What Will a Car Look Like in 2050? Exploring the Future of Driving and Mobility

As we look ahead to 2050, the landscape of automotive technology is poised for a dramatic transformation. Cars will no longer be just vehicles for transportation; they will evolve into intelligent, electric, and autonomous companions seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. From smart, connected interiors to innovative materials and even the possibility of flying cars, the future is set to redefine how we perceive and use automobiles. Whether you’re commuting from Webster Groves, exploring the trails near Chesterfield, or navigating the streets of Sunset Hills, MO, the changes on the horizon promise new levels of safety, comfort, and convenience.

For Sunset Hills Subaru customers and neighbors, the journey toward this future begins now. Feel free to reach out to us at (314) 476-9638 or visit our dealership at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 to explore our current innovative lineup and learn how Subaru is already shaping tomorrow’s vehicles.

Table of Contents

• Future Car Design: Autonomous, Electric, and Smart
  Understand how cars in 2050 will be fully autonomous, powered by clean energy, and connected to smart city infrastructure for safer, more efficient travel.

  
  

• Advanced Interiors: Personalized, Adaptive Living and Working Spaces
  Explore the modular, AI-driven interiors offering customizable environments for work, relaxation, and entertainment during your journeys.

  
  

• Materials and Sustainability: Lightweight, Self-Healing, and Dynamic
  Learn about the new generation of sustainable, adaptable materials that will replace traditional steel, enhancing efficiency and personalization.

  
  

• The Shift to Shared Mobility and New Ownership Models
  Discover how mobility-as-a-service and shared autonomous pods will complement or replace traditional car ownership, especially in the St. Louis and Missouri metro areas.

  
  

• Will Flying Cars Become Common by 2050?
  Examine the realistic outlook for flying cars, including current developments, infrastructure challenges, and regional readiness.

  
  

• Can I Still Drive My Gas Car After 2035?
  Clarify regulations on gas-powered vehicles post-2035 and what this means for drivers in Sunset Hills, Richmond Heights, and nearby communities.

  
  

• What Does Gen Z Call a Car?
  Peek into the evolving language of younger drivers and the creative nicknames they give their rides.

  
  

---

Future Car Design: Autonomous, Electric, and Smart

The automotive world in 2050 will be dominated by vehicles that are fully autonomous and electric, a shift driven by technological advancements and environmental imperatives. Experts predict that by 2050, self-driving cars will operate at Level 5 autonomy, meaning no human intervention will be needed. This leap in automation will rely heavily on AI systems equipped with sensors like LiDAR, cameras, and radar, enabling vehicles to communicate not only with each other (Vehicle-to-Vehicle or V2V) but also with smart city infrastructure (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure or V2I). This connectivity will be essential for optimizing traffic flow and enhancing safety, especially in busy suburban hubs like Valley Park and Maplewood.

Electric powertrains will replace internal combustion engines almost entirely, powered by batteries with much higher energy densities than today’s lithium-ion variants. These batteries may incorporate flat-pack designs for improved space efficiency and could even integrate solar charging capabilities. Regulations such as California’s Advanced Clean Cars II, which many states including Missouri are adopting or considering, are accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2035 and beyond.

Subaru’s commitment to electric and hybrid models, exemplified by the New Subaru Solterra Inventory, showcases the brand’s readiness to embrace this future with vehicles designed for the modern driver’s needs. For families in Crestwood, Twin Oaks, or Ladue, these vehicles offer a blend of reliable performance, eco-consciousness, and advanced technology like Subaru’s EyeSight® driver assist, a precursor to the fully autonomous systems expected in the coming decades.

Safety Enhancements and AI Integration

The integration of AI will go beyond driving tasks to include predictive maintenance, real-time hazard detection, and dynamic route optimization. With over 94% of current car accidents attributed to human error, the shift to autonomous systems promises a substantial reduction in traffic incidents, especially during Missouri’s challenging winter months in places like St. Charles and Fenton.

Sunset Hills Subaru customers can already experience early versions of these safety features with models equipped with EyeSight® driver assist technology. To keep your Subaru in peak condition as these technologies evolve, we encourage you to Schedule Service and Diagnostics at our convenient location.

---

Advanced Interiors: Personalized, Adaptive Living and Working Spaces

In 2050, the car interior will transform into a personalized environment tailored to the occupant’s needs. These vehicles will be modular, offering configurable seating that can convert to beds or office spaces, providing an immersive experience with holographic displays and interactive surfaces. Imagine commuting from Richmond Heights to Creve Coeur, turning your travel time into productive work sessions or immersive entertainment without distractions.

AI will monitor biometric data such as heart rate, stress levels, and fatigue to adjust ambient lighting, temperature, and soundscapes accordingly. This health-focused integration aims to enhance passenger well-being and safety, making long drives less taxing on the body and mind.

The technology will also support seamless connectivity with personal devices, allowing passengers to sync calendars, messages, and even virtual reality experiences. For families in Glendale and Lakeshire, this means a safer, more enjoyable time on the road for school runs or weekend adventures.

---

Materials and Sustainability: Lightweight, Self-Healing, and Dynamic

Traditional steel bodies will give way to advanced materials such as flexible polymers and composites that can self-heal minor dents and scratches, reducing maintenance needs and extending vehicle life cycles. These materials will also enable shape-shifting exteriors to optimize aerodynamics based on driving conditions—improving efficiency and performance whether you’re navigating the hills around Sappington or cruising through Maryland Heights.

Innovations like color-changing paint, showcased by BMW and likely to become mainstream by 2050, will allow drivers to customize their car’s appearance instantly, reflecting mood or style preferences without repainting. Transparent OLED glass technology could display external information or advertisements while maintaining passenger visibility, turning every vehicle into a dynamic communication platform.

Subaru owners interested in maintaining or upgrading their vehicles can explore genuine components by visiting our Find Subaru Parts page, ensuring compatibility and quality.

---

The Shift to Shared Mobility and New Ownership Models

Ownership paradigms will evolve as on-demand autonomous pods and shared mobility services grow in popularity, especially in urban and suburban areas like Ladue, Oakland, and St Louis. Mobility as a Service (MaaS) will allow users to summon vehicles for specific trips via smartphone apps, reducing the need for personal vehicle ownership and lowering total transportation costs.

This shift aligns with environmental goals and increasing urbanization, supporting cleaner air and less congested roads. However, private vehicle ownership will still have a place, particularly in family-friendly communities around Valley Park and Twin Oaks where flexibility and personal space remain priorities.

For those considering a vehicle upgrade or replacement to align with this shift, Sunset Hills Subaru offers a comprehensive selection of New Subaru Inventory and Used Vehicle Inventory. To understand your current vehicle’s worth in this changing market, use our Get your value trade tool.

---

Will Flying Cars Become Common by 2050?

Flying cars are no longer just science fiction; Florida’s Department of Transportation (FDOT) anticipates millions of flying car trips by 2050, with urban corridors between Orlando and Tampa serving as early testbeds. Missouri, with its diverse geography and metro hubs like St Charles and Fenton, could also benefit from this emerging technology as infrastructure evolves.

While full personal ownership of flying cars remains unlikely due to regulatory, infrastructure, and cost challenges, we expect to see electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles used primarily for urban air mobility. These autonomous air taxis will complement ground transportation, alleviating congestion and providing rapid transit options.

Sunset Hills Subaru encourages drivers to stay informed about these advancements and consider how current Subaru technologies, such as EyeSight® driver assist and all-wheel drive, prepare you for the future of mobility.

---

Can I Still Drive My Gas Car After 2035?

Despite increasing adoption of electric vehicles, regulations like California’s Advanced Clean Cars II, adopted by several states including Missouri, require all new vehicles sold after 2035 to be zero-emission. However, the sale and use of used gas-powered cars will continue beyond this date, allowing drivers in communities like Crestwood and Glendale to keep their existing vehicles for years to come.

This phased approach balances environmental goals with practical considerations for consumers and automakers. For those wondering about upgrading before 2035, Sunset Hills Subaru’s diverse inventory of electric and hybrid models offers excellent alternatives.

---

What Does Gen Z Call a Car?

Language around cars evolves with each generation. Gen Z drivers often use slang like “car” to describe any cool or flashy car, while personal nicknames such as nicknames express affection and personality. This trend reflects a deeper connection to vehicles as extensions of identity, especially among younger drivers in St Louis and surrounding areas.

Understanding this cultural shift enhances how dealerships like Sunset Hills Subaru engage with younger customers, offering vehicles that resonate with their lifestyle and preferences.

---

Embracing the Future at Sunset Hills Subaru

As the automotive world advances rapidly toward 2050, Sunset Hills Subaru stands at the forefront, offering vehicles equipped with cutting-edge technology today. Whether you’re interested in exploring the New Subaru Outback Inventory for rugged versatility, or the New Subaru Forester Inventory for family-friendly safety, our team is dedicated to helping you find a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and prepares you for the road ahead.

To keep your Subaru performing at its best as technology evolves, don’t forget to Schedule Service and Diagnostics. Our expert technicians in Sunset Hills, MO, provide transparent, reliable care tailored for your vehicle.

Ready to upgrade or trade-in? Discover what your current vehicle is worth by visiting our Get your value trade page today. And be sure to check out our Current New Car Offers and Current Service and Parts Offers for added value.

---

The future of cars in 2050 promises a blend of sustainability, autonomy, and personalization that will reshape how residents of Sunset Hills and the greater St. Louis area experience mobility. Subaru is proud to be part of this journey, offering safety, reliability, and innovation every mile of the way. Visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 or call (314) 476-9638 to start your journey toward the future today.

Tags: Advanced Car Interiors, Autonomous Vehicles, Car Ownership Models, Car Technology 2050, Electric Cars, Flying Cars, Future Cars, Mobility as a Service, Shared Mobility, Smart Cars, St. Louis Metro Area, Subaru, Sunset Hills MO, Sustainable Materials, Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication, Zero-Emission Vehicles
Posted in Performance and Engineering, Technology & Innovation | No Comments »