From Engines to Motors: A Trip to the Future

In 1769, Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built the first car in the world. This car(Figure 1), in my perspective, can not even be counted as a real car. A big, ugly steam machine lay behind the whole body, making it more like a “modern” car carrying a popcorn maker.

Figure 1 (Roby)

Although this kind of external combustion engine did play an important role in the history of cars, it is still treated separately from modern car history. We still have to wait for about a century, until that person, Carl Benz, created the first modern car in this world. 

In 1879, Benz built the first car with an internal combustion engine and this car is often called the first modern car. After that, the speed of development in the car industry increased dramatically. Ford introduced the assembly line for the car industry in 1908. Its production—Model T, also signed as a revolutionized achievement because the assembly line cut the price even more than a half. Cars, as the basic unit for transportation nowadays, entered thousands of households for the first time.

Figure 2 (Dino)

After thriving in the 1920s and 30s, the car industry faced setbacks during the Great Depression and World War II but still solidified its technological and structural foundation. Post-WWII, the industry boomed in the U.S., driven by economic prosperity and the rise of suburbs, making cars essential for daily life(Figure 2). However, the 1970s oil crisis marked a dramatic shift, as oil embargoes from the Middle East spurred a transition from muscle cars to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Let us turn our clock to today’s world, where the electric vehicle (EV) revolution is often talked about by people, believing that this revolution is a new phase of the car.

But no, it is not, or at least not completely.

The leap we are experiencing with EVs is not merely a transition from one generation of technology to the next; it is a monumental shift akin to the move from the horse-drawn carriage to the gasoline-powered car. This revolution is reshaping our relationship with transportation, signaling a profound departure from the old, heralding a new era where technology redefines mobility.

Imagine on a radiant morning in Muttontown, you step out of your house and into your autonomous vehicle. As you settle in, the seat effortlessly contours to your preferred configuration, and the overhead reading light flickers to life, creating a perfect environment for productivity. The car's engine hums quietly, its sound barely perceptible, ensuring a serene commute. As you engage in a 45-minute virtual conference with your headquarters in London, the advanced technology seamlessly manages your journey without requiring your input. As the meeting concludes, the car's sophisticated AI announces that you are just three minutes from your destination on Wall Street. You exit the vehicle and watch as it glides away autonomously to park itself in a nearby lot, ready for your next command. This is not just a drive; it's a glimpse into the future of autonomous cars.

The concept of EVs, nevertheless, has not been mentioned for the first time. At the very beginning stage in the car industry, between 1900 to 1915, electric cars were not a new thing already. Because of the low energy efficiency of internal combustion engines at that time, electric cars were kind of popular for their stability and better performance. However, with the rapid development of internal combustion engines, electric cars gradually disappeared from the stage of the car industry.(Figure 3)

Figure 3 (NIO official)

Battery

But history is a cycle. After a century, with the development of battery technology and the demand for lower carbon emission, the electric car appeared in the forefront once again. And the evolution of batteries could mainly be summarized on three aspects: charging speed, recharging mileage, and the special battery change technology.

Once criticized for long charging times that paled in comparison to gasoline-powered vehicles, the landscape today tells a starkly different story. Innovations like the NIO Power Charger 4.0 exemplify these advancements, delivering a maximum current of 765A and voltage of 1,000V, peaking at a powerful 640kW. Additionally, it features the industry's lightest liquid-cooled charging cable, which weighs only 2.4kg and can be easily managed with one hand. This ultra-fast charger can fully power a 100KWh battery—enough to drive 605 km (375 miles)—in just one hour. Pushing the limits even further, CATL’s Shenxing battery charger dramatically enhances charging efficiency, powering a battery to support a 500 km (310 miles) range in a mere 12 minutes, making it faster than traditional fuel car refueling.

The evolution of battery technology has also significantly extended the range of EVs, addressing and alleviating the pervasive 'range anxiety' that has historically deterred potential users. Modern electric vehicles now boast the ability to travel distances exceeding 700 km (approximately 434 miles) on a single charge. The Shenxing battery further extends this capability, supporting a theoretical range of 1,000 km (621 miles) and a practical range of 820 km (509 miles). This leap in technology means electric vehicles can now meet and exceed the daily transportation needs of the average consumer, without the frequent stops for charging that once defined the experience.

Moreover, the introduction of battery swap technology has introduced a novel and effective solution to the issue of charging wait times. Pioneered by companies like NIO, this technology offers a rapid, three-minute battery swap system that mirrors the convenience of refueling a gasoline car(Figure 4). During each swap, not only is a depleted battery replaced with a fully charged one, but a comprehensive health check on the battery and electric drive system is also performed to ensure the vehicle remains in optimal condition. First introduced in China three years ago, this system has profoundly impacted the consumer market, making electric vehicles a more attractive and practical choice for an increasing number of drivers. This innovative approach not only enhances convenience but also significantly reduces downtime, propelling the adoption of electric vehicles forward.

Figure 4 (NIO official)

Drive-less technology

These groundbreaking developments in battery technology represent a major leap forward in making electric vehicles (EVs) a viable and superior alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles, promising a more sustainable and efficient future for personal transportation. However, if the only differences between traditional fuel cars and EVs are how long the EV can drive and how fast it can be recharged, then this shift cannot be considered a revolution to a new stage of transportation.

As the real feature of future technology in people’s imagination, the driverless system is the key point of this revolution. Essential safety-critical applications of driverless technology, more professionally known as Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), are fundamental in enhancing automobile safety. These systems employ technologies such as pedestrian detection and avoidance, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot detection. These systems employ advanced interface standards and run multiple vision-based algorithms for real-time multimedia, vision co-processing, and sensor fusion subsystems. As automobiles transition into mobile-connected devices of the next generation, these safety mechanisms integrate seamlessly, leveraging Systems on a Chip (SoCs) to connect sensors with actuators through sophisticated electronic controller units (ECUs).

Advancements in these technologies not only improve safety but also push forward the capabilities of autonomous driving, classified into five levels from L1 to L5. Currently, the most widespread is Level 2 (L2) autonomy, which aids in driving but does not replace the driver. At this stage, the technology assists in making driving tasks easier rather than enabling full autonomy. Level 3 (L3) autonomy allows drivers to disengage physically from driving tasks, transferring liability for any incidents during AI operation to the automobile manufacturer. However, Level 4 (L4) autonomy, which promises completely autonomous driving without the need for a human passenger, remains on the horizon. This progressive scale of autonomy underscores the critical need for high-performance, low-power SoCs that are capable of supporting increasingly complex and demanding applications, ensuring that as technology evolves, the power efficiency and hardware footprint continue to meet stringent automotive standards.

Figure 5 (Synopsys)

Also, there are several sensors equipped in cars in order to allow car chips to collect data and perceive their surroundings(Figure 4). Elon Musk has publicly favored camera-based sensors for their ability to create a more reliable virtual representation of the environment, criticizing the use of radar-based systems. Yet, each sensor type, including radar, LIDAR, and cameras, presents its own set of strengths and limitations. For example, lidar sensors use laser light to create a three-dimensional map of the vehicle’s environment, detecting objects, their size, and distance with cars. Also, radar sensors can detect the distance and speed of objects, particularly useful for identifying other vehicles and obstacles in all weather conditions. Cameras could also capture visual information, allowing the vehicle to recognize traffic signs, signals, lane markings, and other vehicles. Each of these sensors have their own feature.

The foundation of ADAS is AI technology which, integrated into car chips, lays the foundational groundwork for autonomous driving. It comprises sophisticated algorithms that control steering, acceleration, and braking. Many of these systems are supplied by NVIDIA and operate based on AI-generated decisions, allowing the vehicle to navigate roads, avoid obstacles, and adhere to traffic laws. The emergence of auto-driven technology in recent years is attributable to several factors. Initially, technological limitations constrained development until a breakthrough algorithm was introduced by Tesla in 2015. Additionally, the rise of EVs has been crucial; their electronic controls enable the AI within the car chip to drive and adjust the vehicle with enhanced precision and ease.

Challenges

Yet, even with the remarkable advancements in EV batteries and AI technology, we are confronted with numerous persistent challenges. During the interview with Wang Dapeng from XPeng's Technology R&D Department, a tapestry of challenges begins to unfold. Currently, the industry predominantly uses Level 2 (L2) systems, such as Tesla's Autopilot and Lane Keeping Assist, which offer substantial driver assistance but stop short of full autonomy. Progressing to Level 3, which would allow for greater autonomous capabilities, is hindered by several obstacles including technological limitations, regulatory barriers, and concerns about the safety of Vulnerable Road Users (VRU). For instance, Chinese regulations currently prohibit Level 3 technologies, reflecting widespread concerns about the readiness of systems to handle complex driving environments without human oversight. Furthermore, adverse weather conditions challenge the reliability of autonomous systems, diminishing the effectiveness of critical components like Lane Keeping Assist and necessitating that drivers regain control to maintain safety.

Also, about the batteries, the pollution of the waste batteries and lifetime should also be concerned. The transition to EVs brings notable environmental benefits, but it also raises concerns about battery waste and limited battery lifespan, which could undermine the sustainability of EV technology. The disposal of used EV batteries poses significant environmental risks, as improper handling can release hazardous materials like heavy metals and lithium, leading to soil and water contamination. Additionally, the extraction of raw materials needed for battery production can cause environmental degradation, such as deforestation and habitat loss. The lifespan of a battery is crucial; shorter battery lives lead to more frequent replacements and potentially more waste, while limited battery ranges might increase reliance on fossil fuels.

The ethical considerations and liability concerns in the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) are intricate, especially regarding decision-making in unavoidable collision scenarios. AVs must make quick decisions about which parties to prioritize—passengers, pedestrians, or other vehicles—raising ethical questions about the underlying values guiding these decisions. Additionally, the use of automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems can lead to complex liability issues when the technology's decisions result in accidents, such as sudden braking causing a rear-end collision. Addressing these challenges is vital for the responsible implementation of AVs and involves developing clear ethical frameworks for decision-making, ensuring the transparency and accountability of algorithms, and considering a shared liability model that distributes responsibilities among drivers, manufacturers, and software developers.

The transition from traditional fuel car to electric and autonomous vehicles represents a pivotal moment in the history of transportation, signaling a shift towards a future that promises greater cleanliness, safety, and efficiency. However, this transition also presents numerous challenges. As we navigate this transformative era, reflecting on historical lessons and future possibilities will be crucial. Despite the obstacles, the path we are on holds great promise. As we move forward, let us ensure that our journey not only embraces innovation but also remains true to our fundamental values, allowing the potential of the future to continue guiding our progress.