Toronto, Ontario — In this electric and autonomous vehicle report, Stellantis unveils its Moving Ground Plane (MGP) technology to test the aerodynamic potential of electric vehicles; while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launches an investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system following four collisions.
Breaking into wind
Stellantis recently unveiled its Moving Ground Plane (MGP) technology at the automaker’s research and technical centre in Auburn Hills, Michigan in order to evaluate the aerodynamic potential of future electric vehicles.
The $29.5 million investment includes an upgraded wind tunnel that specifically aims to measure and reduce airflow resistance from electric vehicle wheels and tires.
The upgrade simulates real-world conditions and road drag while also allowing the test vehicle to remain static. The tunnel features belts suspended by cushions of air to enable wheel movement at all four corners. A fifth belt then runs longitudinally beneath the vehicle in order to further help mimic on-road travel conditions.
As reported by West Virginia News, Mark Champine, senior vice president and head of North American engineering technical centres commented that “range is a core consideration for customers who are transitioning to cleaner mobility through battery power. That’s what makes this investment so critical. By reducing drag, we improve electric vehicle range and ultimately, the overall customer driving experience.”
Champine continued that “for EVs, a range increase enabled by improved aerodynamics can lead to potential battery-size reductions. This has positive implications from more efficient packaging-to-weight savings that, in the end, will enhance the customer experience.”
Tesla troubles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla’s full self-driving (FSD) systems after four accidents, including one pedestrian fatality.
This investigation encompasses an estimated 2.4 million Tesla models across North America from 2016 to 2024. Included models are the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y and the Cybertruck.
According to reports, the incidents in question all occurred under reduced visibility conditions in which the FSD systems in these vehicles failed to “react appropriately” to these environmental factors.
The NHTSA’s preliminary investigation will specifically focus on evaluating whether Tesla’s FSD system can accurately “detect and respond” to situations with limited visibility, such as sun glare, fog or dust.
This investigation comes in tandem with Tesla CEO, Elon Musk’s recent unveiling of the Cybercab, a two-seater robotaxi designed without a steering wheel or pedals.
