruths”.
Written proof submitted by Ford attributed a part of the blame for the “vocal anti-EV campaign” to the federal government for “lacking” concentrate on the top shopper.
Ford stated: “Policy leadership is required from government, which includes clear and consistent messaging of their intent and confidence in the net-zero transition. Delayed policy delivery and inconsistencies damages industry and seeds doubt with the media and the public.”
Mike Hawes, chief of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), ratified this view, saying that “any uncertainty leads to consumers sitting on their hands and sends the wrong message”.
Indeed, the committee famous that prime minister Rishi Sunak delaying the ban on gross sales of recent ICE automobiles from 2030 to 2035 advised the general public that attaining net-zero “is going to be hard”.
When Jeep introduced its plans to transition 100% of European gross sales to electrical and 50 p.c in North America by 2030, electrifying the automaker’s fleet appeared inevitable. It is not any shock then that when a plug-in hybrid version of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe hit the market in 2021, everybody went a bit loopy over the enduring automobile.
From racking up extra awards than you possibly can rely on one hand in its few years available on the market to outselling all of Toyota’s plug-in hybrids mixed, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe had a maintain available on the market that no different PHEV might fairly catch as much as. The autos’ actual success, although, appears to lie in Jeep and guardian firm Stellantis’ advertising and marketing efforts. The automobile’s award on the Women’s World Car of the Year Awards wasn’t a fluke, the 4xe is booming.
Here’s why — and the way — the Jeep Wrangler 4xe turned so widespread that firms left and proper had been breaking down precisely why Americans fell in love with the hybrid car.
A brand new doc from Jeep reveals the corporate’s full EV roadmap main as much as 2028.
In order to provide the newest and correct data attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Jeep, Stellantis, and CNN Business.
One In Four Jeep Wranglers Sold Were 4xe Models In 2022
Jeep made firm historical past in 2023. On a summer season day in the direction of the top of August, one fortunate buyer in New Jersey bought the five-millionth Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep in query was a 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon twentieth Anniversary Edition paired with $5,000 price of Jeep Performance Parts as a prize to have fun the benchmark.
But, that fortunate New Jersey 4xe proprietor was only one extra of the numerous who lined as much as purchase the hybrid Wrangler when it dropped.
Why The 4xe Tops The Charts
Jeep
Plug-in hybrids nonetheless stay on the rarer aspect in comparison with electrical autos and commonplace hybrids. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, plug-in hybrids made up 1.4 percent of quarterly light-duty car gross sales in 2021. Hybrids, however, surpassed six p.c and electrical autos took second place with 3.4 p.c. But, within the PHEV universe, a big and boxy Jeep Wrangler takes the top prize.
Despite its traditional gas-guzzling engine with poor fuel mileage, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe outsold autos synonyms with “plug-in hybrid,” like Toyota’s fleet of PHEVs. The 4xe made up 43 percent of total Jeep Wrangler U.S. sales in 2023 with 67,429 autos bought. In comparability, the Toyota Prius, the posterchild of PHEVs, bought 38,052 fashions in 2023 as of December. Sales of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe elevated by 56 p.c in comparison with the yr prior.
The 4xe’s resume is a bit mind-boggling and eye-watering. Not solely does it rank up high by way of gross sales and recognition, however the auto awards season made it clear that the PHEV jeep mannequin was a standout. The Wrangler took residence an award from the Hispanic Motor Press and was named the Adventure Vehicle of the Year.
At the 2022 Women’s World Car of the Year Awards, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe was named the very best four-by-four available on the market. A crew of jurors from 40 nations backed the choice. On high of all of it, the Wrangler 4xe won GearJunkies’ title for greatest four-by-four car of the yr in 2021. In awards present phrases, the Jeep’s success appeared to translate to a clear sweep.
Awards embody:
Hispanic Motor Press – Adventure Vehicle of the Year 2023
Canadian Black Book – 2023 Residual Value Award
2022 Women’s World Car of the Year Awards – Best 4×4
GearJunkies – Best 4×4 2021
WardsAuto – Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems – 2021
Despite Jeep Wranger’s dependable repute (roughly 80 p.c of the model’s 5 million Wranglers are nonetheless on the highway, stated Stellantis), the car in its 100% gas-powered type would not precisely scream sustainable. Luckily, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe doesn’t compromise the brand’s off-roading excellence simply because its now a plug-in hybrid.
49 Combined Gas And Electric Fuel Economy
According to the Department of Energy’s Fuel Economy, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe falls just short of the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe’s fuel economy with 49 combined city and highway MPGe. With gas-only driving, the mannequin drops all the way down to a mixed metropolis and freeway gas financial system of 20. In comparability, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4WD with a 6.4-liter, eight-cylinder, automated eight-speed comes out at 14 mixed metropolis and freeway MPG.
While the 4xe may have vastly improved its fuel economy, it would not rank primary amongst different plug-in hybrids for mileage. For instance, the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime SE presents a mixed metropolis/freeway fuel and electrical gas financial system of 127. That quantity drops to 52 with out an electrical cost.
Jeep’s U.S. 4xe lineup contains solely PHEVs for now, however BEVs will make the reduce, too. Here’s an outline of all the current and future 4xe lineup.
The second hottest plug-in hybrid within the U.S., additionally a Jeep, begins at an analogous value level because the Wrangler 4xe. However, the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe presents a faster acceleration fee in comparison with the Wrangler’s preliminary exams. Both vehicles sport 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque whereas the Grand Cherokee 4xe heats as much as 60 MPH in 5.3 seconds as an alternative of between 6.5 to six.8 seconds. The Cherokee also climbs up the ranks in terms of fuel economy. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe presents a fuel and electrical mixed metropolis and freeway gas financial system of 56 MPGe with a 26-mile electrical car vary.
So what makes the Jeep Wrangler 4xe promote at such the next fee than different fashions? Marketability.
What Makes The 4xe So Marketable?
Stellantis refers to Jeep Wrangler as one of many “most recognizable nameplates in the industry,” so you wouldn’t think it would need much help with its marketability. But what Jeep has performed prior to now few years with the model’s technique marks an revolutionary strategy to promoting vehicles.
The All-American model has appeared set on switching the general public’s minds about eco-friendly vehicles and the people who find themselves behind the wheel. Jeep celebrated International Day of the Girl with a video that centered round ladies in motorsports.
The “Rebelle With a Cause” mission highlighted the Rebelle Rally, an all-female rally race throughout 1,500 miles of the Nevada and Californian desert. Former rally champions have fun the vacation that goals to spice up gender equality by driving the Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
“Two-time Rebelle Champion and Jeep Wrangler 4xe driver Nena Barlow…espouses the Jeep brand pillars of adventure, freedom, authenticity and passion as she works to empower a new generation of women off-road drivers with training sessions designed to inspire confidence and welcome new entrants into the sport,” Jeep stated in a press release.
Campaigns like that is probably not the driving issue behind the Wrangler 4xe’s surging gross sales; nevertheless, it does show the vehicle’s capability and performance on rough terrain all whereas advertising and marketing the car to a wider viewers than Jeep has reached earlier than.
New Jersey announced a new rule set on Wednesday laying out plans to transition sales of light-duty vehicles in the state to 100-percent zero-emission by 2035.
According to a statement released by the office of governor Phil Murphy, the law, titled the Advanced Clean Cars II rule, will come into effect starting in 2027, where manufacturers must ensure that zero-emissions vehicles represent 42 percent of sales in the state. That percentage will climb with each year until 2035, when it reaches 100 percent. Currently, EVs represent roughly 12 percent of all new vehicle sales, according to the governor’s office.
The new law will also put more stringent standards in place for traditional ICE-powered vehicles, with the goal of improving air quality in New Jersey communities and high-traffic corridors.
“By filing the landmark Advanced Clean Cars II rule, New Jersey builds upon its standing as a national leader in climate action and its participation in the global Accelerating to Zero commitment,” Murphy said in a statement. “The steps we take today to lower emissions will improve air quality and mitigate climate impacts for generations to come, all while increasing access to cleaner car choices. Indeed, together with my Administration’s continuing investments in voluntary electric vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure, and the green economy, these new standards will preserve consumer choice and promote affordability for hardworking New Jerseyans across the state.”
While the announcement does not directly mention investment into charging infrastructure, the governor’s office points out its continued dedication to providing adequate charging locations across the state, claiming it has helped fund the installment of 2,980 charging stations with 5,271 ports at 680 locations.
New Jersey is the ninth state to enact a ban on future ICE car sales, joining California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
Volkswagen is assisting the Vatican City State in its shift toward sustainable mobility. Starting in 2024, the company will supply nearly 40 fully electric models from its ID. series, including the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.5. These vehicles are part of the Vatican’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality for its fleet by 2030. Imelda Labbé, a member of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars board, and Dr. Christian Dahlheim, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Financial Services AG, personally delivered the first two electric vehicles, ID.3 Pro Performance models, to the Vatican.
The Vatican City State is committed to implementing innovative and sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of human activities and protect the planet. Central to this effort is the “Ecological Conversion 2030” program, which aims to decrease the CO2 footprint of the state’s vehicle fleet. To achieve this, the Vatican plans to gradually replace its current vehicles with electric ones, ultimately reaching a CO2-neutral fleet by 2030.
Volkswagen has been selected as the partner for this project and will provide the Vatican State with a fleet starting in 2024 through Volkswagen Financial Services. Subsequently, additional zero-emission vehicles from Volkswagen Group brands will be progressively introduced, leading to a complete fleet replacement by 2030.
Imelda Labbé stated during the vehicle handover in Vatican City: “The electrification of fleets is becoming increasingly important across the globe. The fact that Vatican employees will now also drive our ID. models in the future is a great honor for our brand and highlights the appeal of our all-electric ID. models.”
Dr. Christian Dahlheim added, “We are pleased to support the Vatican in this important project. This is a unique opportunity for us and demonstrates our competitiveness in providing mobility solutions.”
Information for editors: Volkswagen Financial Services is a division of the Volkswagen AG group and includes Volkswagen Financial Services AG, Volkswagen Bank GmbH, Porsche Financial Services, and financial service companies in the USA and Canada under the Volkswagen AG umbrella, with the exception of the Scania brand and Porsche Holding Salzburg. These businesses cover dealer and customer financing, leasing, banking, insurance activities, fleet management, and mobility services. Volkswagen Financial Services employ approximately 17,713 people globally, with 7,692 in Germany alone. They report total assets of around EUR 240 billion, an operating profit of EUR 5.60 billion, and a portfolio of around 22.0 million current contracts (as at 31.12.2022).
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand operates in over 140 markets and manufactures vehicles at 29 locations in twelve countries. In 2022, Volkswagen delivered approximately 4.6 million vehicles, including popular models like the Polo, T-Roc, T-Cross, Golf, Tiguan, Passat, and the all-electric models ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.6. Last year, the company supplied over 330,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide. Volkswagen employs around 170,000 people globally, and with its ACCELERATE strategy, it aims to become the most sought-after brand for sustainable mobility.
In recent years, Ford has made a strong commitment to embracing autonomous driving technology with their hands-free driving system called BlueCruise. BlueCruise aims to set a new standard in the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) arena by using a combination of sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, maintain its position in the lane, and make automatic lane changes and speed adjustments.
BlueCruise utilizes a variety of sensors and cameras including a radar sensor to detect vehicles and objects in the road, a lidar sensor to create a 3D map of the road, a front-facing camera to monitor the driver’s eyes and head position, and four cameras mounted on the vehicle’s corners to provide a 360-degree view of the surroundings. This comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings allows BlueCruise to make informed decisions and avoid hazards.
To activate the BlueCruise system, users need to register their vehicle using the FordPass app and enable the Connect Modem. Once activated, the system can be accessed through the settings menu and adaptive cruise control section. BlueCruise is currently available on select Ford models including the Expedition, F-150, F-150 Lightning, and Mustang Mach-E SUV.
Consumer Reports’ testing of the BlueCruise system has affirmed its commendable performance and effectiveness in maintaining driver engagement. The system has been continuously refined and upgraded through over-the-air updates to enhance its features and address any shortcomings.
When comparing BlueCruise to Tesla’s Autopilot, it’s important to note that Tesla’s Autopilot is integrated into their entire fleet without additional charges, while BlueCruise requires a fee for access. Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses, with Autopilot excelling in lane centering and responsiveness, and BlueCruise standing out in adaptability and quick response to changing road conditions. Notably, BlueCruise prioritizes safety with its Direct Driver Monitoring System that requires continuous driver engagement.
Hands-free driving systems like BlueCruise have faced scrutiny from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) due to safety concerns. However, these systems are continuously evolving, with lessons learned from real-world experiences leading to improvements in road safety and driving convenience.
Overall, Ford’s BlueCruise system represents a significant advancement in autonomous driving technology, with a focus on safety and innovative features. The debate between BlueCruise and Tesla’s Autopilot highlights the nuances in the ADAS landscape, with cost, accessibility, and safety being important factors. As the industry continues to evolve, hands-free driving technology like BlueCruise will play a key role in creating safer and more convenient driving experiences.
The global automotive industry is undergoing a transformation from combustion to electric power, which is causing significant changes in all aspects of cars, from design and development to how customers drive and interact with them.
However, not all countries and manufacturers are equally prepared for this change, and different vehicle segments face different challenges. While SUVs and premium cars are more adaptable to new powertrains, smaller subcompact cars face more difficulties. The main issue comes down to the cost, as batteries still contribute significantly to the production costs of electric vehicles. This cost remains the same regardless of whether it’s a high-end luxury vehicle or a small city car.
Due to this cost factor, European and American automakers have primarily focused on expanding their electric vehicle offerings in the luxury and premium segments. Buyers in these segments are already willing to pay higher prices, but those seeking affordable subcompacts and city cars are not as willing or able to do so. As a result, there are fewer options for small electric vehicles in the market. The question is whether this will change in the future.
The Future Is Dim
In the first half of 2023, Europe had only 18 different small electric vehicle options for the A and B segments, while China had nearly double that with 34 models. In contrast, the United States only had two small electric cars available: the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Mini Electric. This is in stark contrast to the wide range of small combustion engine cars available to buyers.
The future of small cars in Europe is uncertain and depends on whether manufacturers can bring down battery costs. Europe has high production costs, making any increase in costs detrimental to the viability of less profitable segments. Additionally, government pressure to promote electric vehicles is already forcing manufacturers to either stop producing small cars or move production outside of Europe.
On the other hand, Chinese manufacturers have an advantage in producing cheaper electric cars due to the strong commitment of the Chinese government and a more competitive workforce. Chinese subcompact cars cost on average 58% less than non-Chinese subcompacts, which could potentially disrupt overseas markets. This presents an opportunity for the Chinese industry to fill the gap left by European manufacturers.
European-produced small and city cars are at risk unless manufacturing costs decrease or regulations are implemented to limit the influx of Chinese cars into the region.
Are Small Cars And City Cars Really A Key Segment?
This raises an interesting question about the interest of US and European automakers in producing small cars, which are generally less profitable than larger segments. Will these companies abandon the segment entirely and leave it to Chinese manufacturers, or will there be a collaboration in production? Some Western brands are already investing in plants and manufacturing cars in China for both the Chinese market and export.
Despite the challenges, small A and B segment cars still account for a significant portion of passenger car sales in various regions, such as 23% in Europe, 51% in India, 28% in Southeast Asia-Pacific, and 38% in Africa. They maintain an important position in terms of volume. The question remains whether Western manufacturers will cede the segment to Chinese manufacturers, even if they don’t generate the same profits as higher segments.
The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.
Rolls-Royce, the luxury car manufacturer, has announced a significant change in leadership. The current Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, will retire from his position on November 30, 2023. His successor will be Chris Brownridge, who is currently the CEO of BMW in the UK.
Brownridge brings with him almost thirty years of experience at BMW. According to an official press release, he has a strong background in sales and marketing. He joined BMW as a graduate in 1995 and has since held various roles within the company. These include serving as the sales director of BMW UK and the regional director of Mini for the UK and Ireland.
Apple’s transition to the M-Series chips began with the release of the 2020 M1 MacBook Air in November 2020. Then, in July 2022, Apple introduced the next generation of MacBook Air models powered by the M2 chip. If rumors are true and Apple plans to launch the M3 MacBook Air in October, it would mean a shorter 15-month gap between the M2 and M3 models.
It’s worth noting that Apple also unveiled a new 15-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip at WWDC 2023. With these releases coming in quick succession, it raises the question of whether Apple will stick to its timeline for the M3 MacBook Air.
Previous rumors suggested that Apple might opt for a low-key release for the M3 MacBook Air, such as a press release or a small event. However, given the significance of the M3 chip and its potential advancements, it’s more likely that Apple will make a big announcement.
While there is some uncertainty surrounding Ming-Chi Kuo’s statement, one thing is clear: the introduction of the M3 MacBook Air is imminent. It is expected to be announced within the next few quarters and could be the next major event after the September 2023 iPhone launch.
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