Wer über die Zukunft der Mobilität nachdenkt, dem kommen womöglich fliegende Autos aus Science-Fiction-Filmen in den Sinn oder Raumbegleiter, die scheinbar mühelos der Schwerkraft entschweben. Doch davon sind wir noch ein ganzes Stück entfernt. Konkreter sind dagegen die Planungen, den Verkehr erheblich klima- und umweltfreundlicher, sicherer und komfortabler zu machen. Neue Antriebe, autonome Fahrzeuge, intelligentes Verkehrsmanagement sowie neuartige Sensorsysteme und multimodale Lösungen sind dagegen vielversprechend und werden für große Veränderungen sorgen. Wir bieten Ihnen einen Überblick über vier Trends und Technologien zur Gestaltung der Zukunft der Mobilität.

Four trends and technologies shaping the future of mobility.

1. Electrification: E-mobility is undoubtedly a key factor in shaping a sustainable future on our roads. Electric vehicles are revolutionizing the way we get around and offer a clean alternative to conventional combustion engines. It is already clear today that this type of mobility solution is gaining ground, because whether it's electric cars, e-bikes, or e-scooters, electric mobility is booming. Electric drives are becoming increasingly prevalent in the transport sector, and the number of battery-powered vehicles on German roads is growing rapidly. The transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric drives is being greatly accelerated by increasingly affordable access, continuous improvements in battery technology, and the expansion of the charging infrastructure. This will ensure that electric mobility continues to play a decisive role on our roads in the future.

2. Autonomous driving: Self-driving vehicles are completely changing the role of the car and making traffic safer and more efficient at the same time. Autonomous driving can bring great social added value, especially in freight and public transport. For example, there is no driver who can get tired or make mistakes. Advanced sensor technology and artificial intelligence enable bikes to navigate autonomously and communicate with each other and with traffic infrastructure such as traffic lights and stops. This optimizes timing, reduces waiting times, increases reliability, and allows uneconomical routes and times to be included in the timetable. Furthermore, the need for parking spaces is shrinking and the time spent in the car is increasing and can be used effectively. Commuting in particular will change significantly as a result: whereas today it is mainly a source of stress, autonomous vehicles will significantly enhance the time spent in the car and make it effectively usable.

3. Shared mobility: Experiencing will become more important than owning. More and more people are leaving the constraints of ownership behind and using forms of shared mobility such as car sharing and ride sharing. Instead of owning a vehicle, people could increasingly use mobility services in the future and only use a vehicle when they really need it. Flexible access to a variety of mobility options will thus become a personal experience thanks to variety and optimal networking. The car will then be just one possible part of this spectrum, reducing the need for parking spaces and easing traffic congestion.

4. Multimodal solutions: The future of mobility will likely involve greater integration and combination of different modes and means of transport, such as cars, public transport, bikes, and e-scooters, to enable seamless, efficient, and sustainable travel. Instead of limiting themselves to just one mode of transport, multimodal solutions give people the opportunity to use different modes of transport to plan their door-to-door journey to work, for example. Multimodal apps and platforms could also help users switch between modes of transport and find the best routes for their journeys. This type of mobility not only promotes flexibility and convenience, but also increases efficiency by taking into account the individual needs of users and enabling better integration of public transport, private transport, and other mobility services.

Progress and further development for sustainable mobility in the future.

Trends, ideas, concepts, and prototypes like these and many more exist for sustainable mobility in the future in all transport sectors—even if the anti-gravity car is not yet among them. However, for them to be put into practice, a lot needs to happen outside of research. The right political framework conditions, acceptance among users, and courage in the business community are needed. Only when everyone pulls together will the necessary new concepts, products, and innovations that we need for the transformation of mobility be put into practice.