Are Flying Cars in Our Future?

What changes are coming to the auto industry?

The automobile industry in the U.S. and worldwide is in the midst of a massive transformation. Once thought to exist only in science fiction movies, flying cars could be available as soon as 2020, according to at least one maker of the innovative vehicles. Along with flying cars, self-driving vehicles are believed to be the mode of transportation of the near future. Self-driving vehicles are promised to cut down significantly on car accidents and improve the lives of commuters. Here’s a look at the cutting edge vehicles you could expect to see in the coming years:

Electric Cars May Replace Combustion Engines

Electric cars have now been in existence for some time, but they continue to make up just a small portion of the total domestic auto market. The reason for this sag in popularity is this: manufacturers are still struggling to produce high performance batteries at a decent price. Due to the cost of the batteries, electric vehicle costs remain high for consumers, making them unaffordable to many.

This is anticipated to change soon as more automakers turn their efforts towards creating an economical electric car. It is believed that by 2025, one in every six vehicles will be electric. Once the cost of an electric car drops to that of a traditional automobile and once that vehicle can be rapidly charged, it is thought that the internal combustion engine will become a thing of the past.

Automated Technology Will Continue Its Path to a Fully Autonomous Vehicle

For now, fully autonomous cars that transport drivers from one spot to another while they relax in the back are still a few years off. However, onboard computers are already taking over some functions of driving for consumers, and this trend will continue in the future. Many vehicles are now sold with autonomous modes that allow the car to interact with other vehicles and infrastructures. The cars can turn, brake, and perform other driving functions, but drivers must remain alert and ready to react if needed.

When fully adopted, self-driving car technology is anticipated to greatly reduce car accident rates by eliminating the human error element to driving. As the technology remains in the development phases, some accidents are occurring, as evidenced by the recent fatal crashes that have received national attention. For now, drivers will have to contend with their morning commute, but know that at some point in the future your vehicle will likely take over for you.

Flying Cars May Not Just Be a Hollywood Movie Effect

Ride sharing company Uber has teamed up with NASA to herald in a new era of driving: flying cars. Uber hopes to be able to offer commercial flying car trips as soon as 2023. Uber is not the only company pursuing flying car technology. AeroMobil, a company in Slovakia, has revealed a design for battery powered flying cars that it states will be available in five to seven years. European maker AirBus is developing a drone like pod device to transport people across town. These tech innovators could soon herald in a revolutionary transportation mode of the future. Flying cars add to the adjustments to personal injury laws that lawmakers will need to make to accommodate these vehicles.

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