Vueron Newsletter
No. 191
2025.03.28
| Toyota’s $20,000 EV In China Gets Lidar, Cutting-Edge Nvidia Chip | ||
| Autonomous Driving | Here’s How VW Is Testing Its Autonomous ID. Buzz | |
| Autonomous Driving | Hyundai dives into the robotaxi business with TX-based startup | |
| Waymo and Uber accelerate autonomous vehicle deployment on Tesla’s doorstep | ||
| Honda Reaches Milestone: Over 50,000 ADAS-enabled Units Sold |
1. Toyota’s $20,000 EV In China Gets Lidar, Cutting-Edge Nvidia Chip
- Toyota introduced the bZ3x (Bozhi 3X), its cheapest EV in China, starting at $15,150. The version with lidar and self-driving features is priced at $20,707.
- The bZ3x is developed under Toyota’s joint venture with GAC Group, aiming to secure a stronger position in China’s highly competitive new energy vehicle (NEV) market.
- The vehicle offers seven trims, with two including lidar, and is powered by a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery ranging from 50 to 58 kWh.
- It features one lidar, three long-range radars, 11 ultrasonic radars, and 11 cameras, optimizing performance for China’s complex traffic conditions.
- The Nvidia Drive Orin X chip (254 TOPS) and Momenta’s smart driving system enhance its autonomous capabilities.
- The car’s 400V architecture allows 30-80% charging in 24 minutes, but its 200 hp and 147 lb-ft torque are relatively modest.
- The minimalist interior includes a 14.7-inch touchscreen powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.
- The bZ3x gained massive interest, receiving 10,000 orders within the first 60 minutes, causing Toyota’s web server to crash.
Toyota has launched the bZ3x, a $20,000 EV in China, featuring lidar, Nvidia’s Orin X chip, and an advanced sensor suite designed for complex traffic conditions, receiving 10,000 orders within the first hour.
2. Here’s How VW Is Testing Its Autonomous ID. Buzz
- Volkswagen is testing its SAE Level 4 ID. Buzz vans near the Arctic Circle in Oslo, Norway, to evaluate sensor performance in extreme winter conditions like ice, snow, and low temperatures.
- These tests are part of VW’s MOIA ride-pooling service, which plans to launch autonomous van services in Hamburg by 2025.
- Winter testing is crucial for autonomous deployment, as most robotaxi trials have been limited to mild-weather regions like California and Texas.
- VW is using external closed user groups to gradually introduce its Level 4 technology, similar to Waymo’s approach.
- The company partnered with fleet management firm Holo in Oslo for testing and plans to address cost-related challenges before large-scale deployment.
- Despite challenges, VW remains committed to advancing autonomous mobility, ensuring reliability across different weather conditions.
3. Hyundai dives into the robotaxi business with TX-based startup
- Hyundai is partnering with Texas-based startup Avride to launch an autonomous ride-hailing service in Texas later this year using the IONIQ 5 robotaxi.
- The IONIQ 5 robotaxi is a Level 4 autonomous vehicle, certified under FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) for safe operation.
- Hyundai will manufacture the robotaxis at its Metaplant America in Georgia, then integrate Avride’s autonomous driving technology before deployment.
- Avride plans to scale its fleet to 100 IONIQ 5 robotaxis by 2025, expanding its operations with Hyundai’s support.
- The service will launch in Dallas via the Uber app, allowing users to book and ride fully autonomous vehicles.
- Hyundai’s expansion into the robotaxi sector strengthens its position in the autonomous vehicle market, aligning with broader industry trends in self-driving mobility.
Hyundai is partnering with Avride to launch Level 4 IONIQ 5 robotaxis in Texas, integrating with Uber and expanding to 100 vehicles by 2025.
4. Waymo and Uber accelerate autonomous vehicle deployment on Tesla’s doorstep
- Waymo and Uber have officially launched their autonomous ride-hailing partnership in Austin, allowing Uber riders to be matched with Waymo’s fully autonomous Jaguar I-PACE vehicles.
- The service integrates Waymo’s self-driving technology with Uber’s platform, providing a seamless user experience with features like vehicle unlocking and trip management through the Uber app.
- Riders requesting UberX, Uber Green, Comfort, or Comfort Electric may be assigned a Waymo robotaxi at no extra cost, with the option to switch to a human-driven vehicle.
- The collaboration marks a major step in expanding autonomous ride-hailing, further advancing urban mobility and AV commercialization.
- 24/7 customer support is available for safety assurance, making the transition to autonomous transport more accessible for users.
- The AV industry continues to grow, with other companies like Tekcapital’s Guident (AV safety systems) and Wayve (autonomous testing in Germany) also advancing their technologies.
Waymo and Uber have launched autonomous ride-hailing in Austin, integrating Waymo’s self-driving Jaguar I-PACE with Uber’s platform for seamless AV deployment.
5. Honda Reaches Milestone: Over 50,000 ADAS-enabled Units Sold
- Honda Cars India has surpassed 50,000 sales of ADAS-equipped vehicles, marking a significant milestone for Honda Sensing technology.
- Honda Sensing is now available in most Honda models, with adoption rates of 95% in the City, 60% in the Elevate, and 30% in the Amaze.
- The ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, collision mitigation braking, and auto high-beam, enhancing vehicle safety.
- Honda first introduced its Honda Sensing ADAS suite in the City e:HEV in May 2022, expanding to more models over time.
- The achievement reflects growing consumer demand for ADAS technologies in India, aligning with Honda’s global safety vision.
- Honda continues to enhance both active and passive safety features to improve overall driving security.
Honda Cars India has sold over 50,000 ADAS-equipped vehicles, highlighting growing demand for Honda Sensing technology and advanced driver assistance features.
*Contents above are the opinion of ChatGPT, not an individual nor company
