The two biggest areas of innovation are currently the topics of range and charging. With the modernisation of electric cars, the focus is on increasing the range and smart driving assistance. In parallel, work is also being done on expanding the charging networks, which should make driving electric cars more convenient in the future. It is also planned to achieve this through so-called intelligent charging, where the charging stations connect online without additional software: the intelligent charging stations can communicate with other systems connected to the cloud using a SIM card or an Ethernet cable. With intelligent charging, the charging process is linked to both payment functions and data analyses. Users can view their fixed charging tariffs via the charging station. There are also services such as automatic refunds and insights into charging behaviour or CO2 savings. This is intended to increase efficiency and optimise charging behaviour.
Innovative smart wallboxes are becoming increasingly relevant: with a smart wallbox, a charge management system ensures that the electrical output is adapted to the charging requirements. This makes it easy to lower the power as needed. This saves both money and electricity. 

Solar vehicles use high-performance cells on their surface, which convert sunlight into electrical energy and pass it on to a battery in the luggage compartment. So far, however, there are no series-production models of electric cars where the solar cells can supply the engine with sufficient power. Rather, the solar energy generated supplements the electricity from a socket to increase the range slightly. The proportion of solar power in the battery while driving depends on the solar radiation, the size of the solar panels and their efficiency. 

Street lights can be used as power sources for electric cars, as most lights provide sufficient voltage. However, implementation requires more than just the installing a power socket. The VDE standard “TAR Low Voltage” specifies precise requirements that do not fit in conventional street lights. Calibrated or intelligent electricity meters are mounted externally on the street light lamppost (backpack principle) and can also be used on street bollards near lights. Various countries are already planning or implementing this innovative solution to expand the charging infrastructure in urban areas.

In future, the electric car software should not only be able to manage digital systems, but also actively intervene in processes. Newly developed AIs (artificial intelligence) open up dynamic methods to extend the service life of electric car batteries. This means that AI can also have positive environmental impacts and promote sustainability. Improved algorithms enable new applications with the AI systems, although existing programs in modern electric cars already control the charging and discharging of batteries, with a focus on the safety of the energy storage systems. The next development step is aimed at intelligent load distribution of individual battery units.

There are five levels of autonomous driving, from driving assistance systems to fully autonomous vehicles. More recent models have a slight degree of automation through driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems. The next stage is semi-automated driving, where the vehicle acts autonomously in defined situations, e.g. when parking, braking or staying in lane. This is followed by highly automated driving, where vehicles can drive without human intervention, e.g. perform overtaking manoeuvres, brake and accelerate independently. The driver can turn away briefly, but must be able to take control at all times. The penultimate stage is followed by fully automated driving, where the vehicle mostly drives and navigates autonomously – even in complex traffic situations. The driver can turn away or sleep, but must be fit to drive to take control if necessary. At the end of the scale is actual autonomous driving, where the car operates completely autonomously without human intervention.