As manufacturers are trying to one-up each other in the technology stakes, the consumer is the one to benefit - most of the time. Especially as electric vehicles are becoming the norm, with less mechanical differentiation possible than what ICE offered, automakers will need to up their tech game massively in order to provide buyers with that new USP no-one else has.

By 2025, you might be taken aback to discover that flying cars are still not a reality. However, there are some remarkable technological advancements that could soon be integrated into your vehicle. While certain features are already in use to a limited extent, anticipate a significant expansion into comprehensive systems designed to enhance your driving experience and improve road safety. Here are some of the most exciting innovations we've uncovered.

Here’s a broad look at some exciting tech trends that are gaining popularity. We’d love to hear your thoughts on additional features you’d like to see become mainstream in the comments! The following list is presented without any specific ranking.

1 Biometric Access

Biometrics aren't unheard of in the automotive industry - we've had fingerprint scanners in cars for a few years now, with the Genesis GV60 and Kia Telluride being examples of this. Even that tech has been upgraded, with facial recognition by brands like Genesis and Cadillac on some of their European models. We foresee more of this in the future.

Large corporations are increasingly adopting advanced technologies for residential and commercial spaces, and it's likely that soon your family car will require you to gaze into a camera located in the B-pillar before it grants you entry. An infrared camera will analyze your eye to determine if you have permission to unlock the doors. Since each person's retina is distinct, this method offers a more secure form of access control for vehicles compared to the conventional key fob and transponder systems we currently utilize. However, automakers must take a few factors into account. Anyone who might need to access the vehicle must undergo a scanning process, which could pose limitations—or, in emergency situations, create challenges.

2 Hologram Windshield

An Immersive Virtual Reality Adventure

One of the more exciting new things in the car world we could see sooner rather than later, is the use of holograms as a upgraded head-up display. General Motors aims to introduce this technology to cars like the Cadllac Lyriq imminently:

We currently utilize gestures and voice commands, so this advancement serves as an enhancement that allows you to flip and navigate through the touchscreen menus in mid-air, instead of merely swiping left or right on the display. Imagine the interaction similar to that of Tony Stark and his AI assistant, J.A.R.V.I.S.

Certainly! Here's a different version of the text: Naturally, this contradicts the ongoing discussion about whether we should retain more physical buttons instead of continuing the trend of eliminating them in favor of touch-sensitive interfaces. Additionally, it remains uncertain whether users would need to wear special glasses to view the holographic icons. If that’s not the case and the hologram is solely dependent on the device's projection capabilities, what will the cost be, and how might that influence pricing, insurance, and maintenance? Nevertheless, it could serve as a distinctive selling point for the pioneering manufacturer willing to take the risk and implement this technology.

3 Fault Prediction

James, it's time to consider that your tires are becoming worn out.

A logical continuation of the diagnostic trouble code detection of a car, is the car-fault predictor. The theory is that this is already being implemented in production facilities, where machine-learning and AI are used to predict where a possible weak-point is being formed. The evolution of this is to equip this technology to cars where it can predict and preempt issues, points of failure, worn down bits, and the like.

This technology could prove invaluable for monitoring parts that experience regular wear and tear, as well as for identifying potential leaks. The key advantage is that the system is designed to identify issues early on, allowing you, the driver, to be alerted before the problem escalates into a serious concern. This way, you can address the issue in time to prevent severe engine damage or getting stuck on the roadside.

4 Self-Learning AI

Hey, Driver, I've gotten a good sense of your vibe!

One of the buzz-words at the CES Show in Las Vegas was self-learning AI. In our cars, we already use AI in our voice-prompt and voice recognition control systems. The idea of self-learning AI is that the computer learns your driving style and habits, and can then either make recommendations on places to visit, routes to use or how to change your driving style to save more fuel. But how much further can we take that? Can AI learn your driving style and combine with hands-free driving technology to... drive like you?

Like any AI technology, a primary concern moving forward is the extent of personal information that the system can collect about you and the security of that data. However, this could serve as a subtle means for contemporary vehicles to enhance your driving experience, whether through advice, recommendations, or even managing the next segment of your lengthy 18-hour journey.

5 Habitat On Wheels

Creating an Ambiance Inside the Cabin

We're no stranger to ambient lighting and fragrances and special scents in our cars these days, with many a new car being programmed to release special scents as and when needed. Infiniti is one such automaker. But setting the mood is more than just about scent and sight. One technology that we expect to take center stage in the future relates to setting the mood in your car in a very different way.

In our cars today we already use various cameras which detect your eye movements to see whether you are drowsy, or not looking at the road in front of you. The next step would be that the central computer analyzes your body language to see in what mood you are in. It can then play soft music and soft, blue lighting in the cabin to fit your mood. Or red ambient lighting and switching the car in Sport mode with the radio blasting AC/DC, if you're on an adrenalin high. The ultimate cabin experience - or habitat on wheels - is the new buzzword in this regard, and the guys in white jackets believe customers will fall over their feet for a feature like this.

6 Wireless Charging

For Your Vehicle, Not Your Smartphone

Several manufacturers have toyed with this idea already, and Tesla, Inc. has showcased the wireless charging tech for its Robotaxi concept. Think of the cradle in your car where you can charge your smartphone wirelessly, and then blow it up to ten times the size so that you can park your car atop it, and leave it at that with no need to find a plug or carry a heavy cable to your vehicle.

This would certainly simplify things at charging stations or even at home. However, there have been trials exploring the possibility of utilizing an entire highway stretch for this purpose. Imagine driving along the highway while your car’s battery gets charged simultaneously. It sounds impressive, but we can’t help but feel it could pose significant risks too. Perhaps it would be wiser for engineers to focus on developing the home charging pad first?

If you come across it, let's look it up on Google.

Toyota is currently developing an innovative camera system that tracks your line of sight and utilizes artificial intelligence to provide you with additional details about the items you are viewing. For example, while driving through a city, if you glance at a coffee shop, the system can recognize your focus on the establishment and automatically display the menu on the vehicle's touchscreen, provide contact information, or even propose a prompt for making a reservation.

Although it's still under development, researchers have successfully tested a system that eliminates the need for special glasses. The technology uses cameras to monitor your eye movements, determining whether you're focused on a taco stand or the adjacent shop. This innovation is thrilling and quite practical, albeit a bit unsettling at first due to its impressive accuracy. It could prove invaluable in situations where you're disoriented and require directions; simply glancing at a street name or sign could trigger an automatic map display. This is a piece of technology that holds great promise for everyday use.

Sources: Volvo Cars, BMW, Mercedes, Kia, Tesla, Inc.