One of the key issues VW cites for obtaining a software package from Google is that it will require access to all of the car’s sensor data. Instead, VW is creating a new, internal group to develop a single, unified operating system for all VW Group vehicles (including Audi and Porsche). It will not be obtaining a package provided to them by Google. VW Group, on the other hand, will be taking a different path. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and Volvo Cars have both also working with Google. Other Automakers Will Also Use Android OSĪccording to the WSJ article, GM isn’t the only automaker that is looking to Google for their onboard vehicle apps. GM recently announced a partnership with Bechtel to build nationwide fast charging infrastructure, and while GM will not be investing money into that venture, they will be providing electric vehicle usage data. GM will preserve their current OnStar systems, which manage safety, service, internet connectivity, and system diagnostics, and they will continue gathering and recording their own data. However, the Android operating system will require processing power, which will add cost and complexity to the interface as well as increased levels of parasitic losses (something EV owners will likely notice). Most GM vehicles already come with active onboard 4G LTE internet connectivity and hotspots, so the data connection required to run these systems shouldn’t need the addition of any new hardware. This change also prompts the question of what type of hardware will be required to support this system. This Android operating system will enable drivers to access and use apps and functionality without having their phone or personal device wired directly to the car however, they will need to provide consent to the companies to gather data from apps and services they use. A recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article GM Turns to Google for in-Car Apps, Voice Commands detailed GM’s plans to work with Google to install their apps and functionality directly into the vehicle. GM appears to have recognized this software advantage, and they are now moving to acquire that advantage for themselves. According to them, only a Silicon Valley tech company has the software chops to produce an acceptable user interface. Tesla owners have been quick to criticize its user interface for being slow, filled with glitches, and lacking functionality. So surely, Porsche is poised to put Tesla in its place, right? Not so fast. The Taycan has just as much brand cachet, faster charging speeds, better performance, and it even has the direct support of two new fast charging networks: Electrify America in the United States and Ionity in Europe. This concept was illustrated well by Porsche, which recently unveiled their Taycan, the first production EV from a major automaker that rivals Tesla in most of the ways Tesla is perceived to dominate. As many Tesla owners will tell you, “It’s the software, silly.” It’s easy to see why one of Tesla’s greatest advantages over legacy automakers is frequently overlooked. Among those reasons are brand cachet, charging speeds, performance, and a proprietary charging network. Tesla is dominating the EV market for a number of reasons. Goliath (played by the major automakers) is a seemingly unstoppable force, but as far as electric vehicle sales are concerned, Goliath has been beaten by the sling-bearing upstart, David (played by Silicon Valley’s Tesla Motors). In recent years, the electric vehicle market has become analogous to the Biblical battle of David and Goliath.
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