The car of tomorrow: "zero emission"

The VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH has just published a study giving an overview of developments and trends current technology for cars. Entitled "Zukunft des Cars" (future of the car), the report provides an outline of vehicles today, tomorrow and beyond, with a focus of the steering and braking purely electric, more security and respect for the environment.

To make cars greener and more fuel efficient, two trends emerge: One is to continue the development of existing engines, the aim being to meet in the same propulsion system different qualities of petrol engine (lower emissions) and diesel (most economical). On the other hand, and in a second time, the use of fuel cells is considered to design a car "zero emission".

However, even if one side engines more efficient, the other the necessary power is growing, because the weight of vehicles increased in order to enrich the equipment and ensure greater security. The solution is the use of lightweight materials like aluminum, magnesium and fiber-reinforced plastics.

Electronics is also strongly affected by current developments and future. New assistance systems for conducting see the day through a combination of electronic instruments and performing sensory systems. If necessary, laser scanners and cameras can tell if the vehicle changes direction and thereby avoid possible accidents. Cameras to notify three-dimensional perception of possible collisions at the intersections of roads, for example by identifying the presence of a cyclist about to cross the intersection, before it is even in the field of vision of the driver. However, questions on driver behavior and legal issues remain unresolved, particularly concerning liability in case of malfunction of the system leading to an accident.

In addition, despite all the enthusiasm shown, these innovations have a price. The technical feasibility is not synonymous with success. For reasons of consumer behavior, the future of the car could be found in vehicles at low prices, the latter allowing mobility at a lower cost.

The VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH:

The VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH is active in emerging technological fields and works mainly on behalf and with the support of the federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH is a subsidiary company of the VDI (The Association of Engineers). Since 1973 we are working on behalf of the Ministry of Research and Technology (BMBF) and
for other institutions and enterprises.

Sources:
http://www.nano-map.de/
http://www.erawatch-network.eu/en/Members/associates/vdi-tz.html
http://www.nanoingermany.com

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