Weekly Electric Vehicle Technology Recap: Wireless highways and tactile nostalgia reverberations
In the ever-evolving world of automotive technology, two philosophies are shaping the future of driving: full autonomy and preserving the feel of the road. Companies like Lucid, Tesla, and Waymo are betting on full autonomy, while others such as Ford, BMW, and Toyota are focusing on maintaining the driving experience.
On July 30, Lucid rolled out its biggest software update yet for its DreamDrive Pro-equipped vehicles, enabling hands-free drive assist and lane-change automation. The Lucid Air sedan and Gravity SUV will be the first vehicles to receive this update, marking a significant step towards full autonomy. Lucid is also part of a $300 million joint venture with Uber and Nuro, aiming to deploy 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs with Level 4 autonomy by late 2026.
Meanwhile, Rivian, another key player in the electric vehicle (EV) market, is carving out a unique position by aiming to balance automation and driver engagement. Rivian's CEO, RJ Scaringe, believes that driving is not just about getting from one point to another, but also about the experience of driving itself. The company has announced a navigation software update in partnership with Google Maps and Google Cloud, offering dynamic trip planning, off-road routing, charger location intel, and real-time traffic. Rivian aims to provide drivers with tools, not distractions, and to assist, not replace.
However, the preference for manual cars is rapidly shifting, particularly in the UK. In 2024, 21% of UK driving learners opted out of learning a manual, up from just 9% five years ago. In contrast, manuals now account for just 1-2% of U.S. new car sales, with automatics and EVs dominating at 96-98%. Yet, in Europe, 50-70% of new car sales in the EU and UK still involve manual transmissions, with Italy leading at approximately 72% and Germany at around 61%.
Some automakers, like Ford, are hedging their bets and exploring ways to offer a manual-like experience in EVs, despite low demand for manuals in the current market. For example, Ford is working on a digital, haptic-feedback "H-pattern" shifter for EVs, allowing drivers to simulate shifting gears even though they aren't. BMW, Toyota, and Hyundai are also exploring similar "manual EV experiences".
However, as the clutch pedal disappears from U.S. roads, there are no specific automakers mentioned in the search results that are developing manual-like shifters for electric vehicles. Instead, innovations often focus on enhancing the driving experience with features like regenerative braking modes that can mimic a manual-like feel.
The Continental Mobility Study (2024) found that a majority of American drivers still identify as "traditional" and are uneasy about surrendering full control to autonomous driving systems. Rivian's philosophy is to automate the mundane aspects of driving, such as parking, range management, and navigating off-road trails, while preserving the joy of physical driving.
As the race towards autonomous driving continues, it's clear that the industry is not just about getting from one point to another, but also about preserving the joy of driving and balancing automation with driver engagement. Companies like Lucid, Rivian, and others are setting the pace, offering innovative solutions that cater to both the needs and desires of modern drivers.
- In the partnership with Uber and Nuro, Lucid aims to deploy 20,000 Lucid Gravity SUVs with Level 4 autonomy by late 2026, signifying a blend of gadgets, technology, and electric-vehicles in the development of future lifestyle.
- Rivian, on the other hand, is carving out a unique position by aiming to balance automation and driver engagement, using technology to automate the mundane aspects of driving, while preserving the feel of driving a car, which reflects the company's philosophy towards combining lifestyle, technology, and cars.
