Current Issue : April-June Volume : 2026 Issue Number : 2 Articles : 5 Articles
Automated valet parking (AVP) is a key component of autonomous driving systems. Its functionality and reliability need to be thoroughly tested before road application. Current testing technologies are limited by insufficient scenario coverage and lack of comprehensive evaluation indices. This study proposes an AVP testing and evaluation framework using OnSite (Open Naturalistic Simulation and Testing Environment) and Unity3D platforms. Through scenario construction based on field-collected data and model reconstruction, a testing scenario library is established, complying with industry standards. A simplified kinematic model, balancing simulation accuracy and operational efficiency, is applied to describe vehicle motion. A multidimensional evaluation system is developed with completion rate as a primary index and operation performance as a secondary index, which considers both parking efficiency and accuracy. Over 500 AVP algorithms are tested on the OnSite platform, and the testing results are evaluated through the Unity3D platform. The performance of the top 10 algorithms is analyzed. The evaluation platform is compared with CARLA simulation platform and field vehicle testing. This study finds that the framework provides an effective tool for AVP testing and evaluation; a variety of high-level AVP algorithms are developed, but their flexibility in complex dynamic scenarios has limitations. Future research should focus on exploring more sophisticated learning-based algorithms to enhance AVP adaptability and performance in complex dynamic environment....
Vehicle body painting is the most important issue in the final stage of the automobile maintenance process, and it is related to the appearance, rust-proofing, and value of the vehicle. Yet, achieving a deficiency-free finish is challenging in less developed regions. In the current research, the basic principles of some abnormal entities, including orange peel, blistering, and fish-eye defects, found in the automotive garages of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, are studied using the 4M1E construct. We employed mixed methods, involving cross-sectional surveys of 31 technicians and supervisors from eight purposively sampled garages, along with physical panel inspections and a small-scale intervention trial. Data were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 27) and included descriptive statistics, reliability analyses, and multiple regression analysis modelling. The study found that lack of infrastructure integrity and process standardization were the main contributors to defects. The only major issue found was the disturbing absence of environmental management, as 58.1% of the garages were operating without a spray booth. This was then compounded by inconsistent processes, including a lack of a uniform paint mixing guide and insufficient flash-off time. It is shown that the quality of the paint is extremely deteriorated due to the failure correlation along the 4M1E domain. It can be inferred that significant quality improvements can be realized if investments are directed towards basic infrastructure and the introduction of simple standard operating procedures, as well as training for technicians. This research provides a validated diagnosis and practical, low-cost intervention for automotive garages in the emerging industry, enhancing quality, reducing rework, and improving economic sustainability....
The increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are widely recognized as the primary driving force behind the phenomenon of global warming. Considering environmental concerns and the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in transportation has emerged as one of the most promising technological alternatives to conventional gasoline-powered cars. Compared to their gasoline counterparts, EVs significantly reduce the costs associated with air pollution and mitigate adverse effects on human health. Owing to these characteristics, EVs have become one of the key components of the transition toward a sustainable future, while also steering the transformation of the global automotive industry. This transition is reshaping the structure of the global automobile industry. Many countries aim to achieve their greenhouse gas reduction targets by promoting the adoption of EVs. This study aims to empirically examine the effects of electric vehicles on CO2 emissions in 15 high-income countries during the period 2010–2023, highlighting both short- and long-term environmental impacts. The analysis also considers economic and socio-demographic variables such as gross domestic product (GDP), urbanization, and fossil fuel consumption. The findings indicate that the share of EVs significantly reduces CO2 emissions, whereas sales have a short-term increasing effect....
This paper presents a detailed experimental evaluation of a newly developed diesel fuel additive, specifically formulated to enhance the energy efficiency and emission characteristics of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with particular emphasis on its applicability to aging vehicle fleets. Diesel engines are known for producing significant amounts of harmful emissions, necessitating the development of effective mitigation strategies. One such approach involves the use of fuel additives. The additive under investigation is a proprietary formulation containing 1-(N,N-bis(2-ethylhexyl)aminomethyl)-1,2,4-triazole and other compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this specific additive composition has not yet been tested or reported in the existing scientific literature. To evaluate the real-world contribution of such additives, a comprehensive set of controlled measurements was conducted in a certified chassis dynamometer laboratory, including an exhaust gas analyser and supplementary diagnostic equipment. The testing protocol comprised repeated measurement cycles under identical driving conditions, both without and with the additive. Exhaust gas concentrations of CO2, CO, and NOx were continuously monitored. Simultaneously, fuel consumption and engine performance were tracked over a cumulative driving distance of 2000 km. The results indicate measurable improvements across all monitored domains. CO2 emissions decreased by 4.57%, CO by 14.29%, and NOx by 3.12%. Fuel consumption was reduced by 4.79%, while engine responsiveness and power delivery showed moderate but consistent enhancements. These improvements are attributed to more complete combustion and an increased cetane number enabled by the additive’s chemical structure. The findings support the adoption of advanced additive technologies as part of transitional strategies towards low-emission transportation systems....
The article proposes the design of a simple transmission that allows, in the entire range of motion, to automatically change the torque and gear ratio on the driven shaft. It allows the drive motor in all driving modes from the moment of start to operate at optimal speed with full power output. For electric transport, it is important that the traction motor works efficiently in all modes of motion. The proposed device provides this. The use of such a transmission in hybrid vehicles, and especially in electric vehicles, is the most cost-effective and allows overcoming and simplifying some of the complex elements of technological solutions....
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