This article will discuss how infotainments and non-safety sensors offer a better electric vehicle (EV) driving experience. Despite many ongoing efforts to increase the EV range and safety, enhancing the driving experience is also gaining momentum to make EVs more appealing than ICE-based vehicles.
Infotainments conveniences
Infotainment systems in vehicles refer to a combination of information and entertainment services delivered to the driver and passengers through various interfaces. These interfaces include audio/video systems, control elements like touch screens, button panels, and voice commands.
The role of infotainment is unique in EVs as the vehicle and infotainment system run on a common power source (i.e., electric energy) unlike an ICE-based vehicle. Here are how infotainments are useful in EVs and ways they enhance user experience.
Integration with charging networks
What makes infotainment unique for EVs is its ability to integrate with different charging networks along the travel route. EV owners and drivers can preplan if a long journey is anticipated and refuel their EVs at crucial junctions, as seen in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Mapbox for EV infotainment system shows the different charging networks around the travel route. (Image: Mapbox)
While fossil fuel-based charging stations can develop charging networks, they’re prone to fire accidents if wireless connectivity is involved. There’s a reason when refueling vehicles with petrol or diesel, drivers are asked to switch off their mobile phones.
Enhanced navigation and routing
In terms of EVs, navigation and routing are closely related to the charging networks. Infotainments provide a better route map to the desired destination based on many factors, such as availability of charging networks, traffic density, and weather conditions, etc.
Figure 2 shows that the navigation also helps provide range prediction depending on the terrain. For example, traveling through the mountains will have a different battery prediction when climbing up and down. Also, regenerative braking comes into play significantly when an EV travels downhill.
Figure 2. Mapbox for EV infotainment system plans the economical and shortest travel path, including EV charging stations along the route. (Image: Mapbox)
Seamless connectivity and control
Centralized control over audio/video, vehicle preferences, HVAC monitoring, and so on gives the user (typically the driver) complete control of the vehicle. This leads to less distraction while driving, as many physical items such as buttons, sliders, and switches become needless.
Augmented reality
Infotainment systems with augmented reality (AR) can help keep important vehicle information directly in the driver’s line of sight (Figure 3). It’s advantageous in night driving scenarios where drivers cannot afford to keep their eyes off the route even for a moment.
Figure 3. An illustration of how AR can be used for a better driving experience. (Image: Wards Auto)
How non-safety sensors improve user experiences
In EVs, non-safety sensors have gained popularity owing to their ability to enhance the performance, efficiency, and overall driving experience. These sensors are integral to various vehicle systems that do not directly contribute to immediate safety functions but are essential for the effective operation and user experience.
Let us look at how non-safety sensors have become integral to the better EV driving experience.
Regenerative braking sensors
A unique aspect of EVs is to recover some of the lost energy during driving by regenerative braking and charging the batteries. A dedicated sensor, such as the ESP module by Robert Bosch, can be used to extend the vehicle’s driving range and efficiency. The sensor is represented in Figure 4.
Figure 4. An electronic stability program (ESP) module offered by Bosch for scalable braking systems with regenerative braking ability. (Image: Robert Bosch GmbH)
GPS sensors
This article has already shown that GPS sensors in EVs are useful for navigation and routing. The sensors can also help with security and insurance.
A good example is the Family1st plug-in GPS tracker (Figure 5), which enables real-time vehicle tracking and offers alerts via email and SMS. The device can also be used for geofencing purposes, meaning that the owner can be notified if the EV is found leaving its approved area without authorization.
Figure 5. The Family1st Portable GPS Tracker for EVs. (Image: Family 1st)
Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs)
IMUs, which include accelerometers and gyroscopes, track the vehicle’s motion and orientation. This data is used for various functions, including stability control and enhancing vehicle dynamics.
The sensor has also found applications in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as lane departure warnings, assisted parking, and automatic parking.
The accuracy of IMUs is dependable for autonomous driving and works in conjunction with other sensors like LiDAR, radar, and cameras to provide a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s environment.
Ambient light and temperature sensors
The ambient light sensors can detect the ambient light levels outside the vehicle. Whenever the light levels drop below a threshold level, such as at night or entering a tunnel, the sensor automatically turns on the headlights and improves driver visibility.
Temperature sensors can also monitor the cabin temperature. During a hot summer drive, the HVAC system can bring down the cabin temperature; during winter, it can be kept warmer. All this can happen automatically without the interference of the user and driver.
Summary
Infotainments and non-safety sensors are not entirely independent of each other, but they share common functionalities. For example, a GPS sensor is used primarily as a non-safety sensor. Still, when integrated into the car’s display dashboard, it also works as an infotainment.
This FAQ provided the EV engineers with insight into how a particular EV accessory can be used as either infotainment or non-safety sensors. However, it is more promising if EV accessories can perform both functions. If a sensor can be connected to the car’s audio/video system, it can become part of the infotainment system.
References
- Everything You Need to Know About In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems, eInfochips
- ESP Module – The scalable braking system for maximum flexibility, Bosch Mobility
- Predict range, discover charge points and pay with mapbox for ev, Mapbox
- The role of IMUs in ADAS and AV operation, Electronics Weekly
- EV GPS Trackers – Everything You Need To Know, Family 1st
- What is a car infotainment system?, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Images
- Figure 1-2, Mapbox
- Figure 3, Wards Auto
- Figure 4, Robert Bosch GmbH
- Figure 5, Family 1st
Filed Under: FAQs, Sensors