Automotive news

A writer replaced Ford's BlueCruise with an open-source driver-assistance system and found it superior after 1,000 miles. This signals that open-source software is now a viable competitor to proprietary systems in safety-critical industries like automotive.

Automakers are consistently improving electric vehicle technology with larger batteries and faster charging. However, the market for sedans priced around or below $50,000 remains underserved, as manufacturers have largely focused on producing crossover SUVs in this competitive price segment, leaving a gap for consumers.

With over 400 million connected cars on the road and new vehicles generating 25 GB of data per hour, the underlying connectivity architecture is a major security concern. This massive scale presents a significant challenge for the automotive and IoT sectors.

Sales of affordable electric vehicles from makers like BYD and Hyundai are surging. This rapid adoption signals a major market shift, creating new opportunities in charging infrastructure, automotive software, and battery technology for tech companies.

Indiana-based startup Slate Auto is developing a minimalist electric pickup truck with only 600 parts. The company is prioritizing user privacy and security by deliberately omitting an embedded modem, a stark contrast to the data-heavy, always-connected approach common in the automotive industry.

Tesla's upcoming Cybercab has been certified as the most efficient electric vehicle ever made, with a rating of 165 Wh/mi. This figure, confirmed by a company VP, surpasses the next most efficient EV, the Lucid Air Pure, which consumes 28% more energy per mile.

Volvo is developing a new affordable electric vehicle for the US market, following the discontinuation of its EX30 model. The EX30 faced challenges with tariffs that increased its price and a battery recall, but the company remains committed to the affordable EV segment.