By Steven Symes 
Porsche has revealed it’s using AI to develop better EV batteries for future models. It’s an intriguing use case that’s perhaps not as flashy as other examples of artificial intelligence used in vehicles now and in the near future, but it could have a huge impact.
BMW is using plant fibers instead of carbon fiber.
As the German automaker put it in a press release on the topic, AI helps with “detecting implausible behavior within a battery.” Because there are so many cells in an electric car battery, it’s a complicated system with so much going on at once, it can be overwhelming for humans to diagnose problems.
But AI excels in this area, helping to analyze not only what’s happening inside a vehicle’s battery pack but also to weigh that against external forces like ambient temperature.
Taking EV battery data analyzed by artificial intelligence, Porsche can then understand how to design batteries which perform better. This can translate into batteries which last longer, charge faster, are more durable over the long run, and provide superior driving range.
We know one of the big concerns people have about electric cars is how much a replacement battery will cost and how often that expense will come up. It’s a legitimate concern and one Porsche seemingly understands.
Even better, the automaker is trying to put the power of data in customers’ hands through its My Porsche app. The AI will analyze information from their EV, pushing notifications about anomalies in the battery it detects.
It also provides individualized recommendations on how to better care for the battery, helping the owner to extend its life.
Time will tell how well this new tool works for Porsche, but it’s great to see the automaker using cutting-edge tech to innovate in meaningful ways, instead of just doing cutesy things with the infotainment system.
Images via Porsche