Advanced Car Tech | Must-Have in 2022

5 Advanced Car Technologies You Must-Have in 2022

Reading time: 3 mins

Cars today aren’t just simple vehicles. They’ve become four-wheel technological hubs, fitted with numerous tech features that can make your head spin! 

We get it. It’s hard enough to keep track of all the standard tech features included in cars, but the real struggle begins when you have a long list of options, including new car gadgets, advanced features, and extra accessories that could come in very handy when driving. The drawback is, the more features you opt for, the more you have to pay.

We’ve listed the top 5 advanced car technologies available to help you understand what they do, and why you should consider having them in your next vehicle, albeit the added costs that come with a more advanced car. At the end of the day, it's up to you! 

1. Electric or Hybrid Technology

Let’s jump right in and talk about driving-technology. Besides the standard gasoline car, you have two added choices in 2022 – hybrid or electric. While hybrid cars offer better fuel efficiency and longer driving distances, electric vehicles (EV) emit lower gas emissions compared to hybrid cars who are also dependent on an internal combustion engine. 

However, there are lots of hybrid models with ‘regenerative braking’ – this is when the car’s engine automatically turns off when stopped, and charges the battery when you brake. This technology helps to power the electric motor without needing to plug it in to charge, so you can go further without using the petrol engine.

But what about the driving experience? Well, not only does the technology behind an EV make for a really intuitive car, the electric motor also provides instant torque, making it quicker, lighter and ultimately more enjoyable to drive. Electric vehicles are also quieter than traditional cars and can accelerate extremely quickly. So, be mindful when driving off once the traffic light turns green!

2. Car Connectivity & Apps

Is your car connected? In other words, does your car have an interactive dashboard that can access the internet via bluetooth and link up to other driving apps and road infrastructure? 

Basically, car connectivity is what lets you access real-time traffic updates, and a wide range of driving information and car functions on the go, such as making hands-free calls, weather reports, satellite music, and access to emergency services. That's why car connectivity and in-dash apps have become an important feature to consider. Besides enhanced security features to help you keep track of your vehicle – even when you’re not driving – it also comes with advanced safety features to reduce the chances of an accident.

Of course in Singapore, we have the On-Board Unit (OBU) that enhances the interaction between motorists, and the environment. This can also increase traffic safety, reduce traffic pollution, and ease traffic congestion.

3. Bluetooth & Entertainment

Originally fitted for hands-free phone usage, the Bluetooth system in cars has now evolved into  a tethered Wi-Fi hub for you and your passengers, as it permits data sharing with ease. Besides streaming music, with this car tech, you can manage your calls, and your texts all with the sound of your voice through programs such as Siri. It’s like having a personal assistant in your passenger's seat.

Bluetooth technology is making it easier for people to get things done in a safe and efficient way even while driving. This is because of its ability to link designated apps on your smartphone to your car’s infotainment system.

However, remember to check compatibility, to ensure your devices and new car can communicate with one another. In fact, when test-driving a new vehicle, spend time examining its Bluetooth and entertainment features. Get to know how the infotainment system operates, understand how the car connects to your smartphone and what apps you can use. You can also listen to the audio system and try to make a phone call by pairing your device with the car via Bluetooth.

After all, you don’t want to put your own safety at risk when trying to answer a call while driving.  Even if you think you’ve mastered the art with caution, the act of using a mobile communication device while driving is punishable according to the Singapore Road Traffic Act.

But don’t worry, most car entertainment systems connect with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering broad support across the two platforms.

4. Navigation System

Knowing how to get to your destination is important when planning out your driving route. And, knowing the road conditions beforehand can also enhance your driving experience. Yes, there are various mobile navigation apps that you can just download onto your smartphone but imagine your car actually telling you where to go.

This built-in car technology removes the need to fuss with your phone when driving, making it simpler and safer to interact with. Besides that, it doesn't rely on your mobile connection, and we know that our phones can sometimes be glitchy about Bluetooth connectivity. Although, you could always download maps offline beforehand too.

These days, built-in car navigation systems have gotten better with cloud connectivity, allowing for real-time traffic info, local search, and compatibility with portable devices. It’s also integrated with the rest of the car’s systems to help you make better decisions when driving. For example, when you are low on fuel or charge, the navigation system can automatically plot a course to the nearest gas or charging station along your route.

5. High-Tech Safety Features

Finally, one of the most important things you should consider when buying a new vehicle is safety. 

Advanced driver-assist technology uses cameras and sensors to keep track of oncoming dangers when driving, like the car in front of you suddenly hitting the breaks, or a car approaching your blind spot. Plus, depending on the technology of the vehicle, you’ll be able to receive an alert warning you of potential driving hazards en route and allow your car to park itself via automatic parking assist technology. 

Higher-end car brands have introduced automated emergency stop assistance, which can sense if the driver has become unresponsive behind the wheel. In those cases, the system has the functionality to slow the vehicle to a stop within its lane, before activating the hazard lights and informing emergency services.

Bear in mind that high-tech dash cams are also useful in case you do get into an accident. The recording can be used as evidential information to make your car insurance claim.

Focus on Tech, Besides Torque

These are just some of the cutting edge technology and safety features available in today’s connected vehicles. To be fair, some of these technologies aren’t new but have evolved and advanced over the years. In the race to lead the market, automakers are introducing more advanced safety, infotainment and semi-autonomous features to vehicles.

So, the next time you’re looking to buy a car, consider these 5 important technologies, for a more comfortable and safer drive! But of course, you should only get what you need.