At CES 2024, electronics giant Samsung announced that it is collaborating with Tesla and Hyundai to further expand its SmartThings platform’s functionality. This will see the platform connecting with the carmakers’ products.
First of all, Samsung has established a service integration with Tesla, which will connect SmartThings Energy to Tesla products, thanks to Tesla’s open APIs. This includes Powerwall home battery, Solar Inverter, Wall Connector charging solutions, and electric vehicles (EVs).
The key consumer benefit of Samsung’s collaboration with Tesla is that it doesn’t only allow SmartThings Energy to connect to the above-mentioned Tesla products, but also to sync with the Tesla app’s Powerwall “Storm Watch” function.
This means that in the case of extreme weather events such as typhoons and heavy snowfall, users can be alerted through SmartThings on their connected Samsung TVs and smartphones in addition to the Tesla app. Users can also activate AI Energy Mode before and during power outages to extend the remaining backup energy stored in the Tesla Powerwall.
RELATED: Gallery: 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD, from RM189k – Best value-for-money EV?
Samsung has also announced its collaboration with Hyundai to expand its SmartThings platform to support the carmaker’s connected cars, including electric vehicles (EVs).
The announcement came after the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 3 to develop solutions for future lifestyles that fully integrate the smart home and connected cars.
Samsung and Hyundai will work together for the next-generation smart home to connect Samsung’s SmartThings with Hyundai and Kia’s connected cars, including their EVs. This is done to develop the “Home-to-Car” and “Car-to-Home” services, as well as integrated home energy management service.
The Home-to-Car and Car-to-Home services will connect the smart home with in-vehicle infotainment systems, allowing for remote control in both directions.
Users will be able to perform a variety of actions through the SmartThings platform pertaining to their cars while at home. This includes starting the cars, controlling the smart air conditioning, opening and closing the windows, and checking their charging status. And from cars, the control of home appliances such as TVs, air conditioners and EV chargers will also be possible.
The users will also be able to adjust their environments with SmartThings by simultaneously operating multiple devices, including vehicles, through routines such as “good morning routine” and “arriving home routine”.
For example, when a Samsung Galaxy smartphone’s morning alarm goes off, the curtains will automatically open, and the lights and television will turn on. When users are ready to leave for work, the user’s car will adjust itself to an ideal temperature. Additionally, the smartphone and TV screens will display information such as the EV’s remaining battery and driving range.
The integrated home energy management service will allow users to monitor how much energy is consumed by the connected devices in their homes. Energy information on their EVs and chargers will also be available.
EVs connected to the integrated home energy management service offer the possibility of automatically setting the optimal time for charging by factoring in different pricing by the time of day, the power demand response (DR) program, photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage system (ESS) data, and time-specific carbon emissions.
To further strengthen Car-to-Home services, Samsung is working closely with Harman, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics. Harman’s “Ready Upgrade” is a digital cockpit package product that allows hardware and software upgrades. With Ready Upgrade users will be able to install SmartThings functions to utilize various Car-to-Home services.
RELATED: Gallery: 2023 Kia Niro EV, RM259k – 460km range, 80kW DC charging
