The automotive industry is undergoing the most profound transformation in it's history.

Pascal Brier, Executive Vice-President of Altran Group, highlights four key trends shaping the future of the car: electric power, autonomous driving, connectivity, and entirely new vehicle architectures.

In the past decade, the automotive sector has been swept up by a technological revolution. Traditional models are being disrupted as the digital era drives a complete reinvention of both the hardware and software that power vehicles. In the coming years, it's possible that cars will bear little resemblance to what we know today.

According to Pascal Brier, Executive Vice-President of Altran Group and head of innovation, the automotive industry is being revolutionized by disruptive technology. The car of the future is already taking shape, and its key features are becoming clear.

1. The Electric Car

Electric vehicles (EVs) were the first major innovation to transform the automotive landscape. Initially, experts predicted they would only serve niche markets, such as public transportation. However, EVs have far surpassed these expectations, emerging as a mainstream option across a wide range of market segments.

Today, electric cars offer numerous technological advantages, and many of the challenges once associated with them, such as limited range (e.g., the latest Tesla can travel 600 km on a single charge) or subpar performance—are no longer valid. This shift has been accelerated by increasing environmental regulations aimed at reducing particulate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Over the coming years, more powerful hybrid and electric engines will progressively replace traditional internal combustion engines, further cementing the electric car's place in the future of mobility.

2. The Autonomous Car

The autonomous vehicle represents the most dramatic revolution in the automotive world. In the near future, cars will be capable of driving themselves. The first two stages are already here. Cruise control has been around for years, allowing drivers to set a desired speed and remove their feet from the pedals. Additionally, many cars now feature driver-assistance systems that let drivers take their hands off the wheel in certain situations, such as in traffic jams or while parking.

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The next frontier? Full autonomy. Engineers are working on replacing human sight with a network of cameras, sensors, and lasers that will create a 3D map of the vehicle’s surroundings, enabling it to make decisions independently. Popularized by Google’s self-driving car, most automakers are now investing heavily in autonomous technology and conducting large-scale road tests to bring this vision to life.

3. The Connected Car

The car of the future will be fully connected—not just to objects, but to people as well. For a car to be truly autonomous and make accurate decisions, it must exchange a vast range of data with the outside world: information about traffic, weather conditions, vehicle status, service stations, accidents, and more. Eventually, through advanced sensors, vehicles will communicate not only with other cars but also with infrastructure like roads and buildings. Moreover, a host of online services will become available to passengers, including Wi-Fi, cloud access, media, and entertainment.

4. A New Method of Manufacturing

The final major change concerns the automotive industry itself. Tomorrow’s manufacturing processes will look nothing like today’s. The hardware and software architecture of vehicles is being completely reimagined. On the one hand, the car's structure is evolving to incorporate new technologies, such as lightweight composites and materials made using 3D printing. On the other hand, to support connectivity and expand vehicle capabilities, a variety of smart devices—computers, cameras, infotainment systems—will need to be seamlessly integrated.

In conclusion, the car of the future—designed with a completely new model—will be electric, autonomous, and connected. This transformation will bring significant benefits to society: reduced pollution, enhanced safety, more free time, and a wealth of services. While the thrill of driving on open roads may diminish, the car will evolve into a truly transformative tool for transportation, safety, and connectivity.