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Nissan tests Wayve-powered assisted driving system for Japan launch in 2027

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Nissan Motor announced on Monday that it has begun testing a new driver-assistance system developed in partnership with UK startup Wayve, with a commercial launch in Japan planned for the 2027 financial year.

The system was recently demonstrated in Tokyo using Nissan Ariya electric vehicles, which showcased advanced collision avoidance features tailored for busy urban environments. Unlike highways, city driving poses unique challenges due to pedestrians, parked cars, and delivery traffic.

The prototype vehicles are equipped with a powerful sensor suite:

  • 11 cameras

  • 5 radars

  • 1 lidar sensor

This setup enables Level 2 autonomous driving, meaning the system can handle steering, acceleration, and braking, but requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and be ready to intervene.

Wayve, backed by SoftBank and Nvidia, specializes in AI-driven self-learning systems for autonomous driving and recently opened a testing and development centre in Japan.

Nissan has been gradually advancing its driver-assist technology since launching ProPilot in 2016, followed by an upgraded version in 2019 that focused on highway driving. The new collaboration with Wayve represents Nissan’s push to bring advanced autonomy into complex urban environments.

Xiaomi issues software update for 115,000 SU7 sedans over assisted driving risks

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China’s Xiaomi will roll out a software update affecting more than 115,000 SU7 electric sedans to fix potential safety issues linked to its assisted driving system, according to a recall notice from the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). The fix, delivered via over-the-air (OTA) update, marks the second time the model has been subject to recall protocols since its launch last year.

Regulators said the SU7’s Level 2 highway pilot system may not provide adequate early warnings or perform properly in extreme scenarios. The issue affects 116,887 standard SU7s manufactured between February 2024 and August 2025. Xiaomi confirmed the OTA update would be pushed out starting Friday.

China requires regulatory approval for OTA updates tied to autonomous driving, to ensure automakers cannot conceal defects or evade liability. The move comes as Beijing finalizes new safety rules for Level 2 automation, set to take effect in 2027. The draft standards were prompted in part by a fatal March accident involving a SU7 that caught fire after hitting a highway pole, just seconds after the driver disengaged the assistance system.

Level 2 automation allows the car to handle steering, acceleration, and braking, but still requires drivers to maintain constant attention. Analysts say China’s stricter oversight reflects both the growing popularity of advanced driver-assistance systems and heightened public concerns about road safety.

Panasonic targets breakthrough EV battery within two years

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Panasonic (6752.T) said it aims to develop a new type of higher-capacity battery in about two years, a potential game-changer for electric vehicles and a boost for key customer Tesla (TSLA.O).

The Japanese company is working on an anode-free design that could deliver what it calls a “world-leading level” of energy density by the end of 2027. If successful, the innovation would increase battery capacity by about 25%, extending the range of Tesla’s Model Y by nearly 90 miles (145 km) without enlarging the pack.

Alternatively, Panasonic could use the technology to create lighter, potentially cheaper batteries that maintain current driving ranges with smaller packs. A company executive discussed the project ahead of a Thursday presentation by Shoichiro Watanabe, chief technology officer at Panasonic Energy.

The design removes the anode during manufacturing. Instead, a lithium metal anode forms inside the cell after its first charge, freeing up space for more cathode materials—nickel, cobalt, and aluminum—that boost capacity without increasing size. Panasonic also aims to cut the proportion of costly nickel.

While several global battery producers are pursuing similar technology, Panasonic stressed its version could deliver industry-leading performance. The company declined to provide details on manufacturing costs or whether the advance would allow Tesla to lower vehicle prices.

The push comes as Tesla faces growing competition. Reuters reported earlier this month that Tesla’s U.S. market share fell to its lowest in almost eight years in August, pressured by a flood of rival EV offerings and its aging product lineup.