Check out what CAR has been checking out! We asked some members of the Center for Automotive research team to share what they have been reading, watching, or listening to recently.

What Snehasis is Checking Out: 

Snehasis’ Thoughts:

The tech world is gearing up for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, and anticipation is running high. From cutting-edge TVs with breathtaking picture quality to groundbreaking innovations in health and wellness, CES 2024 promises to showcase the latest technologies that will shape the future. Some of the hottest trends to watch for include:

1. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
2. Autonomous and Micro Mobility
3. Health and Wellness Innovation
4. Sustainability in the Spotlight
5. Features and experience including business cases
6. Robotics and Automation
7. The Unexpected: CES is always known for its surprises, and 2024 is likely to be no different. Expect to see new and unexpected technologies that will push the boundaries of what we thought possible.

CES 2024 promises to be an exciting event that will offer a glimpse into the future of technology. With so much innovation on the horizon, it’s clear that the technology industry is constantly evolving and pushing boundaries, making our lives easier, more connected, and more enjoyable.

 

What Yen is Checking Out: 

Yen’s Thoughts:

Beginning January 1, 2024, electric vehicle (EV) batteries incorporating components sourced from China, such as electrode active materials (including cathode materials, anode materials, anode foils, electrochemically active materials), battery cells, and battery modules, will disqualify the EV from eligibility for the $7,500 clean vehicle tax credit. This regulation poses a substantial hurdle for automakers currently reliant on Chinese EV batteries and components. Notably, the United States imported over $1.6 billion worth of EV batteries and components from China through September 2023, constituting over 70% of total EV battery imports. This regulation serves to incentivize automakers and battery manufacturers to establish a domestic supply chain for EV batteries. Despite an investment surpassing $120 billion in the past two years, the majority of these investments are not expected to yield battery cell production until 2025 or later. This timeline underscores the urgency for accelerated development and production processes to support the U.S. EV transition.

 

What Lisa is Checking Out:

Lisa’s Thoughts:

In this blog post, the authors explain how new technology in vehicle safety systems (aka, advanced driver assistance systems: ADAS) incorporates artificial intelligence (AI). The article outlines two interesting and important topics: it provides a review of the driver assistance technology that is revolutionizing driver safety, and it demystifies the way AI is incorporated into products that we use daily (e.g., our cars). A great read for those who are interested in learning the terminology and capabilities of driver assistance systems. Further, this post outlines the benefits of ADAS including more sophisticated collision avoidance, object detection, timely warning systems, and most importantly, the limitations of the technology. One of the most critical aspects of understanding driver assistance systems involves avoiding over-reliance on automated systems and avoiding assumptions that vehicle technology eliminates the need for driver attention. Currently, humans are still better equipped to detect and react appropriately to unexpected and unusual situations.  

What CAR is Checking Out:

The CAR team and partners spent the afternoon at Newlab touring their building and hearing industry experts discuss the automotive happenings in 2023 and outlooks for 2024 at our December Drives and Holiday Vibes industry briefing & networking event.