Leapmotor, a prominent Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has announced a strategic collaboration with Ambarella, a leading semiconductor company specializing in image processing. Together, they aim to develop cutting-edge advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for next-generation electric vehicles.
The partnership focuses on integrating Ambarella’s advanced automotive system-on-chip (SoC) processors from the CV3-AD family into Leapmotor’s passenger EV lineup. These processors, built on a 5 nm automotive process node, are designed to deliver high-performance ADAS capabilities while meeting stringent functional safety standards like ASIL-B/D.
ADAS technology plays a crucial role in modern automobiles by leveraging external sensors such as cameras, radar, and LiDAR to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. These systems provide real-time alerts and assist the driver in safe vehicle operation. As technology evolves, ADAS systems are progressing towards enabling intelligent driving decisions beyond simple alerts, moving closer to achieving fully autonomous (Level 5) vehicle operation.
Leapmotor has been proactive in enhancing its EVs with intelligent driving features, currently offering Level 2 driver assistance capabilities with its Leapmotor Pilot 3.0 system. This system includes advanced features such as 360-degree vision among its 22 intelligent driving functionalities.
By partnering with Ambarella, Leapmotor aims to advance its intelligent driving capabilities, aiming beyond Level 2 autonomy. Ambarella’s CV3-AD processors integrate a high-quality image signal processor, crucial for low-latency computer vision applications, and include onboard acceleration hardware for efficient sensor data fusion from LiDAR and radar.
Ambarella highlights that its CV3-AD processors incorporate neural network-based processing and low-power AI capabilities, essential for detecting, classifying, and tracking external objects in Level 4 autonomous systems. These systems offer highly functional self-driving capabilities under specific conditions, marking a significant step towards full autonomy.
As automotive OEMs intensify efforts to electrify vehicle drivetrains and enhance autonomous driving technologies, partnerships like Leapmotor and Ambarella signify the ongoing evolution towards safer, more intelligent transportation solutions. This collaboration underscores the industry’s commitment to advancing ADAS technology and paving the way for an autonomous future.