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

The automotive business has at all times been a fast-paced market, with new technological advances being made day in and time out to satisfy wants prospects did not even know they’d. This yr, although, seems to be to mark a big shift in 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, and so they’re getting extremely inventive in how they’re making an attempt to attain this objective. So inventive, in truth, that you just 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 be concerned in the event you do not drive an Aston Martin, CarPlay Extremely shall be broadly obtainable before 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 expertise to different new fashions. That is the following step ahead when it comes to user-friendly infotainment techniques, and I predict that by the mannequin yr 2030, it will likely be practically customary on all automobiles, identical to CarPlay is customary right now.

With the flexibility to regulate cabin local weather and different tedious duties being handed on to automated assistants like Siri, CarPlay Extremely will change the way in which that individuals keep related on the street. With extra reasonably priced manufacturers like Ford, Hyundai, and Kia set to implement the expertise within the close to future, CarPlay Extremely seems to be to be the final word connectivity expertise on the open street. I do know it would make my street journeys far more fulfilling, 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 are feeling extra related to your automotive. Historically, they have been restricted when it comes to performance, and have 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 well-liked pattern because the market evolves. For now, I will stick to Rivian, as they’ve the perfect 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 notably on this function, as in my 2022 Volkswagen, it is at all times 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 far more in-depth data than another companion app on the market. You’ll be able to 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 data than ever earlier than

Shreyas Srinivasa / LinkedIn

Whereas I can not promise that this expertise goes to be customary 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 customary function, this was the following logical step for producers. For these apprehensive about data overload, although, it’s best to nonetheless be capable of possibility this expertise off of your each day driver. Nonetheless, if you wish to know all the things there may be to learn about your environment, augmented actuality shows are the way forward for that expertise. Because the gadgets we stock with us grow to be extra superior, we count on 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 business is big. There is a motive 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 seeking to change the business “from the street up.” By utilizing the identical kind of electrical motor expertise, Pebble is seeking to make the method of proudly owning, establishing and taking good care of 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. Nonetheless, in the event you suppose this is not a chunk of automotive tech and only a camper, you are useless unsuitable.

This not-so-little trailer is completely different. Utilizing the facility 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 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 concerning the Pebble trailer all through this yr.

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5

Elaphe in-wheel electrical motors

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

Elaphe

As motorsport goes, so, too, tends to go the business 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 technique to push electrical energy onto the street.

The rationale I’m bringing motorsport into the dialog is that Formulation One is critically taking a look at this expertise with a purpose 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 by the Sahara, then I am greater than assured a pothole or two will not spell their demise.

One of many greatest 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 could possibly be leaps ahead for the automotive business as an entire, as drivers look to be extra related to their automobiles than ever earlier than with cutting-edge expertise at their fingertips.

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