What will mobility look like in the future?
And what kind of vehicles will be used?

Mobility is the epitome of freedom. People are moving more and more, faster and faster, further and further, and their mobility is becoming increasingly spontaneous.
This represents a significant challenge to future mobility services. Demographic change in society, urbanization, and the possibilities of digitization are changing individual requirements for mobility. In the future, personal needs must be aligned with those of an individual’s surroundings.

We conduct research in several areas to find out how these ambitious requirements can be met:

  • Alternative powertrain technology / electric mobility
  • Autonomous driving
  • Adaptive and sensitive driver assistance systems
  • Data networking and new forms of interaction and communication

People expect offers that are simple, flexible, quick, reliable, and cost-effective when meet their daily mobility needs. Municipalities face the challenge of reducing cost, land use, noise, and CO2 emissions regarding transportation. Cities and towns that use technological innovations to satisfy both sides of the spectrum will be successful in the future: Electrification, digitization, and new models for carsharing as well as models for rates and payment will be linked to mobility and service offers. They must be based on the needs of users and provide them with flexible and intermodal forms of mobility. Cities that have already done this are, among others, Hong Kong, Stockholm, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Vienna, Paris, Zurich, and Munich. Cities where there is still room for improvement are, for example, Bangkok, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Johannesburg, and Dubai.

Within the framework of the national platform on electric mobility, we have supported many studies of fleets: How do users handle the new technologies? In what areas do offers not yet cover users’ needs in their daily lives? The findings help to develop attractive mobility options that can be used by consumers, thereby providing solutions to urban mobility.

Do you also want to align your technology with users’ expectations? We support you in your product development:

  • Trend analyses
  • Analyses of expectations for future ways of “being out and about”
  • Support for user-focused innovation processes
  • Conducting realistic tests of fleets
  • Deriving specific recommendations for your product development

“No car manufacturer can avoid looking at intermodal solutions, because clients want to have a driving experience that is as simple as possible.”
 

Ulrich Kranz, Project Leader of BMW project i