The deadline for the second and final round of voting for the World Car of the Year is 12 February 2024, while the top three finalists will be announced two weeks later. Recognised as the most prestigious car award event, the winners are judged by a panel of automotive journalists from around the world. Vehicles are tested and evaluated to identify the best in various categories such as design, performance, luxury, city cars and electric vehicles. It is clear that transport technology continues to evolve, redefining the way people move from place to place. Here are some potential ways in which automotive inventions could revolutionise traffic in the near future.
Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)
They are already on the road, but their integration is expected to deepen. One of the most significant benefits of AVs is their potential to reduce accidents and fatalities. Hence, the next generation will feature advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and communication systems that allow for smoother coordination on the road, enhanced safety, and more efficient traffic flow. Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) will enable these vehicles to communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians and the surrounding environment in real time enhancing safety, optimizing traffic flow, and facilitating cooperative driving behaviors between human and AV drivers. At present, the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is unlocking $40 million to accelerate V2X deployment. On the other side of the Atlantic, Europe has its eye on V2X deployment since the early 2010s. Many manufacturers have been equipping V2X onboard units (OBU) into their new vehicles. Volkswagen has these units in their entire ID.electric vehicle range while BMW announced plans to integrate V2X tech in vehicles for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
As the world moves closer to sustainability, EVs are gaining traction. EVs are lauded for their reduced greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, quiet and smooth operation, lower operating costs, enhanced performance, and environmental sustainability. However, there are also legitimate concerns such as limited driving range compared to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, charging infrastructure, high initial costs, limited model options, battery degradation and lifespan, and charging time. The next generation of EVs could boast longer ranges, faster charging times, and more affordable price points, making them a viable option for a wider demographic.
For example, one of the finalists in the Automotive Innovation Award 2024 of the Netherlands is the Next Generation Battery Pack of TU Eindhoven which can recharge in under 4 minutes making it the ‘fastest charging battery pack in a race car’ globally. Hence, it would be possible to charge electric cars as one would put in fuel. Another finalist is the LeydenJar that has a high capacity and lightning-fast capability to charge EVs making it more affordable and accessible to a wider segment of consumers.
Wireless charging tech eliminates as well the need for physical connectors enabling EVs to charge simply by parking over a charging pad or driving on electrified roads. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) published the official standards in 2020 and automobile manufacturers are currently testing and prototyping. According to a PCMag article, the technology will be based on tech from Massachusetts based WiTricity which is licensed to Wiferion, a wireless charging specialist.
Furthermore, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology enables bidirectional energy flow between electric vehicles and the electrical grid, allowing EVs to store and discharge electricity to balance supply and demand. Future EVs equipped with V2G capabilities could serve as mobile energy storage units providing grid stability, supporting renewable energy integration, and generating revenue for vehicle owners.
Flying Cars
While still in the conceptual and prototyping stages, flying cars could become a reality in the next decades. CES 2024 which took place in Las Vegas revealed many exciting technologies from around the world. Supernal of the Hyundai Motor Group, introduced its new aero taxi, S-A2 designed for everyday air travel. The 4-passenger electrical vehicle will cruise at an altitude of 457m with a speed of 193km/h. The company will serve primarily urban areas. These air taxis are expected to hit the market in 2028.
So yes, flying cars also known as vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles or urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles can revolutionize transportation by offering faster, efficient, and ecological mobility solutions. However, these vehicles will need to address airspace regulations, safety concerns, and infrastructure challenges.
Innovative vehicle inventions have the potential to reshape the future of transportation, making it safer, effective, and sustainable for generations to come. However, their successful integration will depend on overcoming technical, regulatory, and societal challenges in the years ahead.
Author: Nina Summer