Tesla Updates and F-150 Lightning Debut
MOVEMENT: TRACKING NOTABLE MOVEMENTS IN MOBILITY
Tesla is moving towards vision-only systems and introducing camera-based driver monitoring. Ford debuts the electric F-150 Lightning.
Originally published: June 30, 2021
Tesla Drops Radar, Introducing Tesla Vision
Camera-Based Driving System
As noted in Notaslaapp and widely covered in the media in May, Tesla has officially removed radar from their cars coming off the production line in the US. All new Model 3 and Model Y vehicles produced in May 2021 or later will no longer come with radar. Instead, the cars will rely entirely on Tesla's vision system for Autopilot and safety features.
This move follows what Elon Musk has been stating about the company’s confidence in camera-based vision systems for some time. Tesla is confident that applying the same visual way of navigating roadways that humans do will ultimately allow their system to evolve faster and accommodate daily driving situations. However, it remains to be proven whether camera-based procedures alone will be sufficient, especially in more challenging weather conditions where vision may be compromised.
Since Tesla is removing radar and not committing to costly LIDAR systems, which Musk has long called “A fool’s errand,” the company will save significantly on sensor costs. Development efforts will also be streamlined as the integration of radar data places a high demand on both software processing power.
Over time, it will be interesting to see whether Tesla’s vision-based system can continue to evolve and adapt. Tesla is optimistic about its ability to continually improve its Autopilot software by integrating aggregated deployed fleet data. But perhaps continuous investment in high-resolution road mapping combined with more extensive sensor fusion will be the most effective approach.
GM Super Cruise approved roadway map as of May 2021
While GM’s current map of approved roadways for Super Cruise use looks like a cell phone service coverage map from the late 1990s, the company will no doubt continue to fill in key routes as more vehicles with the technology come online. Perhaps a combination of both may ultimately be needed.
Ford Debuts
Electric F-150 Lightning Pickup Truck
On May 19th, 2021, in what has to be one of the most significant developments in electric vehicle history, Ford Motor Company introduced the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck in May of 2021. The launch event video is posted below. During the presentation, Bill Ford rightfully stated that this is a generational moment for the company, and in many respects, the same can be said for the overall mobility industry.
Congratulations to Lynda Zhang and her entire team at Ford, who appear to have designed a superb vehicle in around three years. Key features of the F-150 Lightning include a zero to 60 time of about 4.5 seconds, over 600 ft. lbs of torque, 400 liters of space in the forward frunk accommodating 400 kg of payload, and four electrical outlets.
CEO Jim Farley also pointed out that the vehicle can charge a home during power outages for up to 3 days. Ford has been applying human-centered design to its latest models, like the F-150 Lightning and Bronco, to include user-centric features.
Ford appears to be making continual progress regarding its Sync offering as well. The F-150 Lighting is available with an optional 15-inch display, and Ford mentioned that over-the-air updating, or Ford Power-Ups, will allow for continual vehicle improvements. A hands-free driving system Ford calls Blue Cruise will also be available.
Pricing starts at $39,975, which is before tax incentives kick in. This price is remarkable, given the pricing of other electric trucks coming to the market next year. For example, the GMC HUMMER EV will likely come in over the $100,000 mark for the launch edition,
MORE MOVEMENT
Tesla Finally Introduces
Camera-Based Driver Monitoring System
Tesla finally introduced a camera-based driver monitoring system. The move comes after several examples of Tesla owners acting with reckless disregard for safety by defeating the current system. Drivers have been photographed sleeping while their cars continue along the freeway. One Tesla owner in the San Francisco Bay Area even posted photos on social media of him alone in his Telsa riding along a highway while seated in the back of the vehicle.
GM’s Super Cruise system has had a camera-based drive monitoring system from its inception. Combined with hyper-accurate LIDAR mapping of hundreds of thousands of miles of crucial roadways, the system allows drivers to enjoy a hands-free experience for long stretches of travel on approved roads. In head-to-head comparisons, the press, including Motor Trend, has often given the edge to the GM system, which is rolling out across more vehicles soon, including the Cadillac Lyric. Perhaps this move by Tesla will close the gap regarding driver comfort and perceived safety.
Fueling and Charging Stations
of The Future are Here today
In May, Bjørn Nyland provided an excellent overview of one of Circle K’s latest EV charging stations in Norway. Warm and inviting details include accommodations for on-the-go road trip dining, a variety of places to sit in comfort upstairs to refresh and recharge yourself and your phones, and clean restrooms and wifi.
300 kW fast chargers are featured as primary charging stations. The station comes complete with solar panels on the roof. Petrol pumps are also included for legacy vehicles.
It will be fascinating to see how all the real estate devoted to pumping traditional fuels is repurposed in the coming decade or two.
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Image credits: Tesla, GM, Ford, Bjorn Nyland