Sliced Bread Dough - The Future of Cars
Sep 4, 2025
Tom Cheesewright, a renowned futurist with experience consulting for major car manufacturers, dives into the evolution of automotive technology. He discusses how electric vehicles could reshape transportation before 2030 and the potential of hydrogen as a fuel alternative. Cheesewright highlights the rise of smart cars equipped with real-time updates and app integrations, as well as the challenges faced by autonomous vehicles in gaining regulatory approval. The conversation also touches on the exciting future of vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, possibly leading to smarter traffic management.
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Battery Power Dominates Short Term
- Electric battery power is the clear short-to-medium term path for cars to meet 2030/2035 policy deadlines.
- Hydrogen will likely suit larger vehicles and transport modes, not typical passenger cars.
Many Battery Chemistries Will Coexist
- Multiple future battery chemistries (solid-state, lithium-sulfur, sodium-ion) will coexist and be matched to vehicle needs.
- Manufacturers will choose chemistry by attributes like cost, weight, safety and charging speed.
Be Cautious About Battery Swapping Hype
- Avoid assuming battery swapping will displace fast charging universally; structural battery designs complicate swapping.
- Consider swapping as a transitional or niche solution where supply or business models justify it.