The transportation industry is experiencing a level of change and uncertainty that could possibly rival the late 1800s when there were, amazingly, roughly 2000 companies involved in the manufacture of automobiles. The advent of mass production shortly after, however, decimated the manufacturing landscape and paved the way for The Big Three, which then dominated the world scene for about a half century.
Today?
Our modes of personal transportation are exceptionally well established. It’s estimated that there are more than 13 million miles of roads that are officially recognized worldwide, now permanent fixtures on our landscapes.
But several different, but fundamental, factors are influencing the future of transportation and our relationship to it, like quickly advancing technologies, environmental concerns, and frustrating-as-usual politics. So, what does that mean for gearheads?
Objectively, it looks rather good! In reality, there are countless advances in powertrains of all types, electronics, manufacturing, etc., and they appear poised to comfortably coexist over the next several decades. Change is hard, but choice is good!
One of the most notable advances is a significant move to modularity in design and manufacturing. While not the sexiest thing, it will massively transform what we drive, ride, and pilot – and how we enthusiasts interact with our mechanical obsessions.
One of the most resolved and telling projects is Slate, a Michigan company making a small EV pickup truck backed by serious support, where only one model in one trim is mass-produced, and all the options and customization are post-delivery…and mostly DIY!
Here’s one of the best overview videos on the MotorTrend YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/kWq3jhxOWUI?si=cB0GjVmv1znjGqO6. You can find much more coverage all of YouTube, and the official site is: https://www.slate.auto/en.
So, What are We in For?
The most important takeaway is the approach: plug-and-play; stripped-down, essential line manufacturing; highly flexible modularity; open source parts drawings; and a clear message to the market: it’s a party, and you’re all invited! It speeds up development and manufacturing, reduces costs, and flings wide open the door for individuals to participate on a level not possible before.
Dusting off the old crystal ball, this now-only accessories focused approach – and many other automotive-related projects, particularly in cottage-industry-level project like motor swaps – portends a near-future where we garage gremlins will be able to drop- and plug-in things like various gas/electric power units and updated battery packs, and substantially change the looks and features when the mood (and budgets) cooperate. And this includes the option of printing out your own parts at home!
Gearheads need not despair! We’ll have our old, cranky projects for a very, very long time, and we will get to dive headlong into what promises to be another golden age of truly personal transportation.
