The Future Of Mobility
It could be considered an understatement to say that the world has been profoundly changed with the introduction of the automobile. The cars didn’t just mobilize generations; they introduced humanity to the speed of traveling never seen before and completely transformed all industry’s branches. The concept of personal transportation influenced the tremendous political, social, and environmental changes we are still in the process of understanding. So, after 136 years since the first car rolled out of the small garage in Cannstatt, we can say that we live in a world defined and dominated by automobiles. However, despite cars being the critical object of our everyday lives and urban landscape, the question on anyone’s mind is simply – what is next?
Today, we will discuss several directions in which the car industry will move. The future of mobility is a complicated topic since it depends on various factors and technologies, some of which are still in development phases. However, our job at Movitronic closely follows the development of the concept of personal transportation and make sure that our products and services help shape the future of mobility.
So, here is our take on the future of mobility.
1. Connectivity
For most people, the concept of car connectivity starts and ends with Apple Car Play or Android Auto. However, the potential is much, much bigger. We feel that connectivity will play a significant part in the future due to the fact that modern technology offers so much in providing a completely different transportation experience. It is not just about being able to have your playlist in your car; it is about the car being your actual personal assistant, your driver, guardian, and advisor. Like Siri but with wheels and an engine. This is the moment where the car world needs to learn from the smartphone industry. Connectivity was key to transforming ordinary cell phones into communication devices that now play a pivotal role in our lives. The same will happen with cars, and the concept of mobility will be significantly changed. .
2. Shared Mobility
Imagine you are part of a modern, average, suburban family. Your transportation needs consist of one or two commuter cars, probably an economy compact or sedan, SUV or minivan for family outings, and one fun car you keep in the garage and use when the weather is nice. In Europe, there are 1.5 cars per household; in America, that number is significantly higher at 1.9 vehicles per family on average. As we all know, owning, operating, insuring, and maintaining a vehicle is a considerable cost for the average family, so car sharing is an alternative. This concept which gained much traction during the global pandemic, offers an innovative alternative to standard car ownership. By paying a monthly fee, you will have access to a whole range of vehicles without owning any of them. During a work week, you will drive an economy compact to work. On the weekends, you will pack your family in an off-road SUV for a camping trip. Use the app to schedule a van if you need to go to IKEA and pick up furniture. Of course, you can also order a sports car for that blast down the coastal road.
We at Movitronic are especially interested in this part of the future of mobility since our products and services perfectly align with the car-sharing concept. We developed digital key technology, online driver verification, and integration with car sharing and rental car software, which is necessary for smooth operation. The contactless part of the experience is very important along with the hardware. At the moment, major car manufacturers and their APIs are not as good as they need to be. Our services are an integral part of the shared mobility concept. The solutions we are constantly developing are shaping the future, bringing efficiency, profitability, and safety to car sharing companies and their users.
3. Alternative Fuels
Yes, we know the automotive world is in the middle of the EV revolution. However, electric vehicles are still not perfect, and the EV lobby still needs to address numerous issues, not just with range or charging, but with recycling old batteries, infrastructure, and overall cost. However, there are significant advancements in hydrogen-based fuels, which could replace conventional gasoline and use the existing infrastructure with minimal changes. With its eFuel project, Porsche has made the most progress, and we can see a proper gasoline alternative in commercial use by 2025. It could keep the existing economic model and the practicality of ICE-powered vehicles with an EV-like zero emission rating. Of course, eFuels still need thorough testing, but the transition to this fuel will be much easier, cheaper, and still satisfy environmental standards. Keep an eye on Porsche’s eFuel project and consider being an early adopter of this technology.
4. Autonomous Driving
Due to its problematic implementation, the autonomous driving concept has been the subject of much debate over the past years. Despite the advancements and benefits, the car industry still has problems with legislation, technology, and real-life experiences. At the moment, there are five levels of autonomy, with the first being standard cruise control and warnings and the fifth being the “steering wheel optional” mode in which the car is capable of completing an entire journey without a single input from the human driver. However, we can see self-driving modes as an integral part of all new cars in the near future. With advancements in connectivity, as we mentioned in our previous point, the amount of needed information for proper functioning will achieve the required levels so autonomous cars can perform without flaws. Of course, not only do cars need to be improved, the infrastructure and road network needs to be adjusted for such vehicles and provide the car’s sensors with a more straightforward reading of traffic situations.
Summary
Saying that the future of mobility is interesting would be an understatement. With technological developments, changing driving habits, and turning towards more sustainable solutions, we are at the new dawn of the personal transport concept. Movitronic is excited to be a part of an innovative group of companies shaping that future. Sign up for more information,and see how we can help achieve better efficiency, profitability, and safety.
