Tag: ADAS

Two Bolts With Super Cruise

I’m really excited about this summer’s upcoming lineup of 2022 Chevy Bolts. There will actually be two models: the EV and the EUV. Both will feature GM Super Cruise, an advanced driver assistance system that reviewers claim is on par with Tesla AutoPilot.

The 2022 EUV will launch first, starting at $34,000, although the price goes up for Super Cruise. TechCrunch just reviewed the Bolt EUV and concluded:

“This compact SUV has the space, power and high-tech capability that will allow it to go head-to-head with the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Volvo’s XC40 Recharge, Ford’s Mach-E and Volkswagen’s ID.4.”

The “redesigned” Bolt EV will launch at the end of the summer, starting at $32,000.

Both vehicles boast 250 miles of electric range. Interestingly, Chevrolet has announced they will cover the installation of home charging stations as part of buying a Bolt.

“Chevrolet plans to cover standard installation of Level 2 charging capability for eligible customers who purchase or lease a 2022 Bolt EUV or Bolt EV, helping even more people experience how easy it is to live electric.”

Americans seem to be feeling flush, with record prices in both the stock and housing markets, plus trillions of dollars in government stimulus. That should help GM sell a lot of Bolts. I could see buying one myself.

Lots Of Luminar

Introducing Iris on Vimeo

Luminar has been busy with a lot of announcements. Today, they reported preliminary (unaudited) 2020 financial results. 2020 revenue was $14 million, 2021 revenue is projected at $25-30 million, and the “forward-looking order book” is $1.3 billion. That’s an amazing growth curve, so much so that I’d like to understand the timeline and certainty of that $1.3 billion order book.

They also announced a big win this morning with SAIC, the Chinese automotive giant. SAIC will put Luminar’s Iris sensors in a large segment of its future vehicles.

Yesterday, Luminar published a high-quality 4-minute YouTube video entitled, “The Path to Series Production: Q1 Update.” That term – “series production” – is a phrase Luminar CEO Austin Russell emphasizes frequently, distinguishing Luminar from competitors who are still largely working on pilot projects with automakers.

Last week, Luminar held a joint event with Zenseact CEO Ödgärd Andersson to announce their partnership on full-stack self-driving software. Zenseact is Volvo’s self-driving spin-out, and Volvo is Luminar’s first and soonest major customer.

For all that, Luminar shares ended the day down about 4%. Tough crowd, Wall Street.