The EV Solar Aptera will be the first to receive Openpilot driver assistance technology
Aptera will integrate its Openpilot driver assistance system with its electric tricycle, giving vehicles classified as autonomous motorcycles the same technology as passenger cars.
Openpilot will add adaptive cruise control, lane centering and forward collision warning, along with a driver monitoring system to ensure drivers are always attentive, according to an Aptera press release. Monitor the driver, use the camera to read the driver’s facial expressions for signs of distraction, eliminate the need for a torque sensor on the steering wheel, enable hands-free driving, Aptera declare.
Created by Comma.ai, the software behind Openpilot is open source, with the code available on GitHub. Comma.ai claims the system is compatible with more than 200 models from major brands such as Toyota, Honda and Hyundai. Individual car owners can retrofit their vehicle with the system use set $1,499 includes three cameras, a GPS unit, a processor, and an OLED display.
Openpilot driver monitoring
Aptera plans to develop its own vehicle-specific code, for future updates such as the ability to recognize stop signs and red lights as well as a “navigate on Openpilot” feature that allows vehicles to follow directions. from the navigation system.
Aptera sees Openpilot as the most efficient way to add driver assistance technology to its vehicles, both in terms of energy consumption (the system uses 1/10th the energy of conventional systems, Aptera claims. ) and costs.
Chris McCammon, head of Aptera’s Openpilot integration team, said: “Although Openpilot has surpassed nearly all driver assistance systems on the market today, the major automotive players have not yet embraced it. . “They continue to throw hundreds of millions of dollars into developing their own inferior systems, while Openpilot is open source software that anyone can deploy for free.”
Aptera EV prototype with Openpilot driver assistance system
However, it looks like Aptera vehicles will ship Openpilot-ready but won’t actually come with the system. Initial customers may have to install themselves just like other Openpilot users.
“Aptera is currently working on the details of how Openpilot will be integrated into their vehicles,” according to the company’s press release. “Several validation steps are scheduled to be completed prior to commencing production of the Launch Edition vehicles. Aptera aims to deliver an Openpilot-capable vehicle and ship compatible hardware post-delivery. customers to install in less than 30 minutes.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl8FunbkNeY
Interested in autonomous technology has stagnated compared to a few years ago, so this is a cost-effective solution for a startup like Aptera, which also doesn’t need to worry about passenger vehicle standards. Its tricycles are considered motorcycles—and the safety standards are almost identical to those of motorcycles.
Aptera says the EV will be offered with a range of up to 1,000 miles. It will receive 2170 cells from EVE Energyand it will source the motor in the wheel from Elaphe of Slovenia. The road trip-friendly driver assistance system will work well with DC fast charging, now planned for 400 miles launch version.
