Garrett Motion expects to produce an electric turbocharger in two years
Garrett has designed a turbocharger that combines the electric motor and turbocharger housing into one unit. Unlike a conventional turbo that utilizes exhaust gases to keep the turbine spinning, which in turn produces "turbo lag" at low speeds the motor rapidly spins the turbines increasing low-end power.
Owners of older Teslas claim the vehicles have been breaking down
For the last six months, some older Tesla vehicles have reportedly been having issues with the center console display going dark and being unresponsive.The problem has been traced to a flash storage chip called a eMMC that is embedded in the onboard computer. Flash storage is a type of computer memory.
Senators offer plan to stop drunk driving using in-car technology
Senators Tom Udall and Rick Scott are slated to introduce legislation requiring automakers to install devices that will detect blood alcohol levels and disable the vehicle from starting. The bill looks to mandate a 4-year countdown from passage to full implementation on all new vehicles sold in the U.S.
Self-driving truck company wants to test without ever using public roads
Ike Robotics has a different approach to using public highways. In a 90-page safety report filed with the NHTSA describes a series of simulations before public road testing. Of the 16 of these safety reports filed by different companies, Ike Robotics is the first to eschew testing on public roads.
New all-electric Volvo XC40 will feature Android infotainment system
On October 16, 2019, Volvo will introduce an all-electric XC40 featuring an Android Auto based infotainment system featuring Google technologies. The new infotainment system offers customers unprecedented personalization, improved levels of intuitiveness, and new embedded Google technology.
Tesla wants to reinvent comfort with liquid heating and cooling
Just looking at the patent without the benefit of a Masters's Degree in engineering and HVAC systems one has to wonder what will keep the bladders from leaking from any number of scenarios. The patent leaves many questions unanswered such as the types of fluid used and the exact method of distribution of those fluids.
DieselGate continues to haunt Volkswagen as massive class-action suit is filed
A case has been brought against Volkswagen in which 470,000 owners of the 2.0 liter TDI EA189 engine seek compensation due to the company's diesel emissions scandal. The scandal was uncovered in 2015 via a tip from researchers to the Environmental Protect Agency and the California Air Resources Board.
Delaminated touchscreens in some 2013-2017 Cadillacs prompt class-action lawsuit
Within the 4-year/50,000 mile warranty, the Cadillac CUE screen allegedly became unresponsive. Repairs would be about $1,200. This, despite a NHTSA technical bulletin dated December 2014 and again issued in August 2017 identifying the problem and suggesting a full replacement of the center stack.
Mercedes-Benz wades into the micromobility fray with its first electric scooter
"These agile, electrically powered scooters are the perfect way to cover short distances quickly and without harming the environment," Mercedes-Benz said in a statement. The new E-Scooter in the Mercedes-Benz EQ brand family was developed in cooperation with the scooter specialist micro. Specs remain under wraps.
UBCO’s 50-mph Freeride Trail Bike is the rally car of the e-bike world
New Zealand-based UBCO Bikes revealed a high-speed, off-roading e-bike called the FRX1 Freeride Trail Bike. It offers almost motorcycle-like performance thanks to a 20-hp electric motor controlled via a pedal or a twist-type throttle. Its top speed is 50 mph, and it's capable of delivering 62 miles on one charge.
Redesigned Land Rover Defender is positively teeming with new tech
Land Rover has been working overtime to bring a fresh kind of tech to the newly redesigned Defender. Land Rover claims that the most in-depth technology redesign in 70 years is coming to America in spring 2020. The new Defender 90 and 110 series vehicles will keep you connected, informed, and entertained.
Self-driving cars are an extremely tough problem. This mini-game shows you why
Imagine heading into the office sipping your coffee and reading the paper at 65 miles per hour while Alexa or Google drives your car. Well, put that dream on hold for now. The Washington Post released a very interesting online simulator showcasing how difficult a problem full Level 5 Autonomy truly is.