AI in the clean car: what's its role?
Today, AI represents one of the important foundations for the development of the electric vehicle industry. Autonomous driving, optimized energy efficiency and predictive maintenance are all elements that, in the long term, will improve the driving experience and the environmental impact of vehicles.
The autonomous driving system
Improving autonomous driving is one of the main areas of application for AI. Certain techniques (neural networks, deep learning, etc.) make it easier to adapt to and learn from road situations. With its new Autopilotsystem, Elon Musk's company, Tesla has set new standards. Electric vehicles equipped with this system recorded one accident for every 4.6 million km driven. The national average in the USA is one accident every 770,000 km. These statistics are reported in the Tesla's Q4 2022 safety report. This shows a clear improvement in safety. Google, with Waymoits autonomous driving project, has already covered more than 32 million kilometers in autonomous mode on public roads. Waymo focuses on machine learning to constantly improve its performance. These significant advances are supported by several statistics:
- 59% of consumers are in favor of autonomous driving,
- 52% would prefer to be driven by an autonomous car within the next five years,
- 56% would be prepared to pay a premium of up to 20% above their current budget for an autonomous vehicle.
Source : Capgemini Research Institute Report
However, it's important to remember that autonomous driving isn't just about artificial intelligence, as a number of elements are essential: radars, lidars and cameras are used to perceive the environment. Maneuvers are performed using advanced vehicle control systems. But all this is made possible by AI, which makes all the decisions. This technology is therefore an essential pillar of the future of the clean car.
Also read → Connected and autonomous cars: how does it work?
Optimizing the energy efficiency of electric cars
Artificial intelligence plays an important role in optimizing the energy efficiency of electric cars by analyzing and processing large volumes of data. This enables :
- improve battery performance batteries,
- optimize energy consumption,
- more efficient management of charging infrastructure.
Improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries is one of the main challenges facing AIs in the clean car sector. It is not uncommon for some major automakers use techniques to anticipate battery degradation and optimize their performance. Tesla, Renault and Nissan currently use these methods.
Researchers at Oxford University have even developed a device based on Big Data and machine learning. It can be used to assess the health of lead-acid batteries. This method achieves 82% reliability in predicting failure and 73% accuracy in predicting the time of failure.
Optimizing the energy consumption of electric cars is also one of the benefits of AI. Ultimately, energy consumption will be reduced.
A striking example is BMWthe German brand has implemented an intelligent energy data an intelligent energy data management system (iEMDS). This reduces energy consumption and delivers a more reliable, higher-quality product, made possible by technologies such as STOP automatic starting, brake energy regeneration and electric power steering. The BMW iX xDrive is currently equipped with all these latest innovations. Finally, artificial intelligence also makes it possible to efficiently manage charging infrastructure. The Renault Z.E. Smart Charge system uses AI to optimize charging times, taking into account electricity tariffs and grid demand. These applications of AI can have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of electric cars.
Also read ⇒ The best apps for electric cars in 2023
The following table summarizes the impact of AI on energy efficiency:
| AI application | Improving energy efficiency |
|---|---|
|
Battery performance |
Up to 95% accuracy in lifetime prediction |
|
Energy consumption |
10-30% energy savings |
|
Charging infrastructure |
Optimized charging based on electricity tariffs and grid demand |
How is AI influencing the clean car industry?
Artificial intelligence is changing the landscape of the electric car industry. It brings innovations to life and constantly optimizes them to make them better, and is a key element in the transformation of vehicle fleets and the ecological transition of companies.
Reducingcarbon footprint with AI
By improving energy efficiency and optimizing journeys, AI contributes to reducing carbon footprint. Green technologies associated with AI could therefore play a central role in achieving environmental regulation objectives, in several ways:
- optimized fuel consumption: machine learning algorithms analyze driving habits and then adjust the electric car's parameters.
- autonomous vehicles : they save fuel by optimizing their route and speed, which in turn reduces carbon emissions.
- vehicle manufacturing: they also reduce carbon emissions during manufacture thanks to optimized processes. This also has the advantage of reducing energy consumption.
- electric vehicles : AI allows you to make better use of your electric vehicle's battery and extend its life. By encouraging the use of clean cars instead of thermal models, this helps to reduce carbon emissions.
- vehicle maintenance: AI can predict when a vehicle needs servicing, which can improve vehicle efficiency and reduce emissions.
Also read → Carbon offsetting for businesses: instructions for use
The benefits of AI for corporate car fleets
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers many advantages in the automotive sector, particularly for corporate car fleets. AI can also predict maintenance needs, so a company could reduce unplanned vehicle downtime by 20%.for example. Accident prevention is made possible by live analysis of vehicle data, with alerts also appearing to anticipate dangerous situations. These two elements help drivers to reduce fuel consumption.
The challenges and opportunities of AI for the clean car
The use of artificial intelligence could bring about a revolution in the automotive industry, particularly for environmentally-friendly cars. By juggling the possibility of innovation with technical complications, artificial intelligence could well change the way we think about and enjoy green vehicles.
Confidentiality and security issues
A new standardISO/SAE, ISO/SAE 21434 has just been introduced, focusing on information security in the design of electronic and electrical systems for automobiles. Developed in collaboration with SAE Internationalthis standard provides advice and guidelines to enable automotive manufacturers to keep abreast of to keep abreast of changing technologies and attack techniques.
Its aim is to create a shared perspective and language in the field of IT securityThis will facilitate effective collaboration between all players in the supply chain. The standard will help organizations to define and manage cybersecurity policies. The standard will support companies in developing their digital security strategies, managing threats, and encouraging a digital security atmosphere throughout the car design process.
In addition, the ISO 26262standard the operational safety of cars on the roadhas been updated to keep pace with the rapid evolution of recent technologies, and to broaden its scope of application. It provides guidelines and requirements for the functional safety of today's vehicle electrical and electronic systems, aimed at mitigating the associated risks.
The risks of data collection and storage
Autonomous and connected cars collect and store a vast amount of information, some of which may be personal. This data can include things like the car's location, driving style, and even information derived from use of the vehicle's information and entertainment systems. There are dangers if this information is not properly managed:
- revealing personal data such as location information is an invasion of privacy,
- these data could be used for abusive purposes (e.g. advertising targeting),
- they could be resold to third parties without the user's consent,
- electric cars are more vulnerable to cyber attacks, threatening the safety of both occupants and vehicles.
Data management and regulatory challenges
When it comes to data protection, it's crucial that users are fully aware of how their data is collected, stored and used. Concerns can arise if the approval process is not well defined, or if users do not fully understand how their data is being used. Implementing data protection and security regulations in the automotive sector is a real challenge. Laws and regulations need to keep pace with technological advances to guarantee appropriate protection.
As the amount of data generated by connected cars expands, managing and storing it is becoming a major challenge. Companies need to guarantee the security of this information, while complying with data protection standards. One of the main regulations in force in 2023 is the General Data Protection Regulation (RGPD), which has set unified data protection guidelines for all companies operating within the EU. In France, the acquisition and handling of personal data by companies is governed by data protection standards, the latter aimed at safeguarding privacy as well as individual rights.
The RGPD concerns all entities that handle personal data, whether they are located in the European Union or elsewhere, as long as they target the inhabitants of Europe. In the business context, it is essential to obtain the approval of the data subject, unless the data processing is essential to fulfill the terms of an agreement or is required by legislation.
Conclusion
In short, the future of artificial intelligence in the clean car is full of promise. Although challenges remain, AI has the potential to radically transform the automotive industry, promoting sustainable mobility and opening up new opportunities for SMEs. AI could thus be the driving force behind a new revolution in clean automobiles. Ready to take the plunge? Contact our experts Beev if you have any questions. We'll get back to you within the hour.
Also read → How does technology improve the driving experience for professional drivers?
