4 Technologies That Will Impact Driving in the Future
The automobile industry is breaking boundaries with emerging technologies. While a lot of innovations have already revolutionised modern cars, the world still expects more high-tech vehicles to be launched in the not too distant future. Every small technological improvement is paving the way for the exciting future that awaits the next generation of vehicles. Here are the top technological innovations that are poised to transform the car-manufacturing industry and to drive as a whole.
1. Autonomous (self-driving) cars
The idea of driverless cars is not science fiction – it’s a reality that can be seen even in today’s world. This possibility has been fostered by the invention of smarter sensors, laser technology, digital cameras, and radar. Google has been spearheading the autonomous vehicle efforts for some time now. Thankfully, Google is not alone. More automakers such as Nissan and Tesla are joining the race to self-driving cars.
In the US, states such as California and Nevada, legislators have enacted laws to allow the testing of driverless cars on the road. The driverless cars of today are actually semi-driverless — there is always a standby driver to override the automatic driving mode in cases of emergency. Unfortunately, the transition to self-driving cars has faced catastrophic setbacks. For example, in 2018, Uber’s self-driving car knocked down and killed a woman in Arizona. This happened because the software failed to recognise the pedestrian. In the coming years, technological advancements will see driverless cars take full control of the steering wheel while drivers take their breaks. Cutting edge technology will allow automatic driving cars to avoid collisions, control cruise, park safely and follow routes. Car owners can use different policy options to cover their electric cars for extra protection.
2. High-range electric vehicles
At the moment, electric vehicles are available for sale. But they are more expensive than hybrid and gasoline-powered vehicles. The huge price tags on electric vehicles are as a result of battery costs. Until Li-ion battery prices are affordable, electric vehicles will continue to cost several thousands of dollars.
Fortunately, some researchers have taken the challenge of searching for substitute materials, and ways to improve the efficiency of Li-ion batteries. When this dream is accomplished, electric vehicles will cost less. Elon Musk and his Tesla auto company, are building charging stations across the United States. The Tesla Model S electric vehicle is one of the popular sustainable luxury vehicles which owe its existence to advanced technology.
3. Flying cars
Believe it or not, the concept of flying cars is not a modern-day invention. It’s an old idea that goes back to 1917 when a hopping car known as the Curtiss Autoplane took the automobile industry by storm. Since then, sci-fi and fantasy movies have been popularising flying cars. Although they are yet to take off from the driveways, companies like Terrafugia have demonstrated the possibility that a helicopter-car combo may just be a few years away.
4. AR-enabled dashboards
Car dashboards will also change with time as technology speeds up. Augmented reality (AR) promises to bring interactive dashboard screens to capture scenes from the external environment. All in all, this will improve the comfort and riding experience of vehicle occupants.
Indeed, as long as technology advances, the future looks bright for the automobile industry.
