Technology is at the centre of vehicle development. From operating self-drive cars to providing sustainable solutions, it’s changing the nature of driving as we know it. Discover how the integration of technology is revolutionising the automotive industry and what it means for the vehicles we drive.
Smart self-drive vehicles
Substantial investment is being made by the UK government into the development of self-drive vehicles. These cars use sensors, cameras, radar and AI technology to travel without an operator. It’s thought that this technology could significantly improve road safety, reducing the number of accidents by removing the possibility of human error.
The self-driving vehicles industry is estimated to be worth £42 million by 2035, excluding further value additions through productivity increases, spending savings for logistics services, and the creation of 40,000 jobs.
In-vehicle connectivity
Almost all cars these days – even older models on the used car market – have some sort of in-vehicle connectivity. A simple example is Bluetooth, which allows you to play music and take hands-free calls through a connection with your smartphone.
You can also find cars with smart technology, such as voice control and a constant internet connection for real-time traffic and weather updates.
Sustainable innovations
Some of the most widely discussed design advancements of recent years have been sustainable innovations. In the transportation sector, this has been the development of electric engines to reduce and eventually remove our reliance on petrol and diesel as fuel.
The UK government has a zero-emissions vehicle mandate stating that 80% of new car sales must be fully electric by 2030 to aid their quest for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Although electric vehicles require a substantial initial investment, they’re cheaper to run than fuel-powered cars, and more charging points are being installed in public places every day to satisfy consumer demand.
Given the high value of these vehicles, it’s advisable to consider a gap insurance quote when you purchase an electric car. This will provide greater financial protection in the event of theft or an accident that results in the car being written off.
Advanced safety features
Automated technology has given cars developed over the last decade many advanced safety features.
A prime example is advanced driver-assist systems, which combine sensors and cameras to detect potential obstacles or dangers. This includes parking and lane assist, which tells you how close you are to other cars by beeping at increasing intervals and automatic braking.
Other examples include driving tools such as speed warnings, cruise control and adaptive headlines, as well as car system checks like tyre pressure monitors.
