For the longest time, vehicles have been powered by fossil fuels that aren’t always the best for the environment. Alternative methods of power have been developed and available before, but they were too expensive for both manufacturers and consumers. This technology has been improved over the years, and it’s finally becoming available for more and more people.
In the past, upgrades like electronic fuel injection and shatter-resistant glass took a while to be implemented widely into newer vehicles; most of the technology surfacing now is facing some of the same backlash. Despite speculation, I think this new technology is great for the advancement of the automotive industry.
Let’s begin with the downsizing of powertrains. Many manufacturers are turning to small turbocharged engines in an effort to reduce emissions and fuel consumptions — even many sports cars and expensive supercars are using smaller engines with turbo power.
Some turbo engines were a bit wild in the past (the first Porsche 911 Turbo was called the “Widow Maker” for a reason), but the technology behind turbochargers has become much easier to control and live with on a daily basis. Not to mention, it’s always great to get decent fuel mileage from an engine with a bit of pep.
In addition to turbocharging, many manufacturers are utilizing hybrid and electric power in their vehicles. For those in the void, hybrid cars use small gas-powered engines with electric motors and powerful batteries to produce power, while electric cars run on pure electricity through large battery packs.
I’ll be honest, when I think “hybrid,” I think of the Toyota Prius; it’s an extremely efficient car that’s very unenthusiastic to drive. This doesn’t matter to most people, but some like having a car with a bit more … personality.
Hybrids and electric cars are becoming more common now, and the technology is trickling down into a larger variety of vehicles. Cars like the Honda CR-Z offer hybrid technology in a fun-to-drive package, and supercars like the McLaren P1 offer electric power to accompany their powerful gas engines.
Tesla recently unveiled their new Model 3, an all-electric sedan that’s slated to be offered for $35,000 (much cheaper than Tesla’s other $100,000+ offerings.) Hybrid and electric tech have proven to be effective in reducing emissions and versatile enough to be available in a range of applications.
Autonomous self-driving technologies are also being developed in an effort to make driving safer. Companies like Google, Apple and Tesla have been developing and testing technology that would allow cars to drive and park themselves. Google is even developing its own car, which they’ve been testing for quite some time.
As with most new technologies that are introduced, I was a bit skeptical about a car driving itself on the road; I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be in a huge metal object flying down the highway at 60-plus miles per hour. Still, I think much of this autonomous technology will make transportation much easier for a wider range of people, and it will definitely make driving safer in a world where most people are preoccupied with their phones or tablets.
This new tech might worry some in the enthusiast community, but I openly welcome it. Wider implementation of technology is vital for the future success of the auto industry.
