Near the end of 2021, the United States was on track to sell a record number of battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs). Statistics showed a more than 88 percent increase through the end of September. Despite this impressive growth, the same study found that EVs accounted for only 3% of new car sales during the year.
The Electric Vehicle’s Future
During the study period, car buyers had only about 20 fully electric models to choose from, according to the researchers. Furthermore, the majority were high-end models that were out of reach for many consumers who would otherwise seriously consider owning them.
If CES 2022 is any indication, electric car enthusiasts will have a lot to look forward to in the near future. Many of the newly released models are unlikely to be among the most affordable. They will, however, have plenty of style and features.
Sony Introduces a New Prototype and Announces an EV Business Arm
When most people think of Sony, they probably think of televisions and video game consoles. However, at CES 2022, its leaders signaled a shift in strategy. In the spring of this year, it will establish a subsidiary called Sony Mobility, Inc., which it will use to investigate EV market opportunities.
Sony, on the other hand, is not starting from scratch. First, it had an EV prototype called the VISION-S 01 that was tested on public roads. The company then unveiled the new VISION-S 02, a sleek SUV, to the CES crowd.
The vehicle’s sensors assist it in perceiving and analyzing three-dimensional space. The system also provides driver alerts, such as through the vehicle’s sound system, to assist people in remaining aware of potential hazards.
Inside the car, time-of-flight (ToF) sensors will assist the vehicle in recognizing authorized drivers. They also allow people to use gestures to carry out commands. This car’s main selling point is also customization.
Each user can personalize the car’s display interface and even change how it sounds as it accelerates or decelerates.
A look at the car’s entertainment options reveals Sony’s return to some of its other products. For example, if a person owns a PlayStation, a remote-link feature allows them to connect to that console and play games while inside the vehicle.
They can also connect to the cloud to download new games. Furthermore, speakers built into the seats cater to music fans by recreating the experience of being surrounded by sound at a favorite artist’s concert.
It’s too soon to tell whether Sony’s official entry into the electric vehicle market will have a significant impact.
It’s encouraging, however, that the brand had the second of its two prototypes ready to show off at CES. The reaction to Sony’s bold move may influence whether other non-car companies decide to enter the electric vehicle market.
Volvo Teases Fully Autonomous Driving for a Future Electric Vehicle
For a long time, people have been fascinated by the idea of getting into a car and driving to a destination without ever touching the steering wheel. Volvo, on the other hand, is one of the brands that intends to make it a reality for some car owners.
During CES, the automaker announced expanded collaborations with Luminar, Google, and Qualcomm. According to company executives, these entities will assist Volvo in moving toward a more technologically focused future, which includes becoming a fully electric car company by 2030.
Volvo also hinted at the potential outcomes of such technological collaborations. “We are proud to announce the planned U.S. launch of our first truly unsupervised autonomous driving feature, as we look to set a new industry standard for autonomy without compromising safety,” said Mats Moberg, Volvo Cars’ head of research and development.
More than 24 sensors are used in the autonomous technology, including Luminar’s high-tech lidar sensor, which interacts with the system’s specially developed software.
Moberg continued, “Having Zenseact’s brand new [autonomous driving] software and Luminar’s lidar standard in our new fully electric SUV is a game-changer for Volvo Cars, as well as for automotive safety and autonomous driving.”
California residents will be the first to have the so-called Ride Pilot feature installed on their vehicles before the brand expands its rollout.
Volvo intends to assist people in expanding their activities while traveling. Their cars, thanks to Ride Pilot, will take them where they need to go while the people inside engage in activities such as reading or writing.
However, the chip shortage affecting Volvo may jeopardize these lofty goals. Due to a global shortage of semiconductors, its December 2021 sales fell by 18.1 percent. However, it is far from alone in dealing with the problem, with many other automakers in similar situations.
The component shortage has no single solution, and analysts believe it will not be resolved anytime soon. Fortunately, when automakers and others in high-demand industries have good inventory visibility, it’s easier to adapt as conditions change.
Many tools include forecasting and scalability features that allow users to see current statistics as well as possible scenarios.
Mercedes-Benz Is Interested in Eco-Friendly Electric Vehicle Enthusiasts
The ability to drive without relying on fossil fuels is a major factor in many people’s decision to purchase EVs. They like the fact that plugging in for power is good for the environment. Furthermore, it eliminates the money they spend at the gas station pump.
Many people make environmentally conscious decisions that extend far beyond transportation and into all aspects of their lives. Mercedes-VISION Benz’s EQXX electric vehicle is aimed at those individuals. It contains excellent examples of what manufacturers can achieve by thinking creatively about the use of non-traditional materials.
The vegan leather used on the interior is derived from the root systems of prickly-pear cactus and mushrooms. The door trim and steering wheel are made of polyester material derived from recycled plastic bottles.
While the carpets are made entirely of bamboo fibers, Mercedes-Benz set a new standard in the auto industry by collaborating with a vegan silk company. The door pulls are covered in that opulent material.
The VISION EQXX also makes significant strides in overcoming range anxiety. It has a range of 620 miles per charge and roof solar panels to charge a supplemental battery that powers the car’s ancillary systems.
The coupe-like body of the vehicle has an aerodynamic design, and the battery pack under the hood is lighter than those found in other vehicles from the manufacturer.
Both of these factors should help with energy efficiency as well. Mercedes-Benz intends to release this vehicle in 2024.
Chrysler will debut its first all-electric vehicle at CES 2022
It may surprise you to learn that Chrysler had never previously displayed an all-electric vehicle at CES. It did, however, reveal a future change with a white Airflow Concept, which should be available for purchase by 2025.
The front and rear of the vehicle each have two 150-kilowatt batteries. They should have a combined range of 350-400 miles and be able to charge quickly thanks to a fast-charging feature.
For a more eye-catching appearance, the chassis features animated LED lights. Through the panoramic roof, people can also get interesting views of the passing scenery. A look inside reveals an unusual, oval-shaped steering wheel next to a much larger display screen.
Another screen is mounted to entertain the front-seat passenger. This one is a little smaller, reflecting the brand’s push to help people bring their digital lives with them on every trip.
Owners of this Chrysler model can also use it for Level 3 self-driving. Furthermore, because the car supports over-the-air updates, owners can easily stay up to date on the latest features.
Despite the Airflow Concept’s appealing design and user-friendly features, some analysts question whether Chrysler has waited too long to entice people with electric vehicles.
Because other models from more established EV brands are becoming more available, consumers may no longer consider Chrysler to be a go-to option.
The Electric Vehicle Market is Increasingly Exciting
Those looking for inspiration from electric vehicles can find it in this CES 2022 coverage and other articles.
These new vehicles demonstrate what is possible
Still, it’s unclear whether the manufacturers in question will be able to overcome challenges such as chip shortages and road tests demonstrating that autonomous driving is a safe option.
In any case, there’s a lot to look forward to as the electric vehicle market evolves.
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