With more mainstream automobile manufacturers making the switch to electric vehicles, it’s clear that the reign of internal combustion engine vehicles is coming to an end to pave way for the more eco-friendly electric vehicles. Timeline projections differ, but many auto executives and analysts believe that electric vehicles will begin to outsell conventional vehicles by 2030 in developed countries. As exciting as that sounds, the rise of electric cars is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to new vehicle technologies. Thanks to efforts by renowned vehicle manufacturers, there are various new technologies that are expected to redefine the automotive industry and reshape the driving experience in the 2020-2030 decade.
Self-Driving Cars
Not too long ago, the concept of self-driving vehicles was one that you’d only see in movies. Now, many new vehicles come with autonomous driving features, from the less complicated ones like being able to stay within lanes or adaptive cruise control, to the more jaw-dropping ones like cars being able to park themselves with no human help. Although there’s still no consensus on when fully autonomous cars will be ready for market, leading car manufacturers like Tesla and tech companies like Google and Amazon are hard at work developing various technologies aimed at making driverless cars the norm by the end of the decade.
Improved Safety Technology
One of the factors that heavily impacts the dependability ratings of different vehicles is the safety features they come with. The aim of most auto manufacturers is to take most of the load off drivers when it comes to safety by making cars that can predict danger and prevent crashes on their own. For example, Nissan is developing brain-wave technology to predict and execute driver intentions. This could come in handy in situations that require quick decisions to be made, such as when to brake or swerve to avoid a crash. Augmented reality dashboards are also expected to take over in the next decade. These features project information like turn-by-turn directions and speed onto the windshield directly in the driver’s field of view, so they won’t have to take their eyes off the road.
After decades of vehicle technology that evolved only marginally since the mid 20th century, we are now seeing a fast shift that can be compared to the early days of the industry. The automotive industry is entering one of the most important technological transitions that will make cars easier, safer, and a lot more fun to drive.
