AI in Automotive Development

Updates from Xpeng, EDF Renewables, and more.

👋 Watts up? Researchers at Graz University of Technology have produced an AI-driven software that significantly reduces the development time of electric vehicle powertrains. By simultaneously adjusting and testing around 50 design parameters, the software can reduce development time from several months to just one day. Also, Xpeng has announced a 268% year-on-year increase in sales in January. Learn more on these stories, and others, in todays issue.

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Xpeng sales increase by 268% - with plans to expand global presence

Image Credits: Xpeng

🚗 Xpeng has recently announced its sales results for January, boasting over 30,000 units sold, a 268% increase compared to last year. Likewise, this also marks the third consecutive month of which Xpeng has exceeded 30k deliveries.

This growth is primarily driven by the MONA M03, with Xpeng selling over 15,000 units per month for two months in a row. More so, the P7+, its most recent model, has reached a milestone of 20,000 cumulative deliveries within just 2 months of its launch.

In terms of technology, Xpeng's advanced driver assistance system, XNGP, saw high adoption among users, with a monthly active user penetration rate of 87%*. At the same time, the company introduced its latest operating system, XOS AI Tianji 5.5.0. This update brings enhanced smart driving features, including what Xpeng claims to be the world's first coach vehicle recognition with bypassing capability.

In addition to strong domestic performance, Xpeng is also expanding its global presence, entering four new European markets:

  • Belgium

  • Luxembourg

  • Ireland

  • Finland

*It is interesting to compare this to GM’s Q4 2024 financial report, which states it is “seeing ~20% attach rate after 3-year prepaid subscription period” for its Super Cruise AV technology.

Also, Honda has boosted its U.S. investment by 40%. The additional $300 million aims to expand both electric and hybrid-electric vehicle production at 3 of its Ohio plants.

Xaar’s inkjet technology is enabling a new generation of EV battery coatings

Image Credits: Battery Tech

🔋 Xaar is enhancing electric vehicle battery manufacturing with advancements in safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Through partnerships with Shifang and Omijia, traditional coating methods are being replaced with Xaar’s innovative inkjet technology, powered by its eX and Nitrox eX printheads.

The rapid expansion of the EV market has increased the demand for battery packs that can withstand higher voltages. Effective coatings are essential for protecting against heat that is generated during high-voltage charging, and conventional coating methods, such as PET film, have struggled to meet these demands.

Xaar is the first inkjet company to introduce a printhead specifically designed for the battery sector. Its technologies, including TF Technology for consistent ink recirculation, ensure reliable performance alongside simplified maintenance.

John Mills, the CEO of Xaar, noted: “Our work with both Omijia and Shifang highlights Xaar’s commitment to advancing the EV industry by addressing critical challenges in battery manufacturing - from improving production efficiency to reducing environmental impact.“ He added that with the rapid growth of the EV sector, ongoing innovation and collaboration is crucial in supporting the industry's future.

Also, Forsee Power has launched its PULSE PLUS battery system, a durable and high-powered system designed for heavy vehicle applications.

EDF Renewables and PSEI announce commercial operation of Californian solar farm

Image Credits: EDF Renewables

☀️ EDF Renewables and Power Sustainable Energy Infrastructure (PSEI) have announced the commercial operation of a 300MW solar-storage project in California. The Desert Quartzite project, which includes a 150MW, four-hour battery energy storage system, has been delivered to Clean Power Alliance under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

Located on federal land in Riverside County, California, and managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Desert Quartzite is designed to store electricity during peak solar generation hours. This stored energy can then be released later in the day or at night, helping to balance electricity supply and demand with greater efficiency.

EDF Renewables’ VP of West Development, Devon Muto, stated: “EDF Renewables recognizes the growing importance of battery energy storage systems as a complementary market to our core generation business. These systems provide reliable, affordable, and clean energy even in the absence of sunlight.”

The project also contributed to job creation, with 450 jobs generated at the peak of construction. Muto further noted the company’s commitment to safety: “We are particularly proud of our safety practices which resulted in zero recordable incidents during the two-year construction phase of the project.”

Also, Enphase Energy has announced its expansion into Southeast Asia by entering the solar markets in Vietnam and Malaysia. Enphase is now shipping its IQ8P Microinverters, for residential and commercial applications, to support high-power solar modules.

TU Graz unveils AI system that accelerates the development of EV powertrains

Image Credits: TU Graz

📱 The development of vehicle components is often a lengthy and expensive process, however, researchers at Graz University of Technology have created a method to significantly reduce the development time of electric vehicle powertrains.

A team led by Martin Hofstetter, from the Institute of Automotive Engineering, has combined simulation models with optimisation algorithms to streamline the process. Their AI-driven OPED (Optimisation of Electric Drives) software automatically refines the entire powertrain based on a manufacturer’s specific technical requirements. This approach considers factors such as production costs, efficiency, and space constraints. Developed over nearly a decade, OPED is already in use by a leading Austrian automotive supplier.

OPED works by simultaneously adjusting and testing around 50 design parameters. Poorly performing variants are discarded, while more promising configurations are refined further. After running hundreds of thousands of simulations, OPED identifies the best solutions that align with the manufacturer’s priorities. Best of all, OPED can optimise designs in a day, a process that would take engineers months manually.

Not only that, but the system is also designed for flexibility and can incorporate additional optimisation criteria. Researchers have integrated sustainability factors, including CO2 emissions generated during both powertrain production and operation. This ensures environmental impact is considered early in the design process.

Also, Elon Musk has announced that Tesla’s robotaxi service could be operational in Texas in June. With that being said, Musk was light on the details, though he did say that 2025 “maybe the most important year in Tesla’s history.”

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