A new IHS publication gives an overview of key automotive developments happening in 2021. Their top-ten list includes lidar sensors enabling automation, especially in L3 and L4 AVs. Here’s that list:
1. EV charging speeds keep increasing; over 60 per cent of EVs produced in 2021 can charge at 100kW DC or faster.
2. 5G automotive deployment continues; 57 million vehicles on the road will support 5G by 2026.
3. Automated driving launches continue to differentiate in L2, L2+, and L3. L3 launches are (were?) expected in 2021, but challenges remain.
4. Software becomes even more crucial to the CASE transport revolution.
5. Europe to boost battery manufacturing; 30% of battery capacity to be produced in Europe by 2026.
6. OTA (over the air) software updates proliferate; 350+ million vehicles will offer some OTA by 2025.
7. Automotive chip shortage—lead time for automotive semiconductors, once 12-16 weeks, now 26+.
8. Production 3D printing enters light production vehicles.
9. Matrix lighting proliferates beyond premium cars.
10. Lidar sensors enabling automation, especially in L3 and L4 launches.
New automated driving features provide primary use cases for new and diverse sensors, especially lidar.
Technology, performance, and cost obstacles exist; there are high early costs but with relatively predictable declines.
FMCW (frequency-modulated continuous-wave) lidar is generating interest by providing velocity information not available from other kinds of lidar.
