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 day trip to fulfill wants clients did not even know they’d. This yr, although, seems to mark a big shift in the direction of what manufacturers are providing so far as consumer-focused expertise versus easy performance upgrades.

Automakers try to make automobiles simpler to make use of than ever earlier than, they usually’re getting extremely artistic in how they’re attempting to realize this objective. So artistic, actually, that you simply won’t discover a few of these options if I did not let you know about them.

1

CarPlay Extremely is right here to remain

Don’t fret should you do not drive an Aston Martin, CarPlay Extremely will probably be broadly obtainable earlier than later

Whereas Aston Martin is the only brand with a totally functioning CarPlay Extremely capability in the mean time, Apple has stated that the corporate is working tirelessly with different automotive producers to convey this expertise to different new fashions. That is the subsequent step ahead when it comes to user-friendly infotainment techniques, and I predict that by the mannequin yr 2030, will probably be practically normal on all automobiles, similar to CarPlay is normal at this time.

With the flexibility to manage cabin local weather and different tedious duties being handed on to automated assistants like Siri, CarPlay Extremely will change the best way that folks keep linked on the highway. With extra inexpensive manufacturers like Ford, Hyundai, and Kia set to implement the expertise within the close to future, CarPlay Extremely seems to be the final word connectivity expertise on the open highway. I do know it is going to make my highway journeys rather more satisfying, that is for positive.

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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 are feeling extra linked to your automotive. Historically, they have been restricted when it comes to 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 changing into a extra in style pattern because the market evolves. For now, I am going to persist with Rivian, as they’ve one of the best 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 inside 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 characteristic, 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 supplies rather more in-depth info than every other companion app on the market. You possibly can even schedule upkeep and run reside diagnostics proper there within the app.

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3

New augmented actuality shows

Vehicles are going to offer you extra info than ever earlier than

Shreyas Srinivasa / LinkedIn

Whereas I can not promise that this expertise goes to be normal on any manufacturing automobile in 2025, what I can let you know 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 area. 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 applied lighter variations of AR of their Heads-Up Shows.

When the HUD grew to become a comparatively normal characteristic, this was the subsequent logical step for producers. For these fearful about info overload, although, it’s best to nonetheless be capable of choice this expertise off of your every day driver. Nevertheless, if you wish to know all the things there may be to find out about your environment, augmented actuality shows are the way forward for that expertise. Because the gadgets we supply with us turn out 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 big. There is a cause that heavy-duty vans are nonetheless promoting regardless of their more and more rising costs, in spite of everything. However Pebble, a California-based electrical RV producer, is trying to change the trade “from the highway up.” Through the use of the identical kind of electrical motor expertise, Pebble is trying to make the method of proudly owning, establishing and caring for an RV a a lot simpler course of. The most important detractor from proudly owning a camper for most individuals is basically maintaining two properties — one on wheels and one not. Nevertheless, should you assume this is not a bit of automotive tech and only a camper, you are useless improper.

This not-so-little trailer is totally different. Utilizing the ability of electrical motors, Pebble trailers supply towing help to the automobile they’re hooked to, can self-level while 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 return 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 expertise 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 System One is significantly taking a look at this expertise with the intention to convey 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 by way of the Sahara, then I am greater than assured a pothole or two will not spell their demise.

One of many greatest limiting components 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 linked to their automobiles than ever earlier than with cutting-edge expertise at their fingertips.

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