Powerful coils installed underground will be ready to supply energy to vehicles via high-powered magnetic resonance or inductive charging. Parking to go shopping could provide an opportunity for the vehicle to recharge without the driver having to think about it, while smart grids could work in conjunction with the vehicle's intelligence to balance energy distribution where needed.
The need to wait for cars to recharge could also be eliminated, as cars could recharge their batteries while driving. Highways could be equipped with charging stations, so driving long distances wouldn't be an obstacle and it wouldn't be necessary to plan trips around battery charging stops.
Zero-emission driving will remain a goal in the future until all cars on the road are electric and give the environment a chance to breathe.
Happier environments with hydrogen fuel cells and sustainable interiors.
On-site electrolyzers that produce green hydrogen directly from water could greatly facilitate access to emission-free driving. Hydrogen pipelines could also become widespread in the future to transport and supply hydrogen over long distances, thus increasing its distribution. The potential range of fuel cell vehicles, up to 1,000 km, could also be revolutionary in extending driving periods without refueling, although one day the use of hydrogen cartridges could be envisioned instead of having to search for a hydrogen pump.
Cleaner air to breathe in cities and a reduction in global transport emissions are two key benefits of zero-emission driving. The growing focus on sustainability, driven by advances in electric and fuel cell vehicles, presents a future of driving that is far more environmentally friendly and beneficial for the planet.
Car seats made from mushrooms and microbes could also become the latest trend in the spirit of growing sustainability, mimicking the feel, look, and quality of regular leather but being much better for the environment. Upgrading the aesthetics of car interiors for more enjoyable long journeys could therefore be done guilt-free, thanks to more environmentally friendly approaches.
More user-friendly vehicles:
You'll be able to order a coffee on your way to work from your car, quickly and easily. Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) will allow passengers to interact with vehicles on a personal level, including the integration of AI as a digital assistant to facilitate biometric authentication for payments.
The AI assistant can also create individual profiles to memorize seat positions, climate control preferences, favorite radio stations, and preferred dashboard colors, instantly transforming driving into a personalized and enjoyable experience. The AI assistant will also be able to communicate with drivers when their car needs servicing and will direct them to the nearest workshop along their preferred route, ensuring car maintenance is a hassle-free experience.
In-car connectivity will allow for over-the-air updates overnight, so the vehicle is ready for the morning commute. Connected car technology will also be a possibility, providing accurate and up-to-date driving maps as vehicles share information about collisions and traffic jams.
Robotic Service Stations:
Taking your car to the garage could one day become an entertaining spectacle of robots at work, with collaborative robots programmed to assemble dashboard components and even perform technical inspections. Their ease of programming and flexibility could also allow them to weld and bolt automotive parts, or simply clean the car.
Advances in Autonomy and Drivers That Don't Drive:
Cars that drive themselves after dropping off passengers at their destination could become a new reality thanks to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS). Vehicles could then return in a matter of minutes after being summoned, just like a chauffeur, demonstrating the ease of movement that advances in automotive technology can bring. Cars will be able to navigate on their own, knowing the streets like the back of their hand thanks to their interconnectivity capabilities, and driving on the road will seem synchronized and seamless.
For drivers who choose to remain behind the wheel, the windshield could become a holographic display highlighting hard-to-see pedestrians or speed limits. As head-up displays become more advanced in line with increasing levels of vehicle autonomy, drivers can choose the extent to which they want to be involved in the driving experience. Taking the wheel for enjoyment and then stepping aside to take a work call while commuting could be done at the driver's discretion.
Rearview cameras:
Car radar systems contribute significantly to the development of autonomous driving, as they can keep vehicles under control and prevent problems while passengers enjoy the ride. Side radars have many functions, including blind spot detection and lane change assistance, ensuring that no vehicle approaches from behind or the sides.
Reversing out of tight parking spaces could also make a hasty exit less tiring, as side radars can detect people or objects in the vicinity.
Automatic emergency braking is another important feature of autonomous driving, using front and side radars to detect pedestrians before the car completes a turn. This application demonstrates how different radars work together to achieve a common goal, providing information to the vehicle, which can then communicate it back to the driver.
Safety through sensors in the passenger compartment
Falling asleep at the wheel will no longer be a cause for concern, as Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS), which detect driver drowsiness, are expected to become mandatory in all new vehicles from 2026. Occupant Monitoring Systems (OMS) could also monitor passengers' vital signs, such as heart rate and breathing, or issue an alert if a child is suspected of being left unattended in the car. Both DMS and OMS will maximize safety in vehicles, making long journeys less stressful and giving parents greater peace of mind with young children in the back seat on hot days.
Detecting phone use, seatbelt use, and driver attention are some of the possibilities offered by infrared technology inside the vehicle. Near-infrared systems can operate in darkness, emitting their own light source to function, and can even measure the driver's alertness through sunglasses, so other passengers can relax knowing the driver is being monitored.
Visit IDTechEx's report, "Automotive Technologies of the Future 2024-2034: Applications, Megatrends and Forecasts," and the Electric Vehicles and Robotics and Autonomy market research portfolios for more details on the booming trends within the future of automotive.
