How Computer Scientists Can Enhance Electric Vehicles
Written exclusively for www.indiev.com by Jane Simmons
Electric vehicles (EVs) are critical to lowering global carbon emissions and slowing down the effects of the climate crisis. Fortunately, EV sales are increasing, wwith 4.3 million new EVs sold globally within the first half of 2022 alone. That number is expected to reach 10.6 million before 2023. While EV sales look optimistic, efforts to catalyze the transition to clean transportation, are continuously increasing in order to meet climate targets.
Fortunately, many computer and information research scientists are devising and building new technology solutions for organizations. These professionals are working with business leaders and engineers to run tests, build models, and propose theories for improving EVs. Now, they’re turning to emerging technologies to solve some of the most common concerns about EVs and more. Here are some of the ways they’re doing that.
Realistic driving-range estimation
A common issue EV users encounter is the limited driving range. EVs differ vastly in energy consumption rate under different environments and driving conditions, like weather, charge capacity, and speed. The AI market is predicted to reach $1394.30 billion by 2029, with its applications being utilized across countless vital industries like healthcare, retail, and automotive.
Within the electric vehicle sector, AI is being expertly used to correct driving range estimation errors by taking into account the state of the battery and vehicle, driving styles, and road conditions. From here, AI algorithms and controllers provide more accurate driving range estimations and optimize energy consumption.
Charging and battery management
Computer scientists further use AI to develop novel charging and battery management solutions for EVs. EV fast charging typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour to charge due to the limited efficiency of the charging process. Chargers are typically designed to start at a lower voltage and gradually increase power until it hits a certain mark. Charging then slows down until the battery is full.
AI experts and researchers are looking to optimize this process by assessing voltage, currents, and battery integrity to maximize voltage for as long as possible and ultimately streamline the charging process.
Another way computer scientists have optimized power management is with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This smart charging technology allows car batteries to give back to the power grid. The technology uses bidirectional charging stations that can give or take energy from car vehicles. Its use cases include powering vehicle-to-home, vehicle-to-building, and vehicle-to-grid services. V2G contributes to more efficient power distribution, allowing for balance and a greater ability to meet the current demand for power. As such, it reduces the costs of renewable energy.
Vehicle Integrated Computer (VIC)
AI is also creatively being used to elevate EVs’ gaming and computer functions on the go. Modern vehicles today have computing systems within them. However, its uses are limited primarily to the car’s functions, like navigation, audio, and maintenance. With improved charging and battery management, computer scientists can integrate additional features for in-car infotainment.
Our INDI One has a Vehicle Integrated Computer (VIC) that allows its passengers to enjoy tasks and entertainment for which you usually would need a computer. The VIC has unmatched processing power and connectivity that lets you check your emails, access social media, or take Zoom calls on the road. You can also enjoy the car’s tremendous processing power, allowing you to play any video game you wish. In car computing, power is only made more efficient with smart battery management solutions.
Although EVs have changed the game for climate mitigation, computer scientists are still working hard to optimize their functionality. Experts ensure that EVs are evolving to better accommodate the needs of consumers through innovative software integration.
Written exclusively for www.indiev.com by Jane Simmons
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