The future of cars: how car technology is changing
Think of the future. What comes to mind? Usually, one of the first things people visualise are flying cars. While we still may be a few years away from flying, cars are a big part of our lives, so it's no surprise that they’re one of the first things people associate with the future.
However, are developments like this necessary? What about the near future? What car will you drive to work in 20 years?
The evolution of car technology is a deep topic. As the world becomes more connected thanks to technology, where does that leave our cars? Can we trust technology to take over aspects of driving for us? Is human error necessary?
Questions like this aren't easy to answer, but thankfully, we don't have to worry about many of them yet. Car technology will only have a small impact on most drivers.
Here, we discuss the future of cars and transport, focusing on places where most drivers will experience the benefits.
What will cars be like in the future?
The future of car technology is exciting. However, you do end up questioning whether any of this technology will come to fruition.
While some car technology is a simple proof of concept, others will impact how we drive our cars. Driving won’t change all that much in the next 25 years. While it’s true that some changes are guided by consumer interests, the inherently fast pace at which technology is developed makes it inevitable for cars to become faster, smarter and safer.
Sure, we’ll still use a steering wheel, gearbox, pedals, and drive on roads, but the far-flung concepts of self-driving and flying cars will have micro, practical impacts on our day-to-day driving.
Autonomous driving (sort of)
No, you probably won’t have a fully self-driving car in 10 years. Sorry – the daily commute is still going to be there for you.
However, on the bright side, autonomous driving will take a bigger – although subtle - role in the next 20 years. Autonomous driving will be used to help with safety, assisting drivers with emergency braking and lessening the impact of blind spots.
Better, interconnected infotainment
Currently, infotainment is better than it was, but still has a way to go. For most drivers, it’s enough to charge their phone, play some music and display basic information about their car.
But what if it could do more?
With so much data available in modern cars, cars can present the most minute information to the driver at a moment’s notice. Alongside this, infotainment can support better entertainment, leading to an all-in-one solution that not only makes cars easier to drive but more fun to be in, too.
A real focus on safety
The key area all manufacturers want to improve in is safety.
As mentioned, autonomous integration will help with this, but expect improvements to the following, too:
- Seat belts
- Airbags
- Electronic safety
- Blindspot detection
- Driver assistance systems
- Better failsafe systems
Everyone wants cars to be safer, and integrating new technology always comes from a safety-first mindset. If car manufacturers can keep more drivers safe, then the future of car technology is heading in the right direction.
A change in attitude to fuel
Oil-based fuel anymore isn’t as desirable as it once was. Consumers are aware of the effects, and we’ve now seen enough environmental and geopolitical consequences to put us all off.
As such, modern cars will attempt to better support non-petroleum fuel options. The 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars will help with this but expect to see better support for biofuel, hydrogen and other alternative fuel, too.
What are some recent car technology advancements?
Modern cars have already used some of these “future” advancements. If you’ve purchased a recent model, the infotainment feels new, and the GPU, CPU, and AI integrations are the stuff of science-fiction.
New models, particularly electric cars, use Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to automate safe driving. For example, if you’re about to hit a vehicle or in a blind spot, this system assists driving and keeps you safe. It’s a refinement of reverse cameras from over a decade ago, automating the process without driver input. Automated emergency braking is another advancement that is popular in modern vehicles.
Nowadays, cars have pretty futuristic looking keys. Thanks to the integration of apps and touchless keys, driving has become easier. However, on the flip side, this has opened up the possibilities for nefarious activities such as car hacking – technology can solve problems, but it can cause new ones, too.
Infotainment has become more well-rounded, too. Instead of separate parts, we now have an all-in-one information and entertainment dashboard. Commonly, our phones connect to our dashboard, relaying information and providing intuitive features like wireless charging and hands-free calls.
There has been a decluttering of car infotainment, leading to a better, more user-friendly driving experience.
However, changes have occurred slowly, meaning the used car market is still alive and well. There are still good deals available from used car dealers, and you won’t miss too much of the above when choosing an older vehicle.
The future of car technology: fact, fiction or somewhere in between?
So, where is the future of car technology heading? Are most developments purely science-fiction?
If you want a good understanding of the future of cars, then just look at the features that are making their way into new cars. When tech and car companies show off flying cars and other grandiose developments, they likely won’t happen in the foreseeable future.
Instead, look at cars now. Better infotainment, better safety, improved sustainability and a more comfortable experience is where the innovation is. Nobody wants a drastic change – they want a vehicle they’re used to, just refined.
Future ready with MotoNovo
Although it’s hard to predict what the future holds for cars, there are thousands of futuristic looking cars to choose from in the current market. Need an upgrade? Make sure you’re prepared for your next vehicle venture by learning more on our blog. Stay informed with MotoNovo, today.
