The mining industry is rapidly adopting autonomous vehicle technology, and Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co. (XCMG) is leading the charge. This week, the China-based company delivered 100 all-electric, uncrewed mining trucks to the Huaneng Yimin Open-Pit Coal Mine in Inner Mongolia.

XCMG stated that the Yimin Mine is now the world’s first site operating a fleet of 100 fully autonomous, zero-emission electric haul trucks. This development marks a significant step forward in sustainable mining and showcases collaboration across energy, technology, and equipment sectors.

The computers integrated into vehicles could soon determine if a driver is intoxicated simply by analyzing their facial features, according to researchers. This technology, by continuously monitoring the driver for typical signs of inebriation, holds the potential to significantly reduce drunk driving incidents.

The project, detailed in a paper published on April 9th during an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Computer Vision Foundation (CVF) conference, empowers in-car computing systems to evaluate a driver’s intoxication level with 75% accuracy as soon as they enter the vehicle.

In a pioneering move, Michigan is now home to state-of-the-art vehicle inspection technology originally designed for homeland security purposes. UVeye, a groundbreaking system likened to an MRI for automobiles, has made its debut in the state, promising comprehensive scrutiny of every inch of your vehicle.

Partnering with General Motors, UVeye has found its way into dealerships such as Feldman Chevrolet in Livonia, revolutionizing the inspection process. Developed by an Israeli tech startup, the system initially focused on subterranean threat detection, particularly in detecting potential bomb threats concealed beneath vehicles.

Step into the bustling pits of a professional motorsports event, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a sea of computer displays brimming with telemetry data. Yet, amid this digital symphony, one software suite stands out: Microsoft Visual Studio. This unlikely presence was witnessed for the first time at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) event held last weekend, marking a pivotal moment in the realm of autonomous racing.

Unlike its predecessors such as the Roborace series and the Indy Autonomous Challenge, A2RL set out to chart new territories in autonomous racing. The event featured four cars on the track simultaneously, a first in the field. Even more groundbreaking was the competition’s showdown between the top-performing autonomous car and former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat.

Mercedes-Benz is making headlines as the first automaker to introduce Level 3 autonomous vehicles to the United States, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of self-driving technology.

While Tesla has garnered attention with its “Full Self-Driving” system, which aims for Level 4 or Level 5 autonomy, it is Mercedes-Benz that has officially achieved Level 3 automation, according to SAE International’s standards. Level 3 vehicles can drive themselves under specific conditions but may require the driver to intervene when necessary.

A recent study sheds light on the stark cost differences between owning premium electric vehicles (EVs) and their gasoline-powered counterparts, as opposed to mass-market EVs compared to equivalent gas cars. The findings, part of JD Power’s E-Vision Intelligence Report, underscore a significant challenge facing the EV industry: the absence of price parity with traditional gasoline vehicles.

The study reveals that the five-year cost of ownership for a premium EV is only $287 higher than that of a comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. In contrast, mass-market EVs come with a price tag that’s $9,529, or 18 percent more, than their ICE counterparts over the same ownership period. Remarkably, the average premium EV buyer pays a mere 0.4 percent premium compared to owning a gas-powered car.

Ace VTOL, an Australian flying car manufacturer based in Perth, has received a substantial $250 million order for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These vehicles are destined for American flying car showrooms, marking a significant step in the expansion of this innovative transportation technology.

The order was placed by Aeroauto, a company headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, indicating a growing interest in eVTOL aircraft in the United States.

Ace VTOL’s flagship eVTOL aircraft, named the GT Slipstream, is a two-seater flying car that boasts impressive specifications. It promises speeds of up to 270 mph and a range of 300 miles on a single charge. Often referred to as a ‘flying muscle car,’ the GT Slipstream represents an exciting leap forward in personal transportation.

Automaker Suzuki has announced its partnership with Japanese start-up SkyDrive to produce revolutionary “flying cars” starting from next year. As per the agreement, Suzuki will collaborate with SkyDrive, a leading flying car start-up in Japan, and establish a subsidiary that will utilize a Suzuki-owned plant to manufacture these vehicles by spring 2024. This groundbreaking venture aims to create innovative products that contribute to a future where aerial transportation becomes a part of people’s daily lives. Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, expressed excitement about the collaboration and the shared vision of leveraging the sky for transportation.

The Advanced Flying Car Concept: The flying cars, resembling helicopters in appearance, will have the capability to vertically take off and land using multiple rotors. Primarily designed to carry a small number of passengers, some models are also equipped for land use. SkyDrive recently unveiled plans to enhance their vehicle, allowing it to accommodate three individuals, instead of the previous two, as demonstrated at the Paris Airshow.