Some of the Features of Modern Cars

The growth and development of the automobile industry over time has been phenomenal. From the time that the electric starter was invented to the introduction of driverless cars the other day, the journey has been quite incredible. Some of the subsequent developments that have made the modern car include the automatic gear transmission, hydraulic power steering, vacuum power brakes, air conditioning, high compression engines, and computerized engine management. Here are a few features of modern cars.

Use of Alternative Sources of Fuel

The oil crisis in the 70s reminded us of a reality that we had always ignored that petroleum products are non-renewable sources of energy. One day, they will get depleted. Since then, the automotive world has prepared itself for life without petroleum oil. This has led to the introduction of alternative fuel vehicles. These are vehicles that run on other sources of fuel other than petroleum fuels such as solar power and electricity.

Introduction of Hybrid Cars

A hybrid car is one that can use two or more distinct forms of power. It is different from an alternative fuel vehicle. While a solar-powered vehicle is an alternative fuel vehicle, it is not a hybrid vehicle because it relies on only one form of energy. A good example of a hybrid car is one that can use both an internal combustion engine and an electric generator. We have seen an increase in the manufacture of such vehicles today. These cars are very energy efficient, and at a time when energy conservation is the order of the day, an increase in their production is a step in the right direction.

Environmental Friendliness

The green vehicles of today cannot miss in any list of futuristic cars. Eco-friendliness is the daily environmental conservation mantra, and its inclusion in modern cars deserves plaudits. Indeed, contemporary vehicles are manufactured with the environment in mind. They have minimal emissions, and their use is not harmful to the environment. Most alternative fuel cars such as electric vehicles, compressed-air vehicles, and hydrogen vehicles are green or environmentally friendly vehicles.

Enhanced Safety and Security Features

The modern car is safer compared to previous car models. Some of the most common safety features of modern vehicles include airbags, seatbelts, antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. We also have accident avoidance safety systems such as brake assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assists, among others. Improved technology Modern cars are technologically compliant.

Technology in the automotive industry has improved the comfort and safety of the modern car. Driver assistive technology, for instance, has reduced car accidents a great deal. Technological features that have enhanced the comfort of the modern car include heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, automatic lift gates, ambient interior lighting, keyless entry, and push-button start, and smartphone integration, to name a few.

Self-Driving Capabilities

Finally, we also have self-driving or driverless cars today. These are vehicles that are able to move from one place to the other without human input. They use artificial intelligence to perceive their surroundings. Advanced control systems, GPS and radar technologies help the cars to identify the right paths and to dodge obstacles on their way to their destinations.