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

The automotive trade has at all times 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, appears to be like to mark a major shift in direction of what manufacturers are providing so far as consumer-focused know-how versus easy performance upgrades.

Automakers try to make automobiles simpler to make use of than ever earlier than, and so they’re getting extremely artistic in how they’re attempting to attain this purpose. So artistic, in truth, that you simply may not 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 might be broadly out there before later

Whereas Aston Martin is the only brand with a completely functioning CarPlay Extremely capability for the time being, Apple has mentioned that the corporate is working tirelessly with different automotive producers to convey this know-how to different new fashions. That is the subsequent step ahead by way of user-friendly infotainment techniques, and I predict that by the mannequin yr 2030, it is going to be practically commonplace on all automobiles, identical to CarPlay is commonplace at this time.

With the power 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 individuals keep linked on the street. With extra inexpensive manufacturers like Ford, Hyundai, and Kia set to implement the know-how within the close to future, CarPlay Extremely appears to be like to be the final word connectivity expertise on the open street. I do know it can make my street journeys rather more pleasurable, that is for positive.

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2

Enhanced automaker apps

Extra producers are specializing in bettering their apps and connectivity options

Volkswagen

For the longest time, apps had been gimicky ways in which automotive producers might make you’re feeling extra linked to your automotive. Historically, they had been restricted by way of performance, and had been pretty ineffective within the grand scheme of issues. Nonetheless, Rivian and different forward-thinking producers have modified that, and it is turning into a extra common development because the market evolves. For now, I am going to stick to 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 notably on this characteristic, as in my 2022 Volkswagen, it is at all times a guessing sport 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 some other companion app on the market. You may even schedule upkeep and run stay 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 am unable to 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 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 carried out lighter variations of AR of their Heads-Up Shows.

When the HUD turned a comparatively commonplace characteristic, this was the subsequent logical step for producers. For these nervous about info overload, although, you need to nonetheless be capable to choice this know-how off of your each day driver. Nonetheless, if you wish to know the whole lot there may be to find out about your environment, augmented actuality shows are the way forward for that know-how. Because the gadgets we feature with us turn into extra superior, we anticipate automobiles to faucet into that very same functionality to boost 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 vehicles 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 street up.” Through the use of the identical kind of electrical motor know-how, Pebble is trying to make the method of proudly owning, establishing and taking good care of 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. Nonetheless, should you suppose this is not a chunk of automotive tech and only a camper, you are lifeless flawed.

This not-so-little trailer is totally different. Utilizing the facility 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 good 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 record, 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 solution to push electrical energy onto the street.

The explanation I’m bringing motorsport into the dialog is that Method One is critically taking a look at this know-how as a way to convey the hybrid energy of its race automobiles even additional to the forefront of the game. If Elaphe and different firms 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 largest limiting elements of an EV is its weight, and these motors look to not solely drastically lower that weight, but in addition, 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 may very well 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 know-how at their fingertips.

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