REGULATION REVOLUTION: U.S. & EU COULD SHARE - AAH 757

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline After Hours features Ramiro Gutierrez, President of ZF North America, discussing the company's strategic shift towards advanced chassis technologies, driven by the rise of software-defined vehicles and by-wire systems. Gutierrez highlights how components like braking, steering, and suspension are evolving into intelligent systems, offering new functionalities. He also addresses the current challenges in the EV market, particularly the slower-than-expected adoption rates in the US, leading to underutilized capital investments. The conversation delves into the potential of Extended Range EVs (EREVs) as a viable solution for range anxiety and affordability, leveraging existing EV components. The panel also touches upon the complexities of vehicle assembly, the benefits of rear-wheel steering, the future of steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems, and the ongoing debate about vehicle affordability and the high number of recalls affecting manufacturers like Ford. The discussion concludes with the legal battle between Honda dealers and Honda/Sony over direct sales of the AFEELA electric vehicle.