Waves of change from auto sector

Issue #59, Feb 14th, 2021

Innovation in the automotive sector is creating a ripple effect in other transportation sectors too. Autonomous travel is no longer limited only to cars. Non-automotive commercial modes of transportation and military applications are betting on autonomy. Electrification is happening in other sectors. Here are some recent updates from the waves of change happening in the auto sector, striking beyond its shores and globally.

Autonomy from car driving to other modes

Defense moves are outpacing commercial automation efforts in the air, on the ground and beneath the waves. From pilotless jets engaging in dogfights to huge undersea vessels ferrying troops, the Pentagon is pushing to increase the U.S. military’s use of automation. That progress—highlighted in cockpits managed primarily by computers, totally autonomous helicopters and automated aerial-refueling tankers—is likely to show up in future civilian aircraft, advanced air-traffic-control systems and a range of drone applications. - WSJ

From oil to EV in Japan

Idemitsu is the second largest petroleum refiner in Japan, after Nippon Oil, according to Wikepedia. Idemitsu has recently partnered with race-car manufacturer Tajima Motor to enter the electric vehicle market as early as this year, aiming to deliver autos as low as 1 million yen ($9,500) as well as car sharing services. - Nikkei Asia

Remote controlled e-bikes to avoid clutter

e-scooter companies are flipping the switch on more advanced monitoring tools meant to combat a major issue plaguing the micromobility industry: sidewalk clutter. Many of the early scooters were prone to break down or ended up blocking sidewalks and roadways. Some e-scooter oppositionists and vigilantes tossed them into rivers and lakes as the last-mile convenience threatened to become a micromobility mess. Ford's Spin announced new tiny-wheeled rides that allow scooter operators to remotely move the vehicles if they end up somewhere they aren’t supposed to be. - Washington Post

EVs vs electrifying vehicles

While the transition to electric is a learning process for drivers, it is, more to the point, the same for all segments of the automotive industry. “When manufacturers come to build a dedicated electric vehicle, there’s a lot of things to change,” said Ian Coke, chief technical officer in the United States for Pirelli Tire. “But first, you’ve got to make the distinction between vehicles that are being electrified — installing an electric powertrain into an existing platform — and electric vehicles.” For the latter, he said, “there’s a lot of carry-over components that aren’t ideal.” Tires, of course, are Coke’s singular concern. - Forbes India

Tesla's foray into India

Elon Musk's Tesla will set up an electric-car manufacturing unit in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, according to a government document. "The US firm Tesla will be opening an electric car manufacturing unit in Karnataka," the state government said in a brief statement. Bangalore is the EV capital of the country, with many companies already having setup R&D units in the city, thanks to its huge talent pool. Proactive policies by the State’s governments in setting up an EV ecosystem may have also helped tilt the scales in favour of Bengaluru, said media reports - Channel News Asia