What’s new for driving in 2021? Even while the pandemic has slowed down a lot of our activities, automakers and their tech partners have continued to push through with new innovations. With things like autonomous vehicles seemingly on the near horizon, it’s fun to look at what’s available now to make our cars more like computers than just transportation devices.
Read on for Valley’s top five tech trends to watch for in 2021!
5. Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles continue to gain market position in 2021, with more automakers following the lead and creating plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) that are functional, sporty, and fun to drive. What was once a luxury option only or reserved for strange-looking concept cars, electric options are increasing in popularity and it’s now quite easy to find charging stations, designated parking, and a model that fits your life and budget. Charging stations are available across the province and the country, with many parks, gas stations, shopping centres, schools, and government facilities now offering a convenient place to stop and plug-in!
4. Wifi Connectivity
Imagine being able to watch a movie, complete your work, or just surf the internet without a cellular data plan in the car. It’s now possible with Wi-Fi hotspots becoming more popular in new vehicle models! It makes it easier to get live traffic updates, improved navigation, and more fun activities like games and movies. If you’re planning to travel long distances or into low cell-service areas, you should ask your salesperson about your potential new vehicle’s Wi-Fi capabilities. You’ll often get a free trial for a few months, and many plans start from $15 per month. Various car manufacturers have paired with data suppliers like Bell and OnStar to give you connected access wherever you go!
3. Safety
Safety advancements in automotive tech are happening at a blinding pace and it’s now possible to get a vehicle that feels semi-autonomous without the high price tag that comes along with a self-driving car. One of our favourites for long road trips is dynamic radar cruise control -- you can set your desired speed like classic cruise control, but your vehicle will gauge and maintain a set distance from any vehicle in front of you, preventing you from tailgating or needing to brake and turn off cruise control.
Lane tracing assist and departure alert will help you stay in your lane -- literally. You’ll get an alert like a beep or a vibration in your steering wheel and then with the added assist feature, your vehicle will steer itself to a certain extent to maintain the track its on within the lane.
Backup cameras are the norm these days, but do you have rear cross traffic alerts? This cool new technology will alert you when a vehicle, person, shopping cart, or even an animal is going to cross the path that you may be backing into. While it doesn’t replace your 360° observation checks, it can be super helpful in busy parking lots or blind, narrow driveways. This same radar technology is what is used for blind spot monitoring. Blind spot monitoring will give you peace of mind about merging on the highway or into traffic. You should still be shoulder checking whenever you change position on a roadway, but this is a great way to double check before you move.
Rear and front brake assist also helps drivers avoid collisions -- vehicles will beep to warn or even apply the brake themselves to try to prevent a collision either forward or backward.
2. Apps
Apple Carplay and Android Auto both continue to improve usability and available features. Apple calls Carplay the “ultimate copilot”, giving you much of the functionality of your smartphone safely at the tip of your fingers on your vehicle’s touch or display screen. Similar to updates on your smartphone, Apple’s iOS updates carry over to Carplay, giving it a fresh look, easier navigation, better use of Siri (Apple’s voice recognition AI) and more.
Not to be outdone, Google’s Android Auto continues to earn praise for its ability to seamlessly integrate with supported vehicles, offering apps like music, maps, hands-free calling, audiobooks, and more. Car shoppers are now factoring in Android and Apple compatibility with their purchase and most car manufacturers have taken notice. It’s rare not to find one or the other (or even both) options available.
And just to throw this all for a loop, Google has just recently released Android Automotive, not to be confused with Android Auto (we know, we know). Created in partnership with Ford, Android Automotive replaces Ford’s native infotainment system completely and brings even more functionality to the table including navigation, Spotify, voice control, and even the cloud.
1. Navigation
In 2021, navigation systems continue to improve, making it virtually impossible to get lost while driving to an unfamiliar destination. New upgrades include recognition of red light and speed camera locations, with optional audible warnings. Many navigation systems will even display the speed limit on the current road, integrating seamlessly with heads up display systems where possible. It’s making it harder and harder to be tempted to use the “I didn’t know the limit!” excuse if you’re ever pulled over, that’s for sure! You can also set multiple destinations, such as the closest coffee stop on your way to a meeting, or determining the fastest route without traffic congestion or construction delays.
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A quick last note for drivers who have a class 7 Learners or class 7 Novice: hand-held and hands-free devices are not permitted. You should plan to only use some of the aforementioned technology when you are safely parked! With all the technology advancements and updates throughout the past year, 2021 is shaping up to be a great year in the automotive industry. Every bit of new tech makes driving safer, more comfortable, and more exciting!