Originally Posted by
gerv
We've had a number of threads where someone tries to predict what the car of the future would be like.
Many prototypes exist, but it's difficult to imagine what would replace the current flotilla.
To my mind, it's an electric vehicle with possibly as few as 3 wheels about the size of the Smartcar.
I also think not everyone will want to own one and I also predict that those who do own them, will tend to put about 5,000 miles a year on it.
As I think more about the original question, I think there will be (as implied) more than one "car of the future." I think the mainstay will be plug-in hybrids like the Chevy Volt--4 wheeled and only a little smaller or lighter than current cars. I think there will also be a number of the smaller 3 wheeled fully electric cars, used mainly as urban commuters.
I also think that bicycles will be one of the "cars" of the future. I think it's realistic that between two and ten percent of passenger miles in the US will be on bikes.