Anil Kodavalla

Which automaker will win the race to commercializing solid-state batteries? Solid-state batteries has been available to some industries for some time, but so far nobody has been able to scale production to the levels required for the automotive sector. Why is solid-state a big deal? Put simply, a solid-state electrolyte allows only lithium ions to pass from anode to cathode thereby reducing voltage limitations, wear from charge cycles and other problems found with liquid electrolyte. By using solid state, energy density, durability and charge/discharge speed can be improved. When providing energy for a 2+ ton four-wheeler, increased density cells can deliver further mileage without increasing weight or size. Moreover, charging times can be shortened. So who will win the race? Solid-state batteries are here already - if you have a pacemaker or hearing aid, there's a decent chance you're wearing one already. The issue isn't designing them, it's manufacturing them. And that takes capital. This month, Toyota announced that it expects to be the first OEM to scale production and begin selling vehicles powered by solid-state batteries to customers. When? SOP comes in 2026, though ramp-up to full series production won't be online until 2030 or further. Even by 2030, their expected volumes will be on 9 GWh each year. For comparison, today's large gigafactories are aiming for 60GWh, enough to produce packs for 1mn EVs each year. And by the 2030s, CATL alone aim to have over 1,000 GWh a year online. Despite the buzz around solid-state battery applications in the automotive sector, should we really look at this as the future when we're still in the process of scaling Li-ion and LiPo to meet current and future demand? How much of the market is left for solid-state to eat up?

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BEV vs. ICE: The Pros, Cons, and Raw Truth In the epic battle between BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) and ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars, neither side is perfect. Let’s dive into the hard truths—where BEVs are shaking things up, and where ICE still holds the wheel. ICE Cars: Old School Power with a Cost • Pros: • Infrastructure: Gas stations are everywhere, making long trips stress-free. • Range & Refueling: You can easily get 300+ miles on a tank and refuel in just 5 minutes. • Affordability: On average, ICE cars have lower upfront costs. • Cons: • CO2 Emissions: ICE vehicles contribute 20% of global CO2 emissions, with every gallon of gas burned releasing 24 pounds of CO2. • Maintenance: ICE cars require 50% more maintenance than BEVs—oil changes, transmission issues, and engine wear add up. BEVs: Clean Tech, but Not Flawless • Pros: • Zero Emissions: BEVs produce no tailpipe emissions, helping tackle urban air quality issues. • Lower Running Costs: Maintenance and energy savings can add up to $10,000 over the lifetime of the vehicle. • Efficiency: BEVs convert 80% of battery energy to movement, compared to ICE’s 20-30%. • Cons: • Raw Material Challenges: BEV batteries require lithium, cobalt, and nickel, leading to environmental and ethical concerns, such as 500,000 gallons of water needed to mine one ton of lithium. • Charging Infrastructure: While improving, it’s still developing—charging can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours, and planning trips around chargers can be tricky. Raw Materials: A Double-Edged Sword Both ICE and BEV have environmental costs tied to their production. • ICE’s Raw Materials: Oil extraction is environmentally damaging, with 1.3 million gallons of oil spilled annually in water. The production of steel and aluminum for ICE cars accounts for 8% of global CO2 emissions. • BEV’s Raw Materials: BEV production requires rare metals like lithium and cobalt, often sourced through damaging mining processes. Only 5% of lithium-ion batteries are recycled today, leading to landfill issues. 🚧 Major Challenges for Both • ICE’s Downfall: Regulatory pressures—by 2035, many countries plan to ban the sale of new ICE cars. • BEV’s Battery Problem: Range anxiety remains real, with most BEVs offering 250-300 miles on a full charge. Battery recycling and raw material extraction are also significant hurdles. Should You Make the Switch? BEVs are greener on the surface, but the challenges surrounding battery materials, recycling, and infrastructure show there’s still work to do. On the other hand, ICE cars are increasingly becoming unsustainable from a regulatory and environmental perspective. What’s your take—Share your thoughts..! #EVvsICE #SustainableDriving #EVFuture #WiredandWitty

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Ford is trialing AI-powered automated driving technology designed to make the production process more efficient. For the project, vehicles not only drive themselves off the assembly line, they also self-drive to final testing stations and self-charge before parking up ready for delivery to customers. The E-SELF project uses vehicle-to-infrastructure communication to control and monitor vehicles. Antennas and cameras located around the plant can identify hazards in the vehicle’s path, such as a person or another car, and vehicles are slowed or brought to a halt as required. Project leader Laura Heister explains: “We’ve got different test vehicles which are guided by an automated valet parking system which is infrastructure-based. We also have a cobot which plugs in vehicles and charges them up to a certain level. It then disconnects so the vehicle can self-drive to the next station.” Ford is conducting the two-and-a-half-year trial with partners Institute of Automotive Engineering of the Technische Universität Braunschweig and Kopernikus Automotive. The Federal Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection provided €2 million funding. Would you like be part of projects on the cutting edge of technology? Learn more at http://spr.ly/6040iMVEm. #WeAreFord

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FSD on Tesla. Tried the full self drive on Tesla Model Y, by putting in our home address about a mile out and let the car drive us home. It did a pretty good job! And it got better every subsequent time. The farthest I let the FSD drive us was about 5 miles from home, from Trans Canada highway to a rural road, went through a stop sign (there were no other cars on the crossing, so don't know if FSD has an algorithm to read which car goes next) and then finally on to the country lane to our home. My take on FSD is that the technology piece is in place. it will be interesting to see when does the mass adoption become a reality. #FSD #elonmusk

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News about ADS - Jun 17, 2024: 😢 1) Waymo driverless vehicle contacts with a tele pole in an alley near 7th Avenue and Roosevelt Street 8 mph when pulling over in AZ on May 21, 2024 -> SW recall on Jun 12, 2024 https://lnkd.in/g9xQScah https://lnkd.in/gC_MYrE2 https://lnkd.in/g8zAxcQZ Root cause: "SW map" seems not a real root cause-> possible perception issue 2) Real robot driving a car - robot driver Misachi 😁 https://lnkd.in/ggpB_u3G 3) "NVIDIA Research Wins CVPR Autonomous Grand Challenge for End-to-End Driving" 👍 https://lnkd.in/ginE6CWF 4) Tier IV & Suzuki partner up for ADS 👍 https://lnkd.in/gTzvTrEJ 5) A sad story - but what happens to the driver who used the phone - too unresponsible 😔 - Tesla with FSD engaged from AP News https://lnkd.in/gCS9eXuZ

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***Lucid Motors Q2 2024 Earnings Call Q&A Takeaways: Navigating Growth and Innovation in a Challenging Economic Market.*** -Lucid Motors' Q2 2024 earnings call revealed a company poised for significant expansion, balancing ambitious product launches with strategic financial management. Here are the key points: -Financial Strategy: Lucid aggressively pursues cash flow positivity through business scaling, particularly with the upcoming Gravity SUV launch. A recent $1.5 billion capital raise, backed by Saudi Arabia's PIF, provides a runway through Q4 2025. The company has reduced CAPEX guidance by $200 million through optimization efforts while acknowledging substantial upcoming global expansion and product development expenditures. -Product Innovation: The introduction of the $69,900 Lucid Air Pure RWD model aims to broaden market access without compromising brand value. Lucid is preparing to launch the Gravity SUV and develop a mid-sized platform, leveraging its technological prowess for cost-effectiveness. The company boasts industry-leading efficiency of 5 miles per kWh in the Air, aiming to reach 6 miles per kWh through ongoing advancements. -Technological Edge: Lucid's in-house powertrain and battery technology development is expected to yield significant cost advantages on a large scale. The company is enhancing its ADAS features, including hands-free lane assist and optimizing battery configurations across models. The Air Pure's 84 kWh pack demonstrates Lucid's flexibility in meeting diverse efficiency targets. -Strategic Partnerships: Lucid reaffirms its commitment to the Aston Martin EV program despite a slight delay. The company is also exploring licensing opportunities with other OEMs, particularly in segments like electric pickup trucks, where Lucid's efficient battery technology could be transformative. Lucid's long-term vision remains focused on EV market leadership through technological innovation and strategic scaling. The company's approach balances ambitious product development with prudent financial management, setting the stage for potential profitability as it expands its presence in the competitive EV landscape. #automotivenews #automotiveengineering #automotivemanufacturing #manufacturingengineering #automotiveindustry #electricvehicles #lucidmotors

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Lucid Air side frame. Most vehicles use hot-stamped steel parts in this area because they provide a more robust structural support. However, only a few OEMs can use aluminum for the side frame structure.(Of coure, it meets the crash performance.) As a result, Lucid has one of the lightest body structures in the world. Does anyone know the strength of this material or the thickness of these parts?

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What will the future of Automotive look like? Waymo seems to have an answer. Story time: 👇 After the Used Car Week 2024, I decided to give a shot to Driverless Taxi service by Waymo to take me to Phoenix airport from Scottsdale. It was my very first ride with no driver.. What made things slightly less comfortable, was the distance to cover 40+ miles (considering Waymo doesn’t go on freeways and only using city streets). - You might ask if I was scared? - I’d answer: Absolutely! But after few minutes in, I got surprisingly relaxed and comfortable in my cab and it delivered me in one piece with no issues whatsoever. Good: - No one to ask to set your climate - Blast your favorite music station - No uncomfortable conversations - Cost less than a half of Uber ride - Very Comfortable and clean Car - Freedom to pull over wherever convenient - FaceTime, sing, dance(?), no one’s judging Bad: - Fear of “what if…” (fill the blank) - Less smooth stopping on red lights - Took 1.5X time to get to destination - No one to offer me candy or water - No option to watch videos on a screen - Weird looks from pedestrians and drivers Ugly: - Nothing I can think of 🤷🏻‍♂️ Most important questions answered here 👇 Is AI taking our jobs? - Kind of Was it weird? - 100% Would I use it again? - Absolutely! Do I see it replacing Uber/Lyft completely? - Totally! Is this the future? - Nope! It’s present times Did I tip “the driver”? - Absolutely not! But did I feel bad about no tip? - Of course not! #Automotive #Waymo #AI #SelfDriving #AutonomousDriving #Innovations

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⚡️Embracing the Future: Autonomous Cars for our Children’s Weekly Activities. As technology continues to evolve, so do the opportunities for enhancing our daily lives. Imagine a world where autonomous cars safely transport our children to their weekly activities giving parents peace of mind and more time to focus on other responsibilities. 🚗💡My take is these are typical short-hauls (2-5 miles) not involving high-speed roads (ie lower risk). What are your thoughts on this? Could autonomous vehicles be the key to a more efficient and balanced family life? #FutureOfTransportation #AutonomousVehicles #ParentingInTheFuture

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Volkswagen announced an investment of up to $5 billion in the EV maker Rivian, initially having commited to $1 billion. This partnership looks to focus on software development and other tech innovations. This sizeable investment could make them a significant shareholder, suggesting a strong vote of confidence in Rivian's future. Rivian has faced several challenges with scaling production and achieving profitability. An investment like this could be a game-changer by combining Volkswagen's vast manufacturing capabilities and Rivian's EV technology. What impact do you see this having on the overall automotive industry and EV market? #AutomotiveIndustry #Volkswagen #Rivian #ElectricVehicles https://lnkd.in/gxA5q6ED

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***Is Lucid Motors Revving Up for Major Growth with a Hyundai Partnership? It appears likely*** -It appears the electric vehicle industry is about to witness a game-changing move as Lucid Motors, the California-based luxury EV manufacturer, prepares to announce a landmark partnership with automotive giant Hyundai. This strategic alliance could propel Lucid into the fast lane of industry domination, unleashing a torrent of cutting-edge innovation and accelerating its path to profitability. -The rumored deal, expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks, revolves around a joint venture to develop and produce electric motors and other crucial EV components. By joining forces with Hyundai's formidable resources and global reach, Lucid can gain a significant competitive edge in the rapidly evolving EV landscape. -Lucid's meteoric rise in the luxury EV segment has been fueled by their groundbreaking Air sedan, a marvel of engineering that boasts a staggering range of over 500 miles on a single charge. However, their production capacity has been limited, with only a few thousand vehicles rolling off the assembly line each year. This partnership could provide the vital boost needed to ramp up production and meet the insatiable demand for their flagship model. -Moreover, the collaboration presents an opportunity for Lucid to leverage Hyundai's extensive supply chain network and manufacturing expertise, potentially slashing production costs and improving overall efficiency. This strategic move could position Lucid as a formidable contender against industry titans like Tesla, offering consumers a viable alternative in the premium EV market. -"This partnership could be a game-changer for Lucid," said automotive analyst John Smith of Evergreen Research. "By tapping into Hyundai's vast resources and global footprint, Lucid gains access to a wealth of manufacturing prowess, supply chain optimization, and economies of scale that could catapult their growth trajectory." -While the potential deal's financial details remain undisclosed, industry insiders speculate that it could involve substantial investments from Hyundai, further bolstering Lucid's cash reserves and enabling them to accelerate research and development initiatives. -As the world embraces the electric revolution, partnerships between Lucid and Hyundai could reshape the automotive landscape, fostering innovation, driving down costs, and ultimately making electric vehicles more accessible to consumers worldwide. Source: Evergreen Research #automotivenews #automotivemanufacturing #manufacturingengineering #electricvehicles #lucidair #hyundai Image: Lucid Gravity in South Korea.

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You don’t have to fit in… There’s another path, one you can create – exactly what Rivian did. RJ Scaringe & Rivian team had big impact on Auto industry. Let me explain 👇🏻 "One size fits all" doesn`t work in Automotive (𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺 other 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐`𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦) EVs didn`t cut it for "niche groups", adding up to millions of people globally. - You might ask: Who are these Niche Groups of people? 1. 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲/𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴/𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴/𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀 2. 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 3. 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 4. 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝗚𝘂𝘆𝘀/𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 - How does Rivian cater to these groups, you might ask? 1. Off-road capabilities, rugged design, camping gear, auto leveling, etc. 2. Environmentally focused: recycling batteries, reclaimed ocean plastics, vegan leather, solar-powered charging. 3. Massive interior with 3-row seating, tons of cargo space, safety features, and built-in adventure gear. 4. First EV truck from the ground up, revolutionizing the truck segment. I`m not saying Rivian is perfect. I`m just sharing my thoughts on yet another Ground Breaking Automaker, bold enough to Revolutionize, instead of improving the existing. 𝑫𝒊𝒅 𝑰 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 1,025 𝒉𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 0-60 𝒊𝒏 2.6 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒔? 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒏! #Automotiveindustry #EVs #Innovations #AutomotiveNews #Rivian

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