Category: Motoring

How Battery Technology Influences the Future of Autonomous Vehicles

The future of autonomous vehicles (AVs) hinges not just on software and algorithms but also on the evolution of battery technology. Autonomous vehicles are equipped with a variety of sensors, cameras, and computing units that work together to allow the vehicle to drive without human intervention. These systems require a constant, reliable power source to function effectively, making car batteries a critical component of autonomous vehicle technology.

In this article, we explore the specific requirements for car batteries used in autonomous vehicles, the innovations in battery technology that are shaping the future of self-driving cars, and how these advancements are contributing to safer, more efficient, and reliable vehicles.

The Role of Batteries in Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles are designed to operate independently, and this requires a large number of sensors and data-processing units working in tandem. These systems include cameras, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), radar, and ultrasonic sensors, which are used to detect objects, navigate the environment, and make decisions in real-time. In addition, AVs are powered by high-performance onboard computers that process vast amounts of data. All of these components depend on a continuous supply of energy, which makes battery technology more important than ever.

The primary role of a battery in an autonomous vehicle is to supply power to the vehicle’s propulsion system and its various sensors. However, this is not a straightforward task. Autonomous vehicles typically require more power than conventional vehicles due to the energy demands of their sensors and computing systems. Batteries must therefore be designed to provide not only sufficient power for the drive system but also the high energy density required for these advanced technologies to function smoothly.

Requirements for Batteries in Autonomous Vehicles

The demands placed on batteries in autonomous vehicles are more complex than those in traditional electric vehicles (EVs). Here are some key requirements for AV batteries:

  1. High Energy Density : Autonomous vehicles need batteries that can provide a significant amount of power over long periods. Energy density refers to how much energy a battery can store in a given space. High energy density is crucial for ensuring that AVs can operate for long distances without frequent recharging, especially when operating in complex, real-world environments.
  2. Durability and Longevity : Since autonomous vehicles are expected to be in constant operation, the batteries used in them must be durable and long-lasting. Battery life is an essential factor, as frequent replacements or significant declines in performance can negatively impact the vehicle’s operation. High-quality, long-lasting batteries will help reduce maintenance costs and increase the efficiency of these vehicles.
  3. Fast Charging Capabilities : Autonomous vehicles may need to charge quickly during their operational cycles to reduce downtime. Batteries with fast-charging capabilities are crucial for ensuring that AVs can spend more time on the road and less time plugged into a charging station. Advances in battery chemistry, like solid-state batteries, promise to improve charging speed and efficiency.
  4. Thermal Management : High-power batteries generate heat, especially when used in high-demand situations like driving on highways or during heavy sensor usage. Effective thermal management is necessary to prevent the battery from overheating, which can lead to safety risks and reduced performance. The integration of advanced cooling systems is an important aspect of battery design in autonomous vehicles.
  5. Safety and Reliability : Since autonomous vehicles will operate without human intervention, it is crucial that their batteries are safe and reliable. Malfunctions or failures can pose serious risks to the vehicle and its passengers. This includes preventing issues like battery overheating, short circuits, and the potential for fires or explosions. Advanced battery management systems (BMS) are crucial for monitoring the health of the battery and preventing these types of failures.

Innovations in Battery Technology for Autonomous Vehicles

Several exciting innovations in battery technology are currently being developed to meet the unique demands of autonomous vehicles. Here are some of the most promising advancements:

  1. Solid-State Batteries : One of the most talked-about advancements in battery technology is the development of solid-state batteries. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which use a liquid electrolyte, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte. This makes them safer, with a reduced risk of fires and better thermal stability. Solid-state batteries also promise higher energy densities, meaning they can store more energy in the same amount of space.
  2. Lithium-Sulfur Batteries : Lithium-sulfur batteries have the potential to significantly increase energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries. These batteries could allow autonomous vehicles to travel longer distances on a single charge. The high energy density of lithium-sulfur batteries, combined with their lightweight design, makes them ideal for the energy demands of autonomous driving systems.
  3. Battery Management Systems (BMS) : To ensure the safety and efficiency of AV batteries, advanced BMS are being developed. These systems monitor and manage the health of the battery, optimizing charging cycles, balancing energy distribution, and preventing issues such as overcharging or deep discharging. BMS technology will be essential to maintain the performance and longevity of batteries in autonomous vehicles.
  4. Wireless Charging : Wireless charging is an emerging technology that allows autonomous vehicles to recharge without physical connectors. This could lead to greater convenience for AVs, allowing them to automatically charge while parked or even while on the move in specially equipped roads. Wireless charging systems are already being tested in various pilot programs, and they could become a standard feature in the future of autonomous driving.
  5. Energy Recovery Systems : In addition to enhancing battery technology, autonomous vehicles can be equipped with energy recovery systems that capture and store energy lost during braking or other vehicle operations. These regenerative systems can improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle, reducing the reliance on external charging and improving the range of the vehicle.

Conclusion

As autonomous vehicles continue to evolve, battery technology will play a pivotal role in their development. From ensuring reliable power for sensors and computing systems to providing the energy needed for long-distance travel, the future of autonomous vehicles depends heavily on advancements in battery performance, efficiency, and safety.

With innovations such as solid-state batteries, lithium-sulfur technology, and advanced battery management systems, we can expect to see significant improvements in the range, safety, and reliability of autonomous vehicles. As these vehicles become more common on our roads, car batteries, including those like the car battery for Toyota Corolla, will play a critical role in shaping the future of transportation, ensuring that autonomous vehicles can operate without human intervention efficiently and safely.

The development of powerful, long-lasting batteries is essential for the success of autonomous vehicles, and as these technologies continue to mature, we will witness a major shift in how we think about and interact with cars.

Diagram: Battery Technology Requirements for Autonomous Vehicles

Battery Requirement Why It Matters
High Energy Density Ensures AVs can travel longer distances and power sensors and driving systems efficiently.
Durability and Longevity Reduces maintenance and increases the vehicle’s operational life, lowering overall costs.
Fast Charging Minimizes downtime and keeps autonomous vehicles on the road for longer periods.
Thermal Management Prevents overheating, ensuring safe and optimal performance of the battery.
Safety and Reliability Ensures the vehicle can operate autonomously without the risk of battery malfunctions or failures.

 

There are a variety of suppliers offering car batteries for different vehicle types and requirements. The best-known brands include Varta , Banner , and Optima , which are known for their reliable and durable products and are used in many vehicles worldwide. In addition, Q-Batteries offers wide range of car batteries suitable for both standard vehicles and specialized applications. Other providers such as Batterie24 and Batterieexpress make it easy to select the right battery based on vehicle type and specific requirements is also CoreAutomotive.com one of the relevant providers providing high-quality battery solutions for the automotive industry, with a focus on efficiency and environmental friendliness in manufacturing and operations. These providers ensure a wide availability of batteries that are optimally tailored to the requirements of modern vehicles and offer various models that differ in their technology and performance. 

 

Imagination and Jaguar redefine luxury through “Copy Nothing”

Global experience design agency Imagination has partnered with Jaguar to deliver “Copy Nothing” the first experiential moment of the brand’s bold new chapter, at Miami Art Week.
With activations in both Miami Design District and Art Miami, these experiences bring to life Jaguar’s new identity through immersive installations, curated gallery spaces, and cultural programming. The highlight of this moment is the unveiling of the Jaguar Type 00 Design Vision Concept, supported by an original film, light theatre, and soundscape.
“Copy Nothing” at Jungle Plaza, Miami Design District is open to the public 3-8 December 2024. This installation features three galleries showcasing art by British artists—Ibby Njoya, Campbell Addy, Yagamoto, and Patience Harding, represented by New School.
The “Copy Nothing” installation is interwoven alongside Highsnobiety’s Not in Miami programme, the lifestyle and media brand’s festival series that celebrates the culture of creative cities around the world through pop-ups, events, and collaborations. The programme will host art exhibitions, exclusive product releases, and live performances, further enriching the cultural experience.
At Art Miami, open to Art Miami ticket holders 3-8 December 2024, Jaguar presents a curated exhibition that showcases British creativity, featuring the works of Ibby Njoya, Campbell Addy, Yagamoto, Aaron Esh and Patience Harding. The exhibition features a series of galleries that invite attendees to explore the new brand world and brand codes.
These activations at Miami Art Week mark the beginning of Jaguar’s new global experiential programme, with plans to roll out additional cultural and art brand experiences in 2025. Imagination, Jaguar’s long-standing experiential partner, has played a pivotal role in crafting the Miami experience and the experiential roadmap of 2025, positioning the brand at the intersection of art, culture, and luxury.
Lisa Riordan, Creative Director, Imagination, said: “Through this partnership, we’re not just redefining Jaguar’s position in the luxury space; we’re establishing a new benchmark for how brands engage with culture and creativity on a global scale.���
Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar, said: “Our presence at Miami Art Week emphasises Jaguar’s purpose as an advocate for art, celebrating and elevating British creativity. Breaking with automotive convention, we are launching our new design vision in the heart of one of the most celebrated premier art festivals.”

Top 10 Must-Have Accessories for Your Car

Car accessories are a great way to vamp up your car with something new and exciting. Whether its purpose is to make driving more entertaining or to improve safety within the cabin, a car can never have too many accessories.

So how do you pick which ones are the best for your car? Depending on your car’s age and model will determine what’s possible, however, a lot of these are accessories that should be suitable for any car or vehicle that you own.

Whether you use your car for personal reasons, for work, or for both, here are the top ten must-have accessories for your car.

1. Customize your car

First and foremost, be sure to customize your car. This is a good one because it can help your car stand out from the crowd, as well as add a bit of your own personality to the car itself. Much like everything within your home or personal life, your car is an extension of your personality, so it;’s something you want to curate into something unique.

With that being said, consider how you could customize your car. One example would be to get personalized DVLA number plates that add a unique touch to the car. Not only that but anyone seeing those number plates can appreciate the personalization that’s gone into it as they try to decipher what your number plate says or might mean.

Look at other ways of customizing the car like upgrading the car’s seat covers or adding new light features to the interior and exterior parts of the vehicle.

2. Tire inflator

A tire inflator is an important one and it’s a great safety accessory to have, should you find yourself in a situation where you can’t inflate your tires quickly.

When you’re on the road, your tires are part of your car’s lifeline. Should they begin to run flat, they will become a danger to you and your passengers. Driving may become a little riskier because underinflated tires can decrease their effectiveness while out on the road.

Therefore, it’s important to look at getting a tire inflator for the purpose of your car’s safety and satisfaction while driving. Be cautious and check your tires regularly to ensure they’re inflated to the level they need to be at according to the vehicle’s handbook.

3. Car seat organizer

A car seat organizer is a good addition to the car, especially if you to find that there’s rubbish or belongings everywhere.

Car seat organizers can be particularly helpful for those who have little ones. Often enough, your little ones will have a lot of belongings with them that they may otherwise fling around in the car’s cabin.

That can make for yet another area that you need to clean up after them. Therefore, it’s always good to have something in place that will keep your interior cabin as clean as it can be. You’ll also find it helpful to have everything in one place when it comes to loading up and unloading the car each time you go out.

4. Reversing camera

A reversing camera is a great safety feature for the car but not every car might be able to install such a feature.

When it comes to a reversing camera, it provides a luxury that you’ll certainly benefit from. Being able to reverse with the more visual scope of the outside world around the car is helpful. There are blind spots around the car that can make it hard to see when navigating the car through various areas that might make reversing a particular challenge to do.

With a reversing camera attached to the back of the car, you’ll be able to tackle this with a lot more ease and hopefully with less stress of causing damage to pedestrians and other vehicles.

5. Phone mount

One of the distractions that come with a car, is your phone. Chances are, you’re using the phone to help navigate from one place to another. While many cars will have their own navigation system, the phone has become a more popular solution to helping drive and follow a route in the car.

It’s a good idea to look at purchasing a phone mount so that the phone remains out of your hands and in a place that’s easy to view.

Phone mounts are usually helpful to place on your windowscreen and ideally to the left or the right of your driving wheel. You want to be careful about where you place it for the purpose of any wires that you might have plugged into the phone. However, it’s a great way to keep yourself safe and to not cause as much distraction when driving on the road.

6. Portable jump starter

When your engine fails, there’s nothing worse than finding yourself stranded, especially when it’s somewhere you’re not familiar with or have never been before.

That’s where a portable jump starter can come in very handy. If you’re looking to help yourself in situations where you’re in desperate need of help, this accessory can be very useful to have.

A portable jump starter can get you back on the road for at least the duration you need to in order to get to a car engineer.

7. Car vacuum cleaner

Keeping your car’s interior clean is definitely important and it’s something that you should stay on top of as there’s often plenty of dirt and debris that’s trodden into the car’s interior floors and cabin in general.

A car vacuum is a much more versatile and useful cleaner to have, rather than having to shift a heavy vacuum cleaner from your home and out to the driveway every time you want to clean the car.

8. First Aid kit

To help keep you and your family happy and healthy while traveling, a first aid kit is always useful to have available. Whether you have the basics or a complex assortment of first aid necessities, it’s worth having one that’s available should you need it in the car.

Make sure to store it where it can be easily accessed and ensure it’s topped up with all of the much-needed contents before setting off for any journey.

9. Phone charger 

A phone charger is part and parcel nowadays of any accessory for the car. It’s important that you have a phone charger, so should your phone need a boost of power, you can easily charge the phone via your car’s own battery.

Be sure to have one that’s easy enough to plug in. You can also get cars that have wireless phone chargers available and are worth having for the sake of ease of functionality.

Unfortunately, not all phones nowadays are capable of keeping up with our usage, so it’s good to have the phone charge as a backup.

10. Puncture repair kit

Finally, another great accessory to add to your car’s cabin, perhaps in the boot of the car is a puncture repair kit. You never know when you might get a puncture on one of your tires so this kit is a worthwhile solution to help get you from being stranded to having help.

A puncture repair kit is definitely helpful to have available and should be something that will help you should you ever find yourself in an unfortunate situation where you need to temporarily repair a tire.

These must-have accessories are just a small selection of what’s available currently on the market. Make sure you’re taking full advantage of these accessories and add them to your to-buy list this year.

Nordic data companies unveil a new integrated data set combining AI road weather forecasts and with real-time connected car data

Vaisala Xweather and NIRA Dynamics are first to release an integrated data set which connects road weather forecasts and computer vision observations with real-time connected car data, setting a new standard for data-driven road safety and maintenance.

The integration draws on NIRA Dynamics’ expansive data from billions of data points gathered from connected vehicles, paired with Vaisala Xweather’s advanced AI and ML-based road weather forecasting models, which achieve accuracy levels 50% higher than those of publicly available forecasts.

The future of driving is going to be heavily dependent on more accurate and real-time road weather and road condition data as the availability of autonomous and assisted driving features are highly influenced by the driving conditions. Currently, as seen on many Electric Vehicles (EV), the assisted driving functionalities are disconnected to secure driver safety based on crude weather and road condition estimations, such as temperature drop to under 4 degrees Celsius or change in tire rolling resistance.

Real-time data from connected vehicles on tire grip, road friction, surface quality, and weather conditions combined with leading industry-specific weather forecasts, the aggregated data set has multiple use cases already today. This offers significant practical uses today, including reducing accident likelihood by expanding the availability of autonomous and assisted driving features in adverse road and weather conditions, assessing road quality with computer vision to optimize maintenance efforts, and reducing resource usage – such as minimizing winter road salt application. The benefits extend to all road users, from improved safety and reduced environmental impact to cost savings for road authorities and municipalities.

By integrating NIRA Dynamics’ connected vehicle data into Vaisala Xweather’s platform, this partnership creates opportunities for future advancements in road safety and autonomous driving. The combined data opens doors to further applications such as EV range optimization, traffic management, insurance risk assessments, and reducing accident rates.

“At NIRA Dynamics, our mission is to deliver data-driven solutions for safer, more efficient journeys,” says Lisa Åbom, CEO of NIRA Dynamics. “With Vaisala Xweather, we’re able to offer access to road weather data which helps road maintenance professionals, automotive manufacturers, and navigation providers become future proof. We all understand the impact of weather on road safety, and with Vaisala Xweather, we are pushing the industry forward.”

Related links

Irish Motor Insurance Database Implemented to Help Detect Uninsured Vehicles and Drivers – Each year insurance claims for uninsured vehicles cost €60-€70 million

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) in cooperation with Insurance Ireland, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Transport, has implemented a central insurance database which is referred to as the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) which will help identify uninsured vehicles and drivers. This database is underpinned by Legislation under Section 78A of the Road Traffic and Roads Act (2023) which requires all insurers to provide motor policy information to the database.

TEKenable, MIBI’s solution provider, working closely with the insurance industry, through Insurance Ireland and the MIBI, identified the need to provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for insurers and the Gardai to meet the obligations placed on them by the legislation.  Tekenable designed and developed the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) which will assist the Gardai in enforcement of the insurance requirements in the Road Traffic Act. This will ultimately help to reduce uninsured driving which in turn will reduce premiums and help to improve road safety.

“In Ireland, it’s compulsory for all vehicles to have motor insurance.  If any person suffers physical injury and property damage that’s caused by an uninsured vehicle, MIBI will deal with the claim and pay compensation to the victim.  MIBI, as a not for profit organisation, is financed by levies on the insurance industry. These levies are ultimately paid by law abiding insured motorists with €30-€35 included in the premium paid by drivers,” explains Tom O’Brien, Technical Claims Manager at MIBI.  “This puts an extra burden on law abiding drivers and motor insurance companies while the person with an uninsured vehicle attempts to get away without paying anything.”

The IMID integrates with the underwriting platforms at approximately 40 insurers and collects data on a nightly basis from each insurer. This data is processed overnight and then shared with An Garda Síochána who make it available to front-line Gardai via their internal systems and mobility devices. The MIBI also plans to share the data with the National Vehicle & Driver File (NVDF) at the Department of Transport.

The IMID is one of the largest financial services databases in Ireland today as it contains details on over 3 million vehicles and over 5 million drivers that are insured to drive those vehicles.

The complex and sensitive data in the database will allow Gardai, the Department of Transport and the MIBI to see real-time insurance data pertaining to motor vehicles and their drivers.

“The new system delivers a secure database that connects insurers, MIBI, the Department of Transport and the Gardai, giving them highly secure access to motor insurance data at any time,” concludes Tom.  “The data in IMID facilitates live access to insurance data by Gardai at the road side through their mobile devices.  This is a gamechanger as it allows the Gardai to check the insurance status of both vehicles and drivers that they have stopped.  This will help reduce uninsured driving and improve road safety.”

A Step-by-Step Approach to Checking a Car Before Purchase

Purchasing a car, whether new or used, is a significant investment. It’s not just about finding a vehicle that suits your style or budget; it’s about ensuring that your choice is reliable and safe. This guide will walk you through a comprehensive process to check a car before making that all-important purchase.

Initial Visual Inspection

The first impression often sets the tone for the rest of the inspection. Begin by taking a good look at the car’s exterior. Look for any obvious signs of damage, such as dents, scratches, or rust. These might seem minor, but they can indicate how well the car has been maintained.

Pay attention to the alignment of the body panels. Uneven gaps between panels can suggest previous accidents or repairs. Check the condition of the paintwork; mismatched colours can be a giveaway of patchwork repairs.

Inspect the tires for wear and tear. Uneven wear can indicate alignment issues or suspension problems. Ensure that all tyres, including the spare, have sufficient tread depth and are in good condition.

Under the Bonnet

Once you’re satisfied with the exterior, it’s time to pop the bonnet. This might seem daunting if you’re not mechanically inclined, but a few basic checks can tell you a lot about the car’s health.

Start with the engine oil. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and then reinsert it. When you pull it out again, the oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. The oil should be a golden brown colour; black oil can indicate that it hasn’t been changed in a while.

Check the coolant level in the reservoir. It should be between the minimum and maximum lines. Low coolant can be a sign of leaks or overheating issues. Inspect the battery for any corrosion or leaks, and ensure that the terminals are secure.

Interior Examination

The interior of the car is where you’ll spend most of your time, so it needs to be comfortable and functional. Start by checking the seats for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure that all seat adjustments work properly.

Test all the electronics, including the lights, indicators, horn, and infotainment system. Make sure the air conditioning and heating systems are functioning correctly. Check the condition of the seatbelts and ensure they fasten securely.

Take a moment to sniff the air inside the car. A musty smell can indicate water damage, which could lead to mould growth.

Test Drive

A test drive is perhaps the most crucial part of the car inspection process. It gives you a feel for how the car handles and can reveal potential mechanical issues.

Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises. A smooth start is a good sign, but rattling or knocking sounds can indicate problems. Pay attention to how the car idles; it should be smooth and steady.

While driving, test the brakes by applying them gently and then more firmly. The car should stop smoothly without pulling to one side. Listen for any squeaking or grinding noises, which can indicate worn brake pads.

Check the steering for responsiveness and ensure there is no excessive play. Test the suspension by driving over bumps; the car should absorb them without excessive bouncing.

Paperwork and History

Before making a final decision, it’s essential to review the car’s paperwork. This includes the V5C registration document, which proves ownership. Ensure that the details match the seller’s information and the car’s VIN number.

Request the car’s service history. Regular maintenance records are a good sign that the car has been well cared for. Look for any major repairs or recurring issues that might be a red flag.

Consider obtaining a vehicle history report and a salvage check. This can reveal if the car has been in any accidents, if it’s been written off, or if there are any outstanding finance agreements.

Professional Inspection

Even if you’re confident in your inspection skills, it’s wise to have a professional mechanic take a look. They can provide a more detailed assessment and identify issues that might not be apparent to the untrained eye.

A professional inspection might come with a fee, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. They can also provide an estimate for any necessary repairs, which can be useful for negotiating the price.

Negotiating the Price

Armed with all the information from your inspection, you’re in a strong position to negotiate the price. Be honest about any issues you’ve found and use them as leverage to get a better deal.

Remember, it’s not just about lowering the price. You might negotiate for the seller to fix certain issues before purchase or include additional items like a warranty or service package.

Final Thoughts

Buying a car is a big decision, but with a thorough inspection process, you can make it with confidence. Take your time, be thorough, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

The right car is out there, and with these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to find it. Happy car hunting!

 

Certa first to open 10 HVO sites as demand for renewable fuel rises across Ireland

Certa, which is part of DCC plc, has become the first fuel operator in Ireland to make HVO available at ten of its forecourts as demand for the renewable fuel continues to rise among motorists nationwide.

One in five of Certa’s network of 49 unmanned, pay@pump forecourts now offers HVO alongside other fuels as Certa continues to make the biofuel more widely available to motorists seeking a renewable alternative to diesel.

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is produced from waste plant matter and can be used as a direct replacement for diesel without any need for vehicle or engine modifications to help motorists lower their carbon emissions by up to 90%.

Last November, Certa began the process of upgrading its network to make HVO available alongside diesel and unleaded petrol and it has achieved the milestone of opening its 10th HVO site after introducing HVO pumps at its forecourt in Corofin in county Clare.

HVO is now available at the Certa forecourts in Liffey Valley, Dundrum, Clarehall and Finglas (Clearwater) in Dublin, Lee Tunnel in Cork, Ballyhaunis in Mayo, Maynooth in Kildare, Trim in Meath, Moyne in Longford and Corofin in Clare.

Certa has provided the new HVO pumps alongside diesel and petrol pumps and the fuel is distinguished through the use of a pink nozzle to stand out from the traditional black diesel and green petrol nozzles.

Orla Stevens, Managing Director, Certa Ireland said:

‘Certa is leading the way in making HVO more widely available to motorists across Ireland. Our goal is to make it easy for motorists to transition to HVO as a renewable alternative to diesel to help them to lower their carbon emissions.

‘Our success in upgrading our network to offer HVO at 10 sites is an important milestone for Certa and our customers. The demand for HVO has grown as we have opened each new site, and our plan is to complete the upgrading of our entire network into next year as we continue our journey towards a net-zero future’.

Certa has also helped a growing number of businesses and events to decarbonise and to transition to HVO as a renewable fuel, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), John Sisk & Son Ltd., Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, The National Ploughing Championship, the Irish Open and Bloom.

Certa has already transitioned its entire fleet of 100 delivery vehicles from diesel to HVO in line with its commitment to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 or sooner. It is also installing Solar PV panels across its network to enable its forecourts to generate their own power from solar energy.

Certa was one of the first HVO suppliers in Ireland to be awarded International Sustainability Carbon Certification (ISCC) which provides full transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. This certification enables Certa to create and assign Proof of Sustainability (POS) certification to the businesses that it supplies with HVO.

Certa’s work to make HVO more accessible and more widely available to motorists and businesses was also recognised when it received the prestigious Green Award at the 2024 UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors (UKIFDA) Awards.

Lero partners with Arm to build prototype car cameras for enhanced road safety

Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre for Software, has today announced an innovative new partnership with Arm, the global semiconductor and software leader. The research project, valued at €566,000, is designed to explore new technologies that will enable cars to see and react to their surroundings faster, more intelligently and more effectively.

A four-year collaboration between Lero and Arm, the ARMADAS1 project is focused on the development of next-generation car camera systems. The project will explore the optimisation of artificial intelligence to enhance how vehicles perceive their surroundings.

The research is being led by Professor Patrick Denny of Lero, who is Associate Professor in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Imaging at University of Limerick and an expert in automotive imaging.

The ambitious project is designed to help reduce road accidents by modelling advanced imaging systems for vehicles that are more responsive than existing technology.

“As car camera systems become increasingly sophisticated and AI is deployed across the vehicle, this research aims to explore the potential of smarter, more responsive imaging systems optimised for computers rather than humans. The collaboration between Lero and Arm could revolutionise the way vehicles perceive their environments by optimising cameras and sensing systems for AI processing, enabling cars to sense and react faster to their environment,” explained Prof. Denny.

“The automotive market is going through an unprecedented transformation and as part of this, we’re seeing an explosion in the demand for AI across the vehicle,” said Andy Rose, VP Technology Strategy and Fellow, Arm. “Bringing together Arm’s technical expertise and market knowledge with Lero’s internationally recognised software and computer imaging research capabilities, this project has the potential to drive exciting new developments for next-generation automotive vision systems.”

This research will benefit drivers, the public, and vulnerable road users. The project’s advancements have the potential to not only help make cars smarter but also empower chip manufacturers to develop innovative new products for this market.

Supercar Weekend 2024 Dundrum Town Centre Ireland with the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Supercar weekend has hit Dublin at the Dundrum Town Centre again and of course we had to pay a visit to see the all the motors on offer new and old and we took the Google Pixel 9 Pro with us to get each and every car in and put the camera to the test and like last year there is plenty to see and take in and hopefully someday own something seen here.

Cars on view

15 Ferraris, from the classic 1973 246GTS Dino to the modern 800-horsepower 296GTS • 10 Porsches, featuring a 1980 track-prepared 911 and the 2024 off-road 911 Dakar • 7 Aston Martins, including the iconic DB5, James Bond’s favorite • 3 generations of the Ford GT40 • 3 of Bentley’s latest models • A Lamborghini Huracán ST

We have taken photos of each car in case you missed the show and again it was an excellent lineup of cars old and new if you missed last years show you can see the cars here

Video