[In connected car news are indie Semiconductor, EVGo, Toshiba, IA Optronics & Stellantis.
In this Article
New indie Semi Lab
indie Semiconductor (Nasdaq: INDI), an Autotech solutions innovator, has expanded its operations to include a best-in-class quality lab facility at its engineering center of excellence in Dresden, Germany.
The new quality lab features leading-edge tools and an innovative technology approach for comprehensive characterization, accelerated electrical, thermoelectrical and climate stress testing as well as failure analysis – including for the lowest geometry technologies – for indie’s system-on-chip (SoCs) and system solutions. The Dresden engineering center, which formally opened in July 2022, is one of several indie European facilities that delivers local technical support for a rapidly growing base of OEM and Tier 1 automotive customers across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.
“This expansion is another step forward in indie’s commitment to the automotive market and our investment strategy to provide superior in-house technical support for our customers, and continually enhance our product quality and reliability,” said Donald McClymont, indie’s co-founder and CEO. “Expanding our operations in Germany plays an important part in our mission to provide expert local resources in a country and region that is known for automotive excellence.”
“Accelerating success for indie in the EMEA region has driven the expansion of our quality lab and will enable world class technical product support for our local automotive customers,” said Brendan McKearney, indie’s VP for sales and business development, EMEA. “This significant investment by indie reiterates our strong commitment to meeting the stringent needs of the automotive market and our regional customers.”
Alexa Charging with EVGo
EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ: EVGO) (“EVgo” or the “Company”), one of the nation’s largest public fast charging networks for electric vehicles (EVs), today announced the debut of an Alexa-enabled EV charging experience with Amazon. Drivers with Alexa-enabled vehicles as well as automotive accessories like Echo Auto can now ask Alexa to help them find and navigate to nearby EV charging stations. This announcement follows the company’s previous news of supporting Amazon’s voice-initiated EV driver experience during CES 2023, building on EVgo’s commitment to delivering a best-in-class customer experience.
Leveraging PlugShare™, the world’s leading EV community and a part of the EVgo family, the hassle-free experience allows drivers to access PlugShare’s comprehensive public EV charging repository to locate nearby stations. With the PlugShare API, the integration creates a seamless charging experience for Alexa-enabled EVs, including the Nissan ARIYA, Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. Through a simple voice request such as, ‘Alexa, find EV charging stations near me’, customers can easily locate and drive to the nearest charging station, whether on a weekend road trip or during routine errands in the neighborhood. Alexa provides a list of nearby public charging stations, with real time availability by plug type and charging speed, as well as the time and distance to arrival, eliminating the need to manually stop and search for available stations.
“The customer experience begins well before a driver arrives at a station. Enabling voice-initiated, hands-free navigation to charging stations enhances the customer experience, providing peace of mind for EV drivers on the go,” said Ivo Steklac, Chief Technology Officer at EVgo. “As Amazon’s first charging network for Alexa, we’re thrilled to provide simplified charging experiences for customers with Alexa. It is yet another example of EVgo’s leadership in the development of customer-centric charging technologies.”
“Alexa is a natural way for people to interact with their vehicles, helping them do an array of tasks while they are on the go,” said Anes Hodžić, Vice President of Amazon Smart Vehicles. “This collaboration with EVgo to make the process of finding an EV charging station through Alexa is the latest example of how voice and multi-modal experiences can make life more convenient and we’re excited for customers to be able to try this for themselves.”
In addition to partnering on innovative technology solutions, EVgo recently collaborated with Audible, an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary, to offer a joint promotion for a 2-month free trial of Audible Premium Plus for EVgo customers and PlugShare users. By leveraging both collaborations, drivers can take advantage of the best-available audio storytelling entertainment after navigating to a charging station with help from Alexa.
For more information about the EVgo charging network, visit www.evgo.com
Toshiba SiC MOSFETs
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba) has launched silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, the “TWxxxZxxxC series,” that use a four-pin TO-247-4L(X) package that reduces switching loss with the company’s latest[1] 3rd generation SiC MOSFETs chip for industrial equipment. Volume shipments of ten products, five with 650V ratings and five with 1200V, start today.
The new products are the first in Toshiba’s SiC MOSFET line-up to use the four-pin TO-247-4L(X) package, which allows Kelvin connection of the signal source terminal for the gate drive. The package can reduce the effect of source wire inductance inside the package, improving high-speed switching performance. For the new TW045Z120C, the turn-on loss is approximately 40% lower and the turn-off loss reduced by approximately 34%[2], compared with Toshiba’s current product TW045N120C in a three-pin TO-247 package. This helps to reduce equipment power loss.
A reference design for a three-phase inverter using SiC MOSFETs is published online.
Toshiba will continue to expand its line-up to meet market trends and contribute to improving equipment efficiency and enlarging power capacity.
Notes:
[1] As of August 2023.
[2] As of August 2023, values measured by Toshiba (test condition: VDD=800V, VGG=+18V/0V, ID=20A, RG=4.7Ω, L=100μH, Ta=25°C)
Applications
- Switching power supplies (servers, data centers, communications equipment, etc.)
- EV charging stations
- Photovoltaic inverters
- Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
Features
- Four-pins TO-247-4L(X) package:
Switching loss is reduced by Kelvin connection of the signal source terminal for the gate drive - 3rd generation SiC MOSFETs
- Low drain-source On-resistance x gate-drain charge
- Low diode forward voltage: VDSF=-1.35V (typ.) (VGS=-5V)
IA Optronics VIA & S.A.U.
IA optronics AG (NYSE: VIAO) (“VIA” or the “Company”), a leading supplier of interactive display systems and solutions, announced a new strategic collaboration with Grupo Antolin-Irausa, S.A.U. (“Antolin”), a global provider of automotive technology solutions.
“By merging Antolin’s deep experience with automotive interior solutions development and industrialization, with VIA’s cutting-edge display technologies, our shared ambition is to reshape the in-vehicle experience and establish unparalleled benchmarks for user interfaces and integration.”
The companies intend to use their combined expertise and capabilities to design, develop, and produce innovative integrated display systems for vehicle interiors including cockpits, floor consoles, and seat headrests. Additionally, the collaboration plans to jointly provide high-end solutions to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
With the rapid advancement of vehicle technology, consumers increasingly expect intuitive and immersive experiences within their vehicles. VIA and Antolin recognize this growing demand and are committed to delivering next-generation display systems that seamlessly integrate into automotive interiors, while offering enhanced functionality and user-centric features.
Jürgen Eichner, Founder and member of the Management Board of VIA, commented, “We are thrilled to announce this strategic collaboration with Antolin. As demand continues to grow for integrated next-generation automotive interior display systems, we will leverage our shared knowledge and expertise to provide complete solutions to our customers, from cockpit integration of display systems and Human Machine Interface (HMI) integration, to optical bonding, cameras, and cutting-edge surface technologies.”
Jorge Juarez, EVP of Technology Solutions of Antolin, remarked, “By merging Antolin’s deep experience with automotive interior solutions development and industrialization, with VIA’s cutting-edge display technologies, our shared ambition is to reshape the in-vehicle experience and establish unparalleled benchmarks for user interfaces and integration.”
Through this collaboration, Antolin will leverage VIA’s expertise in optical bonding, touch sensing solutions, and camera modules in the automotive, industrial and consumer electronics industries. The companies will aim to provide a wide range of interactive display solutions that provide improved visual performance, enhanced touch sensitivity, and improved integration within the vehicle’s interior. The companies believe these advances will enable car makers to create more intuitive and engaging user interfaces, and, in turn, enable exceptional driving experiences for their customers.
Stellantis Uconnect Expands Android OS UX
The most advanced Uconnect system ever continues to expand its functionality with new features and services to enhance the vehicle ownership experience. Available across Stellantis vehicle brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, Wagoneer by Jeep, Fiat and Alfa Romeo, Uconnect 5’s Android operating system brings access to a broad catalog of applications to answer the rapidly developing demand for an improved user experience (UX).
Available new Uconnect 5 and Maserati Intelligent Assistant systems include the following features and services for select 2024 model-year vehicles:
- 2024 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee equipped with Uconnect 5 NAV and Jeep Connect or Wagoneer Connect include two new features – Adventure Guides and GPS Trail Logs – that help make finding off-road trails easier
- The expanding portfolio of Stellantis hybrid and battery-electric vehicles, including the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet, come equipped with standard Uconnect 5, while the Maserati Grand Turismo and Grecale come equipped with the Maserati Intelligent Assistant. Each vehicle includes connected services that help owners understand the vehicle’s available remaining charge. With features like Dynamic Range Mapping, once a destination is entered into the navigation, the systems’ included software algorithms calculate and visually display the range that can be traveled based on the vehicle’s state of charge. The system can then provide alerts if the vehicle needs recharging along the route with a list of nearby, available charging stations. Charging schedules can be managed directly from the touchscreen or the vehicle brand mobile app
- Fleet managers can easily bulk enroll their vehicles into Fleet Connect to receive connected services. Small-business owners or fleet managers will have the ability to access the vehicle data they need to keep their fleet maintained and moving and to help reduce overall cost of ownership. For example, rental car companies can access an API (application programming interface) to help them expedite check-in and check-out of the vehicles in their fleet
Expanding Uconnect 5 and Connected Services
The 2024 Dodge Hornet, Alfa Romeo Tonale and Jeep Wrangler come equipped with Uconnect 5 and, respectively, new Dodge Connect, Alfa Connect and Jeep Connect connected services. Once enrolled, vehicle owners have access to added safety, security and convenience features, including:
- 10 years of the Safety & Security Package, which includes features such as automatic SOS, vehicle theft alert, roadside assistance and one-touch access to customer care from the vehicle or the vehicle brand mobile app
- Five years of the Vehicle Performance Package, which includes vehicle health reports and alerts, over-the-air (OTA) software updates and other features
- Alfa Romeo Tonale, Guila and Stelvio include a three-year trial of the Assistance and Navigation Packages, which include remote vehicle operations, connected traffic and travel services, OTA map updates, Skills for Alexa, drive alerts and more. The 2024 Dodge Hornet and Jeep Wrangler will include a three-month trial
- A 3GB/three-month 4G Wi-Fi hotspot trial that enables users to evaluate Alexa Built-In to stream music, ask for directions, access productivity tools and more
- Dodge, Alfa and Jeep Connect apps include a customizable interface that provides multiple ways to learn about, maintain and remotely connect to the vehicle. Standard features include digital access to owner’s manual information, as well as offers and promotions for service and maintenance. Connected services like remote operations, drive alerts and navigation require either a trial or subscription
Connected Services That Help Jeep Owners Find Off-road Adventures and Navigate With Confidence
A new Jeep Connect Off Road Pages+ Package debuts in the 2024 Wagoneer and Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. This all-new offering makes trip planning easier and more convenient with a two-year trial of access to some of the most advanced and exciting off-road features.
Jeep owners can plan their next adventure with the available Jeep Adventure Guides, which provide access to more than 200 off-road trail guides, including all Jeep Badge of Honor Trails. Owners can find and navigate to the trailhead with confidence right from the high-resolution touchscreen. A full catalog of more than 3,000 trails is available from the annual Adventure Guide All-Access Membership.
Jeep owners can search by location and download maps in advance, see difficulty ratings, waypoints, photos, highlights and more, and navigate with confidence knowing GPS is fully functional even in the absence of Wi-Fi or cellular services.
Using GPS Trail Logs on the touchscreen, waypoints, including obstacles, guidance and places of interest, can be marked. Recording off-road adventures right from the built-in Uconnect 5 touchscreen is possible and, once a ride is complete, drivers can add more detailed information through the Jeep smartphone app.
Stellantis was the first in the industry to introduce an Emergency Vehicle Alert System (EVAS) via an OTA software update to properly equipped 2018 model-year and newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. The EVAS system, which is powered by HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud, also is included in the Safety and Security Package for 10 years on properly equipped connected 2024 vehicles with the Uconnect 5 NAV system. The feature uses real-time hazard data from emergency vehicles, roadway assets and other sources to deliver digital alerts to drivers through connected vehicles and navigation apps on the vehicle’s touchscreen.
The Alexa Built-In experience on 2022-2024 model-year vehicles equipped with Uconnect 5 NAV is being enhanced to include access to a new user experience that provides visual feedback on the state of connected Smart Home devices and appliances, as well as improved, dynamic visual feedback in response to voice requests via Uconnect 5 touchscreen display cards. This update also brings additional levels of security that render the Alexa app unavailable if the vehicle is either reported stolen or in valet mode, protecting customer privacy.
Additional new features are expected to be delivered to vehicles in the car parc, OTA in the second half of 2023.