The most important technology trends in the automotive industry in 2017

Is your next car "talking" to traffic lights? Is the diesel car dying? Can electric cars become mainstream? In 2017, new technologies and new cars may find answers to these questions.

With the advent of new technologies such as V2X communications, intelligent infrastructure, and electric axles, the automotive industry is finally getting a little sci-fi.

Here are some of the major technology trends that the automotive industry deserves to focus on in 2017:

In 2017, the Cadillac sports sedan will add a revolutionary system that, with its help, can share driving information such as weather, speed, emergency braking, accidents and more. It is the beginning of V2V (automobile to car) communication, and eventually, Wi-Fi-like car communication technology will cover every new car.

Sam Abuelsamid, senior analyst at Navigant Research, said: "What's outside the line of sight? Car communication technology can enhance the driver's perception."

For cars to travel in teams, this technology is critical, and cars can be driven close together at high speeds without slowing down and accidents.

Recently, Audi began selling several new cars, which are equipped with "automotive-infrastructure" communication technology. When the car needs to turn, the traffic lights will signal the car. This technology can enhance safety and make the start-stop system play its full role. Save more fuel. In the United States, Las Vegas is the first city to support traffic lights and car communications, and other cities will follow suit.

In 2017, Chevrolet and Mazda are ready to test to see how Americans have an appetite for diesel cars and SUVs. Sales of diesel vehicles plummeted, and the main provider of technology was plagued by emissions scandals.

Ihan AutomoTIve senior analyst Stephanie Brinley said in an interview: "We don't know what consumers need diesel cars because the biggest traditional providers sell badly."

The Chevrolet Cruze and Mazda CX-9 crossover SUVs will be available in diesel versions, which tell us whether diesel technology has a future in the US. Diesel technology saves fuel and delivers outstanding performance.

The Lutz and CX-9 are undoubtedly the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars, but will people who are waiting to buy Volkswagen diesel cars choose them? Brinley said: "It is difficult for Chevrolet and Mazda to find diesel car buyers. Tell them There are new options and some difficulties."

Fiat Chrysler is preparing to produce 100 self-driving Chrysler Pasifika plug-in hybrid minivans as part of a Google car development project.

Google itself will not sell any self-driving minivans to the public, but it will continue to test the stability and security of the technology. Some critics ridiculed the minivans too boring, but Google Pasifika looks quite good. Google uses the Pasifika production car as a test hotbed, in part because the minivan is the right size to mount a large number of sensors, and the driverless car needs these sensors while driving.

Pasifika is highly reasonable, and its platform structure is relatively high, which can provide a good view of the sensor and let the truck know the surrounding environment.

Is Google really confident and dare to let independent evaluators test autonomous minivans? This is the biggest challenge facing technology.

Next year, electric cars will enter a critical year, and Chevrolet Bolt will bring price and usability to a new level. Bolt cars can last for 238 miles on a single charge according to EPA's evaluation criteria. The basic price is less than 30,000 US dollars, minus tax subsidies. As a result, Bolt can not only compete with other environmentally friendly cars, but also with Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Ford. Escape showdown.

Other electric cars, including Kia Soul and Volkswagen e-Golf, have a rapid increase in cruising range, but have not yet reached Bolt's grade. Don't forget the Tesla Model 3, whose goal is to challenge Bolt in terms of battery life and price.

According to Bill Visnic, editorial director of the Society of Automotive Engineers, "Electric vehicles are getting better and better because the energy density of batteries is getting higher and higher."

If electric cars can't become mainstream in 2017, you may wonder if electric technology can make a leap.

If the hybrid car costs only $500 more than the basic car, how do you feel? When the wheel hits the pothole, the shock absorber generates electricity, which extends the mileage per gallon of gasoline. What do you think? Like super fast heating Seat?

As automakers begin to accept 48-volt electric systems, many new technologies are emerging. In addition to hybrid vehicles, Hyundai uses basically 12-volt systems. The 48-volt electric system can introduce more new features to the car, making the car more comfortable, better performance, and improved fuel efficiency, while its price and risk factor is lower than the hybrid 300 volt system.

Lindsay Brooke, editor-in-chief of automotive engineering at the Society of Automotive Engineers, said: "German manufacturers may adopt a 48-volt system first. Mercedes-Benz's new engine uses a 48-volt power supercharger system. With a 48-volt system, car performance Can be improved, for example, hybrid vehicles get 70% of the current high-pressure system performance costs as long as 30%."

The Bentayga luxury SUV is the only car in the US that uses a 48-volt system, adaptive suspension system, and will soon have more car support.

Demand for SUVs is increasing, emission standards are becoming more stringent, and how do manufacturers meet the requirements? Suppliers are starting to sell electric axles. At present, Volvo XC90, BMW i8, plug-in hybrid car, Toyota RAV4 hybrid car have begun to use electric axles, and many new cars will soon be used, including Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Vehicles with rear-mounted electric axles and front-wheel drive systems offer many advantages. Compared to conventional four-wheel drive systems, they offer improved performance, greater processing power, and can cope with inclement weather, with lower cost and lower fuel consumption. More cars will be equipped with this system in the future, and it will become more popular when the 48-volt electric system is popularized.

Bill Visnic believes: "This technology is a rare fusion technology that can improve engineering performance and provide buyers with the most attractive features available today."