The future of cars: Drivers not needed

Las Vegas (CNN) -- It's conventional wisdom in the auto industry, but the rest of us may be a bit shocked to find out that cars of the future likely will drive themselves.

In some ways, they already are.

A $100,000 car from Mercedes aims to give the human foot a rest in traffic jams. It senses how far away other cars are -- and then speeds up and slows down accordingly. No need to turn off cruise control and hit the brake. You just steer. (Wired Magazine, which tested the car, called this a "magically scary experience.")

And tech companies are pushing car automation even further.

In October, Google announced it had developed a fleet of cars that use various sensors and maps to feel out the roadway. "They've driven down Lombard Street, crossed the Golden Gate bridge, navigated the Pacific Coast Highway, and even made it all the way around Lake Tahoe. All in all, our self-driving cars have logged over 140,000 miles. We think this is a first in robotics research," the company said on its blog.

The latest edition in this trend comes from General Motors, which showed off a self-driving car last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The EN-V (pronounced "envy" and short for "Electric Networked Vehicle") combines two ideas about how to teach cars to drive -- using sensors like cameras and sonar to keep the car from hitting pedestrians; and network technology that lets cars talk to each other.

This "car internet" lets the cars link up wirelessly and follow one another in a sort of wirelessly linked train. If one EN-V needed to pull out of the line, it could.

The pod-like cars, which are just prototypes for now (GM says they could be on the market by 2030 at a cost of $10,000), look somewhat like large scuba-diver helmets, or smushed dust busters. They roll on two wheels, which are aligned like the front two wheels of a car, not like a bicycle. GM partnered with Segway, maker of those futuristic-looking transporters, to create technology that allows the car to balance.

"It's basically a dynamically balanced skateboard," said Chris Borroni-Bird, GM's director of advanced technology vehicle concepts.

The EN-V runs on battery power and plugs into a wall -- giving it a max speed of about 30 miles per hour and a range of about 30 miles. That's not far or fast, but it's enough to make the EN-V useful for cutting down congestion in urban settings, particularly high-density cities in China and India, Borroni-Bird said.

The car also aims to improve safety, since human drivers don't have a sterling record on that front. An estimated 1.3 million people die in traffic-related accidents each year, according to the World Health Organization.

The EN-Vs are just as wide as they are tall, measuring 5 feet cubed. Two people fit inside comfortably, but there's not much room for anything else. A bubble of glass sits close in front of the driver's face. "You can probably pack 5 or 6 times as many of these EN-Vs in a parking lot as you could conventional cars," Borroni-Bird said.

Even though the cars can communicate with each other and drive themselves, drivers can take control if they choose. That's important, Borroni-Bird said, both for safety reasons and so drivers can get some sense of enjoyment from the vehicle.

Drivers use a joystick of sorts to steer and throttle the vehicle, which can spin in place and accelerates rather quickly.

Still, Borroni-Bird says, there are a number of obstacles that need to be hurdled before something like the EN-V hits the market.

The wireless signals that let the vehicles communicate are problematic because hackers, in theory, could access them and send cars off track; and because a lost wireless connection could cause the automated system to lose control of the car.

"It's one thing if a computer goes down, but it's another thing if it happens here," he said.

But he sees a bright future for the concept.

"For the last 100 years the car really hasn't changed in a fundamental sense," he said.

Self-driving cars may buck that trend.

(CNN)

內置Tegra晶片，奧迪 MMI 於 CES 2011上展示全新觸控車載系統

http://tech.weiphone.com/2011-01-07/Built_Tegra_chip_228996.shtml

Toyota Entune infotainment system hands-on

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/09/toyota-entune-infotainment-system-hands-on-video/

How Porsche Created A Real-Life Electric Turbo Boost

http://jalopnik.com/5728504/how-the-porsche-918-rsrs-amazing-hybrid-works/gallery/

Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell hitting dealerships in 2013

You may disagree with the car's color and its powertrain choice, but you can't argue with 528 horsepower, 649lb/ft of torque, and AWD acceleration so good it should come with a neck brace. It's a legitimately hot car, and it's legitimately coming to dealerships. Mercedes today confirmed that the SLS AMG E-Cell will be available for order at dealerships in 2013, and while no price was given, expect it to be a lot. The gasoline-powered model cost around $200,000, after all. Oh, and that citrus color? It's pretty stunning in the flesh, a matte hue that makes you go "Mmm."

Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

Mercedes all electric SLS AMG E-Cell Gullwing to enter production

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

At the 2011 Detroit Auto Show Mercedes-Benz has announced that its SLS AMG E-Cell, which was first unveiled as a prototype last year, will go into production. Part of Mercedes-AMG’s “AMG Performance 2015” strategy that aims to continually reduce fuel consumption and emissions, the battery-electric drive gullwing super sports car, which generates 392 kW (525 hp) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft) of torque via four compact electric motors positioned near the wheels, will be available to order from 2013.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• View all
  

The all-electric SLS AMG E-Cell can go from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4 seconds, which isn’t far off the pace of the 6.3-liter SLS AMG that does it in 3.8 seconds thanks to its 420 kW (571 hp) V8. The planned production model looks to be largely unchanged from the prototype with the same liquid-cooled, 48 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, redesigned instrument cluster and center console and multilink suspension with pushrod damper struts. The production version will also offer AMG ceramic composite brakes, which are 40 percent lighter than the conventional, grey cast iron brake discs, as an optional extra.

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t released all the details about the car just yet though – most notably, the range of the vehicle, how long it takes to charge and the price.

(GIZMAG)

Volvo to enter the EV market with all-electric C30

While it looks like a regular Volvo C30 with the same safety, comfort and space as featured in standard model the big difference is that the C30 Electric is powered solely by electricity

Volvo is set to enter the electric vehicle (EV) market with the production of an all-electric version of their C30 three-door compact. An electric concept based on the C30 was first seen in 2007 and last year the C30 Electric was taken to the Paris and Los Angeles Motor Shows. Now Volvo has announced its plans to begin production of the EV with the first ten cars off the production line heading to Swedish energy provider Göteborg Energi in the coming months.

While it looks like a regular Volvo C30 with similar safety, comfort and space as featured in the standard model, the big difference is of course that the C30 Electric is powered solely by electricity and produces zero local emissions.

The electric motor is housed under the bonnet and is powered by an Enerdel lithium-ion 24 kWh battery. It is charged using regular mains power with a completely depleted battery taking eight to ten hours to recharge. The EV has a range of 150 kilometers (94 miles) on a full charge, boasts a top speed of 130 km/h (approximately 80 mph) and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds via its 82 kW electric motor.

These figures are comparable to the Nissan LEAF which has a 100 mile (160 km) range, 80kW motor, top speed of around 90 mph (140 km/h) and an estimated 8 hour recharge time.

The Volvo C30 Electric project has slated an initial production run of only 250 vehicles.

"We have had a very positive response from the market so far. If the demand continues to be high, we will of course expand our production series," Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Car Corporation's Special Vehicles division said.

The new EV was at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show where at the company's stand featured a Volvo C30 Electric that had undergone a frontal collision test at 40 mph (64 km/h).

"Our tests show it is vital to separate the batteries from the electric car's crumple zones to make it as safe as a conventional car," Volvo Cars' President and CEO Stefan Jacoby said. "In Detroit we are the first car maker to show the world what a truly safe electric car looks like after a collision with high-speed impact."

Key specs – Volvo C30 Electric

• Electric motor: 110 hp (82 kW)
• Top speed: 81 mph (130 km/h)
• Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 10.5 sec
• Batteries: Lithium-ion 24 kWh
• Charge: 230V, 16A, 10A, 6A
• Recharging duration: 8-10 hours
• Range: 75-95 miles (120-150 km)
• Battery weight: 2 x 310 lb (2 x 140 kg)
• Weight increase compared with a standard car: + 600 lb (+ 300 kg)

(Gizmag)

13 Japanese companies join to further fuel cell adoption, also plan to ride bikes together

What's going to spin the tires in your car of the future? Will it even have tires? Right now it looks like either hydrogen fuel cells or pure EVs will be dominating the streets in a few decades, and thankfully they share enough technology for us to think they can peacefully co-exist -- just like Apple and Microsoft fanboys and girls have been known to host really great parties together where they engage in long, respectful discussions regarding their differing opinions. However, while EVs are already well on their way, for fuel cells to take off we're going to need more hydrogen filling stations and more cooperation between auto manufacturers. That's happening now in Japan, with 13 companies -- Toyota, Nissan, and Honda along with a number of gas and utilities companies -- joining forces to enable a "smooth domestic launch" of fuel cell vehicles as soon as 2015. They hope to create about 100 hydrogen stations across the country, work to form a broader hydrogen supply network, and also educate people about FCVs in general. We'll give them a head start by letting you know that stands for "Fuel Cell Vehicle," though they're also often called FCEVs, or "Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles." Bam! Two items off the to-do list.

Show full PR text

January 13, 2011

Toyota Motor Corporation
Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation
Idemitsu Kosan Company, Ltd.
Iwatani Corporation
Osaka Gas Company, Ltd.
Cosmo Oil Company, Ltd.
Saibu Gas Company, Ltd.
Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K.
Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
Tokyo Gas Company, Ltd.
Toho Gas Company, Ltd.

13 Japanese Companies Eye Smooth Domestic Launch of FCVs
-Development of Hydrogen Supply Infrastructure Key-

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., Honda Motor Company, Ltd., JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation, Idemitsu Kosan Company, Ltd., Iwatani Corporation, Osaka Gas Company, Ltd., Cosmo Oil Company, Ltd., Saibu Gas Company, Ltd., Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K., Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation, Tokyo Gas Company, Ltd. and Toho Gas, Company, Ltd. jointly announce the following details regarding the launch of fuel-cell vehicles1 (FCVs) - one of a number of potential next-generation vehicles - in the Japanese market in 2015 and the development of the hydrogen supply infrastructure necessary for the successful adoption of the vehicles.

As development of fuel-cell systems progresses, Japanese automakers are continuing to drastically reduce the cost of manufacturing such systems and are aiming to launch FCVs in the Japanese market-mainly in the country's four largest cities-in 2015. The automobile industry hopes to popularize the use of FCVs after their initial introduction as a way of tackling energy and environmental issues.
Hydrogen fuel suppliers are aiming to construct approximately 100 hydrogen fueling stations by 2015, based on the number of FCVs expected to initially enter the market, to ensure a smooth launch and to create initial market.
With an aim to significantly reduce the amount of CO2 emitted by the transportation sector, automakers and hydrogen fuel suppliers will work together to expand the introduction of FCVs and develop the hydrogen supply network throughout Japan. The two groups are looking to the government to join them in forming various strategies* to support their joint efforts and to gain greater public acceptance of the technology.
*As a specific initiative in the immediate future, the companies plan to approach local governments and other concerned parties to discuss strategies for creating initial consumer demand for FCVs and for the optimal placement of hydrogen fueling stations, targeting Japan's four major metropolitan areas (Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka).

(engadget)

Washington State to put quick chargers on scenic byway, allow tourists to top-up their EVs

A few weeks back we learned that the US would be getting 310 quick-charging CHAdeMO stations, 480V AC/DC converters that can get a Nissan Leaf to 80 percent charge in under 30 minutes. Most are destined for major metropolitan areas, but we were intrigued to find out that Washington State is going to put two or three of them out in the country, on a 120 mile scenic portion of Route 2 that runs over the Cascade Mountains. It's a popular tourist destination and, with EVs becoming more popular in the area, soon even tourists with cutting-edge transportation to enjoy the ride. After all, everybody likes a good view.

在軌道上行駛的未來概念汽車

如今大城市中的交通擁堵是一個讓人非常頭疼的問題，當你趕著上班的時候卻發現放眼望去都是無盡的汽車長龍，這恐怕會讓你有一點點想崩潰的感覺。現在的私家車數量越來越多，導致不管是開私家車還是乘坐公共交通工具出行，道路狀況都只有一個字 - 堵。想要解決這個問題除了大力進行道路交通建設以外，改善交通工具本身的通行效率也是一個不錯的方向，下面這個設計就充分體現了這一點。 

 這是由國外設計師設計的一款未來交通工具。它的外形十分科幻前衛。當道路狀況良好時它的行駛模式就和普通汽車一樣，而當道路擁堵時就可以對汽車的輪胎進行調整，將前後輪合併在一起，這樣就可以在預先鋪設好的軌道上行駛。由於車身比較小巧，所以軌道上能承載數量更多的這種汽車。它本身也採用天然氣作為能源，沒有尾氣排放的問題，更加綠色環保。當然了，這個設計目前還僅僅是一個概念，真的實施起來恐怕也是一個浩大的工程，希望日後人們能夠想出更加可行性更高的方案來解決這個棘手的問題。

(Weiphone)

 

現實版腦波駕駛汽車

借助於腦電波的不同頻率，讓電腦識別出人類意識，以做出相應操作的設備已有不少，市面上什至還有腦波遊戲設備出售，頗受消費者歡迎，但其設計未免過於簡單，電腦依舊難以識別複雜的指令。而這款特別的汽車卻可以準確識別人腦指令，讓駕駛者無需手動操作控制設備，即可駕駛汽車前行，著實神奇。目前，該項技術還在繼續研發當中，若能將其商用，那麼不少手腳不靈便的殘疾人士也能借助科技的力量，輕鬆出行了。

設計：柏林自由大學