A brief discussion on the research focus and key technologies of automobiles and buses

Research Focus

• Electrification: Both automobiles and buses are developing towards electrification to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and achieve zero – emission or low – emission goals2. For example, the research and development of electric vehicles (EVs) focuses on improving battery technology to increase range, charging speed, and cost – effectiveness2.
• Intelligentization: The application of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced driver – assistance systems (ADAS) is a key research focus2. This includes features such as automated braking, lane – keeping, and adaptive cruise control, which enhance vehicle safety and driving experience2. In addition, the development of autonomous driving technology is also a major trend, aiming to achieve different levels of autonomous driving from partial automation to full self – driving2.
• Connectivity: Vehicle – to – everything (V2X) communication technology is receiving increasing attention2. It enables vehicles to communicate with infrastructure, pedestrians, and other vehicles, improving traffic management and reducing accidents2. At the same time, in – vehicle infotainment and telematics systems are also being continuously upgraded to provide users with a more intelligent and convenient driving experience.
• Lightweighting: Reducing the weight of vehicles is an important research direction to improve energy efficiency and performance6. This requires the use of lightweight materials and the optimization of vehicle structure design.

Key Technologies

• Power System Technology: For electric vehicles, the key lies in battery technology, including the development of high – energy – density batteries, fast – charging technology, and battery management systems to ensure the safety, durability, and performance of batteries. For fuel – cell vehicles, the research focus is on fuel – cell technology, such as improving the efficiency, durability, and cost – effectiveness of fuel cells.
• ADAS and Autonomous Driving Technology: This involves a variety of sensors such as cameras, radars, and lidars, which are used to perceive the surrounding environment of the vehicle. At the same time, AI – based algorithms and control strategies are needed to process sensor data, make decisions, and control the vehicle’s driving.
• V2X Communication Technology: It includes wireless communication protocols such as dedicated short – range communication (DSRC) and cellular V2X (C – V2X), which enable vehicles to exchange information with the outside world in real time.
• Lightweight Technology: The application of lightweight materials such as high – strength steel, aluminum alloy, and carbon fiber, as well as the optimization design of vehicle structure through computer – aided engineering (CAE) analysis, are the key technologies to achieve vehicle lightweighting1.
• Vehicle Electronics Technology: The development of automotive electronic control units (ECUs), in – vehicle networking technology, and intelligent software systems is crucial to realize the intelligentization and connectivity of vehicles.