PASSED DRIVING TEST
SMART BELTS
HYDROGEN REVOLUTION
Hyundai Motor Company recently unveiled a campaign film demonstrating its IONIQ 5 robotaxi , an all-electric , self-driving vehicle , successfully completing a simulated U . S . driver ’ s license test . Developed with autonomous technology partner Motional , the film showcases the vehicle ’ s ability to handle complex driving scenarios in Las Vegas , affirming its reliability and the inclusiveness of its technology .
The campaign also tells the story of Pearl Outlaw , a visually impaired woman unable to drive due to Retinitis Pigmentosa . The IONIQ 5 robotaxi promises to enhance mobility for individuals like Pearl by offering the possibility of safe , independent travel , highlighting the profound impact of autonomous vehicles .
Observed by Kandice Jones , a DMV Certified Driving Examiner , the robotaxi impressively navigated urban and suburban environments , adeptly performing standard driving maneuvers and reacting to hazards . This successful simulation on a closed course underlines the vehicle ’ s advanced sensor technology , including LiDAR , radar , and cameras , which support consistent performance across diverse conditions .
Nissan revealed its all-solid-state battery pilot production line , currently under construction , during a media event at its Yokohama Plant in Kanagawa Prefecture . This pilot line is central to the company ’ s strategy to develop and refine innovative manufacturing technologies for these advanced batteries . As part of its long-term Nissan Ambition 2030 vision , Nissan aims to equip its electric vehicles ( EVs ) with these batteries by the 2028 fiscal year .
All-solid-state batteries are poised to revolutionise the EV market . They offer approximately twice the energy density of traditional lithium-ion batteries , drastically reduced charging times due to enhanced charge and discharge capabilities , and the potential for lower costs through the use of more affordable materials . Nissan plans to deploy these batteries across a diverse range of vehicle segments , including pickup trucks , enhancing the competitiveness of its EV lineup .
Nissan ’ s commitment to these technologies extends beyond battery development to include comprehensive research on molecular-level battery materials , electric vehicle design , and the integration of EVs within urban planning as energy storage solutions .
MAN Truck & Bus achieved a milestone by initiating the first autonomous truck test on a German motorway , with Federal Transport Minister Dr . Volker Wissing and MAN CEO Alexander Vlaskamp onboard . This test took place on the A9 motorway and is part of MAN ’ s initiative to develop autonomous trucks for logistics , aimed at reducing operating costs and addressing the driver shortage .
Granted a Level 4 test permit under Germany ’ s autonomous driving laws , this test signifies a step towards Germany becoming a leader in automated and connected driving . MAN plans to expand these autonomous trials to customer applications by 2025 and move towards mass production by the decade ’ s end .
Collaborating with Autobahn GmbH and other partners , MAN is enhancing the integration and safety of autonomous trucks on motorways , positioning itself at the forefront of this transformative technology .
42 ISSUE 46 APRIL 2024 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU