In the world of cars, tech, and industry, it feels as if there is a new, wacky, seemingly impossible-to-achieve idea from a start-up brand at least once a quarter. Some of these ideas are great and would make the world of cars a better place. But there are others I hope will stay on the drawing board forever. I’d love to know if you agree with me, and learn what other ideas about the “car of the future” you hope won’t come true.
Cars today are already pretty damn advanced. Compared to 10 years ago, the type of tech you can find in today’s vehicles is astounding. There are self-driving systems, artificial intelligence interfaces, gobs of active safety tech, and so much more that weren’t available to the public just a short while ago. Given how quickly the world of technology advances, I suspect there will be many more groundbreaking new ideas and features making their way to production in the near future. But not all of them should.
For me, two obvious examples stick out in my mind. The first are flying cars. Whether we’re talking about fixed-wing machines that look like small planes with wheels, or the more popular multi-rotor VTOL-type aircraft, I really don’t see a world where people are trading in their land vehicles for stuff that can fly through the air anytime soon.
For the fixed-wing stuff, everyone would need to get a pilot’s license, which definitely isn’t happening. The VTOL machines—which, to me, are just small helicopters—are a bit more feasible thanks to advances in autonomy and remote control. Even if these vehicles are electric, they’re still loud as heck. I wouldn’t want a thousand of them buzzing above my home at all hours of the day; it’d drive me insane.
The other “car of the future” feature I hope never gets traction is the idea of cars as a subscription. This is already happening with car features, like in-car internet connectivity and stuff like General Motors’ SuperCruise. Porsche and Volvo have dabbled with this in the past, but those programs were quietly shut down. I suspect it’s only a matter of time until the rise of widespread autonomy means programs like that are back on the table, though.
I’d like to hear it from you. When you picture your ideal “car of the future,” which features do you hope won’t be included?
Top graphic image: Glowing Ray / YouTube
Subscription everything is pure dystopian hell. As are ads everywhere. The flying cars are interesting maybe play things for rich. The drone licence and insurance in many countries says all you need to know. Regulated because a few bad eggs caused issues.
Ads on my dash screen. “McBoogies at next exit. Need a break?”
Self driving cars.
Like the article, flying cars. Most people can’t handle x/y axis. Throw in Z and chaos ensues. Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together—mass hysteria!
I really don’t want 8 inch spikes that come out of the steering wheel when you brake hard.
“I’m sorry, your subscription has not been paid. Here are the nearest ATM in a 20 mile radius.”
Full self driving is never going to happen outside of a tightly controlled road/highway, and maybe not even then.
Gleaming alloy air-cars. I hope they never come to pass.