Future Techology of the Present
Top Technologies of Today
The auto industry is filled with new technologies. Every year we are introduced to a possible glimpse of the future. Some technologies never make it beyond concept cars. But many not only make it into production, but over time become the norm. Here are a few that are gaining in popularity by the year.
Touch-Screen Dashboards
Carmakers are beginning to replace analog dials and controls with touch-screen displays. They were used in nearly every electric or hybrid vehicle unveiled at this year's auto shows. Some vehicles, such as Chrysler's 200C EV Concept, in fact have no analog controls. Touch screen dashboards are quickly becoming the norm and may be further proof that knobs, buttons and other "hard" controls are an endangered interface.
Bioplastics
Bioplastics contain varying amounts of organic materials such as corn, kelp or soy and are increasingly being used in automobiles as a ‘green’ alternative. Bioplastics are still plastic, though they contain less petroleum and result in a lower carbon footprint for automakers. The current environmental vulnerability of bioplastics, which can degrade when exposed to moisture and sunlight, makes them a better fit for interior components. But as researchers experiment with new organic compounds and more durable manufacturing techniques, analysts expect bioplastics to gradually replace traditional plastics, possibly even replacing today's door panels and other exterior components with a more sustainable alternative.
Clean Diesels
Diesels have recently overcome a common thought of dirty emissions. The new breed of diesels, commonly known as ‘clean diesels’, are much improved from diesel models of the past. Although this type of powertrain is very popular overseas, diesels seemed to be a dying breed in the US, at least for passenger cars. Yet, as of this year, Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen are all selling clean diesels stateside, and other automakers are developing models meant to be sold in the States. Clean diesels may hold a strong place in the future of green cars.
The auto industry is filled with new technologies. Every year we are introduced to a possible glimpse of the future. Some technologies never make it beyond concept cars. But many not only make it into production, but over time become the norm. Here are a few that are gaining in popularity by the year.
Touch-Screen Dashboards
Carmakers are beginning to replace analog dials and controls with touch-screen displays. They were used in nearly every electric or hybrid vehicle unveiled at this year's auto shows. Some vehicles, such as Chrysler's 200C EV Concept, in fact have no analog controls. Touch screen dashboards are quickly becoming the norm and may be further proof that knobs, buttons and other "hard" controls are an endangered interface.
Bioplastics
Bioplastics contain varying amounts of organic materials such as corn, kelp or soy and are increasingly being used in automobiles as a ‘green’ alternative. Bioplastics are still plastic, though they contain less petroleum and result in a lower carbon footprint for automakers. The current environmental vulnerability of bioplastics, which can degrade when exposed to moisture and sunlight, makes them a better fit for interior components. But as researchers experiment with new organic compounds and more durable manufacturing techniques, analysts expect bioplastics to gradually replace traditional plastics, possibly even replacing today's door panels and other exterior components with a more sustainable alternative.
Clean Diesels
Diesels have recently overcome a common thought of dirty emissions. The new breed of diesels, commonly known as ‘clean diesels’, are much improved from diesel models of the past. Although this type of powertrain is very popular overseas, diesels seemed to be a dying breed in the US, at least for passenger cars. Yet, as of this year, Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen are all selling clean diesels stateside, and other automakers are developing models meant to be sold in the States. Clean diesels may hold a strong place in the future of green cars.
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