Cars that wirelessly charge on the move, AI assistants to schedule in-vehicle meetings, and radar technology to advance safety all boast the growing intelligence of automotive technologies. IDTechEx’s portfolio of Electric Vehicles and Robotics & Autonomy market research reports showcases the latest technologies, bringing an engaging and forward-thinking future of driving into reality.
With seamless and invisible charging for electric vehicles, hopping in and out of the car to plug in a charger soon may not be necessary. Powerful coils fitted underground will be ready to provide energy to vehicles through powerful magnetic resonance or inductive charging.
Parking up to do the shopping could mean an opportunity for the car to charge without the driver needing to consider it. At the same time, smart grids can work alongside the vehicle’s intelligence to balance the distribution of energy where needed.
Waiting for the car to charge up may also be eliminated, as vehicles could top up their batteries while moving. Motorways could be fitted with charging zones so driving longer distances doesn’t need to be a hindrance, and trips don’t need to be planned around stopping for power. The technology behind wireless charging is explored in IDTechEx’s report, “Wireless Charging Market for Electric Vehicles 2023-2033: Technology, Players and Forecasts“.
Zero-emission driving will continue to be a target well into the future until all cars on the road are electric and give the environment a chance to breathe. The continuously developing Li-ion battery market is explored in IDTechEx’s report, “Advanced Li-ion Batteries 2025-2035: Technologies, Players, Markets, Forecasts“. This report showcases the latest advancements in the sector to create the most efficient and safest electric vehicles.
On-site electrolysers that produce green hydrogen fuel directly from water could make access to emission-free driving much easier. Hydrogen pipelines may also become more mainstream for transporting and delivering hydrogen fuel over extended distances, allowing for increased distribution.
Fuel-cell vehicles’ potential range of up to 1,000km could also be revolutionary in extending driving periods without refuelling. However, one day, hydrogen canisters could be imagined instead of needing to locate a hydrogen pump.
Two key benefits of emission-free driving are cleaner city air and reduced global transport emissions. The increasing focus on sustainability, driven by developments in electric and fuel-cell vehicles, presents the future of driving as much more environmentally friendly and beneficial for the planet. IDTechEx’s report, “Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles 2025-2045: Markets, Technologies, Forecasts“, has more details.
Car seats made from mushrooms and microbes could also become the latest trend in the spirit of growing sustainability. They mimic regular leather’s feel, look, and quality while being much better for the environment.
Upgrading the aesthetic of automotive interiors to enjoy long drives in could therefore be guilt-free, achieved through more earth-friendly approaches, explored in “Emerging Alternative Leathers 2024-2034: Technologies, Trends, Players“.
Pre-ordering a coffee on the way to work could be done by car, so it’s quick and ready to collect without fuss. Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) will enable passengers to engage with vehicles personally, including adding AI as a digital assistant to facilitate biometric payment authentication.
The AI assistant can also create individual profiles to memorise seat positions, climate preferences, favourite radio stations, and dashboard colour preferences, making driving an instantly personalised and enjoyable experience.
The AI assistant feature will also be able to communicate with drivers when the car requires servicing, and where the nearest garage is on a preferred route, so the car’s maintenance can be hassle-free for the driver.
Cellular connectivity within cars will enable cars to complete over-the-air updates at night, ready for the morning commute. Connected car technology will also be a possibility, allowing for accurate, up-to-date driving maps as vehicles share information about collisions or traffic jams en route. IDTechEx’s report, “Software-Defined Vehicles, Connected Cars, and AI in Cars 2024-2034: Markets, Trends, and Forecasts”, explores SDV possibilities in greater depth.
Taking the car to be serviced could one day be a fun display of robots at work, with collaborative robots programmed to assemble dashboard components and maybe even carry out MOTs. Their ease of programming and flexibility could also see them welding and screwing car parts, or simply cleaning the car. Visit IDTechEx’s report, “Collaborative Robots 2025-2045: Technologies, Players, and Markets” for more details.
Cars taking themselves for a ride after dropping passengers off at their desired location may be a new reality with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving systems (ADS). Once summoned, like a chauffeur, vehicles could return within minutes, showcasing the ease of movement that advancing automotive technology can bring.
With interconnectivity capabilities, cars can navigate their way around, knowing the streets like the back of their wheels, and road-driving appears synchronous and seamless. IDTechEx’s report, “Passenger Car ADAS Market 2025-2045: Technology, Market Analysis, and Forecasts,” covers ADAS further.
The windshield could become a holographic heads-up display for drivers who remain behind the wheel, highlighting hard-to-see pedestrians or speed limits. As Heads-up Displays become more advanced in line with increasing vehicle autonomy levels, drivers can choose how much they want to engage with driving.
Taking the wheel for enjoyment and then dipping out to take a work call on the move could be done at the driver’s discretion. The report, “Autonomous Vehicles Market 2025-2045: Robotaxis, Autonomous Cars, Sensors“, covers different levels of vehicle autonomy that are on the rise to make this possible.
Automotive radars significantly contribute to the development of autonomous driving, as they can keep vehicles in check and out of trouble while passengers enjoy the journey. Side radars have many jobs, including blind spot detection and lane change assist, which ensure nothing is advancing from behind or at the sides of the vehicle.
Reversing out of tight parking spaces could also make leaving in a hurry less strenuous, as side radars can detect people or objects nearby. IDTechEx’s report, “Automotive Radar Market 2025-2045: Robotaxis & Autonomous Cars,” explores the technology behind the extra pairs of eyes covering areas where the driver cannot see.
Automatic emergency braking is another essential feature in autonomous driving. It uses front and side radars to detect whether people are on the road before the car has entirely made a turn. This application demonstrates how different radars work together to achieve a shared goal, providing information to the vehicle that can then communicate with the driver.
Falling asleep at the wheel won’t be such a concern, as driver monitoring systems (DMS) detect driver drowsiness and are expected to be required in all new vehicles by 2026. Occupant monitoring systems (OMS) could also monitor passengers’ vitals, such as heart rate and breathing, or raise an alert when it suspects a child may be left in the car.
Both DMS and OMS will maximise safety within vehicles so long journeys can feel less stressful, and parents can feel more at ease with young children in the back on hot days. “In-Cabin Sensing 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, and Markets” contains more information on the systems at work within vehicles to keep passengers safe.
Detecting phone use, seatbelt engagement, and attentiveness of the driver are possibilities for infrared technology inside the vehicle, explored in IDTechEx’s report, “Infrared and Thermal Cameras for Autonomy and In-Cabin 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, Forecasts“. Near infra-red systems can work in dark conditions, emitting their own light source to function, and even gauge drivers’ alertness through sunglasses, so other passengers can relax knowing the driver is being taken care of.
Visit IDTechEx’s report, “Future Automotive Technologies 2024-2034: Applications, Megatrends, Forecasts,” and the Electric Vehicles and Robotics & Autonomy market research portfolios for more details on the growing trends within the automotive industry.