The Top 5 Automotive Technology Trends to Watch in the USA in 2022

Top 5 Automotive Technology

The automotive industry has been revolutionized over the past decade, largely due to advances in technology. Innovations have made it easier than ever to use smartphones and other mobile devices to access everything from maps to entertainment – and this trend will only continue as the industry continues to evolve and grow in years to come. Here are some of the top automotive technology trends that car owners can expect to see in 2022.

 

1) Level 4 Autonomous Vehicles

For several years now, automakers have been rolling out new features that will usher in Level 4 autonomous vehicles. These vehicles are capable of operating without human intervention on predetermined roads and lanes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has defined five levels of automated vehicle performance ranging from no automation (Level 0) to full automation (Level 5). Over time, cars will make driving easier for motorists as well as more interesting and safer by shifting some control over to machines. It's a trend worth watching for those who work with automotive technology.

 

2) Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

Ad hoc networks will become more and more popular among consumers. VANETs are rapidly evolving from pilot projects to real-world applications, as seen with vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications that support driver assistance and connected navigation functions. For example, Qualcomm's ITS Demonstrator is working on VANETs that utilize high-speed wireless communication technologies such as LTE Direct Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Roadside Units (RSUs). The project involves a partnership between Qualcomm, NXP Semiconductors, Oceaneering and University of California San Diego.

 

3) Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communications

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications are expected to become standard features of cars sold in 2022. V2X uses wireless communication technologies—such as 802.11p, Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), cellular and satellite—to share information between vehicles and surrounding infrastructure. This technology enables connected cars to reduce risks like rear end collisions with sudden braking or lane changes. Additionally, it allows vehicles and drivers to be warned of traffic jams or dangerous weather conditions ahead that may cause hazardous driving conditions like heavy rain or fog. V2X is one of many automotive technology trends that are expected to have a great impact on our daily lives by providing safer roads for drivers, commuters and pedestrians alike.

 

4) Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Alternative fuel vehicles have made some big strides in recent years and will continue gaining momentum throughout 2022. The number of hydrogen stations available for refueling is set to increase and, as a result, more people are expected to make a switch to hydrogen-powered vehicles. In fact, many automakers are forecasting that 10% of all car sales by 2020 will be alternative fuel-powered cars. This shift away from traditional gasoline/diesel vehicles is an important move as well. Not only does it improve our energy independence but also allows us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. It's only when we stop relying on carbon-emitting cars that we can start combatting climate change—and growing adoption of alternative fuel vehicles is one important way we'll be able to do that.

 

5) On Demand Mobility

You’re used to Lyft or Uber picking you up whenever and wherever, so why wouldn’t you have your car pick you up instead? Imagine being able to hail a self-driving vehicle from your mobile device; all of your groceries are already packed and ready for transport, so it could drop off those goods and then take you where you need to go. The idea of having an on-demand autonomous fleet is becoming more real by the day, but some experts don’t think it will be available until 2027. Not too shabby!

 

Conclusion

Today’s automotive technology will seem outdated ten years from now. There are huge strides being made in autonomous driving and new manufacturing methods that could dramatically change what we think of as automobiles today. These changes have significant implications for car owners, riders, car-sharing services, transportation infrastructure – all manner of those whose lives may be touched by autos. What can you do now? There are plenty of trends out there to start familiarizing yourself with and even though they might seem like far off possibilities today, it’s best to be prepared than left behind. Start understanding what advancements are being made today so you’re ready for what life has in store 10 years from now!