Electronics

Fuel-cell vehicles from Hyundai coming soon 1000 Tucson ix35 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are to take to the road by 2015, says the Korean carmaker. Read full story

2013 Honda Fit EV applies ‘lessons learned’ from fuel-cell Clarity The electrified powertrain, a newly developed regenerative braking system, and Bio-Fabric seating material in Honda's new Fit EV all stem from developments in the FCX Clarity fuel-cell car and other EV forebears. Read full story

Magnet-based wireless EV charger could be smaller, safer, and cheaper A new noncontact power-transfer technology is under demonstration at the University of British Columbia. Read full story

Delphi introduces plug-in telematics for aftermarket service The object is to establish connectivity equal to OE systems, providing car-to-shop communications for remote diagnostics, road service, and shop appointments. The plug-in device reports data to Delphi cloud servers, which in turn communicate with the remainder of the aftermarket chain. Read full story

For the ‘connected’ airplane, young engineers have right mind-set “I do a lot of recruiting. The kids I’m hiring now are phenomenal. They look at things differently. They’re energetic and they’re sharp,” said John Craig, Chief Engineer of Network Systems for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Read full story

Alternative powertrains must survive the 'hype cycle' SEMA VP Waraniak explains the five-step “hype cycle” for such emerging technologies as plug-in electric vehicles. Chrysler VP Gradu sees diesel as the most cost-effective choice for car performance. In the background is “Goodwin Assist,” a prototype concept to provide electric-drive assist in large vehicles, but at obviously higher cost. Read full story

Powertrain microcontroller computing power rises as power consumption declines Tighter fuel-economy regulations and the shift to electrified powertrains are forcing microcontroller manufacturers to increase both computing power and memory capacity while also focusing on reducing power consumption. Renesas Electronics Corp. is focusing on both goals with two new microcontroller lines. Read full story

WIMPs and the future of flight displays With growing adoption of natural, or post-WIMP, HMIs in the general market, cockpit display system suppliers are preparing now for the cockpits of the future, which will place the pilot at the center of the system. Read full story

Alliances boost momentum for Ethernet in vehicles The drive to move commercial technologies such as Ethernet and open source software into vehicles is gaining momentum. A number of companies are basing plans on the ubiquitous network, and two consortia recently teamed up to focus on boosting interest in using Ethernet in infotainment systems. Read full story