Hyundai and Kia have introduced an innovative technology called the Active Air Skirt (AAS) to optimise the efficiency of their electric vehicles (EVs). Focused on minimising aerodynamic resistance during high-speed driving, AAS aims to enhance the driving range and stability of battery-powered cars.
AAS operates by strategically managing the airflow entering through the lower part of the bumper. It adjusts turbulence around the vehicle wheels based on variable settings corresponding to the vehicle’s speed during high-speed driving. The system remains concealed during normal operation but becomes active at speeds exceeding 80km/h, precisely targeting aerodynamic resistance surpassing rolling resistance. AAS reverts to its stowed position at around 69km/h to avoid unnecessary operation within specific speed ranges.
Unlike fully concealing the entire front, AAS selectively covers only the front part of the tires. This tailored approach is designed to be more effective in improving aerodynamic performance, especially on the flat platform floor of the E-GMP platform. Additionally, the partial coverage contributes to increased downforce, enhancing vehicle traction and high-speed stability.
AAS is engineered to operate at speeds exceeding 199km/h, utilising rubber material on the lower part for durability and protection against external objects. Tests conducted with the Genesis GV60 showed a reduction in the drag coefficient (Cd) by 0.008, translating to a 2.8 percent improvement in drag. This improvement is estimated to provide an additional range enhancement of approximately 5km.
In a bold departure from conventional electric vehicle (EV) technology, Rimac, the renowned supercar manufacturer, is spearheading a groundbreaking exploration into the untapped potential of harnessing electricity from liquid fuels. Founder Mate Rimac is at the forefront of this paradigm shift, envisioning a future where electric drivetrains draw power from unconventional sources like diesel.
Rimac’s avant-garde strategy hinges on the application of nanotubes to superheat a variety of liquid fuels, heralding a new era in electricity generation that could potentially replace traditional batteries in EV drivetrains. Preliminary projections for this revolutionary method point towards an anticipated efficiency of 80%, a notable leap from the 30% average associated with internal combustion engines. Beyond efficiency gains, the technology stands to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, aligning with global initiatives to combat climate change.
The transformative impact of Rimac’s technology extends beyond its environmental implications, promising to redefine the design and performance benchmarks of sports cars. By eliminating the need for heavy batteries, Rimac’s approach brings substantial benefits in terms of weight and packaging, facilitating a more streamlined and efficient design. Founder Mate Rimac envisions this technology as a transformative element for sports cars, poised to elevate performance standards while seamlessly aligning with sustainability goals.
Despite the recent triumph of Rimac’s flagship model, the Nevera EV, which secured a Guinness World Record for the fastest reverse speed, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to pushing the boundaries of EV technology.
Rimac’s foray into harnessing electricity from liquid fuels not only showcases their commitment to innovation but also sets the stage for a paradigm shift in the EV industry. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Rimac stands as a trailblazer, redefining what is possible in the realm of electric mobility.
Porsche has unveiled a partnership with tech giant Google. This collaboration aims to usher in a new era of digital experiences for Porsche customers, combining cutting-edge technology with the brand’s timeless design and performance.
Under this groundbreaking alliance, Porsche will integrate a suite of Google services into its future model generations. The highlight of this integration includes Google Maps for precise navigation, Google Assistant for intuitive voice recognition, and access to a wide array of apps through the Google Play Store. This move promises to provide Porsche drivers with a seamless and familiar digital interface, thanks to the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. Regular online updates will ensure that the system remains up-to-date, meeting the high expectations of Porsche enthusiasts.
Most cars released these days are fitted with new technology or as the automakers call it, “cutting-edge technology.” However, new technology does not seemingly translate to good quality. Some are just unnecessary and the car would do fine without it.
The JD Power 2023 US Initial Quality Study, based on 93,380 participants who purchased or leased new 2023 model-year cars in America, found that the industry average increased to 192 problems per 100 (PP100) vehicles from 180 in 2022.
Now, we are not hating on electric vehicles (EVs) but according to the study, the majority of problems are from EVs. We can see why too. Because every automaker wants to release a new model that will “wow” the people, but this seems to cause more problems in the long run.
Mercedes-Benz has just created new technology that will make it possible to validate transactions without a PIN number or smartphone confirmation using just a fingerprint sensor that is built into the car’s interior. The objective is to make it easier to pay for car-related services.
The German automaker is the first in the world to legally and securely include this kind of payment identification in a car. At first, this new feature will only be available to German users, and it only supports Visa. Mercedes Pay+ will gradually add and activate additional card systems as it is implemented throughout Europe.
Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (Digi) has introduced ‘Digi Connected Cars with AXA FlexiDrive’, an initiative to encourage Malaysians to stay safe on the roads and reward them for good driving behaviour. The first in Malaysia, the product helps drivers of insured vehicles learn and better understand their driving behaviours through the installation of a telematics security device and the AXA FlexiDrive mobile app.
Digi’s Chief Digital Officer Praveen Rajan said that this initiative is part of Digi strengthening its foray in IoT with a comprehensive Connected Vehicles strategy. “Connected Cars with AXA FlexiDrive is part of our strategy to offer a spectrum of solutions for private vehicles and insurance providers. This is in line with our effort to connect Malaysians to what matters most – which in this case, is to keep themselves and loved ones safe on the road,” he said.
AXA FlexiDrive is Malaysia’s first telematics motor insurance that offers safe driving discount (SDD), encouraging drivers to stay alert and safe on the road while giving them the peace of mind in knowing that their driving behaviour is monitored.
Praveen attested that Digi seeks to forge partnerships and new product innovations of various kinds that will benefit their customers and all Malaysians. “Our partnership with AXA Affin General Insurance, coupled with Digi’s solid network, will allow us to reach a broader audience by offering digital solutions that will provide better value for our customers,” he added.
AXA Affin General Insurance Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Nivet said, “Road safety is a serious matter and we want to keep everybody safe. AXA FlexiDrive was conceptualised with Malaysians in mind, and we hope we are able to reach more Malaysians and incentivise them to make smarter decisions on the road with it.”
AXA FlexiDrive motor insurance was launched in 2017 together with AXA’s official telematics partner CSE (Communications & Security Electronics) Group, a local research, development and manufacturing centre which cemented its name in the telematics back in 2002. The product was awarded the New Insurance Product of the Year Malaysia award at ABF Insurance Asia Awards in 2018.
Via Digi Connected Cars with AXA FlexiDrive, motor owners can get up to 20% safe driving discount, which is dependent on the driver’s behaviour such as speed, mileage and driving style in addition to other benefits such as automatic accident alert and assistance as well as 24/7 vehicle security and theft recovery at no additional premium. Private vehicle owners can find out more and register their interest for the Digi Connected Cars with AXA FlexiDrive product at any Digi Store nationwide from December 18th 2018.
Upon completion of registration, customers will be contacted and arrangements will be made to install the product in the car. Installation is free of charge, and customer will only be charged a refundable deposit of RM70. Customers also have the option to activate CSE Smart Track Security for only RM240 per year. This optional feature offers smartphone car alarm, real-time tracking, trip review and accident compensation up to RM2,000.
Vehicles in Malaysia will one day be powered by a cleaner fuel alternative; hydrogen, an element found in water. Towards this end, Linde Malaysia, a member of The Linde Group, is gearing up to share its expertise in fuelling solutions to help power Malaysia’s automotive industry with zero-emission hydrogen technology.
“The world’s challenges associated with global warming (caused by CO2 emissions) pose a fundamental threat to the future of our planet. Linde sees hydrogen as an integral part of our renewable energy future in addressing this challenge. With over 25 years of research and development in hydrogen fuelling technologies, Linde has invested significantly at the global level in the future market for hydrogen. There are strong indicators that the market is receptive towards alternative fuels and energy with alternative mobility becoming more prevalent, particularly in Asia,” explained Linde South Asia and ASEAN Regional Managing Director, Rob Hughes.
(Seated, second from left) Linde South Asia & ASEAN Regional Managing Director, Rob Hughes, and (seated, third from left) Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) Group Chief Executive Officer, Sharbini Suhaili, during the signing of the Memoradum Of Understanding between Linde and SEB to explore the potential of hydrogen
Malaysia is an attractive place for Linde to invest further, tapping into its richwater resource for the production, storage and supply of hydrogen and other industrial gasses. This is partly due to its abundant water resource, receiving an average of 2500 to 5080 millimetres of rainfall annually. “Technology, innovation and an inventive spirit have been at the core of Linde from the very beginning, making us the technology leader for end-to-end sustainable hydrogen solutions. Linde is no stranger to the automotive industry as we deliver hydrogen fuelling solutions for cars, buses and even forklift trucks. We intend to grow the commercialisation of hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles and boost our efforts with our partners to create infrastructures that enable greater adoption of hydrogen-electric mobility. Linde has seen success with this model across Europe and is now extending its focus here in Southeast Asia,” said Hughes.
More about the technology…
Hydrogen is categorised as a clean fuel, releasing water vapour when converted into fuel. Hydrogen is produced through natural gas steam reforming or the electrolysis of water. Its carbon-neutral nature means vehicles powered by hydrogen have zero-emissions, a solution that directly helps mitigate climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen is the most commonly occurring element in nature, which means it is renewable.
Hydrogen-powered cars are equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell and an electric motor. Inside the fuel cell of the car, the hydrogen reacts with oxygen drawn in from the ambient air. Hydrogen molecules separate and create electricity to power the electric motor, and water. The automotive industry stands to benefit from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) because they help reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions which greatly mitigates climate change.
This further supports the nation’s aspirations to reduce carbon emissions as demonstrated by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology, Science And Climate Change’s (Mestecc) recent announcement to introduce an Energy Efficiency Bill in 2019 to help Malaysia cut carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 in compliance with the Paris climate accord.
Hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles have a short refuelling time of only three minutes and the ability to cover 500 to 600 km. This makes hydrogen-powered vehicles comparable to conventional vehicles. The water vapour from the exhaust of a hydrogen-powered vehicle is clean to the point that it is drinkable, demonstrating its zero emissions feature.
Solidifying its commitment to the Malaysian market, Linde will be providing its technological expertise across the hydrogen value chain to Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), following the construction of the latter’s pilot hydrogen production plant and refuelling station, the first of its kind in the state of Sarawak and Southeast Asia. Linde also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the potential of hydrogen and how it can be potentially applied into other aspects together with SEB. The move demonstrates interest in clean fuel alternatives for a more sustainable automotive industry in Malaysia.
To date, Linde has equipped around 150 fuelling stations globally with innovative hydrogen refuelling technology. Linde is actively involved in collaborative partnerships to jointly develop new solutions for hydrogen as a fuel. It is a member of the ‘Hydrogen Council,’ the first global initiative of its kind, launched in January 2017, with the goal of positioning hydrogen among the key solutions of the energy transition to help meet climate goals. The council is made up of 13 CEOs and Chairpersons from various industries and energy companies including Daimler, Royal Dutch Shell, The Linde Group, Alstom, Honda, Hyundai, Kawasaki and Toyota among others.
Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8+ might very well be the best smartphones that were launched this year. The Android based devices feature a slew of new and innovative features that make them two of the more superior phones in the market right now.
They feature an Octa core 64 bit processor(10nm), 4GB of RAM, 5.8 inch (S8) and 6.2 inch (S8+) quad HD displays (2960×1440), 12 MP rear and 8MP front cameras, 3,000mAh or 3,500mAh batteries as well as the latest WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC and fast wireless charging technologies.
Some how, Samsung managed to keep the dimensions of the phones similar to that of their predecessors yet fit 18% larger screens with a 18:5:9 aspect ratio. This, along with the High Dynamic Range (HDR) capabilities give videos and pictures vibrant and more accurate colour images. This Infinity display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and is optimized for multi-tasking use allowing users to pin recent apps at the top of the screen while using the area below for other work.
Love it or hate it, but the finger print reader is now located next to the rear camera. The physical home button on the front is no more and is instead, part of the GUI, this is also true for the back and menu buttons, which are now programmable to offer different functions.
Samsung says that through the use of its Knox security platform and other biometric technologies such as an iris scanner, the phones are far more secure than their predecessors, allowing for faster and better user authentication payments and unlocking.
This is all well and good, but the S8 and S8+’s main party piece is their ability to function as a PC. Through the use of the Samsung DeX system, users can connect their phones to a monitor, keyboard and mouse, then take advantage of the optimized interface and use the phone as a PC. Until now, smartphones lacked the performance to drive a full-fledged monitor and peripherals, but thanks to Samsung’s flagship specifications, the S8 and S8+ are able to tackle these tasks with relative ease.
The phones are IP68 dust and water resistance, support microSD cards of up to 256GB and have cameras that takes multiple shots in rapid succession instead of a single shot, picks the clearest one and uses the rest to reduce unclear sections of the picture.
Available in Midnight Black, Orchid Gray and Maple Gold, the new S8 and S8+ are available for purchase at Samsung authorized dealers for a price of RM3,299 and RM3,699 respectively.
