https://techxplore.com/rss-feed/automotive-news/ en-us Tech Xplore covers the latest in car tech Physical access to an aircraft has not typically been considered a cybersecurity risk—but it should be, according to a team of computer scientists at the University of California San Diego. In a paper presented Aug. 13 at the USENIX Security Symposium in Baltimore, Maryland, former UC San Diego Ph.D. student Sam Crow showed that physical access to an aircraft, even for a brief period, would allow an attacker equipped with a custom-made hardware device to take over communications between two key onboard computers. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-physical-access-boeing-flight.html Security Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:06:25 EDT news705841556 Researchers at the Surrey Space Centre (SCC) found that extreme space weather events can significantly increase radiation exposure at typical flight altitudes of 8–14 km (5–9 miles) and trigger faults in aircraft electronics—posing a challenge for flight safety. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-extreme-space-weather-disrupt-flights.html Automotive Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:40:02 EDT news705755642 Gas turbine engines, like those powering passenger planes, operate under extreme conditions during everyday use. These engines regularly reach temperatures well over 800°C (1,470°F), which creates challenges for long-term durability and efficiency. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-coating-gas-turbines-reliable-longer.html Engineering Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:20:06 EDT news705754682 In recent months, American drivers have felt the pain of increased prices at the gas pump. There's some evidence that higher prices may be fueling interest in greener ways of getting around. Battery electric cars, more commonly called electric vehicles or EVs, can be cheaper to own and operate than gas-powered internal combustion engine cars, and they offer considerable sustainability benefits. But just how much better for the planet are electric vehicles, really? https://techxplore.com/news/2026-08-car-ev-compelling.html Consumer & Gadgets Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:00:05 EDT news705155941 A joint research team—led by Ki-Jae Kim, a professor in the Department of Energy Science and the Department of Future Energy Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), alongside Jang Wook Choi's research team from Seoul National University—has developed a high-performance hybrid polymer binder for thick-film electrodes. The breakthrough significantly boosts the energy density of lithium-ion batteries while extending their lifespan. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-hybrid-battery-binder-ev-range.html Energy & Green Tech Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:00:05 EDT news704539780 As the need for sustainable electric vehicles grows, cobalt-free, high-nickel cathode batteries (such as manganese-coated nickel-core batteries) have emerged as one of the most promising technologies. These batteries increase driving range while reducing dependence on expensive critical minerals. However, a new study suggests that a hidden weakness in the battery material could significantly reduce the life span of these next-generation batteries. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-hidden-battery-flaw-shorten-ev.html Energy & Green Tech Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:40:05 EDT news704458624 At least 2.2 million cars on the road today are vulnerable to an attack that allows thieves to lock and unlock doors and immobilize vehicle engines remotely via a Bluetooth connection, computer scientists at the University of California San Diego have found. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-million-cars-anti-theft-dealers.html Security Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:00:05 EDT news703864561 A research team led by Professor Jo Woon Chong of the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), in collaboration with researchers from KAIST and Texas Tech University in the United States, has developed the Passenger Movement Estimation System (PMES). This AI-based system predicts passenger movements using CCTV footage to prevent subway door entrapment accidents before they occur. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-ai-tech-proactively-subway-door.html Automotive Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:00:05 EDT news703855261 An aircraft powered by a megawatt-class hybrid-electric engine developed in collaboration with NASA and built by GE Aerospace, demonstrated flight of an innovation that can inform new generations of fuel-saving aircraft power systems. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-hybrid-electric-aircraft-feet-flights.html Energy & Green Tech Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:00:09 EDT news703784641 Using bird bone structure as inspiration, Xin Ning and Sepideh Ebad Sichani, Ph.D. '26, have created a new class of aircraft wing structures—unbound by traditional designs of ribs, spars and stiffeners. The researchers are in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-mimicked-bird-bones-lightweight-high.html Engineering Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:20:03 EDT news703326184 Researchers from Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands) have developed a European energy system model that pits two technologies against each other—future unidirectional smart charging (V1G) and vehicle-to-grid charging (V2G)—to determine which mode is most economically advantageous for EU countries in a 2050 energy system. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-customized-ev-eu-energy.html Energy & Green Tech Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:20:06 EDT news703242137 The safety performance of autonomous vehicle (AV) algorithms is boosted by 90% using simulation data that better incorporates near-miss incidents with outright failures, according to new research led by University of Michigan Engineering. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-cars-av-algorithm.html Automotive Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:20:01 EDT news703155230 Tires are essential to modern transport, but their production and use raise environmental concerns. One important issue is zinc oxide, a common activator used in rubber vulcanization. Zinc oxide helps rubber form the crosslinked network that gives tires their strength, elasticity and durability. However, zinc can be released into the environment during manufacturing, recycling and tire wear, where it may affect aquatic ecosystems. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-fly-ash-greener-rubber.html Energy & Green Tech Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:20:03 EDT news703149174 Electric vehicle batteries could last twice as long, preventing costly replacement, with a new approach to heating and cooling the batteries, according to a study led by University of Michigan Engineering. The system is designed to work with voltage and charging data that today's battery management systems already collect, rather than requiring new sensors inside the battery. It is best suited for lower-power Level 1 and Level 2 charging, which is common at homes, workplaces and public parking areas, and is expected to cover most EV charging demand. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-smarter-diagnostics-silicon-ev-batteries.html Energy & Green Tech Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:40:09 EDT news702127861 A new approach to battery recycling could turn today's electric vehicle waste into the building blocks of tomorrow's higher-performing batteries. Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed an environmentally friendly method to upcycle cathodes from used lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries into a more powerful battery material known as lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), which can store more energy than LFP. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-07-spent-ev-batteries-life-higher.html Energy & Green Tech Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:40:08 EDT news702122515 Two-wheeled vehicles with conventional stability-control systems must lean to change direction, making it difficult for rider-assistance systems to determine whether a rider is intentionally cornering or experiencing instability that could lead to a fall. To address this challenge, researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Japan, have developed a rider-intent-aware control system that can distinguish between the two and provide stabilization support only when needed. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-smart-bicycle-riders-falling.html Consumer & Gadgets Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:40:05 EDT news702044701 The key to making longer-lasting electric vehicle batteries may not be specialized materials or new chemistry, but simple physical pressure, according to new research. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-physical-pressure-ev-batteries-environmental.html Energy & Green Tech Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:00:08 EDT news702035581 A bio-inspired robotic bird capable of mimicking the key movements of kestrels is helping researchers unravel the mysteries behind the species' exceptional hovering capabilities. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-robotic-bird-uncover-mysteries-flight.html Engineering Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:00:06 EDT news701944741 Although electrified versions of vans, buses and semis cost more upfront on average than their diesel-powered counterparts, the overall calculus behind adopting greener vehicles is currently in flux. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-batteries-fuel-cells-overhaul-emissions.html Energy & Green Tech Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:00:05 EDT news701452081 Next-generation electronic devices like newer computers and other high-power devices require more energy to run. When they are working hard, the intense heat they generate can limit their performance and reliability. That's why scientists are trying to find better and more sustainable materials to help cool devices down. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-bacteria-based-cooling-material-electronics.html Energy & Green Tech Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:40:05 EDT news701539981 The carbon-reduction benefits of electric vehicles vary across cities in China, as richer cities can transfer much of their carbon emissions from power generation to less developed cities, burdening them with additional costs, a new study led by UCL researchers has found. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-china-ev-boom-shifts-power.html Business Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:20:05 EDT news701511481 The aviation industry accounts for a large portion of global greenhouse gas emissions. Biobased, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can mitigate climate impacts, but transitioning to SAF faces critical supply chain constraints. A research team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has developed a method to produce jet-grade fuel from food waste, contributing to a circular bioeconomy. In a paper published in Nature Sustainability, they focus on technical and economic considerations. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-food-jet-fuel-simpler-refining.html Energy & Green Tech Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:00:05 EDT news701366222 Scientists have developed a practical way to make ultra-black coatings to meet demand for trendy, luxury vehicles in China. The coating, described in a paper published in Matter & Light, is made up of a composite of carbon black pigment and carbon nanotubes. The resulting color is a deep jet black that also meets automotive standards, opening the door for car manufacturers to develop distinguished, high-end models in darker-than-ever hues. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-blacker-cars-darker.html Hi Tech & Innovation Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:00:16 EDT news700896962 Researchers have developed a new kind of lidar system that simultaneously measures the location, speed and material properties of objects in a scene. This type of information could be useful for applications such as robotics, autonomous driving and remote sensing. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-lidar-material-properties.html Hi Tech & Innovation Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:00:07 EDT news700902828 As summer approaches, you might be planning a road trip. A recent study from the University of Georgia explores how you can stay safe while driving in the rain. Vehicles can hydroplane when water gathers on a road, causing tires to lose their grip. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-hydroplaning-shallow-mm.html Automotive Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:00:08 EDT news700919401 Autonomous vehicles are already a reality on some of our streets and could become a major part of future transportation systems. Safety, of course, is the main concern, as with all vehicles. To help evaluate and improve its autonomous driving technology, U.S. driverless vehicle company Waymo has created a virtual representation of human driver behavior in near-crash situations. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-waymo-unveils-virtual-driver-autonomous.html Engineering Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:40:05 EDT news700402963 Researchers at a Scottish university have demonstrated a 100kW fully superconducting aviation motor that could help pave the way for an electric aircraft. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-06-100kw-fully-superconducting-aviation-motor.html Energy & Green Tech Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:20:08 EDT news699631322 NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft is preparing for some of its most significant flights yet. The X-plane is about to begin a new block of test flights that will include its first time flying faster than the speed of sound and other mission-critical objectives. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-05-nasa-supersonic-flight.html Engineering Fri, 29 May 2026 09:20:07 EDT news699264722 A popular sodium-ion battery designed by the company Hina and used in cars and large-scale energy storage systems in China matches performance parameters and production quality of Tesla's lithium-ion batteries, finds new research published in Cell Reports Physical Science. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-05-sodium-ion-batteries-rival-tesla.html Energy & Green Tech Thu, 28 May 2026 11:00:04 EDT news699090481 When it comes to snow groomers, excavators or crane vehicles, how can their operation be optimized even in difficult conditions and made safer for people in and around the vehicle? An international research team, including the Institute of Visual Computing at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), investigated this question as part of the THEIA-XR project. https://techxplore.com/news/2026-05-disco-lasers-groomers-tracks-cues.html Engineering Thu, 28 May 2026 10:20:09 EDT news699180357