Car Tech to Watch in 2015
Like most things, cars tend to change with time. Based on current trends, it’s likely that 2015 will bring a host of new developments to the automotive world. Here are a few trends that we expect to see more of in 2015.
More Wi-Fi
General Motors is currently leading the field in terms Wi-Fi technology, turning vehicles into a hotspot on wheels. GM uses 4G LTE technology to allow passengers to use mobile devices to stream movies, download data, and more. Other manufacturers, including Ford, Chrysler, and Audi, are also pushing to make this technology available in their cars.
Earlier this year we put GM’s Wi-Fi to the test in a Chevrolet Colorado and we can safely say it’s awesome.
More ZEVs
In May, Massachusetts joined a small group of states that promised to get 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road by 2025. This likely means we’ll see an expansion of charging stations for all-electric vehicles like the BMW i3 in the coming years.
Hydrogen could be another alternative fuel source for officials to keep an eye on. Earlier this year, the hydrogen-powered Hyundai Fuel Cell Tucson made a quick stop in Boston to inform local transportation officials of the need for hydrogen refueling stations.
Rear View Cameras
This tech has been around for a while now. But in March, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration required all new cars to have a rear view camera starting in May 2018. According to the agency, there are 210 deaths and 15,000 injuries caused by vehicles backing up every year.
Several automakers have already made rear view cameras a standard feature, but some manufacturers are taking rear view technology a step further. For example, Nissan has developed a “smart rearview mirror,’’ which puts and LCD camera in the rearview mirror for clearer views.
Crash Avoidance Technology
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety predicts a rise in the use of crash prevention technology, including forward collision warning systems and automatic braking. According to IIHS spokesperson Russ Rader, these features are becoming more common on mainstream vehicles, not just luxury models.
“Our research shows that forward collision warning and automatic braking systems are preventing real-world crashes so they’re well worth the money,’’ said Rader in an email. “These features use sensors to constantly monitor the road ahead, and warn the driver of an impending collision. If the driver doesn’t react, then some of the systems can automatically apply the brakes to try to avoid the crash or reduce its severity.’’
Adaptive Headlights
Rader also says adaptive headlight technology, lights that adjusts with the driver’s steering input to help illuminate dark roads, is a technology that is “showing benefits.’’ According to the IIHS website, adaptive headlights are playing a role in preventing drivers from crashing into objects on darkened roads.
Lighter Cars, Better Fuel Efficiency
The 2015 Ford F-150 pickup truck stands out as one of the greatest weigh-loss success stories of the year. The F-150 is completely redesigned for 2015 with an aluminum body to make it much lighter – try about 700 pounds. This lighter weight is expected to allow the F-150’s EcoBoost engine to deliver much higher fuel efficiency.
Parking Assist
Once a feature reserved for luxury models, park assistant technology is becoming more prevalent in the mainstream market. The simplest form of this technology includes sensors that can help drivers navigate into a tight parking spot. But, more advanced cars include self-parking cars that find a decent place to park and slip into a spot without the driver’s help.
Apps and Devices
A slew of devices that connect to a car’s diagnostic port and relays information to a smartphone are becoming more widely available. Once connected to the car, these devices – including Automatic, Mojio, and Zubie to name a few – can tell you why your “check engine’’ light turned on, track driver behavior and look for areas to improve, and even notify emergency services if the car is involved in a crash.
Autonomous Driving (Not Quite there yet)
Nissan, GM, and even Google have pledged to build a self-driving car over the next decade. While we’re many years away from seeing an autonomous car become a reality, the technology involved is showing up in several mainstream cars including lane-keeping assist found on the 2015 Honda CR-V and radar cruise control found on the 2015 Ford F-150.
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