START OF THE ELECTRIC ERA: NEW VW ID.3 E-MODEL EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TECHNOLOGIES

>> Continental launches world’s first mass-produced high-performance server for cars, complete with software

>> High-performance computer connects electronics architecture in ID.3 e-model and enables over-the-air updates in the future

>> Safety when it counts thanks to forward-looking driver assistance systems

Hanover - Volkswagen is set to enter a new era in electric mobility with the launch of the ID.3, with which it has vital support from Continental. The technology company supplies key components that make the new compact electric model into a particularly safe, digital and long-range representative of its class. The high-performance computer (HPC) in particular is an essential feature of interconnected vehicles such as the ID.3. Continental is the first supplier worldwide to offer such a high-performance vehicle server together with the corresponding software on a mass scale, thus paving the way for the future of vehicle connectivity. The powerful computer controls and safeguards the wireless exchange of data and will in the future support secure over-the-air updates of the software. Moreover, the HPC represents a key technology within Volkswagen’s new modular electric drive system. The VW ID.4, an electric SUV that was recently presented, will also be equipped with the new HPC from Continental.

Server concept revolutionizes the electronic architecture of e-vehicles

”With our High Performance Computer (HPC), the VW-electric cars are able to provide full connection and a new dimension of intelligence and comfort,” says Helmut Matschi, member of the executive board at Continental and head of the Vehicle Networking and Information business area at Continental. “Together with VW and our partners, we have brought an innovation onto the road that is groundbreaking for the entire mobility industry.”

The innovative concept of the ICAS1 enables a high level of vehicle connectivity. Thanks to the separation of hardware and software, the server can integrate and update both Volkswagen applications and third-party software.

The innovative concept of the ICAS1 enables a high level of vehicle connectivity. Thanks to the separation of hardware and software, the server can integrate and update both Volkswagen applications and third-party software.

The HPC serves as an integrated ICAS1. Continental worked closely with Elektrobit to develop the fully connected central HPC on a specially created platform for such HPC. As ICAS1 in the VW ID.3, the HPC is also a central element for the transition to a service-oriented electronics architecture. The server constitutes the central data hub and the connection point between the vehicle and the digital world. It allows for new software functions and safety updates to be installed over a wireless connection at any time in the future. Over-the-Air updates will become the norm. In addition, the innovative server concept can integrate both Volkswagen applications and third-party software. The provision of functions such as range-optimized route planning and the localization of charging stations for electric cars is simplified. Moreover, Continental has also developed the so-called “Plug and Charge” function for its ICAS1, which is used to control and simplify the vehicle charging process. The function will be available from 2021. When the charging cable is plugged in, the software in ICAS1 will be able to authenticate the registered vehicle at supported charging points and take over the charging process and its billing based on the charging contract stored in the back end.

Safety when it counts thanks to forward-looking driver assistance systems

The ID.3 will safely come to a standstill when it matters: The long-range radar built into the electric compact car with a range of more than 200 meters increases safety and comfort with forward-looking driver assistance systems, such as the emergency brake assist and adaptive cruise control. In combination with the drum brake, the desired speed is automatically adjusted to the traffic conditions in order to avoid accidents – all the way up to emergency braking in especially critical situations.

Small, intelligent and vital in every vehicle: Wheel speed sensors from Continental provide information on the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the individual wheels. With its newest generation of sensors, Continental also offers an intelligent solution for the ID.3, which forms the basis for numerous vehicle functions and systems such as the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) or supports the monitoring of electric drivetrains. Due to high standardization, the wheel speed sensors are particularly robust as well as flexible in the installation position and were developed according to the safety standard ISO 26262. The investment in design variations and validation is therefore significantly reduced, which leads to time to market.

 
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