EV subscription company launches new SaaS platform in partnership with Deloitte

  • Pictured above: Deloitte and Autonomy team at the Move America Conference in Austin, Texas. September 2023. From left to right: Rodolfo Dominguez, Jim Nguyen, Heather Weiss, Alexander Kantor, Ann Marie Jacobs, Mac Makhni. (Photo: Business Wire)

AUTONOMY, a leading EV subscription company based in Santa Monica, California, is pivoting from vehicle subscriptions to launch a new SaaS business in partnership with Deloitte. It will be called Autonomy Data Services (ADS).

Autonomy Data Services says it has secured new funding and completed a debt-for-equity swap, along with acquiring all subscription-related technology and intellectual property.

The company said that the automotive landscape is experiencing significant shifts, particularly with the chaos surrounding residual values and their impact on ownership for both consumers and fleet operators.

But subscriptions are effective, the technology is robust, vehicles were performing well, and there were low delinquencies and defaults. Strong consumer demand, driven by lower prices and an easier process, coupled with high utilisation, confirmed the effectiveness of the subscription model, it said.

“With Deloitte as our partner, ADS is set to expand its market reach by leveraging Deloitte's extensive network and expertise. This partnership positions ADS at the forefront of the evolving vehicle subscription market, enabling the provision of innovative solutions without the burden of debt or residual risk.”

ADS said its new business approach offered no debt or residual risk. Its licensing and SaaS revenue model caters to OEMs, captive finance companies, fleet operators, rental car companies, and car dealerships seeking to implement subscription offerings.

As part of its strategic shift, ADS has acquired key assets from Shift, Canvas, UberXChange Leasing, and Fair. ADS said the acquisition, valued between $10 to $12 million, provides a solid foundation for the company’s new business model.

 

“The shift to a SaaS model allows ADS to leverage its technology and data to offer comprehensive subscription solutions to OEMs. Here at ADS, we are now a bigger believer in the subscription model more than ever.”

A 2024 Deloitte consumer study revealed that 45% of US consumers are reconsidering vehicle ownership, and 28% of 18-34-year-olds prefer subscription services (29% in Germany). This trend aligns with ADS’s strategy to lead the next wave of innovation in subscription services and digital mobility solutions.

Guiness World Record EV with drivers

EV world record set of 569 miles

  • Pictured: The Guinness World Record setting Ford Mustang Mach-E with jubilant drivers Sam Clarke (left) and Kevin Booker.

AN electric car has set a new Guinness World Record by travelling 569.64 miles (916.74 km) on a single charge. The previous record of 563.97 miles was set in Hangzhou, China.

The new benchmark in electric vehicle performance was achieved by Webfleet-sponsored drivers Kevin Booker and Sam Clarke, supported by co-pilot Richard Parker of Webfleet, in a Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV, fitted with low rolling resistance Bridgestone tyres.

Equipped with a 91kWh battery and boasting a WLTP range of 373 miles, the Mach-E Premium Extended Range SUV RWD Auto, with 18 inch wheels – selected for its advanced battery technology and driver comfort – surpassed expectations, averaging 6.25 miles per kilowatt hour (kWh) on public roads throughout Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire.

The drive, completed over 24 hours, included a mix of urban and rural roads to emulate real-world driving conditions.

“This record is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in this endeavour,” said Beverley Wise, Webfleet UKI Regional Director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions.

“It represents a significant milestone in the electrification of road transport and demonstrates the potential of electric vehicles when supported by innovative Bridgestone tyre design and advanced fleet management technology.”

Kevin Booker remarked: “Breaking this record has been an exhilarating journey and a powerful demonstration of what electric vehicles can achieve.

“It is incredible to see how far we have come with EV technology and efficiency. We hope this inspires more people to consider electric vehicles for their everyday travel.”

Nissan trials cool paint tech

Nissan trials cool paint tech to help EVs reduce energy usage

NISSAN has been undertaking trials with an innovative automotive paint aimed at helping lower a vehicle’s ambient cabin temperature in summer and reduce the energy usage of the air-conditioning system. It’s particularly aimed at EVs to help reduce battery usage with the aircon deployed.

Developed in partnership with Radi-Cool, a specialist in radiative cooling products, the paint incorporates metamaterial, synthetic composite materials with structures that exhibit properties not usually found in nature.

Although still in the testing phase, the results to date have been impressive. Parked side-by-side under the sun, a vehicle treated in Nissan’s cool paint has shown yields of up to a 12-degree Celsius reduction in exterior surface temperatures and up to 5-degree Celsius cooler interior, compared to a vehicle featuring traditional automotive paint.

The metamaterial embedded within Nissan’s cool paint features two microstructure particles that react to light. One particle reflects near-infrared rays in the sunlight that would typically cause molecular level vibrations within the resin of traditional paint to produce heat.

The second particle enables the real breakthrough. It creates electromagnetic waves that counteract the sun’s rays, redirecting the energy away from the vehicle into the atmosphere. Combined, the particles in Nissan’s cool paint reduce the transfer of heat into surfaces such as the roof, bonnet, doors and panels.

Leading the development is Dr Susumu Miura, Senior Manager and expert at the Advanced Materials and Processing Laboratory, Nissan Research Center. He played a leading role in Nissan’s award-winning noise-reducing acoustic material, and has dedicated much of his career at Nissan to exploring ways to make cars quieter, cooler and more efficient.

"My dream is to create cooler cars without consuming energy. This is especially important in the EV era, where the load from running air-conditioning in summer can have a sizable impact on the state of charge."

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