Manuel’s Body Shop is always on the look out for the latest trends and car technology.
Here’ s our list of new car technology in 2020.
Automobiles are getting smarter and smarter every day and all of that is thanks to the immense work put in by scientists, researchers, and engineers. The impressive technological advancements made by the car industry over the years have turned our dreams into reality. Nowadays the possibilities are endless. What we once thought to be impossible is now possible. And this year things are getting a bit more exciting.
2020 has not been very fruitful for the car industry but technologically we have achieved a lot.
So without further delay, let’s talk about some of the most exciting car technologies of 2020.
Autonomous Driving Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles are the talk of the town nowadays and for good reason. The technology has been in development for quite a while but we haven’t been able to see any stunning results. One reason is that the concept is still very new and arguably in its infancy. We are still miles away from getting fully autonomous vehicles but the positive side is that some car manufacturers have been able to make semi-autonomous cars.
Tesla is the first car company that comes to mind when it comes to self-driving technology. Their research and development in this sector is highly advanced. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Tesla gets one step closer to fully autonomous vehicles in 2020.
By the end of this year, you might just be able to see some cars that can achieve Level 3 automation. This means that your car will be able to drive itself, in special conditions, of course, requiring extremely minimal input from you as a driver. The 2019 Audi R8 that is to be released in 2020 is expected to have level 3 autonomy.
Solar Powered Cars
“Solar-powered cars are the next big thing” you might have heard that phrase being bounced around a lot because honestly, the idea of solar-powered cars is not new.
However, things could change in 2020. Solar technology has improved a lot over the years. Nowadays we have extremely efficient solar panels that cost almost half as much as they did before. To top that off, batteries are becoming cheaper and more efficient.
Solar energy can be a good hybrid option for upcoming vehicles. Solar power is a free energy source. You don’t have to plug your car to a socket every time the battery runs out. That is a problem if you have a PHEV or EV in your garage.
If your car is solar powered, you only need the sun to shine over your vehicle and the battery will charge itself. That’s a cheap and hassle-free alternative especially if you live in a city where the sun shines brightly for the majority of a calendar year.
Hyundai is one manufacturer that is going to provide a solar hybrid option in the upcoming Hyundai Sonata.
Biometric Access
In 2020 vehicles will become safer and more anti-theft. Biometric access to a vehicle is a concept that is still being looked at but it can soon be a possibility. Think about it, you approach your car, put your hand on the handle and the car instantly unlocks. No need for a key, or a FOB or any other gadget. It will feel exactly like unlocking your phone.
The car will recognize your fingerprint and only unlock if you put your hand on it. To top that off, you will be able to start the car as well using only your biometrics. A retina scanner may be included in the package taking you one step closer to futuristic technology.
Pretty cool idea overall if you ask us!
Separate Sound Zones
Hyundai is a brand that is always looking to achieve excellence. It is this mission of theirs that has allowed them to introduce revolutionary technologies to the car world. Their newest innovation is the separate sound zone technology. For the first time, each passenger will be able to listen to their favorite music separately.
The front passengers will not be able to hear what the passengers in the rear are listening to and vice versa. There will be no need for headphones, no more arguing over the right radio channel, and no more disturbances while taking a private call.
The technology uses the idea of decreasing and increasing sound wavelengths. Imagine noise-canceling headphones but in a car – without the headphones themselves. Hyundai and Kia are set to introduce this technology pretty soon and seeing how it works, it won’t be long before other manufacturers follow.
In-Car Payment System
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you don’t have to get out of your car to pay for gas or your drive-through meal? That could happen as Visa and SiriusXM have developed a feature that allows you to pay for things while sitting in your car. The only thing you have to do is connect the car to the internet and you will be able to make payments from the infotainment screen.
No need to use the mobile phone and no need to get out of your vehicle. The feature is being added to various cars and it will hit the market very soon.
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