DENSO's MDrive Car Share Study Reveals Promise For Electric Car Sharing

DENSO’s MDrive Car Share Study Reveals Promise For Electric Car Sharing

Study findings will guide development of future vehicles, says DENSO.

 

 

Electric vehicle car sharing could be the future of transportation for some: today, DENSO International America Inc., a global automotive supplier, announced the results of MDrive, the first study to focus on car sharing for people who live, work or frequent one location. In partnership with the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Detroit-based NextEnergy, an energy and technology accelerator, the study identified the potential impact electric vehicle car sharing could have on the future of mobility, personal transportation and vehicle design.

The study involved 30 University of Michigan-Dearborn students living at The Union at Dearborn, who shared three Ford Focus Electric vehicles for a six-month period. The students used a custom app to reserve, access, share, and drive the vehicles anywhere within the continental United States, in exchange for their detailed feedback on the experience. Onboard diagnostics equipment gathered real-time data, while dashboard cameras captured video of the user experience. Students also provided feedback and suggestions for technologies most needed in future car share vehicles via short surveys and online forums. DENSO researchers then identified common benefits and challenges experienced by users to inform design of future car sharing technologies.

“Our study reinforced the idea that electric vehicle car sharing is an increasingly viable personal transportation alternative, and groups who share common interests stand to benefit the most,” said Michael Bima, a lead engineer in the North American Research and Engineering Center at DENSO International America. “For car sharing to reach its full potential, manufacturers and car share service providers need to address the efficiency and convenience for the end user – drivers should be able to quickly and easily access the vehicle, adjust their settings and be on their way. Vehicle range and charging become areas of focus when you add electric vehicles, as well.”

DENSO will present the study results at the Society of Automotive Engineers’ World Congress Experience 17.

In addition to showcasing one of the study’s cars in DENSO’s booth No. 3002, participants including Matt Felice – a new DENSO employee who drove to his interview using the shared vehicle – will be on-hand to discuss the experience.

“Mobility continues to change and reshape the automotive industry,” said Pat Bassett, vice president of engineering and research at DENSO International America. “While there’s a lot of excitement about new technology in the space, we recognize the importance of getting it right in addition to getting it done quickly. To DENSO, that means hiring the best engineers, and sharing knowledge with other leaders in the space. MDrive is exactly the type of research we need to bring us into a new era of mobility in a safe, smart way.”

You May Also Like

Bendix Releases Technical Materials for ADAS Support

They are designed to help technicians properly set up, inspect and diagnose several components integrated with ADAS.

Bendix Releases New Technical Materials Supporting ADAS and Connected Components

The latest technical materials from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Bendix) are designed to help technicians properly set up, inspect and diagnose several components integrated with advanced driver assistance technologies, including trailer antilock brakes, steering systems and forward-looking cameras.

“The safety systems on today’s commercial vehicles are more road-proven and effective in supporting safe drivers than ever,” said Nicole Oreskovic, Bendix vice president, sales and marketing. “They’re also more complex and interconnected, which means we need to thoroughly support the skilled people who keep them in top operating condition."

Dana Participating in Easter Jeep Safari

The event will take place in Moab, Utah, March 23-31.

Dana to Participate in Easter Jeep Safari 2024
ZF Aftermarket Releases 80 New Parts

The latest additions expand coverage to more than 5 million vehicles in operation.

ZF Aftermarket Releases 80 New Parts
Schaeffler Highlights ESG Progress in 2023 Sustainability Report

Schaeffler is currently focusing on seven key ESG goals in the implementation of its sustainability strategy.

Schaeffler 2023 Sustainability Report
CMA, DoubleCoin to Showcase Long-Haul Steer Tires at MATS

Company reps will be on-site to answer questions, schedule meetings and coordinate a raffle of outdoor sporting equipment in booth #11140.

tire-distribution-outlook-tire-rack

Other Posts

GB Reman to Host Jackpot Giveaway Winner at Long Beach Grand Prix

Jon Hetzel, owner of Hesski ServiCenter in Levittown, Pennsylvania, will join GB Reman in the company’s hometown next month

GB Reman to Host Jackpot Giveaway Winner at Grand Prix of Long Beach
Bendix Surpasses Worker Safety Goals

Bendix says its Total Case Improvement Rate improved since 2022.

Bendix Announces Worker Safety Statistics
New Rislone ‘DEF Crystal Clean’ Clears P20EE Codes

The product scrubs away crystal contaminants from the selective catalytic reduction systems of diesel cars, trucks and SUVs.

New Rislone DEF Crystal Clean Diesel DEF & SCR Emissions System Cleaner Announced
SMP Announces New Oil Filter Housing Kits

The kits feature multiple design improvements to prevent leaks, according to SMP.

SMP Announces New Oil Filter Housing Kits