Automotive Innovations To Watch Out For Now and Beyond

An estimated 45% of new cars worldwide could reach the third level of connectivity by 2030, according to Mckinsey & Company. Tech innovations have always been an essential part of the automobile revolution since the introduction of cars in the global market. However, in recent years, we have witnessed technological innovations that seemed futuristic decades ago.

Today’s cars are smarter, durable, comfortable, and safe. They communicate with each other, park themselves, and feature different vehicle safety technologies designed to keep all road users safe. Whether you are a car enthusiast or not, below are automotive innovations to watch out for now and beyond.

Self-driving vehicles aim to transform the face of the automotive industry by minimizing the need for human drivers. By using a host of different sensors, cameras, laser scanners, brake actuators, and an EPS motor, autonomous cars can drive themselves. There are many benefits linked to self-driving cars, including increased road safety, less traffic, and reduced emissions.

Although this technology is still in its infancy stage, some brands have started implementing it in their vehicles. For instance, Audi has developed a cruise control feature that implements self-driving using its stop and function feature. The cruise control system relies on approximately 30 sensors to provide information about the car’s surroundings. It also uses radars that enable the control system to drive cars.

The increasing concern about depleting fossil fuel resources and environmental pollution has been the key factor driving electric cars’ invention. And 2020 is projected to be the turning point for electric car innovation worldwide. Thanks to advancing battery technology, the next generation of electric cars will have a better driving range.

Newer models like Tesla’s Roadster will deliver a driving range of about 500 to 600 miles per single charge. So, next time you’re out shopping for an EV, consider looking for a higher driving range than the average 200 miles when comparing customer reviews on various car models. Expanding charging infrastructure is also set to revolutionize electric cars. The growing network of charging stations, including home charging, will reduce the time it takes to charge a vehicle. As a result, the cost of owning electric cars will reduce significantly.

Vehicle-to-everything or V2X is a new tech innovation that enables cars to communicate with each other and surrounding road infrastructures, such as traffic lights and signs. Like autonomous driving, vehicle connectivity comes with many perks. This innovation can help reduce road accidents, eliminate traffic jams, and improve efficiency. V2X allows the sharing of vehicle data in real-time, paving the way for safer roads. For instance, when your car receives signals from other cars or road infrastructure about road conditions, you can find an alternative route to avoid potential accidents. Keep in mind automobile connectivity does not help one road user only but ensures safety and efficiency for the entire mobility ecosystem.

Over the last decade, we have seen smart gadgets and cars begin to sync, enhancing the driving experience. The integration of smart devices and cars will soon move to the next level due to the- fast pace technology is advancing. The latest innovations between cars and smart gadgets have enabled auto manufacturers like Hyundai to pair up with the Android wearable app, allowing users to make commands through a smartwatch.

Ideally, you can start your vehicle’s engine remotely, lock car doors, and turn the headlights on and off from your smartwatch. Some modern automobiles come with pre-built integration apps, like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, that make the infotainment system look like your smartphone screen. These integration tools have proven to be valuable features for in-car entertainment and improving safety.

Increased vehicle connectivity has encouraged business models to shift their focus from conventional transportation to shared mobility. One of the benefits of shared mobility is it can reduce traffic congestion in urban cities. This recent phenomenon is changing the purpose of automobiles and expectations of car ownership. Adopting shared mobility creates room for mobility-as-a-service (MaaS). This system provides effective solutions for individuals and businesses to enjoy reliable transportation without investing in new vehicles. It is also paving the way for green transportation, which aims to reduce carbon emissions.

Shared mobility might be a new concept in the auto industry, but its popularity has increased rapidly, thanks to advances in technologies. Consumer demand for cheap transportation is also a key factor fueling the growth of shared mobility. As more people embrace ride-hailing apps like Lyft, Uber, and Bolt, we expect ride-sharing or car-pooling to go mainstream. Other trends in shared mobility you should watch out for include MaaS and data sharing, connectivity in ride-sharing, equity and accessibility, electric cars, and autonomous driving.

Decades ago, the thought of your car sending notifications to remind you it needed an oil change was too futuristic. Today, vehicles do more than track mileage and time. They notify drivers of potential problems they are about to encounter, from faulty brakes to a tailgate that’s almost burning out. With big data, AI, and IoT becoming indispensable parts of automobile development, predictive maintenance is transforming in ways we never thought possible.

Big data and other technologies are changing car maintenance by enabling over the air servicing. This new technique entails the use of software-over-the-air or SOTA. It allows car manufacturers to repair, maintain, and enhance automobile performance through remote software updates downloaded from the cloud. If this isn’t enough, next time, your tires might be changed by a robot. Technology is also improving the value of sensor data and sound acoustic. Using advanced data analytics, AI, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), mechanics can analyze car vibrations, identify their origin, and determine the maintenance services your vehicle needs.

The rate at which automobile technology is evolving is exciting. With auto manufacturers embracing new technologies like AI, biometrics, 5G networks, and IoT, cars have become smarter. Besides communicating with each other, today’s cars can park themselves, predict and prevent collisions, and even recommend maintenance services.