SAE Tomorrow Today

Imagine a six-hour journey to outer space that includes a world-class meal, cocktail service, Wi-Fi, and unprecedented views of Earth. This experience could soon become reality. . Space Perspective, the world's first carbon-neutral spaceflight experience company, is commercializing space travel with Spaceship Neptune, a pressurized capsule propelled by a giant SpaceBalloon™. The experience is desi...

From evolving consumer expectations to changing business models to updates to the car itself, there is no doubt that software is radically transforming the automotive industry—and companies must adapt now or risk being left behind. . The rise of smartphones has permanently altered consumer expectations, and software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are expected to provide experiences akin to those found on...

2024 saw several advancements in EV technology and charging capabilities including the rollout of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program and the growing adoption of the J3400 charging standard. . Looking ahead to 2025, new EV models and more affordable options are poised to make an impact, capturing public interest and continuing to drive adoption, even amidst current EV infra...

In order for AVs to perform safely and reliably, we need to teach them the language of human preference and expectations—and accelerating AI alignment can do just that. . Enter Kognic, the industry-leading annotation platform for sensor-fusion datasets (e.g., camera, radar, and LIDAR data). By helping companies gather, organize, and refine massive datasets used for training AI models, Kognic is he...

For more than 60 years, the air freight industry has adapted passenger aircraft for cargo fleets resulting in limited capacity and diminished fuel efficiency. However, a long-overdue shift toward a volume-optimized blended wing body (BWB) design is enabling freight aircrafts to carry 40-50% more in cargo capacity per trip while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. . Leading the way is Natilus,...

As EV charging infrastructure grows and evolves, so too does the role of gas stations, convenience stores, and auto repair shops — all of which are key players in a thriving mobility ecosystem. . Enter Vontier, a global industrial technology company transforming fueling and charging infrastructure, convenience store technology and fleet management. By helping service station owners become “charge...

As the automotive world shifts toward fully software-defined vehicles (SDVs), many OEMs are hesitant to embrace a consumer-driven model for over-the-air (OTA) updates. Enter Sibros, a company offering holistic OTA software that enables automakers to achieve scalable, software-defined mobility. . By providing AI-powered insights that deliver continuous product and service enhancements, OEMs can har...

Jules Verne was ahead of his time—and so is a company inspired by his name that recognizes hydrogen's immense potential as a clean energy solution. . Verne develops and commercializes a novel technology to store and distribute hydrogen in its densest form, cryo-compressed. This approach maximizes hydrogen density, addressing the limitations of compressed gas and reducing the cost of dense storage...

Could the next 18 months mark the beginning of a golden age in autonomy? . In this Unplugged episode of SAE Tomorrow Today, host Grayson Brulte discusses the incoming presidential administration’s plans to establish a national framework that could enable autonomy to scale across all 50 states. . Key topics include the future of autonomous trucking, the possibility of households combining personall...

Most EV batteries are heavy and provide limited range. But Factorial Energy is developing breakthrough solid-state solutions that offer longer range per charge and increased safety. .  With higher energy density—390 watt-hours per kilogram to be exact—Factorial’s solid-state batteries allow for less weight and extended EV range. And the company’s partnerships with major automakers like Stellantis...

When it comes to the expansion of AVs and EVs, the global automotive landscape is awash in shifting trends, strategic partnerships, and geopolitical implications. . For some perspective, we sat down with Michael Wayland, Detroit-based auto reporter for CNBC, for a wide-ranging conversation on the latest happenings affecting the global automotive industry. From the growing trend of robotaxis to eve...

The global manufacturing landscape for EV battery technology is complex, to say the least. But one company is using its decades-long experience to simplify the battery supply chain for cell manufacturers and their OEM and Tier 1 customers. . YUNEV helps companies navigate battery manufacturing and e-mobility challenges with strategic advisory services and a proprietary battery cell database. In fa...

What if you could power your EV using a streetlight? Or access off-the-grid power units for emergency situations? Beam Global is accomplishing this and much more by building resilience into sustainable energy infrastructure. . With innovative products that operate independently of the electrical grid, Beam delivers rapid, infrastructure-free, renewable EV solutions for both urban and emergency app...

In 2011, famed venture capitalist Marc Andreessen wrote his magnus opus, “Why software is eating the world.” Now it’s reshaping the future of AVs. . In this Unplugged episode of SAE Tomorrow Today, host Grayson Brulte discusses how software has fundamentally transformed various industries with a focus on Tesla’s recently unveiled Cybercab, and how the strategy for this two-passenger AV could signa...

How close is the EV industry to commercializing wireless charging? . The answer lies in the SAE J2954 standard which establishes an industry-wide specification that defines the acceptable criteria for interoperability, electromagnetic compatibility, EMF, minimum performance, safety, and testing for wireless power transfer (WPT) of light-duty plug-in electric vehicles. . For the latest insight, we...

EVs don’t always have four wheels. Enter the rise of smart electric two-wheel vehicles, including e-scooters and e-bikes, both of which are growing mobility options in cities across the U.S. and globally. . To learn more about this rising trend, Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, sat down with Joseph Constanty, Director of Global Strategy & Corporate Develo...

How can companies electrify their fleets without the high costs and challenges of owning EV infrastructure? One company has the answer. . Founded in 2017, Zeem Solutions is the leading provider of contract-based EV charging and fleet management services, serving more than 15,000 qualified fleets. With charging, parking, leasing, and co-locating solutions at secure hubs in major transport locations...

Can a car anticipate our desires before we even enter it? It can, however, the majority of global OEMs do not fundamentally understand how to harness AI-powered software. .  Hear from Grayson Brulte, Host of SAE Tomorrow Today, on how we are missing out on a magical user experience—and why it’s time for automakers to up their game.  . Have your own thoughts on this topic? We’d love to hear from yo...

As most EV enthusiasts know, the Tesla-developed North American Charging System (NACS) is being standardized as SAE J3400 — unlocking the ability for any EV supplier or manufacturer to use, manufacture, or deploy the J3400 connector on EVs and at charging stations across North America. . Recently, the SAE J3400 NACS Task Force voted to establish the J3400 standard as a recommended practice, markin...

What if your tires could talk? And your car would listen? . Pirelli's new Cyber™ Tyres use Bluetooth-connected sensors to communicate directly with the car, using data to make adjustments in real time. This information – including temperature and pressure – is vital when it comes to increasing safety. . To learn more, Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, sat...

When it comes to EV charging infrastructure, much of the focus centers on DC fast charging. However, AC charging may be just as important to EV adoption due to its lower cost and simplicity. . To learn more, Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, sat down with Sam Abuelsamid, Principal Research Analyst at Guidehouse Insights, to discuss why AC charging deserves...

Can you drive your EV in the rain? Thanks to SAE Standard J3277 you can. . To learn more about the liquid leak tightness evaluation methodology, Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, sat down with Hemi Sagi, SAE Standard J3277 Sponsor, to discuss how manufacturers are protecting the EV battery pack from water. . For more information on the evolution of sustain...

From autonomy to software to customization, the future of the car is multifaceted. . As one of the world’s largest suppliers in the automotive space, Magna International uniquely understands this. The company’s capabilities span the entire vehicle – from design to manufacturing to technology – thus optimizing vehicle performance and shaping the future of the car. . To learn more, we sat down with...

As trucking fleets strive to minimize their environmental impact, it’s important to balance sustainability with competitiveness. . From adhering to new government guidelines to considering alternative fuel sources like battery, electric, and hydrogen, Covenant Logistics carefully factors in evolving requirements for more sustainable solutions, while maintaining their clients’ profitability. . To l...

While the curb is an often overlooked piece of infrastructure, it is vital to the mobility ecosystem with impacts to parking, delivery, rideshare, and much more. Better curb management is a path towards improving accessibility, optimizing digital infrastructure, scaling autonomy, and opening up municipal revenue streams. . To learn more, we sat down with SAE Authors Kelley Coyner, Principal, Innov...