I ask you… how many times have you been told, throughout your life that;
‘You have to let a driver concentrate, the car doesn’t drive itself!’
Imagine a world, where this scolding statement would bear no more relevance, a world where the driver is no longer you, but actually your car! Now, we’re all aware of the application of autonomous vehicles (self driving cars), which derive from pre-existing forms of advanced mobility, such as an aeroplane utilising auto-pilot software. This isn’t a concept that is new to us as a society.
But, what about this…
An autonomous vehicle removes the physicality of actually having to drive and operates on a basic route of taking the vehicle from point A to point B. But imagine vehicles that not only take the physical burden of driving but also the mental competence and communication that goes beyond what the average driver is able to do sitting in their car.
Connected Vehicle Technologies (CVT) maintains the ability for vehicles to communicate with one another, as well as storing data and informing drivers on current traffic congestion and even in autonomously navigating vehicles to the nearest available parking spots. Don’t you agree, this all sounds like a futuristic science fiction movie? But really it’s our new reality!
Welcome to the world of Connected Vehicle Technologies!
But what are they exactly, and how can you expect them to reshape your travel experiences?
Understanding Connected Vehicle Technologies:
Connected Vehicles Technologies operate, using a system of wireless networks, allowing vehicles to communicate with each other and infrastructure to enhance safety and mobility methods on your streets. Connected Vehicle Technology methods are separated into 2 subcategories, known as Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) technologies. V2V technologies enable cars to share data about their speed, direction and location assisting in the prevention of collisions and improving traffic flow. V2I technologies, allows vehicles to digitally interact with traffic signals to optimise route planning and to reduce road congestion.
I hear you ask though… What’s the need for all of this?
The aim is to create a safer, more efficient, sustainable transportation network system.
But how does this technology translate into our everyday lives?
CVT Beyond the Theoretical:
Elon Musk’s contribution to the world of future mobility and technologies is no secret to any of us. Take the Tesla automotive as an example, a vehicle model equipped with V2X (Vehicle to Everything) capabilities, consisting of semi- autonomous driving features, extraction and sharing of traffic information and updates on road conditions. This enables safer, more efficient travel assistance and allows drivers to take a partial backseat approach for their travels, enhancing the overall ‘driving experience’. As of 2022, Tesla reported that their cars have driven over 3 billion miles in Autopilot mode, demonstrating their extensive use of connected technologies.
The Power of Connection: Advantages of CVT
The potential benefits of CVTs are expansive. They promise improved road safety by alerting drivers of potential collisions, better traffic management through real-time updates, and reductions in carbon emissions by optimising routes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), CVTs could eliminate or mitigate the severity of up to 80% of non-impaired collisions.
Stepping into Tomorrow’s Transport:
As we venture deeper into the 21st century, you can expect to see more advancements in the world of CVTs. General Motors for one, has proposed plans to launch ‘Super Cruise technology’, offering hands-free driving on compatible highways. Along with the ever developments of 5G networks, data transmission is projected to become faster and more reliable, further amplifying the potential of CVTs.
Yet, it’s not just about vehicles becoming more ‘connected.’ The future also beckons the rise of Smart Cities, where infrastructure, public transport, and personal devices will all be integrated into one interconnected web, paving the way for seamless urban mobility.
Ready to Fast Forward?
Connected Vehicles are undisputedly the path of the future for mobility and transportation. It’s no different to when the new model of the IPhone is released, everyone wants to jump on board, because its current, trendy and useful and efficient. Connected Vehicles are becoming the IPhones of the road and soon enough, everyone will be talking about them and finding ways to source their own connected vehicle. How do you feel about this? Are you ready to take the leap to advancing your driving experience?
