Pininfarina Battista Claims Worldwide Connectivity

Automobili Pininfarina’s Battista is claiming is claiming to be the world’s first BEV hypercar with worldwide connectivity.

The luxury automaker has teamed up with Deutsche Telekom to offer Battista drivers access to online services in more than 50 countries around the globe. Every car will receive an embedded SIM and roaming technology. These components enable Deutsche Telekom’s roaming partner network and roaming traffic steering logic enables the vehicle to search for the strongest network, ensuring owners don’t find themselves in communication blackspots even as they cross international borders.

Naturally, the connectivity system receives OTA updates for its onboard software. It is able to remotely update 26 individual electronic control modules in the Battista across functions covering the pure-electric powertrain, advanced safety and driving dynamics systems, vehicle control, infotainment as well as digital services. These software updates can be delivered via wifi when parked within range in the garage, or using the embedded SIM on the road.

The Battista claims to be faster than a current Formula 1 race car in its 0-62mph sprint time in under two seconds thanks to the equivalent of 1,900bhp and 1,696ft-lbs of torque. Its 120 kWh battery pack runs four electric motors – one at each wheel – with a simulated WLTP range of over 310 miles  on a single charge.

The digital concierge experience includes Smart Diagnostics technology, which monitors the vehicle to spot potential issues before they arise. If the system detects an issue that cannot be dealt with remotely by a software update, Pininfarina will dispatch one of its team of engineers to resolve the issue wherever the vehicle is in the world.

A smartphone app keeps owners connected to their Battista at all times, enabling customers to remotely lock and unlock the vehicle, view vehicle telemetry, check the state of charge and monitor the location. On the move, drivers can link their smartphone which will mirror key apps and functions within the vehicle.

Automobili Pininfarina chief oroduct and engineering officer, Paolo Dellacha, said: “All of these elements of connectivity contribute to our seamless Life on Board Concept. Everything from the driver-orientated user-experience to the convenience features such as the global roaming and OTA updates have been developed and engineered to bring heightened convenience to our luxury hyper GT.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_