Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly developing and permeating almost every industry. Together with other benefits, AI technologies help businesses to increase operational effectiveness, understand customer behavior and make the most of large data.
In a similar vein, the market for electric vehicles (EVs) has recently grown exponentially. Driving an EV is becoming more and more mainstream and the market for electric vehicles worldwide, which was estimated at US$163.01 billion in 2020, is anticipated to reach US$823.75 billion by 2030, adding 31% to its annual growth rate.
But what is the role of AI in all of this? How can AI boost electric vehicle adoption? AI is, in fact, much more important than is perhaps realized. Today, the most innovative car producers already use machine learning and AI algorithms in certain EV production chains and the EVs themselves. Let’s dive deeper into AI use in electric vehicles.
How can AI enhance the use of electric vehicles?
The EV sector could use AI to boost the adoption rate of electric cars and increase the sustainability level of transportation systems.
Here’s how AI can increase EV adoption:
1. AI algorithms have the ability to optimize battery life, energy usage, and driving performance, making it possible for cars to operate more effectively and with less power.
2. AI-driven predictive maintenance systems can foresee when a car is likely to require repairs or maintenance, preventing malfunctions and extending the time that a car is on the road.
3. AI can be employed to administer the infrastructure of EV charging stations, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing downtime.
4. AI can be used to tailor the driving experience through driving habits, preferences, and patterns analysis, thus adjusting the car exclusively for the driver.
5. Fleets of EVs could be managed by AI-powered systems which will optimize resource allocation and cut costs. Although the idea of buying an electric vehicle is growing in popularity, to produce a greener transport network the adoption rate needs to increase considerably and even overtake the use of traditional fossil-fueled transport.
Let’s break down some of the most important features in EV manufacturing that would benefit from using AI.
EV battery upgrades
Improved battery studies and development will upgrade EVs and hasten their adoption. Although it takes a great deal of time to evaluate the different compounds in order to create an EV battery that boasts better performance and state of health (SOH), some companies are already doing this.
In addition, technologies such as AI-powered digital twin cloud services are already being used to improve estimates of a battery’s SOH and state of charge (SOC) which in turn increases battery efficiency, lifespan, and cost.
Increase charging operations
With the high demand for EV vehicles, improving charging operations is critical. One project aiming to do that has been initiated by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) in an AI effort to enhance EV charging operations.
The project is being led by BluWave-ai and Hydro Ottawa and the technology will automatically assess client needs and impacts, reduce demand peaks, and allow users to benefit from cheaper charges during non-peak hours.
Improving human-machine interface to increase safety
The human-machine interface (HMI) is an important feature of modern cars, including EVs. It is required for managing and sending signals to automated equipment, such as the LED screens that feature in virtually all EVs and the number of screens in a car will inevitably increase.
Drivers have access to a voice-activated smart assistant, more controls, and improved EV diagnostics thanks to HMI systems that make use of AI technologies.
Major EV-producing companies using AI
AI and machine learning facilitate the development of self-driving robo-taxis that can be seen in some countries today. But this is only the beginning. The list of companies currently working on integrating and upgrading AI in electric vehicles includes Volkswagen AG, Tesla Inc., Google Inc., General Motors Company, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Uber Technologies Inc., Toyota Motor Corp. and BMW among others. Let’s take a closer look at some of them:
Volkswagen Group
The corporation has boosted its capital expenditure for digitalization, with a considerable portion of that money going toward investments in AI, autonomous vehicles, and the digitization of important business processes. Volkswagen employs AI to further streamline manufacturing processes and improve the sustainability and efficiency of its vehicles which includes the development of powertrains for internal combustion engines and e-mobility. AI also enables computers to automatically assess issues and find solutions.
Google Inc.
In the near future, Google Maps will include AI-driven elements to assist in the fast charging of EVs. During a presentation in Paris at the beginning of 2023, it was mentioned that the tech giant’s mapping tool will cater to EV drivers seeking easier charging for their vehicles.
The advanced functions will use AI to locate charging outlets nearby. There will also be a new fast-charging filter that will enable the vehicle to start up and move again “in less than 40 minutes.”
Tesla
The company uses AI inference chips (a kind of computer chips that can perform calculations for AI with high speed and efficiency) to run its Full Self-Driving software and deep neural networks to solve numerous issues. For instance, to observe and sense the surroundings around a vehicle, autopilot, based on a deep neural network, makes use of cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar.
According to Tesla, its deep neural networks carry out real-time learning from the most complex and varied circumstances in the world, constantly sourced from its fleet of some one million vehicles.
Another innovation that is worth watching is the Tesla Bot which, according to Tesla, is a humanoid robot that is in the pipeline and is expected to assist people in dangerous, monotonous, or tedious activities.
Final word
Almost every business is being impacted by AI and the electric vehicle industry is no exception. Experts predict that the market for these vehicles will grow, making the future of EVs with AI technology look promising.
AI algorithms are capable of maximizing battery life, minimizing energy consumption, and improving driving performance as well as predicting maintenance needs, and improving charging processes.
Leading companies like Volkswagen, Ford, and Tesla have already begun to integrate AI into their EV manufacturing processes to improve performance and boost productivity. By enhancing efficiency, performance, and user experience, encouraging sustainability, and growing EV adoption, AI is predicted to play a significant role in increasing EV sales.
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