5 Things You Will Still Have to Do with Autonomous Cars and 5 Things You Won’t
In the evolving world of autonomous vehicles, many things will change. You’ll gain “the luxury of time,” to borrow Volvo’s catchphrase, and you’ll hopefully be less stressed by your commute. Even though autonomous driving will alter the car experience, it can’t change everything. Here are five things that’ll change in the autonomous age, plus five things autonomous cars will do for you.
You’ll Still Have to: Clean it
Unless connected car washes become a thing, you’ll still be worrying about getting your shiny new car washed. The exterior is one thing, as the majority of car washes don’t require much more than you show up and wait, but unless you’re paying extra, you’ll still have to vacuum the Cheerios out from under the seats of your autonomous car.
You’ll Still Have to: Maintain it
“Service 2 is Due” will still mean you need to take your car in for service. Sure, electric vehicles are simpler than gasoline-powered vehicles (EVs have fewer parts), but some things are bound to stay the same. Don’t throw away your mechanic’s business card just yet.
You’ll Still Have to: Fuel Up
With inductive charging and self-parking on private property, both goals for the electric car manufacturing community, the EV crowd just might have a leg up on the refueling front. Gasoline, hydrogen, and diesel-powered vehicles will likely still need a human operator to refuel for many years. Maybe it’s that slight safety question or the existing state of the infrastructure that’ll keep things the same.
You’ll Still Have to: Pick a Playlist
Of particular importance but far less dangerous once you’re riding in your autonomous car is picking the right music. Is it a smooth jazz kind of morning? Need something more upbeat to pump you up before you get to the gym? Although you can do so far more easily, you’ll still have to worry about your music choices in your self-driving Mercedes-Benz of the future.
You’ll Still Have to: Change Flat Tires
Flats are bound to happen. Debris, potholes, and just plain old wear can all cause a flat tire, and even with an autonomous car you’ll be the one dealing with it. Whether you’re digging out the can of Fix-a-Flat from the trunk, calling roadside assistance, or getting your hands dirty with the spare, there isn’t much your robo-chauffer can help with.
You Won’t Have to: Drive During Your Commute
Ever get a little frustrated with your morning commute? How can it take 2 hours to go 12 miles? This is perhaps the most obvious advantage of autonomous vehicles, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. Your time in traffic can turn into replies to those less important morning emails, perhaps time to read a novel, meditate, or many other things. When your focus comes off of driving and goes onto something else, the change in perspective will eliminate road rage, as well. At least for you.
You Won’t Have to: Find a Parking Space
Tesla is already talking about this one; the Model S is able to charge itself courtesy of inductive charging stations, no plugging necessary. In theory, this could be an advantage for any autonomous vehicle—the occupants can be dropped off in the most convenient location, and the vehicle goes off to find itself a place to park until it is summoned back via smartphone. Mall parking lots sound a whole lot less stressful.
You Won’t Have to: Worry About Speeding
You’re cruising along, not a care in the world, when you crest a hill and, all of a sudden, there it is: a police cruiser tucked out of the way, driver’s side window down and the infamous radar gun trained on your front bumper. Your blood runs cold, and you glance down at your speedometer as you franticly rack your brain trying to remember the last speed limit sign you passed. In an autonomous car, though? Machine efficiency will mean the end of those moments of panic—and perhaps the end of your speeding tickets.
You Won’t Have to: Follow Directions
“Turn left in 1,000 feet.” Get ready to say goodbye to turn-by-turn directions. With an autonomous car you won’t have to prepare to turn. The car will do that for you. This will also eliminate your need to rely on your uncle’s poor direction-giving skills when visiting your relatives out in the smaller parts of the country.
You Won’t Have to: Wait to Watch Your Favorite Shows
Trying to catch up on your Netflix queue? Want to watch the latest episode of ROADKILL? Autonomous cars will turn your commute into “productive” time, freeing up plenty of time to catch up on your shows. The average full-time worker commutes for roughly 25 minutes, so that’s perfect for watching at least an episode (or more) of whatever you’re into.
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