The Future Naming Conventions for Autonomous Vehicles
Introduction
As we transition into an era dominated by autonomous vehicles, the terminology used to describe these vehicles is changing. Initially, these cutting-edge cars will be labeled as 'self-driving cars.' However, over time, this label will fade into the background as these vehicles become as commonplace as any other car on the road. This transition is likely to mirror that of 'color television' and 'HDTV,' where specific names became less relevant as technology became integrated into everyday life.
Evolution of Terminology
Similar to how we transitioned from 'color TV' to simply 'TV,' the term 'self-driving car' is likely to become just 'car.' This change is driven by the increasing normalization of autonomous features in vehicles. Just as color TVs and HDTVs have become so ubiquitous that we no longer specify 'color' or 'HDTV,' 'self-driving cars' will become simply 'cars' as autonomous features become standard—much like electronic stabilization, lane keeping, and other advanced features we now consider standard.
Standardization and Technology
For several years, the price of a self-driving car will be significantly higher than that of a standard car. This is because not all sensors and advanced features are mandated by law and buyers are willing to pay more for the convenience of autonomous driving. However, as with Tesla's Autopilot, which was initially a premium feature and then became standard, future self-driving features will follow a similar pattern. As other manufacturers incorporate these features into standard packages, the competition will be forced to adapt, leading to a race to provide the most advanced features.
The inclusion of safety features like rearview cameras, lane departure warnings, emergency braking, and automatic steering will drive the addition of advanced sensors and hardware. Once these become standard, cars will be designed with the ability to handle more complex functionalities, and the transition from 'self-driving car' to 'car' will be complete.
Industry Adoption and Consumer Expectations
Manufacturers must cater to consumer expectations to remain competitive. As more features become standard, consumers will expect self-driving capabilities in their vehicles, even at lower price points. This creates a feedback loop where manufacturers are continually innovating and standardizing more advanced features.
Long-Term Implications
As self-driving features become so common that they are no longer special, the term 'self-driving car' will likely fade into obscurity, similar to how niche terms like 'black and white TVs' have been phased out. The default term for a car that can drive itself simply will be 'car,' and those without these features will be referred to as 'manual' or 'non-autonomous' cars, much like we once distinguished between 'color' and 'black and white' televisions.
Conclusion
The naming conventions for autonomous vehicles will evolve just as other technological advancements have. As these vehicles become integrated into daily life, the language we use to describe them will change, reflecting the increasing normalcy of these features. The journey from 'self-driving car' to 'car' is a testament to the power of technological integration and the evolving nature of consumer expectations.
By keeping up with this transition, automotive manufacturers and marketers can stay ahead of the curve, adapting their strategies to meet the changing demands of the market. As we move forward, the term 'car' may well encompass a wide array of features, with 'self-driving' becoming the norm rather than the exception.