Quanergy Readies Solid-State Lidar Technology

Sunnyvale, Calif-based Quanergy Systems Inc. plans to begin producing its new light-detection and ranging solid-state (lidar) system in the third quarter of 2016 and expects 100,000 vehicles globally to be equipped with it by 2019.

The start-up company has said that four of the solid-state units can be used to provide 360˚ sensing capability for self-driving vehicle systems for less than $1,000. Current lidar systems, which use individual laser emitters that spin or are swept across a field of vision, can cost 10 to 50 times that amount. Google and others use that type of lidar on prototype self-driving cars.

Teamed with cameras and traditional radar systems, lidar will help next-generation self-driving cars identify, track and avoid a variety of objects in all directions. Solid-state units use tiny mirrors on an integrated circuit. The design is less expensive and more reliable because it has no moving parts, according to Quanergy. It also works in all weather conditions, including heavy snow, rain and fog.  

Quanergy says it has manufacturing partnerships with six companies, including part-owner Delphi Automotive plc. It plans to demonstrate the technology on three concept vehicles—two unnamed Mercedes-Benz models and a Volvo XC90—in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company also is working with Hyundai-Kia and Renault-Nissan on the technology.

Delphi bought an undisclosed stake in Quanergy in July.