Gone are the days when the biggest hurdle in converting cars from left- to right-hand drive was merely shifting the mechanical elements like the steering box. Now, there’s a new tech feature in cars that’s proving to be a bit of a roadblock – the screen.
The Screen Challenge
According to Lauren Indiveri-Clarke, Communications Director for GM International, the screen is a significant factor when it comes to left- and right-hand drive conversions for EVs (Electric Vehicles). The screen’s placement is especially crucial.
Interestingly, this is not just a problem for EVs. The screen has also become an obstacle in converting traditional, combustion engine vehicles to right-hand drive.
For instance, the GMC Yukon is chosen over the Tahoe for the Australian market because the screen in the Yukon can be remanufactured to fit a right-hand drive, while the Tahoe’s screen cannot.
Screen-Driven Decisions
When it comes to deciding which vehicles to bring to markets with right-hand drive, such as the UK, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, the screen plays a significant role.
However, having a large screen does not automatically disqualify a vehicle from being considered for these markets. Each program is evaluated on its own merits, with discussions about the potential for right-hand drive conversions taking place at the outset.
The Bright Side for EVs
Kevin Cansiani, lead development engineer for the Cadillac Lyriq, points out that it is relatively easier to switch the steering wheel side on EVs compared to traditional vehicles. This is largely due to their design and construction.
According to Cansiani, vehicles that are similar in design and platform to the Lyriq, such as the Cadillac Optiq and Vistiq, can support both left- and right-hand drive.
Interior Remodeling
To convert these vehicles for right-hand drive, substantial changes need to be made to the interior. The dash needs to be redesigned, and the controls reassigned to correctly inform the body controller about driver and passenger inputs.
Other elements, such as the brake fluid reservoir, also need to be moved to align with the brake pedal’s new position. Furthermore, the acoustics need to be redesigned to accommodate the movement of various components.
A Symmetrical Solution
For vehicles like the Lyriq, which were planned to be offered in both left- and right-hand drive from the outset, the screen’s design plays a significant role.
Cansiani explains that the beveled design of the Lyriq’s screen is symmetric, making it easier to adapt for right-hand drive. The content on the screen simply needs to be flipped.
As technology continues to evolve and becomes more integrated into our vehicles, it’s clear that manufacturers will need to consider these elements right from the design stage, especially if they plan to sell their cars in markets that require different driving orientations.
With the rise in popularity of EVs and high-tech vehicles, it will be interesting to see how manufacturers like GM navigate these challenges in the future.
