Technology is advancing at a scarily fast pace and many things we only imagined in movies or books a few years ago, are now a reality. Of course, changes don’t happen at the same pace in all the industries, but the automotive industry is among the ones that want to bring the future just one step closer.
So, if you’re looking forward to driving the car of tomorrow, here are some of the technologies that may be available sooner than we thought.
#1: Self-driving Cars
A world where we no longer have to learn how to drive or deal with the stress of traffic? We’ve been dreaming about this since the 1920s when the first concept of such a car was designed! The cool thing is that we are only a couple of years away from actually being able to summon a self-driving vehicle whenever we need it.
We’re also looking at lighter traffic, more space for pedestrians, and less air pollution since these modern cars will work on electricity. Big automotive companies (and tech ones) have working cars with self-driving systems that reach level 3. These models are currently being tested, but we expect to see them working at full capacity by 2020 or 2021!
#2: Vehicles that
Talk to Each Other
Right now, the most advanced way of “talking” a vehicle can use is a personalized plate (you can learn more about this on AbsoltueReg.co.uk). However, a new type of plate is in work as we speak; this is an electronic device equipped with communication possibilities and an LCD display that can provide all sorts of information about the car.
These electronic plates will be able to tell bystanders that your license is expired or that the vehicle doesn’t have insurance. It will also be able to communicate with authorities and ask for renewals, apply for various permits, and save the driver some annoying trips.
Finally, using these plates, cars will be able to talk to each other and let the driver know about traffic jams, accidents, or any other problems.
#3: Augmented Reality in the Car
Augmented reality (or AR) is a fantastic technology that allows us to build on the existing world. So, in a car, this tech can transform the dashboard and windows into interactive displays that showcase important information.
For instance, the driver could see text messages on the windshield or could see navigation details directly on the dashboard or windshield. Also, passengers could have a lot of fun using AR to learn about the places they explore while in the car.
#4: Airbags that Prevent Accidents
Modern cars come with all sorts of mechanisms that help the car prepare for a collision situation. The main purpose is to protect the driver and the passengers, and automakers manage to do this using airbags.
Nowadays, a car will have airbags in places you didn’t even know, but Mercedes is working on airbags that will deploy under the car in order to stop it from actually entering a collision (or at least slow it down).
The idea is to have these airbags deploy when sensors detect an inevitable impact. The bags will be coated with a special friction surface that will adhere to the road and work with the braking system to stop before hitting the obstacle. Furthermore, these will lift the vehicle, which increases the passengers’ chances of survival.
#5: Energy Stored in the Body
While fully electric cars may not be feasible for the whole world, many people would love to drive a hybrid to save money on gas and help protect the environment. However, the energy has to be stored in batteries, which are heavy, bulky, and only work at optimum capacity for a few years.
So, to avoid this hassle, producers are working on materials that can store the generated energy without the use of batteries. These materials will be used as body panels, making the car lighter, more resistant to impact, and energy-efficient.
Right now, carmakers in Europe and US work with polymer fiber and carbon resin to create new body panels and it won’t be long before the idea of hybrid cars will be improved. Of course, some producers think one step ahead and work on materials that will capture solar energy, for a more green driving experience.
