technology cars vehicles automotive electric vehicle industry

The Future of Technology in the Automotive Industry# The Future of Technology in the Automotive IndustryMuch like cell phones are now capable of doing more than making calls, carscan do much more than drive and park. In recent years, the automotive industryhas worked hand-in-hand with major technology companies in order to deliverthe most advanced, safest and most comfortable vehicles out there. Cars arebecoming large smart devices with advanced emergency braking capabilities,mapping technology for autonomous driving, better fuel efficiency and cars asa service as a form of transportation.There are no shortages of ways in which cars are improving the lives ofdrivers and other vehicles around them in terms of safety, getting from pointA to point B with less of a hassle and entertaining us throughout the process.In the coming years, the automotive industry is expected to progress evenfurther, taking us one step closer to more connected and digitizedenvironment. The app Blinker is one such technological advancement that isgiving control back to consumers, allowing them to buy, sell and finance carsall on their smartphone.Here are four of the most groundbreaking technologies you can look forward toin the automotive industry in the near future.1) More Fuel-Efficient RidesTesla is at the forefront of the fuel-efficiency movement, releasing a slew ofelectric and hybrid vehicles that can take you for hundreds of miles with asingle charge. In 2016, more than 2 million electric vehicles were soldworldwide and this figure is expected to rise in the near future as moreautomotive manufacturers implement electric vehicle technology to their fold.Companies such as VW and General Motors have recently unveiled electric carsto their fleet, while Volvo said that all of the engines they produce will beequipped with an electric motor by 2019.Electric vehicles are also becoming more affordable, with companies such asHyundai, Kia and Toyota unveiling hybrid cars under the $30,000 mark,suggesting that investing in fuel efficiency may soon be widely adopted aroundthe globe. In the U.S., 20% to 25% of all vehicle sales are expected to beelectric by 2030, while this figure is expected to reach up to 35% in China.2) Predictive Vehicle TechnologyArtificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have an important rolein the future of the automotive industry as predictive capabilities arebecoming more prevalent in cars, personalizing the driving experience. Moremanufacturers are applying algorithms that use data to automate the process ofsetting up a vehicle, including a car’s infotainment system and itsapplication preferences. Vehicles are becoming IoT devices which can connectto smartphones and take voice commands, changing the user interface.Predictive vehicle technology can also be used in the form of sensors within acar that informs the owner whether or not the vehicle needs service from amechanic. Depending on your car’s mileage and condition, the technology willbe able to estimate its performance, set up appointments in real time andinform users of any safety hazards linked with a malfunctioning car due tocompany recalls.3) Self-Driving TechnologyMuch has been made of autonomous driving technology, and while some companieshave been testing their self-driving functionalities on open roads, we’restill quite a ways away from widely adopting these cars. A number of carsalready have semi-autonomous capabilities in the form of driver-assistedtechnologies. These include automatic-braking sensors, motorway lane sensors,mapping technology that monitors blind spots, cameras in the back and front ofa car, adaptive cruise control and self-parking capabilities.Google recently revealed the self-driving pod Waymo, while Local Motorsreleased a fully-autonomous vehicle as well. Ford hopes to have a self-drivingvehicle on the roads by 2021.4) Cars-as-a-Service (CaaS)Cars-as-a-service (CaaS) refers to an upcoming car rental service that allowscity drivers to engage in a ride-sharing service. Smart device owners can haila car with driverless technology through an app, which picks them up for theirtransportation or delivery needs. The great thing about the technology is thatno driver’s license is needed to access one of these vehicles, serving as adriverless Uber.IHS Automotive predicts that driverless CaaS are on the horizon, expected toroll out before 2025. Such a technology could help to reduce mobility servicescosts, while also offering a safer alternative to a human driver.The bottom line…Some of the greatest minds in the tech industry have joined forces withautomotive companies in order to improve the way our vehicles operate thesedays. The rise of electric vehicle technology is helping to reduce carbonemissions without breaking the bank as more companies are designing cars withelectric motors.Big data and AI are playing an essential role in the customization of vehiclesas well, notifying car owners of when their vehicles need maintenance. Plus,the rise of self-driving vehicles and the potential of CaaS as a mobilityservice will save consumers greatly, while also increasing their safety.