Leapmotor, a China-based electric vehicle manufacturer, and Ambarella, an American edge AI semiconductor company, have announced a strategic collaboration to enhance the intelligence of next-generation vehicles. The partnership aims to integrate Ambarella’s AI system-on-chip technology into Leapmotor’s electric vehicles, improving safety features and driving experience.
In a notable development in the realm of advanced intelligent driving technologies, Leapmotor, a China-based electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, and Ambarella, an American edge AI semiconductor company, have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing the intelligence of next-generation vehicles. The agreement, signed on June 11, 2024, aligns Leapmotor’s expertise in EV production with Ambarella’s capabilities in AI-powered system-on-chip (SoC) technology.
Under this new partnership, Leapmotor intends to integrate Ambarella’s CV3-AD family of automotive AI domain controller systems-on-chip (SoCs) into its upcoming passenger vehicles. The CV3-AD SoCs are noted for their high performance, low power consumption, and compliance with ASIL-B/D functional safety standards, making them suitable for advanced and secure driving applications.
By leveraging the CV3-AD technology, Leapmotor aims to improve environmental sensing and image processing capabilities in its vehicles, which includes the integration of data from LiDAR and millimeter-wave radar systems. This move is expected to enhance the safety features and overall driving experience of Leapmotor’s electric vehicles. The collaboration underscores Leapmotor’s commitment to providing advanced, affordable intelligent driving solutions to its customers.
During the signing ceremony, Leapmotor’s founder Jiangming Zhu expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting the company’s focus on technology-driven vehicle electrification. Zhu stated, “This strategic collaboration with Ambarella will significantly empower Leapmotor’s advanced intelligent driving solutions, potentially making our products leaders in the intelligent driving sector.”
Ambarella’s President, Fermi Wang, also commented on the alliance, noting the increasing need for high-performance, low-power AI solutions in the automotive industry. Wang said, “Our CV3-AD family of SoCs exemplifies strong AI performance and low power consumption, essential for enhancing the range and reducing battery costs of electric vehicles.”
The collaboration is poised to explore further possibilities in intelligent driving technologies, with both companies committed to addressing industry challenges and expanding their global market reach.
Leapmotor, founded in 2015, has made significant strides in the NEV (New Energy Vehicle) market. With independent research and development capabilities, Leapmotor has produced a range of electric vehicles, including the smart BEV T03, the C11 electric SUV, and the deluxe sedan C01. In 2023, Leapmotor introduced a “dual-model layout,” focusing on both battery electric and extended range models, contributing to the delivery of over 144,000 units that year.
Ambarella, on the other hand, is well established in providing semiconductors for human vision and edge AI applications. Their products are integral to areas such as video security, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and robotics, offering solutions that feature advanced image and radar processing alongside deep neural network capabilities.
This strategic agreement between Leapmotor and Ambarella highlights a growing trend in the automotive industry where collaborations between car manufacturers and tech companies are becoming essential to advancing vehicle intelligence and safety. As both companies further their cooperation, they aim to bring more sophisticated intelligent driving technologies to the global marketplace.
For further details on their respective operations and technological advancements, interested parties can visit Leapmotor’s and Ambarella’s official websites.