Batteries, the artificial intelligence card according to Electra Vehicles

"They change a lot. It is possible to extend battery life, optimise design and production processes, detect potential failures in advance and improve performance to extend driving range. All this helps to reduce the overall costs of batteries, thus making electric vehicles more affordable for consumers. In addition, software such as ours plays a crucial role in maximising the fleet residual value (a weak point for the battery car market, ed.) and optimising battery health throughout the vehicle lifecycle. This also contributes to sustainability and carbon footprint reduction efforts.

More specifically, Martini continues, 'the software component, combined with artificial intelligence, is becoming more and more crucial in both the design and execution phase and in the life of electric vehicle batteries. Software and AI can enable a whole series of important additional benefits. Despite all the advances in technology and materials, which certainly help to reduce costs, the battery remains one of the most expensive components of an electric vehicle. Therefore, being able to extend its life, optimise its performance, maximise its residual value and prevent failures in advance is crucial.

Overcoming the cost hurdle, even according to the Chinese giant CATL's announcement, could convince consumers?

"Overcoming the significant cost barrier associated with batteries could help dispel consumer doubts and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, especially if they become the obvious economic choice over their internal combustion counterparts," according to the CEO of Electra Vehicles. Because the cost of the battery makes up such a significant part of the total price of an electric car, before there is wider adoption, consumers need to see a clear link between the initial outlay and the overall value over the life of the vehicle. This is where the software component, with additional artificial intelligence enabled, can help.

Where does the evolution of software and AI for car batteries ultimately stand?

The current state of evolution of software and AI for car batteries is certainly quite advanced, although still evolving. We are far ahead of the initial stages, although the application depends very much on market to market. In fact, we see software and AI technologies being increasingly integrated into battery management systems, and into electric vehicle platforms, not only to provide more infotainment, but to enable functions that can reduce costs, increase performance, extend battery life and increase overall efficiency'.

And what role can the Turin cluster play for research? Is Italy still in the game?

'Given Italy's strong automotive heritage and expertise in design and engineering, the Turin area, specifically, can play a key role in advancing research and development in this field. Turin can act as a centre of collaboration between academia, industry and start-ups, promoting innovation in software-driven battery technologies for electric vehicles, just like Silicon Valley in the United States. And that is also why we in Italy have decided to invest in Turin. I would like to add that Italy's focus on excellence in design and engineering puts our country in a competitive position for the development and patenting of cutting-edge technologies related to batteries for electric vehicles'.

Electra Vehicles aims to expand and double its revenues by the end of the year. 'In addition,' Martini concludes, 'we are committed to diversifying into new vertical markets such as avionics, robotics and energy storage systems, thus expanding our scope and impact in the industry.