If you love the latest tech features in your car, you’ll want to know about the most innovative car technologies of the past decade. Here are just a few of them.
The past decade has seen the greatest growth in automotive technology and innovation. We now have features in our vehicles that provide alerts to warn us of dangers, remind us to grab out stuff and kids out of the rear seat, and to make driving more efficient.
Let’s look at some of the most innovative car technologies you’ll find in modern vehicles.
Smartphone connectivity
Drivers in the 1980s and 1990s would have never thought about connecting a computer to their cars. Today, we use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as if they were always part of the automotive market. A little more than ten years ago, we began using Bluetooth to connect our phones to hands-free devices on our ears, and now we can enjoy phone calls, navigation, and entertainment on the touchscreens of our infotainment systems. Some cars even come with over-the-air (OTA) software updates that save time and energy during software upgrades.
Head-up displays
Not only have we moved away from analog gauges and readouts, but information can be displayed on the windshield in vehicles equipped with a head-up display. This is one of the most innovative car technologies of the modern age. Some models have augmented reality technology in these head-up displays. The more we can keep drivers focused on the road better. These displays present information in the driver’s view, which allows them to stay focused on the task at hand, which is driving a car on the road.
Infotainment technology
It seems like infotainment screens have only gotten bigger, more dynamic, and more impressive every year. Of course, in some cases, automakers went too far and removed all the buttons, which caused some issues. These infotainment systems can operate nearly every aspect of a vehicle, making it easy to enjoy the desired technology. Some modern systems also allow drivers to connect their smart home technology to the car to ensure the lights are on and the house temperature is comfortable once they arrive at home.
Lightweight materials
The previous generation, Ford F-150, brought us an aluminum body, which made it much lighter than earlier trucks. This spurned a huge push toward lighter materials being used in many vehicles. Today, some vehicles use carbon fiber, which is even lighter and stronger than aluminum. Many automakers have developed high-strength steel to build stronger and lighter frames and suspension components, which is one of the most innovative car technologies today. These lighter items lead to better efficiency, improved use of vehicle power, and better vehicle builds. Some vehicles are larger but lighter than previous versions, making them more useful and impressive.
3D printing
Drivers can customize their vehicles more than ever before because they can make use of 3D-printing to create some parts. The Ford Maverick is offered with the FITS program, which allows new owners to add 3D printed items from a selection of features. These items help improve storage options and carrying items to make the truck more useful. Other automakers also use 3D printing for prototyping, which can be a cost-effective way to create a model instead of molding it out of clay.
Improved energy management
Automakers continually improve the use of electricity and combustion power to use this energy to improve the use of this energy which is another of the most innovative car technologies available. More hybrid cars are on the road than ever before, and electric vehicles are growing rapidly. Developing a seamless system to utilize power while maximizing fuel economy has come a long way. It’s also allowed improved emissions in most vehicles. Utilizing energy to its maximum potential is critical in reducing the impact on the environment while providing enough energy for drivers to have everything they need on the road.
Sustainable materials
The world is filled with waste, and finding ways to recycle, reuse, and reduce the amount of waste impacting our world. One way to do this is to use the materials in landfills that would normally be nothing but waste in another way. Many automakers have found ways to utilize recycled plastics, natural fibers, and bio-based composites to create parts for vehicles. Many upholstery fabrics in cars are now made of these sustainable and recycled materials.
These are only a few of the most innovative car technologies that have come in the past decade. What will the next decade bring to the automotive world?
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