Sony Joins the Tech Giant Race to Make Self Driving EVs
Sony Mobility Inc. Ready to Deliver its First Cars. And it is By No Means Alone
Sony is the latest tech company to confirm that it will enter the car electric car market. The Japanese technology giant showed company a pair of bespoke EVs at the CES show in Las Vegas as it finally announced that its dedicated new mobility company will take them to market.
Sony Mobility Inc is Exploring Entry to the EV Market
While it had never previously even hinted at production, Sony’s 2020 Vision-S 01 electric saloon showcased its autonomous driving and in-car entertainment systems. Still, it started testing with a road-legal prototype last year. And now, Sony has confirmed that it will launch a new operating company called Sony Mobility Inc in spring 2022. And that it ‘is exploring entry into the EV market’.
Sony’s carmaking business model will revolve around the company’s self-developed artificial-intelligence and robotics technologies. To help realize ‘a world where everyone can live in harmony with robots every day’. The cars will ‘fill people with emotion and contribute to society’. Sony’s focus on autonomy will see its cars using high-sensitivity, high-resolution, wide-dynamic-range sensors to enhance safety all round.
The company is already testing this Level 2+ driver assistance system technology on European roads. With a view to launching it in the Vision-S 01 alongside a second Vision-S 02 SUV EV concept. The seven-seater uses the same platform and connectivity tech as the saloon, driven by a 275 HP motor on each axle. Besides ‘exceeding 112 mph’, no further under the bonnet details are known about the Tesla Model Y rival. Although it already seems production ready.
Sony Will Draw on its Entertainment Expertise
Sony will naturally draw on its entertainment expertise to deliver a three-dimensional audio experience that includes speakers in the seats. ‘To make passengers feel as if they’re ‘surrounded by the live performance of a favorite artist’. A panoramic infotainment interface and individual rear displays will play videos and occupants will be able to remotely compete in Sony Playstation games via the onboard console. While the car presumably drives you to work.
Sony is by no means alone as a tech giant seeking an autonomous electric vehicle future. Chinese giant Huawei is another major player to enter the car battlefield. Having already delivered its SF5 co-developed with Cyrus, Huawei also this week announced its new Aito M5 (below). To take on Tesla’s Model Y, of course! Boasting Huawei’s Harmony OS operating system, M5 runs on both electricity and gas. To offer superior peak power and range in a ‘library grade’ quality experience. And a full tank of gas when its batteries run out…
Chinese giant Geely is also working on a deal to deliver a new Tesla-rivalling premium electric car brand. Zeekr is being developed in conjunction with Israeli Intel-owned Mobileye. ‘The world’s first consumer autonomous vehicle’ will be based on the SEA electric platform it will share with Volvo and Polestar by 2024. Zeekr (bottom) will offer level four advanced driver assistance systems. Which means that the cars will be able to drive themselves without supervision in certain situations.
Huawei, Zeeker, Apple & More Entering the Car Industry
And then Apple has of course been talking its iCar up since 2014. So, when it finally arrives remains a moot point. Boss Tim Cook admits his company is focused on autonomy and artificial intelligence, while Apple’s interest in making a car is said to be more tangible than ever. Recent suggestions include a tie-in with Toyota and Korean partners. And Apple is said to be experimenting with technology on a fleet of 69 Lexus SUVs. Some sources even suggest that production will start in 2024 or 25. Others hint at an Apple iCar launch already in September.
Either way, the race is on as an increasing number of tech companies limber up to take on the established industry’s finest in a rapidly ever-changing new car world. Let the games begin!
Images: Sony, Huawei, Zeeker