The Future of Car Travel in the Age of Technology

Innovations in Transportation Technology

From Model T to Tesla, there have been so many life-changing innovations that it may be hard to keep track of them all. Everything from hybrid cars to robotic cars has completely changed the way we get around and turned around the transportation sector's status quo.

These innovations are the result of the basic necessities of safe, efficient and easy travel. Thus, the industry is actively working with scientists to ensure a faster, safer and cheaper way to travel from point A to point B. The looming threat of depleting resources is another reason behind these innovations; petrol and even CNG won't cut it anymore. This is why we shifted to bullet trains from coal-powered trains, and have been seeing a rise in demand for electric vehicles.

What is more, the sector has evolved greatly thanks to technologies like data science, artificial intelligence and deep learning. Some of the most groundbreaking modes of transportation have been proposed or are in their early stages thanks to these advanced branches; including hyperloop, automated vehicles, underground tunnelling, and the rise of commercial space flight. However, let's narrow down to cars and take a look at their latest features all set to overtake everyday transport.

Advancements in Car Technology

Thanks to the rapid advancement it has been predicted that cars will change a lot more over the next decade than they did during the last 50 years. Lowering emissions and reducing the stress of driving has resulted in the advanced incorporation of electric vehicles, automatic emergency steering, automatic emergency braking and a lot more.

It is even predicted that in the near future we'd be able to ask for real-time information from our cars; including finding a restaurant or reserving a parking spot nearby. Take a look at some of the latest features of the upcoming car technology:

Electric Vehicles

Climate change and the need for fuel alternatives triggered a massive popularisation of electric vehicles, including bikes and cars. Today, these have become a viable option to travel with advanced electric cars running for over 250 - 500 kilometres in a single charge. The Indian market saw a surge of 20% in the sales of electric vehicles and have finally started appreciating their potential. A number of international and Indian motor companies have been rolling out some of the most affordable EVs, including TATA, Hyundai, Mahindra, KIA, and Nissan.

Autonomous Cars

Until many years, autopilot or self-driving vehicles have only been a dream for us. Finally, we are set to witness a mass production of self-driving cars with so many startups and car manufacturers vying to be the first ones to do so. Uber, Google, Tesla, Ford and Waymo are actively developing AI, machine and deep learning to help vehicles act according to their surroundings. Variety of software and sensors will help them make split-second decisions to respond to their surroundings; from an animal suddenly darting in front of the vehicle or a vehicle too close for comfort- the cars would find the safest and quickest way to reach their destination, avoid traffic and subvert upcoming accidents.

Alternative Fuels

Starting from the basics, scientists are testing different types of fuel to keep the cars running given the rate at which non-renewable resources are being consumed. If you're thinking about solar panels, we have news for you. Scientists are already working on alternative fuels to reduce waste and emissions simultaneously and have discovered a number of ways to derive new and sustainable fuels. Preliminary research shows that fuel made of wood shavings, bacteria, animal faeces and even vodka is underway to drive your cars!

Brain to Vehicle Technology

For several years, Nissan has been working on this feature; their cars will be able to read the driver's brainwaves and create 'mind-reading' cars that follow their user's decision making. The technology is anticipated within the next ten years.

Flying Cars

While on the subject of future cars, there is hardly anyone who won't be intrigued about flying cars. Prototypes of flying cars have already debuted in many places, with many companies like Aeromobil and AirCar working on hybrid car-aircraft. The entire sector has been estimated to be worth USD 1.5 trillion by 2040, as per Morgan Stanley.

Car Technology of the Future

While we get closer to using innovative transportation in our daily lives, we have a long way to go before these are affordable for most people. As of now, many of these latest features are a luxury and first need to be converted into cost-saving models before common people can dream of using them. As we wait to get access to these, nothing should stop you from making the most of your car trips!

Be it going on a simple drive or touring cities, your vehicle is eventually a mode of transport meant to simplify your life. Even during a crisis like the pandemic, we saw many people resorting to driving their own cars to meet their loved ones or just for necessary travel during the COVID restrictions. In the end, having a vehicle is for your own convenience and budget. So while you plan that car trip, make sure you have a domestic travel insurance plan that protects you from any untoward expenses. There are several insurers in India offering travel insurance for domestic travel, so don’t forget to compare them on Policybazaar.com before buying one that suits you! Your car may not have intelligent headlights or adaptive wheels yet, but comprehensive travel insurance will surely be an intelligent investment.