5 minute read
WINDSHIELD TIME
from Rep April 21
Chances are you spend a lot of time in your car. Here’s something that might help you appreciate your home-away-from-home a little more.
Automotive-related news
Finding charging spots
Electric vehicles with Google Maps built in are getting a few more features that should make it easier to plan trips around charging stops, reports Engadget. Google is using graph theory in its latest routing algorithms to help you determine the best way to get to your destination. If your journey requires more than one charging stop, Maps will look at thousands of public charging stations to figure out the most efficient route in under ten seconds, Google says. The app will note how long it’ll take to juice up your EV at each stop, as well as your total trip time including recharging. For shorter trips that only require one stop, Maps will display a list of charging stations. You can pick a spot where you can recharge your EV the fastest or one where you have a membership. You’ll be able to see what amenities are close by in case you want to pick up groceries or a coffee while you wait.
Batteries are in demand
Energy research and consulting firm Wood Mackenzie estimates that electric vehicles will make up 18% of new car sales by 2030, reports The New York Times. That would increase the demand for batteries by about eight times as much as factories can currently produce. And that is a conservative estimate. Long considered one of the least interesting car components, batteries may now be one of the most exciting parts of the auto industry. Car manufacturing hasn’t fundamentally changed in 50 years and is barely profitable, but the battery industry is still ripe for innovation. Technology is evolving at a pace that is reminiscent of the early days of personal computers, mobile phones or even automobiles.
Chip shortage hurts car production
A chip shortage that started as consumers stocked up on personal computers and other electronics during the
COVID-19 pandemic now threatens to snarl car production around the world, reports CNBC. In early February, GM said that it would extend production cuts in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico until the middle of March. They join a long list of major automakers, including Ford, Honda and Fiat Chrysler, that have warned investors or slowed vehicle production because of the chip shortage. But it’s not just the automotive industry that’s struggling to get enough semiconductors to build their products. AMD and Qualcomm, which sell chips to most of the top electronics firms, have noted the shortage in recent weeks. Sony blamed the chip shortage for why it’s so hard to get a PlayStation 5 game console.
Driver assistance … as you like it
Some people love the lane-keeping assist feature in their new vehicle, but others hate it, because it reacts in a way they don’t understand. “To get these people motivated, personalization is key,” explained Bernhard Pirkl, vice president of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for Samsung-owned Harman, in an interview with Digital Trends. “This, for me, will be the major breakthrough – identifying who is behind the steering wheel and providing personalized application of the different features via the cloud.” He envisions a near future where drivers can customize their various electronic driving aids (like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking). You’ll be able to adjust them to suit your driving style, from loose and occasional interventions to aggressive and frequent take-overs. Better yet, these systems will gain the ability to adjust automatically after you save your preferences, like a memory function for electronics.
OWDR and Subaru of America, Inc. announced earlier this year an extension of a longstanding partnership to provide POWDR mountain resort guests and Subaru owners with unforgettable adventures. The partnership expansion also makes Subaru Moto sports USA the official partner of Woodward.
The Subaru and POWDR partnership will bring more amenities to mountain experiences and connect adventure-seekers everywhere, according to a release. During the 2020/2021 season, the POWDR and Subaru partnership includes the Subaru sponsorship of Snowbird, Copper Mountain and Mt. Bachelor’s avalanche rescue dog programs, which includes training and certification support for dogs and handlers, supplies and specialized equipment. And, to contribute to the overall guest experience while supporting safe, COVID-related operating protocols, Subaru has designed and deployed custom outdoor chalet structures, called Subie Shacks, at various POWDR locations – offering guest amenities and Subaru owner perks such as pre-packaged menu items, snacks and Subaru prizing.
For more than six years, Subaru and POWDR have joined together to enhance experiences for resort guests and Subaru owners alike. Exclusive resort benefits such as Subaru VIP parking, Subaru concierge and shuttle vehicles, as well as ‘pop-up’ surprises and activations throughout the season, are designed specifically to celebrate and inspire adventurous Subaru owners. Additionally, through POWDR’s corporate responsibility Play Forever commitment, and the Subaru Loves the Earth initiative, the partnership has implemented green event practices that expand recycling collection and waste reduction with TerraCycle®, as well as outdoor environmental ethics education with Leave No Trace.
Helicopters are faster
United Airlines in February said it would buy up to 200 small electric air taxis to help customers in urban areas get to the airport, reports WTTW in Chicago, United’s hometown. The airline said it will help electric-aircraft startup Archer develop an aircraft capable of helicopter-style, vertical takeoffs and landings. Archer hopes to deliver its first aircraft in 2024, if it wins certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. United said once the aircraft are flying, it and partner Mesa Airlines will acquire up to 200 that would be operated by another company. According to an Archer presentation to investors, the orders are worth $1 billion with an option for $500 million more.
