The cars of the future

Connectivity and technology are constantly evolving to make life simpler. In the automotive industry, innovations are constantly being developed to make driving safer and more pleasurable. From parking sensors to cruise control, most modern vehicles are equipped with the latest technology. However, the trend towards developing autonomous vehicles means that the future could show even more drastic changes in the vehicles we drive.

We expect our cars to do more than simply take us from A to B. Whilst we are driving, we want to play music, call our friends and use apps. The Bluetooth technology that most modern vehicles are equipped with enables us to do all of this.

Technology is also being utilised to make driving safer. An example of this is SIM cards in vehicles which allow them to have SOS buttons for emergencies. In addition, technology is being introduced to reduce the likelihood of experiencing vehicle emergencies.

Gadgets and technology

Vehicle manufacturers are also investing in technology which improves the driving experience. An example of this is keyless vehicles. This would allow drivers to access and drive their vehicles with just their fingerprint. They are also introducing biometric elements to vehicles which enable drivers to personalise their experience. Vehicle tracking is another area in which extensive research is being undertaken. This allows for full tracking of driver behaviour and, when agreed to, can reduce car insurance rates with certain companies.

The latest technology that many modern cars are equipped with is not only making driving more convenient but also safer. Parking sensors and reversing cameras can help drivers to safely reverse and be more aware of their surroundings. Another feature that has been developed to help with tricky manoevures is automatic parking. This technology has been around for a while and allows drivers to let the car park itself with the only input from them being braking when necessary.

The future of automotive technology is constantly evolving. With companies such as Tesla and even mainstream vehicle manufacturers consistently innovating. The cars of the future and the way we drive them could dramatically change in the years to come.

5G connectivity

Automotive tecnology companies, such as Continental, are working to increase the technology available in modern cars. This technology will shape the future of the vehicles we drive and how we drive them.

One of the key areas of innovation being focused on is 5G mobile communication technology. Working with Vodafone, Continental are looking to make data transmission up to 30 times faster than is possible currently.

Volvo are currently working on technological advancement in the area of car to car communications. Their Car 2 Car communication technology enables vehicles to interact with each other and their environment. This communication opens up safety benefits as information shared between vehicles can alert drivers to potential hazards earlier. With more warning, drivers can then adapt to the traffic conditions that they may be experiencing. Continental are also looking to innovate in this area with their ContiSense technology which helps to alert drivers of potentially dangerous road conditions.

Hybrid and electric cars

Most major car manufacturers are investing in hybrid and eleectric technology to make their vehicles more environmentally friendly. However, the infrastructure for electric vehicles isn’t fully set up. Although the number of electric cars in Britain has grown rapidly, the implementation of charging points has been slow to progress. For this reason, 75 per cent of electric vehicle drivers have admitted to charging their vehicle from the mains at home.

The charity Electrical Safety First are trying to put pressure on the government to invest in charging points. This will enable peope to charge their vehicles safely and help the government to reach its aim for all cars to produce zero emissions by 2040. The increase in the number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the roads shows that demand is there. It is important for the government to match this demand with investment in facilities for these vehicle to make them safe and convenient to drive.

In Germany earlier this month, the government invested in the Autobahn to enable it to charge electric trucks. The cables underneath the motorway allow electric trucks to charge up whilst driving. This enables good to be transported in a more environmentally friendly way at no less convenience to the truck driver. This section is being viewed as a test to see whether the cables should be expanded to the rest of the motorway.

Autonomous vehicles

While fully autonomous vehicles may seem far off, at Tesla’s ‘autonomy day’ last month, Elon Musk set out his vision for the vehicles of the future. By 2020, he believes that Tesla’s autonomous system will have improved enough so that drivers don’t have to pay attention to the road. However, although most vehicles today offer driver assistance with features such as cruise control and lane assistance, the driver still ultimately has to pay attention to the roads and driving environment.

Autonomous vehicles and the technology used can make driving safer. Tesla’s integrated dash cam enabled a Tesla driver who was the victim of a hit and run to identify the culprit. The onboard camera system automatically begins recording driving activities so that incidents such as this can be investigated. Semi autonomous technology, such as automatic emergency braking can also help to reduce accidents. The technology behind the vehicles is consistently being updated and tested to ensure that it provides a safe driving experience.