The automotive industry is constantly developing and there are more and more innovations in sustainable mobility by manufacturers. In this case, all attention is focused on the French innovation of Renault, which, with its Ampere brand, has decided to invest in automotive technology. The French company has decided to combine software technology development with artificial intelligence. It has designed a supercomputer that will be incorporated into its electric cars. The competition for the best intelligent vehicle model has been led mainly by Tesla, but with these advances, Ampere could be putting itself ahead.
Environmentally friendly electric vehicles
The automotive industry has been engaged in one of the fiercest races for leadership in the industry for some years now. Manufacturers have been forced to change the design of their vehicles, both externally and internally. The delicate situation of CO2 emissions has put the most polluting companies in the spotlight, forcing them to reduce their impact.
This is why the industry has been forced to invest in research on possible renewable and clean energies to replace the fossil fuels used until now, with the same efficiency and lower costs. Although the use of solar energy or hydrogen engines is being considered, for the moment the clear winner is the electric battery-powered vehicle. It is true that it faces much controversy, since the storage of its batteries does not seem to respect the environment at all, and has not yet reached an autonomy like that offered by a vehicle powered by fossil fuels. However, it is undoubtedly the leader of the competition and the one that many brands are opting for.
Renault & Ampere
The famous Renault brand is known for being one of the most famous manufacturers of racing and commercial vehicles. Within its corporation, it has the presence of Ampere, its own software and vehicle company, founded in 2023. The collaboration of these two “departments” within the main brand manufacturer, has opted for the design and creation of a vehicle that unites the characteristics of an electric car with software advances that include artificial intelligence.
Software-defined vehicles (SDV)
According to Ampere, its sofware “is designed to turn automobiles into intelligent, secure, and efficient automobiles through the addition of a robust central computer—a supercomputer-, a component of the car’s frame”. It is a high-performance central computer that processes every function of the vehicle. The brand intends for it to have functionalities such as customized driving modes, predictive maintenance and safety advances. Like any other software, it has automatic updates that allow the vehicle to improve its capabilities and acquire new ones as they continue to advance. This is a turning point, as until now only changes could be made to the car’s hardware.
One of the main concerns that comes to mind with this type of technology is battery consumption. Ampere has thought of that too. Its supercomputer neither consumes energy nor stores it like a battery. Ampere’s website explains that this platform “permits a new generation of vehicles that are always connected, upgradable, and tailored to user needs”.
Competence
The Renault brand could take the throne away from Tesla with the incorporation of its SDV platform. According to the brand, this new tool will help them reduce costs and accelerate time to market for new models. It certainly poses a threat to Tesla, whose value proposition has failed to go beyond parking assistance.
What does the future hold?
Ampere’s technology aims to offer a much more personalized driving experience. It will develop a “relationship” between the vehicle and its driver, respond to conditions and contain the latest technology. It will not only be an electric vehicle, but will also incorporate intelligent technology that will make it much more attractive and facilitate its adaptation in the markets.