Last week, I participated in a radio show discussing the future of AI and electric cars. This conversation was inspired by a BBC TopGear article, which used to be a favorite of mine until the show underwent a host change, leading me to watch it less frequently.
The rapid pace of technological advancement and the amount of misinformation surrounding autonomous driving and electric vehicles (EVs) are concerning. Despite what some prominent figures, like Elon Musk, claim, fully autonomous driving technology isn’t here yet. Moreover, the current state of EVs, the unlikely scenario of hydrogen overtaking battery technology, and the expanding role of AI in our vehicles all merit closer examination.
One notable development is China’s rapid progress in electric vehicle technology. Chinese automakers are producing electric cars that are increasingly affordable, efficient, and advanced, even though quality control remains an issue.
Let’s delve into the current state of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving advancements, and the growing role of AI in cars. I’ll also highlight a product my wife recently bought me that has pleasantly surprised me.
Electric Vehicle Status
The electric vehicle market is facing a slowdown, primarily due to declining demand. Several factors contribute to this trend: ongoing quality issues (notably with Tesla’s new Cybertruck), some controversial views from Elon Musk, and ineffective marketing strategies.
Tesla, being a major player in the EV market, is experiencing significant sales challenges, which in turn affect the broader industry. Traditional automakers are also struggling to transition to electric vehicles. Despite the expectation that EVs would be reliable, they have faced considerable issues, leading many owners to express a preference for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Some automakers who had pledged to go fully electric by 2030 are now reconsidering and shifting towards plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). PHEVs come with their own set of complexities, including the need to maintain two powertrains and the challenges of running a gasoline engine, especially when using ethanol-blended fuel.
If you own a PHEV, using ethanol-free gasoline can help avoid some of these issues. The same advice applies to other gas-powered equipment that sits unused for extended periods.
A significant change is the transition to Tesla’s charging standard, known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS). By 2026, most electric vehicles in the U.S. should adopt this standard, which will simplify charging and make Tesla’s Superchargers accessible to a broader range of EVs. Older EVs can use adapters, but it’s best to wait until your car receives a software update that supports Tesla Superchargers.
Currently, charging experiences vary greatly. Older charging standards required cumbersome processes and fees, while Tesla’s network offered a more straightforward, plug-and-charge approach. However, Tesla’s charging stations also face issues such as misuse of charging spots and occasional damage.
The shift to EVs began before the technology was fully ready. Lithium-ion batteries, crucial for current EVs, were developed over decades and still face challenges, such as overheating and the difficulty of mining lithium and cobalt.
Upcoming Changes
Battery technology is advancing rapidly. By 2027, we expect alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, such as solid-state and sodium-ion batteries, to become available. These new batteries promise longer ranges, improved durability, and faster charging times.
China’s XPeng already offers a vehicle with a nearly 500-mile range at a competitive price, challenging established automakers. As battery technology improves, EVs will become more convenient and competitive with gas-powered cars.
The Role of AI in Cars
Autonomous driving technology is categorized into five levels, with Level 5 representing fully autonomous vehicles that require no human intervention. Currently, most vehicles are at Level 2+, offering features like adaptive cruise control. Mercedes has begun rolling out Level 3 systems in select states, with Level 4 expected around 2027 and Level 5 around 2030.
AI is also advancing in other aspects of automotive technology. In-car digital assistants, developed by companies like Nvidia, are emerging. These assistants could help with tasks like parking, troubleshooting issues, and providing information in natural language. For example, rather than struggling with cryptic warning lights, you could ask the car for explanations and guidance.
AI could also enhance entertainment options, alert you to dangers, and provide updates on road conditions. As vehicles become more intelligent, they will better adapt to individual preferences and driving habits.
Conclusion
By 2030, many of the current challenges facing electric vehicles should be resolved, with high-end models leading the way. AI technology will foster a deeper interaction with our cars, offering significant safety and convenience benefits. As autonomous vehicles become more advanced, the need for car ownership might shift, especially for younger generations who already prefer shared mobility options.
While I personally enjoy driving, I look forward to embracing new technologies that enhance safety and convenience, allowing me to fully enjoy my journeys. The future of electric cars and AI in vehicles is on the horizon, whether we’re ready for it or not.
Carly On-Board Diagnostic Scanner
Traditional OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) readers often come with limitations: they may not be updatable, and you typically need to purchase a new reader when you switch cars. Additionally, these devices might not provide specific guidance on how to resolve identified issues.
Carly offers a different approach. It includes a wireless OBDII reader, a companion app, and a subscription service. Carly can automatically address some issues, unlock features typically accessible only through dealerships, and, with its advanced service, provide detailed instructions for fixing problems it detects.
The Carly Premium package, which allows you to enable features for a single car or all brands, is priced around $76. Currently, there’s a promotion that makes it $10 cheaper than the basic package. If you want coverage for all brands, the cost increases by about $34, allowing for broader vehicle configuration and code reading. For guidance on understanding these codes, you’d need to pay an additional $36.
Additionally, a subscription fee is required, ranging from $9 to $20 per month, depending on the level of service you choose. Despite the cost, Carly can be a worthwhile investment for home mechanics, potentially saving money on professional repairs, which have become quite expensive.
Personally, Carly has proven valuable for me. It allowed me to activate hidden features on my Audi TTS and, with my Audi E-Tron GT, it helped diagnose and fix a sensor issue that would have otherwise been time-consuming and challenging.
In my experience, Carly stands out as a leading OBDII reader, and it seems to be at the forefront of the evolving landscape of automotive diagnostics, making it a standout product.