Electronic licence plates are not only the next big thing in vanity, but they also bring a whole array of benefits to the motor owner.
The patented plates, manufactured by Reviver, will not be available in South Africa in the foreseeable future, but at least four US states, including California and Texas, have given them the green light and a nationwide roll-out is in the pipeline.
The plates, which have been in development since 2009, are customisable, trackable and make renewing registrations an easier process using an app. They can be either battery powered or directly wired into your vehicle. In the US, they will set you back $19.95 (approximately R350) a month for a 48-month subscription or $215.40 (approximately R3 800) for a four-year plan.
The cloud-connected vehicle platform can also authorise law-enforcement to disable the vehicle once the owner reports the vehicle stolen.
The plates contain internal components that include a processor that stores vehicle information. It also has speed- and light-detection sensors, and an ignition disrupter that disables ignition when the vehicle is locked. Each of the hardware components is said to be tamper-proof.
The displays are made from e-ink or electronic paper and instead of emitting light, the e-paper display (EPD) reflects light and can be read under direct sunlight.
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Changan is throwing its hat in the ring of highly contested mid-sized SUV market in South Africa with the arrival of the Changan UNI-S soon.
In a stark reminder of the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home may soon return on a wider scale as governments and organisations look for ways to curb fuel consumption amid a global oil supply shock.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
South Africa’s Eastern Cape automotive hub is entering a precarious period as infrastructure failures, policy drift and external trade shocks converge to undermine confidence across major plants and supply chains.
In a stark reminder of the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home may soon return on a wider scale as governments and organisations look for ways to curb fuel consumption amid a global oil supply shock.
Many forward-thinking individuals propose that autonomous vehicles will improve road safety as problematic driver behaviour, which contributes to 90% plus crashes, will be eliminated. A recent incident may cause some to doubt this, however.
