Top 5 Automotive Technologies of 2021:
The effects and benefits of innovations in automotive technology are encouraging. These include safer cars and lesser traffic accidents. However, manufacturers designed these advancements to handle and/or avoid most accidents, mainly because of human error. Since the inception of the first car in 1888, automobile manufacturers have constantly been trying to improve the safety of their vehicles. So, let’s see which are the Top 5 Automotive Technologies of 2021.
Automotive safety has come a long way. These include three-point seat belts, disc brakes, anti-lock braking systems, airbags, traction control, and adaptive headlights. Moreover, manufacturers, nowadays, offer Bluetooth connectivity into their car’s entertainment modules for passengers in the entertainment area. Besides, High Definition (HD) screens with various options and recliner seats have become the main feature in most luxury cars.
Below are some of the new-edge auto technologies launched till 2021:
Electric Cars:
Electric cars or electric vehicles answer several environmental problems. Emissions from Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) mainly cause them. That includes issues such as noise pollution and a high carbon footprint. Basically, electric cars are vehicles that run on the energy produced by rechargeable batteries. Some electric car models are so efficient that they even regenerate the energy lost during braking into reusable power by the battery.
Generally, manufacturers classify electric cars into All-Electric Vehicles (AEVs) and Plug-In Hybrid Powered Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). AEVs are the purest form of electric vehicles as they run only on electricity. Since they produce clean energy, AEVs effectively eliminate your car’s carbon emissions. In addition, they can drive up to 100 miles on a single electric charge. Besides, a few luxury models cover a massive 250 miles distance. However, in PHEVs, the vehicle uses a combination of electrical and internal combustion power.
Moreover, Tesla is leading the electric car movement in the world. Mercedes Benz, Porsche, and Mazda are the other car manufacturers who have developed electric car technology. So, electric cars are among the Top 5 Automotive Technologies of 2021.
Top 5 Automotive Technologies of 2021: Advanced Driver-Assist Systems
Automotive manufacturers provide extensive driver-assist systems to avoid or drastically reduce road accidents. These features intend to reduce possible dangers caused by driver inexperience, fatigue, and non-reaction to hazards.
These features include lane centering and lane departure warning, ensuring your car stays on path. It is a valuable utility, especially for new/novice drivers. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is another safety technology. It keeps your car at a safe distance from the one ahead of you. Other similar features include reverse brake assist and blind-spot alert.
Exit Warning for Vehicles and Cyclists:
Sometimes, you might forget to look out for approaching vehicles and cyclists in a hurry to get out upon stopping your car. Car doors may suddenly swing open in the path of a speeding cyclist. So, it creates a dangerous and, at times, fatal situation for the cyclist and yourselves. It is also bad for the car door. In a split second, it might get a jerk/impact on its hinges. So, this is where exit warning technology works best.
The exit warning system uses the rear camera that detects the oncoming motorist or cyclist. It then relays that information to the vehicle’s Artificial Intelligence. It, in turn, issues a warning to the occupants. Some of the most advanced exit warning systems even go a step further. They automatically lock the door until the road is clear. Thus, avoiding a possible collision. Isn’t it great?
The system also includes a visual warning on the side mirror, noticing the oncoming cyclist or motorist. The system creates an alert for oncoming objects. It works if they move at five mph or more speed. Therefore, engineers design exit warning systems to anticipate accidents by influencing behavioral change among motorists. Mercedes Benz C-Class, Volvo, BMW, and Audi are examples of luxury cars offering this technology. Exit warning system also makes it to the Top 5 Automotive Technologies of 2021.
Watch How Exit Warning System Works Here:
360º Camera: Top 5 Automotive Technologies of 2021
It is not an entirely new technology. It has been in use for the past few years. However, manufacturers use tweaked 360º camera setups to make them much easier to use. First off, you can choose between a split-screen image or seeing everything in one picture. 360º cameras are beneficial for giving you all-inclusive real-time coverage of your car.
Besides, it is a great device to have while parking, especially in tight spaces. The 360º Camera technology uses several cameras that manufacturers skillfully mount at different car angles. These spots include the front and rear bumpers, the front grille, side mirrors, etc. Besides, these cameras provide an overall view which they then project on the car’s infotainment screen.
The cameras activate when parking. They automatically switch off once the vehicle reaches high speed for safety purposes. Thus, it ensures that the driver is not distracted while driving. This technology started with backup cameras. Manufacturers further developed and advanced it to cover all car areas. Lexus, Volvo, Nissan, Chevrolet, and Kia are some of the car brands that use this technology.
Watch How A 360º Camera Works Here:
Self-Driving Vehicles: Top 5 Automotive Technologies in 2021
Self-driving cars are vehicles that move and navigate the required distance independently. Moreover, they do it without the intervention of a human driver. Instead, the car utilizes the information collected from several sources. These include in-built sensors, Artificial Intelligence, and external sources such as google maps. As a result, the self-driving car can ‘read’ the surrounding conditions when in operation. Besides, it can navigate its way through them all.
How this works is very simple. The travelers first provide input as to their preferred destination. Then, the car’s Artificial Intelligence system calculates and analyses the most convenient way to that location. In determining the preferred route, it considers numerous factors. They include obstacles, distance to be traveled, and the condition of the roads.
To do this, the car’s AI takes the help of google maps to get a real-time ‘feel’ of the road conditions. Through Google maps, the AI can scan the landmarks, traffic conditions, and obstacles on the way. Then, through Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, the car’s AI generates a 3D map to the selected destination. The AI then directs the vehicle to follow the map till it reaches the destination. Thus, self-driving cars are also among the Top 5 Automotive Technologies of 2021.
In conclusion, electric, digital and autonomous is the new normal in the 21st century for the entire automotive world.
