The Future Or Sci-fi Nonsense - Self Driving Cars

Following a bold statement by Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk that traditionally driven vehicles could be ‘banned’ after the mainstream adoption of self driving cars, there’s been an understandably ambivalent response from car enthusiasts. Weighing up the evidence so far, it seems a sound assumption that a sea change as significant as the move from horse and carriage to petrol motors could be on its way. While Musk stated that the outlaw of traditional vehicles could take at least 20 years (because of the number still on the road), the eco revolution is clearly beginning to gain traction.

While owning a car used to be a sign of freedom and maturity, clogged motorways, warnings of pollution and improved public transport (including car rental) has dampened the social buzz. Still, eco-vehicles are bringing back a bit of that magic with many voicing a rejuvenated interest in this exciting new era of hybrid and electric transport. Driving an eco friendly vehicle no longer carries the same baggage or guilt that comes with petrol cars and better yet, they’re cheaper.

Still, if self driving cars are the future then our vehicles will be kitted out with more peripheral gear than ever. Gone will be the days of CD decks and cigarette lighters, the digital age will have its way with external cameras, 4G dashboards, in car apps and goodness knows what other trickery. Hop in your car, enter your destination and sit back. If you’re in a rush, it’s unclear if you can egg the car on to go faster but the future really does look like it’ll be an ‘on rails’ experience.

If this all sounds a bit like a Tomorrow’s World parody, then you’re not alone. Out of 2,276 American adults surveyed in November 2014 by Harris Interactive, only 35% of respondents felt that these cars would be a permanent part of future travel. The funniest result was the 25% who thought self driving cars were just something they’d find in the 1960s’ Hanna Barbara cartoon The Jetsons and 19% said the cars were insanely cool.

Where do you sit on the issue? The future or sci-fi nonsense?