Top-notch and Fun Car Technologies are Heading Directly to Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are not just changing the way we drive; they're also revolutionizing the interior experience, particularly with the lighting. The traditional jaundiced bulb that used to greet you when opening a car door has given way to a vibrant LED display. In today's battery-powered cars, lights adorn the dashboard, door frames, foot wells, and ceiling, creating a disco-like atmosphere.

For instance, the Cadillac Lyriq allows drivers to customize cockpit lights using a touch-screen color wheel, offering a spectrum of hues. The BMW XM hybrid goes a step further with recessed lights bordering the entire headliner, giving the car a club or museum ambiance. The Mercedes EQS SUV, in a nocturnal display, orchestrates a symphony of lights that pulse red as you accelerate.

Automakers emphasize the impact of the right lighting on the driving experience, aiming to fill the cabin with light that reflects mood or creates emotion, as seen in the Lyriq's ambient options. According to Maeva Ribas, director of The CarLab, as carmakers transition to electric, they invest more resources in these models, making them a hub for the latest innovations.

The BMW iX exemplifies this trend with its air-twirling stereo controls, heated doors, and a sunroof that transforms from crystal clear to opaque at the push of a button. Other EVs, like Rivian's R1T pickup and R1S SUV, come equipped with built-in air compressors for tire refills after off-road adventures.

Beyond flashy features, EVs incorporate practical innovations. The Fisker Ocean boasts a rotating center screen ("Hollywood mode"), while the Polestar 2 adapts its air filter to higher gear when detecting pollutants. The Genesis GV70 introduces active-noise cancellation and a fingerprint scanner for personalized configurations. Even the Nissan Ariya allows the driver to move the entire center console to the rear for more space.

Despite these innovations, gas cars are not fading away. Global annual EV sales are expected to increase by 19% in the coming year, with many gas-burning platforms being extended. However, the momentum in research and development is leaning toward electric models, aiming for a perception of greater technological advancement.

While some argue that automakers are piling features into EVs to compensate for the high cost of batteries, others see it as a shotgun approach, loading cars with features that may not necessarily add value for consumers. For example, the BMW iX's $87,100 starting price is partially justified by its 110 kWh battery, costing around $15,000.

In this quest for innovation, luxury brands are not the sole players. Ford's electric Mustang Mach-E, with a starting price of $43,000, incorporates a supersized iPad on the center stack, catering to the preferences of EV customers. As the automotive industry evolves, the push for innovation is evident, creating a dynamic landscape where EVs serve as a canvas for the latest and most extravagant features.

renault 5 ev

audi electric cars

hive car charger