The Future of Cars and Driving

October 10, 2004 – Vol.9 No.29

THE FUTURE OF CARS AND DRIVING.

Here’s the dream: The world of mobility is on the cusp of a major change. People and vehicle manufacturers begin to recognize that global warming and air pollution are major problems that must be solved if the human race is to survive.

They finally realize, too, that oil supplies are not keeping up with demand. There isn’t another Saudi Arabia out there. When the Arabian Peninsula goes dry so do the economies of the world. They don’t want live in world of failed economies so they take action, radical vehicle design takes place and is accepted with open arms by consumers.

Yet it’s not totally a dream. It’s a reality that many in and around vehicle manufacturing are already recognizing. People, too, are beginning to understand.

A major change in vehicle design for far greater fuel efficiency is already taking place in the form popular gasoline/electric hybrids. But they too will evolve in the dream.

Hybrids will be developed that will be light, strong and ultra aerodynamic. They’ll be able to drive around town on lithium-based battery power alone. A gasoline or biofueled combustion engine will kick in for longer trips. For totally emission-free driving a hydrogen or metal air fuel cell could replace the combustion engine.

These cars will be expensive but we’ll keep them longer, and they’ll be upgraded throughout their life span so we won’t tire of them.

Driving will change too. Governments, because of space and cost considerations, will stop building new major highways. They’ll upgrade older ones, but also upgrade secondary roads. We’ll be able to skirt around congestion on secondary roads using real-time, fee-for-service satellite-fed information that gives us alternative routes and second-by-second en route directions.

Again not really a dream. Most of the above technology is available today. It’s just not packaged into one product, one vehicle.

One concept car shows a glimpse of what could be, Volvo’s 3CC. The three-seat (two plus one) lithium-ion electric powered concept vehicle was unveiled at the 7th Annual Michelin Challenge Bibendum to achieve the Gold standard award for Acceleration, Braking, Energy Efficiency, Low CO2, and Regulated Emissions. It also won Best Design.

The highly aerodynamic 3CC is powered by 3000 lithium-ion cells that will push the car 0-60 miles per hour (0 -100 kph) in 10 seconds. It has top speed of 85 miles per hour. Driving range isn’t published by Volvo.

The 3CC’s chief designer claims that a variety of powertrains can be used based on technology and regional energy resources. Short driving distance suburban, commuting cars could be totally grid-recharged electric powered. Rural cars - with longer distances to travel - could have conventional engines fueled with locally produced bio-fuels. Hybrids could make up the middle ground for those who need long range occasionally, but mostly drive locally.

For photos of the 3CC visit Volvo at http://www.volvocars-pr.com/