The automotive industry has always shown instant adaptability to emerging technologies. Since Henry Ford manufactured the first affordable car in the early 20th century, tech has redefined how cars produce and operated. It’s already begun replacing gas-fed engines and internal combustion engines. Electric, hybrid as well as solar energy sources are now powering vehicles. Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are bringing a dramatic change in the way we drive cars which compels us to wonder whether we will be driving at all in the future as “autonomous technology” starts to take direct control of driving. Cars today are increasingly becoming large-sized smart devices with highly advanced braking equipment, mapping technology, and optimum fuel efficiency.
Considering the rapid pace of developments and instant flexibility of the industry, we can state that cars of the future will be more connected and digital as the user hands over the control to an onboard navigation system. Therefore, it is crucial for people to realize that it is not the regular automotive technology that makes the engine more efficient but rather it is the machine learning algorithms and interactive mechanisms that make the drive easier. This realization will help them prepare for the future and brace up for some major changes.
Following are four groundbreaking technologies that you can expect very soon in the automotive industry:
1. Auto-Pilot Driving
Self-driving is a feature of the automotive industry that people will refuse to accept. Since their inception, vehicles have needed a human to drive, and the concept that they can work on their own is indeed one that fascinates people. However, it is also true that there are already some startups operating in Silicon Valley that are investing in the process of self-driving trucks.
Similarly, projects by Uber and Google for new self-driven cars are also popular. Google confidently asserts that computers can be a better drivers than human beings. Even though truly self-driven cars seem to be far off in the future, auto-pilot is already in use. There are some recent models by Tesla, Toyota, and Lexus that meld with the auto-pilot features. Cars can now park themselves in parallel, relieving the stress of driving. Thus it seems that driving will never be the same again as the technology of auto-pilot is expected to become even more sophisticated.
Each new Tesla vehicle comes standard with eight external cameras and powerful vision processing to add an extra layer of security. Instead of radar, all vehicles built for the North American market now use our camera-based Tesla Vision to deliver Autopilot features.
2. Electric Cars
Electric vehicle (EV) sales more than doubled over the previous year in 2021, reaching a new high of 6.6 million. More than that, many will be sold each week in 2021. In 2021, electric vehicles will account for nearly 10% of global vehicle sales, nearly four times the market share in 2019. And there is little doubt as to whether this trend will ever slow down. Besides all other advantages, this is also a part of the fuel efficiency movement, and a single charge can take you hundreds of miles. Earlier this year, Ola announced the launch of its first electric car. The company says the car will arrive in 2024, and it will have a range of 500 km.
Soon enough, the drivers will start looking for a place to plug in rather than a gas station. It is because the population is increasingly inclined towards electric cars rather than following the notion that we want any car that helps commute.” The public is more aware and concerned for the future of Mother Earth. On top of that, electric vehicles are becoming more affordable as popular names like Hyundai and Toyota are selling cars that fall under the $30 000 mark. Meanwhile, in the USA, around 20% to 25% of vehicle sales will be electric by 2030.
Given all the features of electric cars, such as low pollution, increased fuel efficiency, and smooth commute, it is apt to state that electric vehicles are changing the face of the automotive industry.
3. Sensitive Safety Features
The most important feature of these technologies is that they make driving safe. The apps and connectivity make the rides increasingly secure for the drivers. There are some general technologies and some specific ones that are designed by car companies for their models only. Let’s take the example of City Safety Technology, which was created by Volvo. It uses optical radar to measure the exact speed and distance of the objects in front. It immediately brakes the car when it suspects the possibility of collision. Such sensitive safety features will progress even further in the future. Once fully adopted, accidents should see a significant dip. Truck accident lawyers may witness some rapid evolution in their jobs.
4. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is a safety system that can detect when a potential collision is about to occur and responds by autonomously activating the brakes to slow or stop a vehicle to avoid a collision. The AEB driver assistance system is powered by a network of radar sensors installed on the front grille, bumpers, or windshield. Some systems rely on cameras as well, and some advanced systems combine radar sensors and cameras. Initially, radar sensors and cameras were used to enable the Adaptive Cruise Control feature, and AEB uses the same set of equipment.
According to leading safety experts, including Thatcham Research, AEB is one of the most significant road safety advances in recent years. In fact, they believe it is just as important as the implementation of seat belts. Thatcham estimates that AEB could save 1100 lives and 122,860 casualties in the UK over the next ten years.
Conclusion
Despite all the developments so far, manufacturers have a long way to go before all these technologies are fully functional. It is true that as technology becomes accurate and easy to use, driving will improve for the better, but acceptance on a global level might take years! Nonetheless, it is also a fact that globalization is increasing the awareness of people, and they may take a plunge into new automotive developments if they find it feasible enough. The bottom line is the rise of technology is constantly reshaping driving patterns, and the field is accepting each change with zero resistance leading us to believe that the overall picture of the industry will change within a few years.