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A Guide to Adaptive Cruise Control in EVs

  • EV Charging
  • Xavier Sabastian
  • 6 minutes

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As fossil fuels run out and people worry more about the environment, car companies and governments worldwide are becoming more interested in Electric Vehicles (EVs). We are taking a look at what is adaptive cruise control in an EV.

The adaptive cruise control determines how fast the car needs to go to keep up with the speed set by the driver. It does this by looking at the set speed, the actual speed of the vehicle, a safe distance, and the distance between the host car and the car in front of it.

Read on to know more!

Can you add adaptive cruise control to your EV?

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Today, the automotive industry is significant. There are more than a billion vehicles in the world. That number is growing at an exponential rate. 

Brief History of EVs

Cars and trucks with internal combustion engines are the most common (ICE). The first electric vehicle (EV) was made in the 1830s. Electric vehicle growth stopped in the 1900s when internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles emerged. ICE cars were trendy because fossil fuels were cheaper than batteries. Also, compared to gasoline, batteries didn’t have as much power or capacity back then, and ICE cars could go farther.

Climate change and pollution have been discussed extensively in the last few decades. Greenhouse gas emissions from internal combustion engines are a source of pollution in the transportation sector.

Due to these problems and the limited amount of fossil fuels, the auto industry is looking for an alternative way to get people around. Electric cars are a great way to get around because they don’t use fossil fuels and don’t release greenhouse gases. So, in the last few years, people have become more interested in electric cars because they are an excellent alternative to traditional cars with internal combustion engines. Batteries are also crucial to the growth of electric cars. Lithium batteries have a higher power density and capacity than other batteries. 

For ICE vehicles, thinking about how to drive efficiently or in a way that is good for the environment is essential. For EVs, it’s even more critical because it can increase the driving range. Every driver has their way of driving. But some systems have been made to help drivers have a better time behind the wheel.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a technology that adjusts the speed of an electric vehicle (EV) to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. ACC uses radar or cameras to detect the distance and speed of the vehicle in front and automatically adjusts the speed of the EV to maintain a set of the following distance.

Image by jcomp on Freepik

What is Adaptive Cruise Control?

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a technology that adjusts the speed of an electric vehicle (EV) to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. ACC uses radar or cameras to detect the distance and speed of the vehicle in front and automatically adjusts the speed of the EV to maintain a set of the following distance. The goal is to improve driving comfort, reduce driver fatigue, and increase safety by reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. Some EVs may also allow the driver to adjust the following distance. However, it’s essential to understand that ACC should never be relied on as a substitute for safe driving practices. The driver should always be prepared to take control of the vehicle.

Workings of Adaptive Cruise Control in EVs

For electric cars, cruise control works differently because the electric motor can speed up or slow down within a specific range, depending on how much current flows through the inverter. The electric motor control can send signals to the motor to speed up, slow down, or even work as a generator when the vehicle is in regenerative braking mode.

For electric cars, cruise control works differently because the electric motor can speed up or slow down within a specific range, depending on how much current flows through the inverter.
Image by macrovector on Freepik

Is Adaptive Cruise Control safe?

Overall, when used correctly, adaptive cruise control is safe. Engineers and scientists constantly work to improve adaptive cruise control and other active safety features. But the driver should still stay aware and ultimately control the car. Automakers warn that ACC and other similar safety features should only be used as a help or an extra layer of safety.

Even in bad weather, adaptive cruise control is not a replacement for safe driving. In the end, adaptive cruise control won’t drive your car for you, even though it is a type of self-driving technology.

Can I add Adaptive Cruise Control to my EV?

Even though many new cars come with adaptive cruise control (ACC) these days, people with older cars may wonder if they can add ACC. Usually, it depends on what kind of car you have. If the car wasn’t built with ACC software in mind, it might not be possible to add it later.

Some cars may have semi-autonomous features like lane assist or a pre-crash system but they won’t be able to control the speed. It may be possible to add ACC to cars with some of these features. But it depends on the make and model.

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Are there any opposing sides to this technology?

Adaptive cruise control is good for the safety of the car and the driver. But, as with any technology, there are some problems or things to consider. For example, consider whether the extra technology is worth it for you. Some car companies may offer ACC as a stand-alone option. However, many advanced safety features are only available as part of larger packages. That can make a new car more expensive.

One good thing about this situation is that car companies are working to make features like adaptive cruise control standards on even the lowest trim levels. Before you buy, research whether ACC comes with the car or is part of a more extensive safety package.

Also, ACC systems are not the same for all car companies, so it may be called something else. Even though the primary function is the same, how the system acts and responds may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Again, if you want to buy a new car, make sure you do your research.

Another problem is that some sensors might need to be fixed (or at all) when it rains or fogs. Remember that ACC is only a help and can’t take the place of safe and responsible driving. Even though adaptive cruise control is helpful, ensure you are the right driver.

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