Visions of flying cars driving through futuristic cities may seem like the backdrop to every sci-fi film, but the future is a lot closer than you think. In fact, the future of cars is already a work in progress. While you may not see hovering vehicles on the streets anytime soon, you will see other impressive feats of mobility technology. From autonomous-driving cars to hydrogen fuel-cells to fully electric powertrains, we're already seeing a shift in the auto industry. Here's what we're noticing.
Electricity Fuels the Future of Cars
Many companies have already started making improvements to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and have made commitments to being carbon-neutral. One of the ways companies are working towards achieving this lofty goal is by focusing on the road. With a constant flow of deliveries, switching from gas-guzzling trucks to all-electric or hybrid fleets is the first step.
Toyota has laid out six environmental goals that will reduce the harmful impact of waste on nonrenewable resources here on earth. They have aptly named these efforts the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050. The goals are categorized under water, carbon, materials, and biodiversity. These are the biggest forces Toyota believes are impacting climate change.
Like Toyota, more and more car manufacturers are adding hybrid engines and all-electric vehicles to their lineups. While the Toyota Prius was one of the first mass-produced hybrids, it has gained competition over the years. Even vehicles synonymous with huge, gas-guzzling combustion engines, like SUVs, have come on board. Toyota's popular Highlander SUV now has a hybrid engine available.
While hybrids have finally gained traction, plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles are newer to the scene. To understand the full scope of how cars are changing, let's start by defining these different options.
How Do Hybrids Work?
A hybrid powertrain has a combustion engine and an electric motor component that work together to power the vehicle. Hybrid vehicles use electric motors up to a certain speed and switch to the gas engine when moving at higher speeds or when battery levels drop below a set point.
More Information: If you're asking yourself, How do hybrid cars work? you're not alone. Basically, what you need to know is that a hybrid has both a gas combustion engine and a motor that work together. While you're driving and braking, the hybrid battery is charged through the engine's alternator and through regenerative braking, which stores the kinetic energy generated from braking to charge the traction battery. This system allows your vehicle to minimize gas usage, increasing your fuel economy estimates. Not only that, hybrids also emit much fewer greenhouse gases.
What is a Plug-In Hybrid?
Similar to a regular hybrid, a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) has a combustion engine and electric motor. A plug-in hybrid also consumes regular fuel but instead comes with a larger battery pack and can also be charged at home or at a charging station.
More Information: For a plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, the name says it all. You can plug in your vehicle to charge its electric motor. Unlike the hybrid, a plug-in hybrid can run mostly on electric battery power. Once the battery pack's charge is low, it will then switch over to the gas engine to charge the battery and move the vehicle. The benefit of a plug-in hybrid is that you can charge your battery pack at charging stations or at home, allowing you to use your vehicle's electric motors more often before switching to gas. This makes PHEVs ideal for frequent short distance driving.
Benefits of Hybrid Cars
Aside from the obvious fuel savings that come with hybrid and electric vehicles, there are other benefits too. Here are just a few:
- Electricity can come from renewable resources such as water, wind, and the sun.
- Save on maintenance repairs since all-electric vehicles don't need some regular maintenance items, like oil changes.
- Get government incentives for driving smart. To encourage the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles, some states give drivers tax credits.
- Fly past the traffic jams. While the HOV lane is usually for carpooling, electric cars are given the go ahead in most states as well.
Future In-Car Technology
Along with sleek looks and impressive electric driving ranges, the future of the automotive industry also brings new safety technologies.
More technological advancements will allow for Car-to-X Communication. With wireless multimedia capabilities already in place, this same idea can be applied to communicate with other cars. While this might sound strange, it could allow for the transfer of important information like road conditions and speed limits.
Another tech feature that will help keep drivers like you safe is the increased availability of Heads-Up Displays. This technology displays information like speed limits and road signs when detected right on the windshield. No longer will you have to take your eyes off the road. All the information you need is already in plain sight.