10 Most Promising Future Technologies

[maidaa]

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2012-10best-10-most-promising-future-technologies-feature

 

[nboy22]

Honda FCX Clarity should be on that list.

 

[SSSnail]

Honda FCX Clarity should be on that list.

I came here to post that, well done, well done!

 

[darkswordsman17]

Fuel cells in general.

Seems like we're so close to some big breakthroughs on those and battery tech, but just not there yet. Of course any tech will take probably a good 5-10 years to get into production on any meaningful scale.

I'm actually surprised they didn't put lasers, as that's being looked into for replacing spark plugs as well as lighting.

 

[darkswordsman17]

DP...

 

[the DRIZZLE]

Fuel cells in general.

Seems like we're so close to some big breakthroughs on those and battery tech, but just not there yet. Of course any tech will take probably a good 5-10 years to get into production on any meaningful scale.

I'm actually surprised they didn't put lasers, as that's being looked into for replacing spark plugs as well as lighting.

Meh fuel cells are only compelling if we build of new nuclear plants to generate cheap clean electricity to make the hydrogen.

 

[Doppel]

Fuel cells many years off. That thing with the escort and radar app is pretty cool

 

[JulesMaximus]

Carbon fiber wheels have been around in motorcycling for a while now. This technology really makes sense in motorcycles and lightweight performance cars... average sedans and trucks, not so much.

 

[MotF Bane]

Lower cylinder counts, bad!

I like the countermeasures thing though.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Lower cylinder counts, bad!

I like the countermeasures thing though.

With reduced weight comes the need for less power and greater fuel economy while doing the same work. A Lotus Elise makes 190hp out of a 4 cylinder engine, weighs less than 2,000lbs and scoots from 0-60 in less than 5 seconds while returning fuel economy of around 27mpg. Put as set of carbon fiber wheels on it and I bet it handles even more amazing!

 

[Bignate603]

Fuel cells in general.

Seems like we're so close to some big breakthroughs on those and battery tech, but just not there yet. Of course any tech will take probably a good 5-10 years to get into production on any meaningful scale.

I'm actually surprised they didn't put lasers, as that's being looked into for replacing spark plugs as well as lighting.

From what the media has said we've been "close to a breakthrough" on those for decades. I'll believe the it when I see it.

 

[Doppel]

From what the media has said we've been "close to a breakthrough" on those for decades. I'll believe the it when I see it.

You're completely right. The last "breakthrough" was lithium based batteries, which have been around for years. Everything since has been evolutionary.

hope to multiply lithium-ion energy density by a factor of  two to three while halving cost.

Highly doubtful. Highly.

I think wireless charging is more or less irrelevant, since no meaningful number of electric cars will be around for a while.

 

[Doppel]

Anybody find a good explanation of Goodyear’s Air Maintenance Technology ? I googled and found only text and the diagram there didn't do it for me in OP's link.

 

[JCH13]

Carbon fiber wheels have been around in motorcycling for a while now. This technology really makes sense in motorcycles and lightweight performance cars... average sedans and trucks, not so much.

I think the "catastrophic failure mode" of carbon fiber composites will prohibit their use on anything but pure-bred race cars. If a CF wheel was curbed it might decide to shatter 100 miles later on the freeway. No manufacturer will take that risk and stay in business very long.

Motorcycles might be different, but I would be nervous as heck, especially around pot-holes and other hazards.

 

[Zap]

I think wireless charging is more or less irrelevant, since no meaningful number of electric cars will be around for a while.

90% efficient... meaning just for the convenience of not having to plug in a cable you lose 10% of the electricity.

 

[SSSnail]

That wireless charging thing "might" work, if the technology is evolved to the point where we can build a wireless infrastructure along the highways and roads, and allow electric cars to "charge" while driving. And, I would assume they'd incorporate some sort of metering system where they can bill the owners for amount of energy used.

Hmm... who's up for creating the next gazillion dollar corporation?