The future of in-vehicle technology for electric vehicles

Manufacturers are capitalizing on the electric vehicle gold rush to push the boundaries of interior design. Recent years have seen a dramatic shift towards minimalism and digitalization, a trend that will become even more prevalent with the rise of autonomous driving technology. For automotive interior enthusiasts, now is the perfect time, as the future of the industry will benefit from even more innovation, individuality, and customization. Manufacturers around the world are investing heavily in new ways to make the interior ambiance special.

You can also expect to experience a range of technologies invisible to the naked eye. Thanks in large part to autonomy, upcoming interior technologies also aim to improve safety and comfort levels through improvements in software, passive and active systems, and other electronic features. Some of these features can be found in modern electric vehicles, but for the most part, we have yet to see these innovations fully integrated into existing product options in the US.

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Autonomous driving drives in-car innovation

Currently, most manufacturers are investing heavily in autonomous driving technology. Technologically, this is an aspect that covers both the exterior and interior areas of electric vehicles. Third-party developers such as Bosch and Nvidia are the biggest players in this field, but when it comes to the interior, most manufacturers are crafting the right environment and settings themselves to match the future autonomous driving functions. We have already seen multiple examples of what we can expect through concepts such as the Audi SkySphere, BMW Neue Klasse, and Mercedes-Benz EQXX.

A new generation of autonomous interiors

• The emergence of autonomous driving technology is forcing manufacturers to develop advanced sensors and cameras that make vehicles more aware and safer.
• AI-driven software in self-driving cars will enable smarter navigation systems, resulting in more accurate and efficient route planning.
• The need for reliable communication between autonomous vehicles and infrastructure is driving innovation in vehicle-to-everything (V2E) technologies.
• Autonomous vehicles will spur the development of more sophisticated driver assistance systems, reducing human error and improving overall driving safety.
• The development of self-driving cars will drive advances in cybersecurity to protect against hacks and ensure the integrity of vehicle control systems.
• Increased vehicle autonomy will drive innovation in in-car entertainment and productivity, allowing passengers to participate in a variety of activities while on the road.

With this in mind, we can expect to see steering wheels retracting into the dash when autonomous features are engaged, essentially turning the driver into another passenger and freeing up more space for the driver. We can also expect to see forward-swiveling seats to turn the cabin into a more sociable space. These features are likely decades away, as they are subject to major legislative changes, especially in the US. The IIHS has already announced that it is ready to reset some of its standards for autonomous features, but this won’t happen anytime soon.

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Eco-friendly interior materials

Recycling and upcycling are two high-priority technologies for upcoming electric vehicles. They’re already being implemented today, but brands will take this even further in the coming years. Recycled plastics will be incorporated into dashboards, door cards and other notable trim pieces through 3D printing, remolding and other regeneration methods. Manufacturers are also investing heavily in creating more sustainable upholstery options using organic and recycled resources. They’re also focusing on materials such as bamboo and mushrooms, which are easy and cost-effective to grow and convert into materials.

New organic and recycled interior materials

• Manufacturers are increasingly using recycled plastics in car interiors to reduce waste and lessen their impact on the environment.
• Many automakers are investing in sustainable fabrics for seats made from recycled bottles and natural fibers such as hemp.
• The industry is moving towards more environmentally friendly materials for dashboards and trim, such as recycled wood and biodegradable composites.
• To minimize their carbon footprint, manufacturers are looking at using plant-based foams for seat cushions and other fillings.
• Automakers are partnering with suppliers to develop innovative recycling processes that allow materials from end-of-life vehicles to be reused.
• The use of water-based paints and low-VOC coatings in automotive production helps reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality.

While many cars already feature these materials in abundance, they’re not perfect yet. Tesla’s eco-friendly leather options are often criticized for excessive wear and, in extreme cases, losing their shape. Recycled plastics also have a long way to go before they reach the highest quality levels. Some notable concepts promoting eco-friendly interior design include Paul Smith’s Mini Strip, BMW i Vision Circular Concept, and the Citroen Oli EV. All these brands are making sure that the innovations applied in these concepts make it into their production cars.

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High-end digital displays

It’s no secret that most modern electric vehicle manufacturers are focusing on bright, crisp, eye-catching digital displays. Next-generation electric vehicles will take this to the next level with increased integration of artificial intelligence software. These displays are a precursor to autonomous electric vehicles, and manufacturers are rapidly equipping them with new entertainment features to keep drivers and passengers engaged. As digital infotainment screens and instrument clusters become more commonplace, physical controls will likely decrease significantly.

More impressive digital displays

• Manufacturers are developing touchscreen dashboards with higher resolution and enhanced responsiveness to improve driver operation and user experience.
• Automakers are integrating voice and gesture control systems into digital displays to enable hands-free operation of various vehicle functions.
• The industry is investing in larger, curved screens that provide a more immersive and visually appealing interface for drivers and passengers.
• Advanced connectivity features are built into digital displays, allowing for seamless integration with smartphones and smart home devices.
• The digital display’s over-the-air update feature keeps your vehicle up to date with the latest software enhancements and features without the need to visit a service center.
• Manufacturers are focusing on creating customizable digital interfaces that can adapt to individual driver preferences and provide a personalized driving experience.

It’s a trend that’s already in full swing, frustrating many road users. Some safety agencies claim that these systems are distracting to drivers, requiring them to take their eyes off the road. The most notable culprit of distracting screens is Tesla, which has done away with the instrument cluster entirely. They claim that their FSD package means they don’t need a traditional set of gauges because the car takes on most of the monitoring responsibility. It’s a trend that’s likely to expand to most mainstream manufacturers over the next few years.

Augmented reality enhances immersion

Augmented reality is the next frontier for most technology companies. This three-dimensional visual phenomenon is already implemented in existing head-up displays for navigation, safety, and informational purposes, but is expected to play an even bigger role in the next generation of electric vehicles. AR aims to act as a more detailed navigation and safety system by covering the entire surface of the windshield to provide more thorough navigation and safety cues. This includes identifying road restrictions, highlighting objects that are difficult for the human eye to see, and providing more direct and clear directions.

How AR will shape the in-car experience

• Manufacturers are developing augmented reality navigation systems that project real-time directions directly onto the windshield to improve driver awareness and convenience.
• Automakers are integrating AR features that highlight potential hazards and road signs, increasing safety by keeping drivers informed without distracting them.
• The industry is investing in AR technologies that provide visual cues for lane guidance and adaptive cruise control to help drivers maintain proper lane positioning and following distance.
• AR systems are designed to improve driving at night and in poor weather conditions by increasing visibility of road edges and obstacles in challenging conditions.
• Automakers are exploring personalized AR experiences that adapt to individual driver preferences and habits to provide tailored driving assistance and information.
• AR research and development is focused on voice and gesture control, allowing drivers to seamlessly interact with AR systems and minimizing manual input and distractions.

AR will also be used for more intuitive parking assistance systems to make it easier to park a car in tight spaces. Automotive software engineers will integrate AR into existing infotainment features to further enhance the in-car entertainment experience. These designers are already using a combination of AR and virtual reality in their design process, which can help them get a clearer picture of how they want their interior and exterior designs to look without spending a lot of time on clay models and other physical planning methods.

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A more effective safety system

As electric vehicles become increasingly safer with self-driving technology, the need for intrusive passive safety features like airbags and seat belts may fade. Elon Musk has already stated that he wants to eliminate airbags entirely from Tesla models once full self-driving becomes a more realistic technology. No matter how advanced self-driving systems become, there will always be a risk of a high-speed crash, so airbags and seat belts are likely to remain in cars forever.

Future features include vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems that use data connections, radar, and proximity sensors to identify surrounding vehicles, which could significantly reduce collisions and enable smoother autonomous driving. All of the above will improve safety measures in some way. This could include more interior parts that absorb shock, expanded airbag configurations that cover a larger portion of the interior space, and more intuitive and responsive seat belts.