{"id":34435,"date":"2021-05-31T15:59:29","date_gmt":"2021-05-31T13:59:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intellias.com\/?p=34435"},"modified":"2023-08-21T10:13:13","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T08:13:13","slug":"address-the-main-ev-challenges-with-kanzi-ui-development","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/intellias.com\/ev-challenges-kanzi-ui-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Address the Main EV Challenges with Kanzi UI Development"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the automotive context, the potential of electrification is huge. Electric cars offer countless benefits to both drivers and the environment. Even considering the ecological footprint from the production of an electric vehicle (EV) and the generation of electricity to power it, an electric car is much more environmentally friendly<\/a> than its conventional counterparts. Nevertheless, no innovation is all benefits. Electrification has its challenges. <\/p>\n

This article will explore the main electrification challenges and show how an automotive UI development solution can help address them.<\/p>\n

Electrification challenges<\/h2>\n

Though the benefits of electrification are indisputable and global EV sales show 40% year-over-year growth, more than 97%<\/a> of all vehicles sold are traditionally fueled. Why are drivers still so hesitant about buying an electric car? <\/p>\n

According to a survey conducted for Volvo<\/a>, high vehicle costs and mileage limits due to insufficient charging infrastructure are two of the main reasons why many drivers aren\u2019t joining the electrification trend.\"Address<\/p>\n

Source: Volvo Reports \u2014 The State of Electric Vehicles in America<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Range anxiety is less of a concern for EV drivers, who are more focused on price.\"Address<\/p>\n

Source: Volvo Reports \u2014 The State of Electric Vehicles in America<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Poor charging infrastructure<\/h3>\n

Unfortunately, Volvo\u2019s findings are not groundless. Even in California, the most EV-mature state, there\u2019s only one charger for every ten EVs. Besides, since most stations have Level 2 chargers<\/a>, it takes 8 to 10 hours for one full charge. <\/p>\n

On the one hand, this doesn\u2019t seem like a big deal. The average EV owner drives 29 miles a day, within the range of any EV (average ranges are between 150 and 250 miles), and most EV owners can charge the vehicle at home. On the other hand, charging at home doesn\u2019t work for long-distance travelers and people living in apartments, since most parking garages don\u2019t have EV charging capabilities. <\/p>\n

Given that, building out networks of charging stations is vital. The bad news is that OEMs can\u2019t handle this challenge on their own. Assistance from authorities is needed. Still, an EV route planner<\/a> built into an in-car infotainment system can considerably reduce the level of range anxiety and add more certainty to the EV driving experience.<\/p>\n

Price<\/h3>\n

Electric vehicle prices range between $30,000 and $40,000<\/a>, which is far more expensive than the average gas-powered vehicle. The main reason is costly battery production. Though modern EVs run on traditional rechargeable batteries of the type used for laptops and mobile phones, they\u2019re much bigger (to hold more energy). They thus require more materials for their production, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and magnesium \u2014 all of which are expensive. <\/p>\n

And though buying an EV may lead to significant cost savings<\/a>, those savings aren\u2019t tangible at the point of purchase. As the infographic below suggests, price parity with traditional vehicles would increase the likelihood of buying an EV among 57% of Volvo research respondents.\"Address<\/p>\n

Source: Volvo Reports \u2014 The State of Electric Vehicles in America<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

EV manufacturers should look for ways to lower vehicle prices to compete with traditional OEMs.<\/p>\n

Automotive HMI design<\/h3>\n

The issue of human machine interface (HMI) design is not generally covered in EV surveys. Still, the problem persists among all modern OEMs: Only 56%<\/a> of drivers are satisfied with their car\u2019s human machine interface. What\u2019s more, as other research suggests, 49%<\/a> of drivers say their infotainment system is a distraction. Given that, we can assume that OEMs sometimes neglect usability in their attempts to stand out from the competition. <\/p>\n

The trick is that in the automotive industry, a UI\u2019s role is not limited to improving the driving experience. It\u2019s also about safety. Interacting with a digital cockpit might distract drivers from driving. Thus, OEMs should strike a balance between functional complexity and ease of use, which is possible with the help of the following HMI design principles:<\/p>\n