What do you need to know about the future cars?

In recent years, there are many changes that have been happening in the world of the car industry. From the introduction of wireless charging to the latest drone taxi service, it’s clear that we have entered an age where cars will become more autonomous and smarter than ever before. However, along with these exciting possibilities, there are also many challenges ahead in order to make these new vehicles achieve their full potential. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most important car trends that can shape the future of our daily commute in just a few years time. ###

Are we going to see flying cars anytime soon?

We’re still waiting for that scene from Blade Runner, but there are companies like Terrafugia and Aeromobil who are working on it. Unfortunately, these cars won’t be available until at least 2017. The problem is that with aviation laws, all of these new models will require an airworthiness certificate before they can take off in your driveway. That means a comprehensive series of tests to see if flying around your neighborhood will make you crash into something or someone else flying around in their own car. You also have to get a pilot’s license. But don’t worry: You can start practicing now by playing Flight Simulator X. Oh, and forget road trips—these cars only fly under 200 mph. So enjoy looking out at what’s going on below you as you soar over cities. Maybe buy some binoculars? They could come in handy for spotting other pedestrians walking down the streets below. And since most people aren’t very comfortable with heights, a parachute might come in handy too.

Batteries are going to power up your next car

More powerful and with a longer range than today’s lithium-ion batteries, next-generation batteries will power electric vehicles and help them recharge much faster. In fact, experts predict that we’ll see up to a 10-fold increase in power density (i.e., more power per unit of volume). Another change coming soon is an increase in the number of electric motors (in both hybrid and fully electric vehicles), which will result in more torque—and better performance. And while there are plenty of exciting developments on the battery front, fuel cells may play a role as well. Fuel cells use hydrogen to generate electricity through chemical reactions; they don’t require fossil fuels like gasoline or diesel and are considered zero-emission vehicles because only water vapor comes out of their tailpipes. Hydrogen can be stored easily in high-pressure tanks, making it possible for these vehicles to have long ranges. The most common form of fuel cell uses methanol, but other variants exist as well. Honda has been working on one such variant since 2008: a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell that uses hydrogen gas instead of methanol. Hydrogen gas is easier to store than liquid methanol and offers greater energy density; it also reduces some weight issues associated with PEM systems.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells are back

Fuel cells have been around for a long time. The term was coined in 1838 when Sir William Grove observed that gas evolved at one electrode while an electric current was passed through it. He called these gaseous products of electrolysis water-gas and noted their similarity to hydrogen produced by acid digestion of water. In 1839, he used his new fuel cell on a miniature locomotive with surprising results: The little engine moved briskly along...with power sufficient to draw after it five or six carriages loaded with 30 passengers each! His invention proved impractical because of its low power density and high cost, but his observations led directly to modern fuel cells. Today's fuel cells are descendants of Grove's original design. Hydrogen is fed into one side of a porous membrane; oxygen from the air is fed into another side. A catalyst splits H2O into H2 and O2 (the reverse reaction also occurs). A chemical reaction between H2 and O2 produces electricity, which can be used to drive motors or generators, heat homes, produce potable water—or propel automobiles.

The Cars will have more advanced safety features

Cars in 2022 will be safer than they are today. The technology of accident prevention and safety will make sure that cars automatically stop when a driver does not brake on time, or even brakes too late. Collision-prevention technology is making driving a lot safer. In addition, most of these accidents can be avoided with more advanced collision avoidance systems in newer vehicles that spot dangerous conditions and avoid collisions by braking or steering out of harm’s way. As well as automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems that detect potential crashes and apply your brakes for you if necessary. These technologies help prevent an estimated 25% of all car crashes from happening at all. And those that do happen are often less severe because some crash energy has been absorbed by these new safety features. This means fewer injuries, lower costs, and less damage to your vehicle – which helps keep your insurance premiums down too!

Fully autonomous driving is coming

In 2022, autonomous driving will be legalized in all 50 states. Not only will most new cars be capable of complete autonomy, but also all current vehicles on American roads will have some degree of autonomy as well. Advanced Autonomous Driving (AAD) systems, like Toyota Safety Sense P or Nissan ProPilot, are quickly becoming standard features across every car manufacturer’s lineup. As a result, consumers are adjusting their expectations for vehicle safety and reliability. This means that manufacturers must continue to make significant investments in research and development to keep up with consumer demand. It is estimated that by 2035, 90% of vehicles sold will be fully autonomous. This means automakers must invest heavily into R&D now if they want to stay competitive in 10 years' time.

Robotaxis will become a norm

You might have heard of self-driving or autonomous vehicles that don’t require a driver. These are called autonomous vehicles and are likely to be roaming our roads by 2022. While many expect self-driving vehicles for public use around 2025, in 2022, we may see some of these vehicles being tested in specific areas. These private fleets may not be accessible to everyone; only certain people will have access at first. For example, companies like Google and Uber already have their own self-driving car projects. The technology is still evolving rapidly, but once it becomes more refined and affordable, it will become more widely available—and more common on roadways. It is predicted that robotaxis (self-driving taxis) could become commonplace as early as 2022.