By 2099, it’s likely that cars will be predominantly electric, if not entirely. Internal combustion engines may become much more rare, mainly owned by collectors and enthusiasts as novelties or special purchases. Consumer demand will have spurred advancements in battery technologies, making electric vehicles (EVs) more efficient, affordable, and accessible to people everywhere.

EV Ascendancy

If there’s one lesson we can take from the present and apply to our 2099 concept car, it’s that the rise in popularity of electric cars is likely to continue. These vehicles are becoming easier to access, and the fact that they are capable of being powered by renewable energies makes them much more future-proof than gas powered vehicles. Although gas engines will probably always have a place on the road, the average car in 2099 is likely to be electric.

Battery technology has been at the forefront of EV evolution. Advancements in solid-state batteries promise higher energy density, faster charging times, and enhanced longevity compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. As battery costs continue to drop, EVs are becoming more affordable, widening their appeal to a broader range of consumers.

Autonomous driving capabilities are closely intertwined with the growth of EVs. Electric platforms offer an inherent advantage in integrating the plethora of sensors and computational hardware needed for autonomous operations. As self-driving technologies mature, we’re likely to see EVs equipped with advanced levels of autonomy, reshaping urban mobility and potentially reducing the need for personal vehicle ownership.

Charging infrastructure and technology are also undergoing rapid transformation. High-speed charging networks are expanding, while innovations like wireless or “on-the-go” charging could redefine how and where we “refuel” our vehicles. This expansion and innovation make EV ownership more convenient, even for those without home charging capabilities.

Vehicle design is another area impacted by EV advancements. Without the need for large engines and exhaust systems, designers have more freedom to reimagine vehicle interiors, making them more spacious or adaptable. Exteriors, too, are evolving, with many companies adopting sleek, aerodynamic designs that also enhance battery efficiency.

In shaping the future, these developments suggest a landscape where electric vehicles are not only commonplace but are diverse in design and functionality. They’ll cater to a wide range of needs, from urban commuting to long-haul travel, all while minimizing environmental impact. As technology and infrastructure mature, EVs will likely be at the heart of a more sustainable, efficient, and interconnected transportation ecosystem.

The Self-Driving Car

Self-driving cars, which are in their infancy in the early 21st century, might become the norm by 2099. With the advancement of AI and machine learning, cars could potentially be completely autonomous, making human-driven cars a rarity. This shift could lead to fewer traffic accidents, more efficient traffic flow, and possibly even a different approach to urban planning and infrastructure.

The role of autonomous driving systems over the next 80 years is anticipated to be transformative, reshaping transportation, urban planning, and societal norms. As these systems mature and gain widespread acceptance, the fundamental relationship between humans and vehicles will evolve.

In the early stages, we can expect a significant reduction in road accidents, as the majority of these are attributed to human error. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) operate based on algorithms, sensors, and vast data inputs, reducing the chances of oversights that can lead to collisions. This improvement in safety could influence car design by reducing the need for certain safety features that cater to human fallibility.

The very essence of car interiors might be reimagined. Without the need for a human driver to focus on the road, vehicle interiors could transition from a driver-focused cockpit to spaces that prioritize comfort, entertainment, or even productivity. Imagine cars that feel more like mobile lounges or offices, with seats that can swivel or recline fully, or vehicles designed for specific purposes like sleep, work, or entertainment.

Functionally, the integration of AVs into our transportation network would likely result in a shift from personal car ownership to shared mobility solutions. Fleets of self-driving cars could be summoned on demand, arriving when needed and optimizing routes based on traffic, weather, and passenger needs. This could alleviate congestion in urban centers and potentially reduce the demand for vast parking infrastructures, allowing cities to repurpose land for green spaces or other community-centric uses.

Additionally, the intertwining of autonomous systems with electric vehicle technology might push forward the transition to cleaner, more sustainable modes of transportation. With fewer moving parts and the potential for centralized charging in fleet scenarios, EVs equipped with autonomous tech could be the norm.

Over an 80-year horizon, these shifts would likely have cascading effects on industries beyond just transportation. Urban planning, real estate, insurance, and even sectors like hospitality could evolve in response to the widespread adoption of AVs. While it’s challenging to predict the exact trajectory of such a profound technological shift, the integration of autonomous driving systems into our lives will undeniably shape the future in multifaceted and transformative ways.

The Roads of the Future

Over the next 80 years, roads and the broader transportation infrastructure are poised to undergo a metamorphosis, influenced by technological advancements and environmental challenges.

Electric vehicles (EVs) and self-driving cars will likely demand a reimagining of road infrastructure. Charging infrastructure will become a more integral part of urban and rural landscapes. Roads might be equipped with inductive charging pads to charge EVs on the go, extending their range and reducing the need for large stationary charging stations. The potential for “smart” roads could arise, embedded with sensors and communication devices to relay real-time information to autonomous vehicles, ensuring smoother traffic flow, optimizing travel routes, and enhancing safety.

The rise of autonomous vehicles could also result in more efficient use of road space. If cars can communicate with each other and coordinate movements, it’s conceivable that we might see narrower lanes, and potentially a reduction in traffic congestion, as vehicles move in harmony. With less need for parking due to shared autonomous fleets, vast parking structures and roadside parking might give way to other uses, like green spaces, pedestrian zones, or urban farming.

Climate change, an overarching global challenge, will impact how roads are built and maintained. With rising sea levels and increased flooding events, roads in vulnerable areas might need to be elevated or redesigned to handle water runoff more effectively. Materials used in road construction may also evolve to withstand more extreme weather conditions, from intense heat to freezing spells. 

The integration of electronic infrastructure into roads may go beyond aiding autonomous and electric vehicles. Digital road signage could replace static signs, adapting to current traffic conditions, weather, or emergency situations. Roads might also incorporate renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels built into the road surface, turning highways into power-generating entities.

In the context of urban planning, the influence of EVs and autonomous vehicles, coupled with changing perceptions around mobility, might lead to cities designed more for people than cars. With potentially fewer vehicles on the road, especially in densely populated areas, and a reduced need for parking, cities could reclaim space for parks, recreational areas, or expanded pedestrian zones, leading to a better quality of urban life.

In essence, the roads of the future will not just be static ribbons of asphalt or concrete; they’ll be dynamic, adaptive, and smarter, shaping and shaped by the ever-evolving relationship between humans, vehicles, and the environment.

How Cars Get Wired In

Not all modern cars are automatically connected to the internet or inherently equipped with tracking capabilities. However, a growing number of new vehicles are being designed with built-in connectivity features, often referred to as telematics. These features can include internet connectivity, GPS navigation, and emergency SOS services. Connected services might be used for navigation, remote unlocking, vehicle diagnostics, and more.

Even if a car is not directly connected to the internet, many vehicles come with GPS systems, which can be used for location tracking in various scenarios such as theft recovery. Additionally, some vehicles have emergency response services like GM’s OnStar or Hyundai’s Blue Link, which use cellular technology to offer emergency crash response and other services.

However, older models and more basic trim levels of new cars may not come with these features, and not all drivers subscribe to the services that offer connectivity. Additionally, even cars with these capabilities are not universally “trackable” at all times due to user privacy considerations, legal restrictions, and the limits of technology (e.g., no cellular or GPS signal).

While many modern cars have the capability to connect to the internet or be tracked via GPS, it’s not accurate to say that all cars have this ability, and various factors influence whether a particular car can be tracked at any given moment.

Air Gapping

An “air-gapped” car – a vehicle that is entirely isolated from internet or network connectivity– is possible, and in fact, many older or basic models of cars effectively operate in an air-gapped manner. These cars don’t have built-in connectivity features such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or cellular connectivity commonly found in modern vehicles. 

However, creating a truly air-gapped car in the contemporary automotive landscape might involve deliberate efforts to maintain such isolation. As automotive technology evolves, connectivity is increasingly integrated into vehicles for various purposes like navigation, maintenance diagnostics, entertainment, and safety features. A car owner might choose to disable certain features or avoid connecting their vehicle to external networks to maintain a level of air-gapping.

WHAT IS AIR GAPPING?

In practice, ensuring that a car remains entirely unconnected could be challenging. Even without intentional network connections, there are ways a car might inadvertently connect or be connected to networks, such as through maintenance tools at a repair shop or via devices brought into the car by passengers.

In the future, maintaining an air-gapped car might become even more challenging as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication technologies become more prevalent, allowing cars to communicate with each other and infrastructure like traffic lights. These advancements could make connectivity more intrinsic to the fundamental operation and safety of vehicles, making a truly air-gapped car more of an anomaly or specialty choice for those seeking such isolation.

V2X

Yes, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can typically be disabled by the user, but doing so might limit certain functionalities and features that enhance the driving experience and safety. Manufacturers design V2X systems to be user-friendly and often allow users to manage connectivity settings, deciding what data they are comfortable sharing. Users can usually turn off specific V2X communication features through the vehicle’s infotainment system or other control interfaces.

However, there might be consequences to disabling V2X functionalities. These technologies are implemented to improve road safety, traffic efficiency, and overall driving experience. By turning off V2X communications, users might not benefit from real-time traffic alerts, emergency vehicle warnings, and other safety-enhancing information shared via V2X communication networks.

It’s also worth considering that as V2X technologies evolve and become more integrated into transportation infrastructures, there might be a push towards making certain V2X communications standardized and consistently operational to ensure road safety and effective traffic management. In such cases, the ability to completely disable V2X communications might be limited or regulated to maintain the integrity and functionality of the broader transportation ecosystem.

Analog Solutions

One possibility, as mentioned above, to avoid having your ride “on the grid,” is simply to drive an analog car that doesn’t have internet- or satellite-connected hardware. At the time of writing this, that applies to most of the cars which have ever been made or sold. But we live in a rapidly changing world, and several factors could complicate this solution. For one thing, it’s always possible that future regulations will require cars to carry some kind of tracking device which is installed manually onto older calls. A box like this could be required for driving behavior tracking purposes, as we’ve already begun to see with some insurance companies, as well as to enable V2X technology for increased safety.

It’s certainly possible that the legal system will create exceptions for older cars, particularly ones with historic value, allowing them to be “grandfathered” into whatever future regulatory framework crops up, but there’s no guarantee that this will be the case. It could very well be that in the future driving an untraceable car becomes illegal—if that happens, drivers will have to re-evaluate their reasons for wanting to drive off-grid cars against the risk.

Additionally, most of the cars that meet the “analog” criteria are gas-powered. The future logistics of driving a gas-powered car in a predominantly electric vehicle (EV) world will depend on various factors, including policies, market dynamics, and technological advancements.

As the transition towards EVs progresses, it’s likely that gas stations will become less prevalent, but they won’t disappear overnight. Gasoline-powered cars will still need to be serviced for quite some time, given the existing vast fleet of internal combustion engine vehicles. Some gas stations may start offering both gasoline and electric charging services, adapting to the changing automotive landscape.

In some regions, particularly rural or remote areas where the transition to electric may be slower due to infrastructure challenges, gas stations may continue to operate longer. However, in urban areas with a higher concentration of EVs, gas stations may become scarcer.

Moreover, policies and regulations could impact the availability of gasoline. Some countries and cities have proposed banning the sale of new gasoline-powered cars in the future, which would gradually reduce the number of such vehicles on the road. However, such policies would likely consider the need for a transition period and would ensure that existing gasoline-powered cars are still supported indefinitely. Such cars would likely be ‘grandfathered’ in to the new framework and by no means would it be impossible to keep driving your gas-powered car.

Manufacturers of gasoline-powered vehicles and related industry stakeholders may also adapt their strategies, potentially focusing on hybrid models or other technologies that still require gasoline but are more efficient and environmentally friendly.

For drivers of gasoline-powered cars, this shift could mean planning refueling more carefully and potentially facing higher fuel prices due to reduced demand. They might also find fewer maintenance services specialized in internal combustion engines.

While the logistics of driving a gas-powered car will undoubtedly change with the rise of EVs, a total lack of support or refueling options is unlikely in the near to medium term. Adaptation strategies from various sectors of the automotive industry and thoughtful policies will likely ensure a gradual and manageable transition.

Jailbreaking

Aside from gas-powered cars, it’s likely that a cottage industry could pop up to take cars that come wired into the grid from the manufacturer off the grid by making modifications to them. As things stand now the only considerations that would affect your ability to modify your own car in this way would have to do with its street legal status, although the future could certainly hold new rules and regulations. That said, some people may choose to enter the gray area and make ‘jailbreak’ style modifications to their vehicles anyway.

Beyond this, just as there are a number products that cater to consumers who are cognizant of cybersecurity (think VPNs, encrypted messaging apps, browsers that don’t track your data), it seems likely that products will be developed to increase the cybersecurity of individual drivers. Entrepreneurs selling modifications and aftermarket products, to say nothing of car makers themselves, may be incentivized to cater to this important segment of the car buying public.

In short, one way or another drivers will be able to stay off grid if they choose for the foreseeable future. If shifting events someday make that more difficult there’s one way drivers have managed to stay off grid from time immemorial—simply taking them off road.

As technology continues to accelerate in development and advancement, we will hopefully move toward a world where auto accidents are rare, and driving is safer than ever. To that end, we’re exploring the future of auto safety and the kinds of technologies that will be employed to deliver on the promise of safer roads for everyone. As cars become better at avoiding accidents entirely (and more resilient when they do happen), perhaps we can also expect advancements to help us avoid the most severe weather (like tornadoes and flash floods). What will the world of car safety look like in the era of AI and self-driving cars?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become incredibly sophisticated. Technologies like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are becoming standard features in many vehicles. These systems continuously monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and can take corrective actions, often faster than a human driver might be able to.

ADAS are technologies designed to enhance safety and improve driving. They work by continuously monitoring the vehicle’s surroundings and assisting the driver in various tasks.

At the heart of ADAS are sensors, cameras, radars, and sometimes even lidar systems. These components continuously gather data about the vehicle’s environment. For example, cameras might scan the road for lane markings, while radars could detect the speed and distance of objects around the car. In some sophisticated systems, lidar, which uses laser beams, provides a detailed 3D map of the surroundings.

Once data is gathered, it’s processed by onboard computers equipped with advanced algorithms. These algorithms interpret the data, detect potential hazards, and in some cases, predict possible future scenarios based on current trends, like the trajectory of a nearby car.

After processing the data, ADAS can assist the driver in a variety of ways. For instance, if the system detects that the car is drifting out of its lane without a turn signal activated, a lane departure warning might be issued, either through visual or audible alerts. Some systems even gently steer the car back into its lane.

Similarly, if the vehicle ahead slows down suddenly and a collision is imminent, the automatic emergency braking system can apply brakes if the driver doesn’t react in time. Other functionalities like adaptive cruise control can adjust the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, while blind-spot monitoring alerts drivers to vehicles in areas that might be hard to see with traditional mirrors.

Integration with the car’s other systems, such as steering, braking, and throttle, allows ADAS to provide active assistance. It’s important to note, however, that while ADAS can intervene in some situations, the responsibility for safe driving remains with the human driver in most current vehicle models. Over time, as technology evolves and proves its reliability, we can expect an even greater degree of automation and assistance from these systems.

Connectivity plays an increasing role in modern vehicle safety. Cars are becoming more connected, not just to the internet, but to other vehicles and infrastructure. This vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication can alert drivers about upcoming hazards, traffic conditions, or even the actions of nearby vehicles.

Pedestrian and cyclist safety is also gaining attention. Newer systems can detect pedestrians and cyclists, even in low-light conditions, and automatically brake if a collision is imminent. 

The future of ADAS appears to be heading towards greater sophistication, automation, and integration. As technology evolves, ADAS will become more capable, offering broader ranges of assistance to drivers and ensuring safer roadways.

One of the primary trajectories is the progression towards fully autonomous driving. Today’s ADAS features are foundational building blocks for self-driving vehicles. As ADAS systems become more advanced, they will manage more driving tasks, gradually reducing the need for human intervention. In the future, we can expect cars equipped with ADAS to handle complex driving scenarios, navigate challenging terrains, and even communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure.

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication is another promising area. This technology allows cars to communicate not just with each other but with traffic lights, pedestrian crosswalks, and other infrastructure. Such communication can enhance ADAS capabilities by providing a broader understanding of the environment, anticipating potential hazards, and facilitating smoother traffic flow.

Furthermore, advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a significant role in refining ADAS capabilities. Systems will become better at predicting and reacting to unforeseen events, learning from vast amounts of data, and even adapting to individual driver habits and preferences.

Integrating Augmented Reality (AR) into ADAS is another potential direction. AR could overlay vital information directly onto the windshield, giving real-time feedback about the road, highlighting hazards, or suggesting optimal driving paths.

However, with increased automation and reliance on ADAS, concerns about cybersecurity and the potential for system malfunctions or hacking will become even more critical. Efforts will likely intensify to ensure the security and robustness of these systems.

As ADAS features become standard in more vehicles, regulatory frameworks and industry standards will evolve. Governments and international bodies will work to create a standardized approach to ensure safety, consistency, and interoperability across different brands and regions.

In essence, the future of ADAS holds the promise of making driving safer, more efficient, and potentially even transforming the very nature of transportation as we know it.

Drowsiness Detection

Drowsiness detection systems in cars use various sensors and algorithms to monitor drivers for signs of fatigue and subsequently alert them. One of the most prevalent methods involves using cameras, often placed on the dashboard or the rear-view mirror, to track the driver’s eye movements. These systems analyze the blink rate, duration of eyelid closure, and movement of the pupils. Rapid eye movement, prolonged blinking, or a gaze that drifts can indicate drowsiness.

In addition to eye-tracking, some systems monitor the driver’s facial features, such as the position of the head or the slackness of facial muscles. Drooping of the head or a relaxed jaw might be indicators of fatigue.

Steering behavior can also be a strong indicator of a driver’s alertness. If the system detects erratic steering patterns, such as swerving or consistent minor corrections, it might infer that the driver is becoming less attentive or drowsy.

In more advanced systems, physiological measurements, such as monitoring the driver’s heart rate or skin conductance, might be used. Changes in these parameters can sometimes precede visible signs of drowsiness.

Once the system detects signs of drowsiness, it alerts the driver, usually through a combination of visual, auditory, or tactile signals, like an alarm sound, flashing lights, or seat vibrations. The primary objective is to prompt the driver to either take a break or employ measures to increase alertness.

Materials

The structural integrity of cars continues to improve. Advances in materials science allow for the creation of vehicles that are lightweight for efficiency but also robust enough to withstand and protect passengers during collisions. 

Advances in materials science have profoundly impacted the automotive industry, enabling the creation of vehicles that are lightweight yet robust. Traditional steel has evolved into high-strength steels, and even more advanced high-strength steels, which maintain the malleability of steel but offer significantly greater strength. This allows for thinner components without a trade-off in safety.

Aluminum, having a lower density than steel, has seen enhanced alloys that boost its strength and durability. This makes it an increasingly popular choice in car manufacturing for various parts, from body panels to structural components. Carbon fiber reinforced plastics bring together the extreme strength of carbon fiber with the versatility of plastic, offering a high strength-to-weight ratio. While traditionally seen in high-performance and luxury vehicles due to cost, there’s ongoing research and development aimed at making carbon fiber components more affordable for mainstream cars.

Magnesium alloys offer another lightweight alternative. While there have been limitations in its use due to factors such as cost and the challenges associated with forming and joining, new techniques and research are making it more feasible for broader applications. 

Polymer composites, which merge polymers with other materials, can replace heavier metal components in some areas of a vehicle, balancing lightness with durability. On the frontier of material science, nanostructured materials are being developed. By manipulating materials at the atomic and molecular levels, scientists can fine-tune their properties, offering enhanced strength or flexibility.

Apart from the materials themselves, the ways in which they’re combined and integrated into vehicles have also seen innovation. New joining techniques, such as improved welding, advanced adhesives, and innovative fastening methods, are essential to ensure that cars remain sturdy, especially when fusing different types of materials together. Moreover, there’s a growing interest in leveraging natural and bio-based materials, reflecting a broader push for sustainability in the automotive industry. 

The confluence of these advancements ensures that modern cars are not only lighter, aiding in fuel efficiency and performance, but also maintain, or even enhance, their protective capabilities.

All of these advancements are part of a broader trend towards making roads safer and reducing the number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

The Future of the Seatbelt

With all these future-forward advancements in safety technology, it begs the question: will cars someday be so safe that seatbelts are no longer necessary? It seems possible, but there are quite a few hurdles that would have to be overcome first. To begin with, the seatbelt is tried and true—it’s one of those simple, brilliant innovations that, instead of being outmoded, simply gets improved upon over the years. That helps explain why it’s stuck around so long when everything else in auto engineering seems to change as years go on. Next, there are regulatory considerations. Every US state has a requirement for seatbelts to be worn by drivers, and in order for a push to change those laws to be viable, traffic accidents and deaths that seatbelts have a proven record of saving people from would have to be almost nonexistent. But as long as there’s a chance a seatbelt could save your life in an accident, it’s likely that they will be required (and truly, the inconvenience of wearing one seems well worth the risk in that case). If one day cars are fully autonomous, moving on flawless electronic infrastructure which can make traffic accidents a thing of the past, maybe you’ll be free to move about the cabin. Until then, you’ll want to buckle up when driving.

Although many of these advancements are still developing and have yet to reach their full potential, it’s also always a good idea to check if the car you currently drive has any current recalls. Check out nhtsa.gov/recalls to learn more.

In the rapidly evolving self-driving car industry, several key brands are leading the charge in innovation. These companies have invested significantly in autonomous technology:

Tesla: Tesla is at the forefront of autonomous features, with its Autopilot system integrated into its vehicles. CEO Elon Musk envisions achieving Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities, though regulatory hurdles persist.

Waymo (Alphabet Inc.): Alphabet Inc.’s subsidiary, Waymo, operates Waymo One, a fully autonomous ride-hailing service. Waymo is recognized for its robust sensor suite and extensive testing on public roads.

General Motors (GM): GM’s Cruise Automation division is dedicated to autonomous vehicle development, focusing on urban environments. The company has announced plans for a commercial self-driving taxi service.

Ford: Ford has partnered with Argo AI to develop autonomous vehicles for various applications, including ride-hailing and delivery services.

Apple: Apple’s secretive Project Titan suggests an interest in self-driving car technology, though specific plans remain undisclosed.

What’s Working in Self-Driving Car Development

Significant progress has been made in self-driving technology, with promising aspects to highlight:

Safety Improvements: Self-driving cars have the potential to significantly reduce accidents caused by human error, which accounts for the majority of accidents on the road.

Efficiency Gains: Autonomous vehicles could alleviate traffic congestion by reducing traffic accidents, leading to more efficient commutes for all.

Economic Benefits: Self-driving technology could generate a substantial global economic impact, primarily through reduced accidents and increased productivity.

Challenges in Self-Driving Car Development

Despite advancements, the path to widespread adoption of self-driving cars presents notable challenges:

Regulatory Complexity: Varying regulations across regions create challenges for consistent deployment, necessitating close collaboration between the industry and regulators.

Technical Hurdles: While self-driving technology has improved, occasional accidents during testing show the need for further refinement.

Consumer Trust: A significant portion of the public remains cautious about self-driving cars, emphasizing the importance of building trust through safety and transparency.

Cost Constraints: Developing and deploying autonomous technology can be expensive, demanding cost-effective solutions for widespread accessibility.

Infrastructure Compatibility: Existing road infrastructure may require upgrades to facilitate the seamless integration of autonomous vehicles.

The self-driving car industry holds immense promise but also faces substantial challenges. The dance between industry advancements, regulatory cooperation, and consumer acceptance will ultimately determine when self-driving cars become a common sight on the road. For now, we may still be waiting a while.