We are going to study some new inventions and researches in EV, tech and some transport fields. China enters the flying taxi era with certified autonomous drones, while Bombardier’s Global 8000 jet nears supersonic speeds. A U.S. startup repurposes Tesla batteries for drones and EVs, and Honda boosts EV production with AI. BYD builds a mega factory, GM develops armored vehicles, and Google Maps adds parking difficulty alerts tech and transport evolve fast.
Key points
China enters commercial flying taxi era with first certified autonomous drone services
China has officially stepped into the world of commercial flying taxis, recently awarding its first operator certificates to EHang and Heyi Aviation for their autonomous passenger drone services. Their standout aircraft, the EH216-S eVTOL, is a two-seater air taxi that boasts 16 propellers for smooth vertical takeoff and landing. It can zip along at speeds of up to 81 mph, cruise comfortably at 62 mph, and soar to heights of 9,843 feet (3,000 m).
With a range of 22 miles (35 km) on a single charge and a payload capacity of 485 pounds (220 kg), it’s primarily aimed at short-distance tourism, but there are plans to branch out into urban transport as China aims to develop its impressive $207 billion “low-altitude economy.”
Bombardier’s global 8000 set to become fastest civilian jet since Concorde
Bombardier’s Global 8000 is gearing up to be the fastest civilian aircraft since the Concorde, with plans to enter service in late 2025. It can hit impressive speeds of Mach 0.94 (1,152 km/h). During test flights, it even surpassed the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.015, which makes it the closest we’ve come to supersonic travel since the Concorde was retired back in 2003. With a remarkable range of 8,000 nautical miles and a plush four-zone cabin, this jet perfectly blends speed, comfort, and the ability to access smaller airports around the globe.
U.S. startup re/cell gives tesla batteries a second life in drones and EVs
U.S.-based Re/cell is on a mission to give retired Tesla EV batteries a second life by turning them into modular lithium-ion blocks. These blocks are then repurposed as a reliable power source for drones and electric vehicles. Using a unique recovery process that’s currently pending a patent, the company extracts high-capacity cells and rebuilds them into standardized battery modules, boasting capacities of up to 48Ah, perfect for heavy-duty drone use. With three powerful configurations ranging from 755Wh to 2040Wh, these revamped batteries come equipped with advanced safety features and real-time monitoring, all while helping to cut down on battery waste and promote sustainable energy solutions.
Honda turns to AI and automation in china to streamline EV production
Honda is stepping up its game by weaving AI and automation into its electric vehicle production in China, with plans to reduce its workforce on the factory floor by 30%. At its Guangzhou facility, which it built in partnership with GAC, the company has kicked off production of the all-electric Ye P7 crossover. They’re using AI-powered welding techniques to cut costs and enhance efficiency.
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are now taking over the heavy lifting, like moving battery packs, which means fewer humans are needed in those crucial roles. While humanoid robots are still a bit pricey and not the most efficient, car manufacturers such as Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW are diving into advanced robotics, indicating a significant change in how factory work is done.
The Ye P7 is vital for Honda’s foothold in the EV market, particularly in China, which is the largest EV market in the world. With an impressive 89.8 kWh battery and a range of up to 404 miles, it stands toe-to-toe with competitors like the Dongfeng Honda S7. At the same time, humanoid robots, such as UBTECH’s Walker S1 and Figure 02, are gradually making their way into auto factories, suggesting a tech-savvy future for manufacturing.
Secret service in talks with gm for next-gen armored vehicles, including updated ‘beast’ limo
The U.S. Secret Service is currently in discussions with GM regarding the future of armored SUVs. Agency director Sean Curran recently paid a visit to GM’s Global Design Center in Michigan to look into advanced security features. While specifics are still under wraps, officials have hinted at the possibility of incorporating cutting-edge technologies to tackle emerging threats.
GM has landed a hefty $14.8 million contract to create the next presidential limousine, affectionately known as “The Beast,” with expenses potentially soaring to $40.8 million by 2029. Although final specifications and a timeline are yet to be confirmed, Secret Service teams are actively working on top-notch security enhancements for this vehicle.
There seems to be a shift from using Chevrolet Suburbans to Cadillac-based models for armored SUVs, as recent images indicate a potential transition to an armored Cadillac Escalade. Even though there’s a lot of public curiosity, these specialized vehicles are strictly for government use, and there are no plans to make them available to civilians.
Google maps adds parking difficulty feature to help drivers find spots in U.S. cities
Google Maps has rolled out a handy new parking difficulty icon in its Android app, designed to help users figure out parking availability in 25 major U.S. metro areas. Using historical data and peak traffic patterns, this feature classifies parking as “Limited,” “Medium,” or “Easy.”
The tool employs predictive analytics to forecast parking conditions at various times and locations, much like Google’s “Popular Times” feature that shows how crowded venues are. The data is anonymized and comes from user movements and past parking trends.
With these dynamic parking predictions, Google is working to improve real-time navigation, making city commuting a lot smoother. This update reflects the company’s ongoing effort to harness user-generated data for smarter travel planning.
Some recent researches in AI fields:- New Researches in AI and Tech