What's new at Auto China 2024: new technologies

Auto China 2024 is coming!

Today, let's talk about the technology highlights and trends of this year's auto exhibition which can be primarily divided by electrification, intelligence, and traditional auto parts technology.

In the realm of electrification, leading battery makers such as CATL, REPT, Sunwoda, EVE Energy, and CALB unveiled their latest fast-charging battery products. CATL presents the Shenxing PLUS, capable of replenishing 1 kilometer of range per second. REPT introduces new products of the Wending 2.0 series (PHEV battery cells), including the 148, 194, and 220 series, which not only enhance energy density but also offer a 500-kilometer range in just 10 minutes of charging.

Participation from intelligent technology companies is extensive, ranging from Unity, Neusoft, Foryou Corporation, BICV, and Huaqin Technology providing various solutions for intelligent cockpits, to LiDAR makers such as Hesai, RoboSense, and Seyond. Leading members of China's computing solutoin industry, including Horizon Robotics, Black Sesame Technologies, C*Core Technology, and Semi Drive, along with intelligent driving solution providers like NavInfo, Qcraft, EHang, WeRide, and DeepRoute, all contribute to the mass-deployment of intelligent driving solutions in China.

As we march towards the era of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), many enterprises begin to focus on the development of central computing platforms and end-to-end large models. At the Auto China 2024, ThunderSoft unveiled DISHUI OS, a vehicle operating system aimed at central computing, integrating global application ecosystems, and supporting large models onboard.

SenseAuto showcases the road test performance of its production-oriented true end-to-end autonomous driving solution, UniAD. Additionally, companies like Desay SV, KOTEI, and many others demonstrate their profound capabilities in this field.

The rise of intelligent electric vehicles in China owes much to the rapid development of domestic companies, with foreign companies also playing a very crucial role.

For instance, Bosch showcases numerous innovations and debuts products for sustainable intelligent travel, demonstrating strong localized R&D capabilities. During the exhibition, Marelli announced the collaboration with Hesai Technology to equip its innovative headlight design with Hesai's next-generation LiDAR technology, providing a new way to integrate LiDAR into vehicles. Ambarella, a major AI vision SoC supplier, displays its CV3 series AI domain controller based on a 5nm process, along with its newly launched N1 series generative AI chip, presenting innovative solutions.

Furthermore, major foreign suppliers such as Valeo, BorgWarner, Hyundai Mobis, Toyota Textile, Samsung, PHINIA Delphi, ETAS, and SKF showcase their latest solutions for intelligent electric vehicles, reaffirming their determination and confidence in continually cultivating the Chinese market.

Combining observations and summaries from the Gasgoo Auto Research Institute, here are the top ten highlights:

Point 1: New energy vehicles entering the era of super charging

Technologies like the 800V platform, high-rate fast-charging batteries, and super-fast charging stations emerge as key solutions to provide users with an elevated charging experience.

Notable introductions include various models riding on the 800V platform like the Porsche Macan, Audi Q6 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Xiaomi SU7, the entire ZEEKR lineup, the Huawei-powered AITO M5 and STELATO S9, BYD’s DENZA Z9GT, among others.

Additionally, companies like CATL and Sunwoda introduced new-generation flash charging batteries.

Alliance formation, like Huawei Digital Power's alliance with over 10 automakers, DEEPAL and Lotus given access into NIO’s supercharging network, as well as the supercharging service platform co-developed by CATL, Huawei, Star Charge, YKC, and others, all aim to accelerate the development of the new energy vehicle charging network in China.

Point 2: Hybrid technology rising again

PHEVs are gaining popularity in China market, attributed to the rapid advancement of hybrid powertrain technology. Highlighted technologies at the Auto China 2024 include Changan's new-generation Blue Core power system’s REEV and PHEV solutions, SAIC-GM's new-generation PHEV system, and BYD's DM-i 5.0 system.

Point 3: Advancements in electric drive systems

Enhancing the performance of electric drive systems, such as efficiency and power density, is a primary focus among the auto industry. Technologies like InfiMotion's 11-in-1 electric drive system and DENZA’s e3 architecture demonstrate significant improvements in efficiency and power output.

Point 4: Explosive growth in high-level intelligent driving solutions

With the government's policy issuance for Level-3 autonomous driving and the rising demand for urban NOA and end-to-end intelligent driving, multiple tech companies introduced various high-level intelligent driving solutions at the Auto China, including the Huawei ADS 3.0, Bosch's advanced intelligent driving solution, Mobileye's SuperVision™ and Chauffeur™ systems, Chengxing platform’s 10V+100TOPS solution from DJI Automotive, PhiGent Robotics' Proplus 9VnR solution, MOTOVIS’ full-stack solution, and Horizon Robotics’ SuperDrive™.

Point 5: Introduction of low-cost, compact LiDAR products

At the Auto China 2024, multiple LiDAR suppliers unveiled compact, low-cost LiDAR products. Notable examples include RoboSense’s MX LiDAR and Hesai's ATX LiDAR. The latter will begin mass production in the first quarter of 2025.

Point 6: Integration of intelligent functions onto oil-fueled vehicles

Vehicles like SAIC-Volkswagen's Tiguan L Pro are leading the way in integrating oil-powered vehicles with intelligent features. The model features a digital cockpit powered by the 8155 chip from Qualcomm and the new-generation Level 2+ intelligent driving solution from DJI Automotive.

Point 7: Grand exhibition of cockpit-driving integrated products

Moving away from domain controller-centric centralized architectures, the industry is shifting towards multi-domain fusion computing and central computing, with the integration of intelligent cockpits and smart driving being a key technological focus.

At this year's Auto China, Bosch debuts a cockpit-driving integration solution based on a single-chip architecture for the first time, while Autolink demonstrates a cockpit-driving fusion solution developed using the Qualcomm 8775 chip. Additionally, Black Sesame Technologies and NESINEXT jointly exhibit a cockpit-driving integrated software platform based on the C1200 series chip.

Point 8: Diversified in-vehicle display solutions

BMW introduces its Vision Neue Klasse concept car at the Auto China, featuring the BMW Panoramic Vision and an HUD spanning the bottom of the windshield. Photon Crystal Technology showcases a transparent display system for intelligent cockpits, utilizing new nano-optical materials to transform windows and partitions into transparent screens, already certified for automotive regulations. Meanwhile, New Vision presents the UTD transparent display for car windows, offering a futuristic and interactive user experience through projectors.

Moreover, HARMAN, Foryou Multimedia, and Marelli also put their eye-catching products on display at the auto show.

Point 9: Next-generation high-performance SoCs accelerating

The demand for high-performance SoCs continues to rise as the demand for automotive intelligence increases. Models equipped with Qualcomm's 8295 cockpit chip on display include the Leapmotor C16, the ZEEKR MIX, Li Auto’s L6, and the STELATO S9.

The car models featuring NVIDIA's Orin-X chip include the Xiaomi SU7, Leapmotor's C16, Li Auto’s L6, and the ZEEKR MIX.

Point 10: Onboard integration of artificial intelligence speeding up

Significant progress was made in incorporating artificial intelligence into vehicle systems.

Examples include the Mercedes MB.OS infotainment system, leveraging generative artificial intelligence and proprietary large language models for a new virtual assistant.

XPENG launched the AI-powered Tianji OS, becoming the industry's first car maker to comprehensively apply AI technology to both intelligent driving and cockpit operation systems, turning the vehicle into a multifunctional assistant for life, safety, and travel, with OTA updates scheduled for May 20.

Additionally, IM Motors launched IMOS 3.0, to be installed across the entire IM L6 lineup. Lastly, Geely's Galaxy Starship SUV, based on the GEA3.0 E/E architecture, is fully connected to the AI intelligent ecosystem, combining technologies such as multi-modal AIGC, AI digital chassis, and AI intelligent driving.

Models like the Ji Yue 07, utilizing Baidu's AI ecosystem, aim to provide new intelligent features such as smart interactive lighting systems and other AI-driven experiences.

The auto show displays represent just a moment in time, as the automotive journey extends far beyond. Despite the intensifying market competition and various comments, it's crucial to uphold our original intentions and embrace a long-term perspective. It's a call to discover reputable companies, promote innovative technologies, and return to creating value. In doing so, we pave the way for a sustainable and impactful future in the automotive industry.