5 automotive tech improvements that really feel like science fiction, however are very actual

The automotive trade has all the time been a fast-paced market, with new technological advances being made day in and time out to fulfill wants clients did not even know they’d. This yr, although, seems to mark a major shift in the direction of what manufacturers are providing so far as consumer-focused know-how versus easy performance upgrades.

Automakers are attempting to make automobiles simpler to make use of than ever earlier than, and so they’re getting extremely inventive in how they’re making an attempt to attain this objective. So inventive, in actual fact, that you just won’t discover a few of these options if I did not inform you about them.

1

CarPlay Extremely is right here to remain

Don’t be concerned should you do not drive an Aston Martin, CarPlay Extremely will likely be extensively accessible prior to later

Whereas Aston Martin is the only brand with a totally functioning CarPlay Extremely capability for the time being, Apple has stated that the corporate is working tirelessly with different automotive producers to deliver this know-how to different new fashions. That is the following step ahead by way of user-friendly infotainment techniques, and I predict that by the mannequin yr 2030, will probably be practically commonplace on all automobiles, identical to CarPlay is commonplace in the present day.

With the power to regulate cabin local weather and different tedious duties being handed on to automated assistants like Siri, CarPlay Extremely will change the best way that individuals keep related on the highway. With extra inexpensive manufacturers like Ford, Hyundai, and Kia set to implement the know-how within the close to future, CarPlay Extremely seems to be the last word connectivity expertise on the open highway. I do know it would make my highway journeys rather more pleasurable, that is for certain.

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2

Enhanced automaker apps

Extra producers are specializing in enhancing their apps and connectivity options

Volkswagen

For the longest time, apps have been gimicky ways in which automotive producers might make you’re feeling extra related to your automotive. Historically, they have been restricted by way of performance, and have been pretty ineffective within the grand scheme of issues. Nevertheless, Rivian and different forward-thinking producers have modified that, and it is turning into a extra in style pattern because the market evolves. For now, I will keep on with Rivian, as they’ve the most effective pound-for-pound companion app within the enterprise. Do not imagine me? Simply ask MotorTrend. It was their 2025 Automaker App of the Year.

From throughout the app, drivers can management nearly each minute element about their Rivian, together with the optimum temperature to set the air con to earlier than getting in. I am significantly on this function, as in my 2022 Volkswagen, it is all the time a guessing recreation as to what temperature I had my air con set on earlier than I started my autostart. This takes the guesswork out of the method, and gives rather more in-depth info than every other companion app on the market. You possibly can even schedule upkeep and run stay diagnostics proper there within the app.

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3

New augmented actuality shows

Automobiles are going to provide you extra info than ever earlier than

Shreyas Srinivasa / LinkedIn

Whereas I can not promise that this know-how goes to be commonplace on any manufacturing automobile in 2025, what I can inform you is that sufficient cash is being poured into augmented actuality show analysis and testing that producers see it as an actual alternative to maneuver ahead within the automotive house. The AR and VR market is predicted to achieve over $670 billion in total value alone, and a few producers like BMW and Mazda have already carried out lighter variations of AR of their Heads-Up Shows.

When the HUD grew to become a comparatively commonplace function, this was the following logical step for producers. For these apprehensive about info overload, although, it is best to nonetheless be capable to possibility this know-how off of your each day driver. Nevertheless, if you wish to know all the things there’s to learn about your environment, augmented actuality shows are the way forward for that know-how. Because the gadgets we stock with us grow to be extra superior, we anticipate automobiles to faucet into that very same functionality to reinforce the driving expertise.

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4

Electrical journey trailers

The tenting world is catching up with automotive producers

Pebble

The tenting trade is large. There is a purpose that heavy-duty vans are nonetheless promoting regardless of their more and more rising costs, in any case. However Pebble, a California-based electrical RV producer, is seeking to change the trade “from the highway up.” By utilizing the identical kind of electrical motor know-how, Pebble is seeking to make the method of proudly owning, establishing and caring for an RV a a lot simpler course of. The largest detractor from proudly owning a camper for most individuals is basically maintaining two houses — one on wheels and one not. Nevertheless, should you suppose this is not a bit of automotive tech and only a camper, you are lifeless fallacious.

This not-so-little trailer is completely different. Utilizing the ability of electrical motors, Pebble trailers provide towing help to the automobile they’re hooked to, can self-level if you get to the campsite, and even maneuver a decent spot all on their very own. The idea of the Pebble trailer was unveiled on the Consumer Electronics Show in 2024 and was again once more in 2025 after additional testing, and extra information is predicted to come back out in regards to the Pebble trailer all through this yr.

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5

Elaphe in-wheel electrical motors

As probably the most risk-rewarding tech on the checklist, there’s nonetheless some work to do on this groundbreaking platform

Elaphe

As motorsport goes, so, too, tends to go the trade shortly after, and one of many latest developments in EV know-how is the implementation of in-wheel electrical motors. Elaphe has been pioneering this motion for some time, and regardless of the detractors who say that each pothole locations an in-wheel electrical motor in danger, the corporate retains pushing onward to develop a lighter, extra highly effective option to push electrical energy onto the highway.

The explanation I’m bringing motorsport into the dialog is that Components One is severely this know-how as a way to deliver the hybrid energy of its race automobiles even additional to the forefront of the game. If Elaphe and different corporations could make these motors sturdy sufficient to outlive a crash at 190 miles per hour or a rally run via the Sahara, then I am greater than assured a pothole or two will not spell their demise.

One of many largest limiting elements of an EV is its weight, and these motors look to not solely drastically lower that weight, but additionally, to be extra intentional about the place that weight is positioned on the automotive, creating higher weight distribution for extra efficiency in an actual world setting. These 5 improvements might be leaps ahead for the automotive trade as a complete, as drivers look to be extra related to their automobiles than ever earlier than with cutting-edge know-how at their fingertips.

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