Driving ahead: the future of the car

Overview

The passenger car, one of the most familiar objects in our daily lives, is undergoing its most dramatic transformation since its invention. The change is being driven by climate pressures, new regulations, and rapid advances in technology.

With “passenger cars contributing around 3.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ per year,” governments around the world are pushing for cleaner transport, and many have set deadlines for ending the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles. 

Electric cars are at the heart of this shift. Early models offered modest range and performance, but today’s battery‑electric vehicles (BEV) can travel hundreds of miles and rival traditional cars in comfort and capability. Yet the transition is far from simple.

The UK, for example, has around one million electric or plug‑in hybrid cars on the road, but needs “12 million BEVs on the road by 2030” to stay on track for its climate goals. Building enough public chargers, securing battery materials, and keeping new EVs affordable are major challenges. 

In this lecture, Terry Spall will also look beyond electrification. Self‑driving technologies are progressing, with robotaxis already operating in parts of the United States, yet public acceptance remains cautious, with only “23% comfortable in a self-driving car at 70mph.

Meanwhile, a new generation of electric flying vehicles—eVTOLs—promises to reshape short‑distance travel in the coming decades. Together, these developments point to a future where mobility is cleaner, smarter, and more diverse than anything we’ve known before. 

The future of the car as it undergoes its most significant transition in response to an increasingly complex world will be explored—a challenging journey, but one whose potential benefits for the environment, for cities, and for everyday life are enormous.

Attendance & Registration Information

All are welcome to attend this free lecture. A drinks reception and dinner will follow for members and invited guests, and IESF non-members may also attend by following the registration steps below.

Lecture Only

Please register your place using the link provided or by emailing [email protected] with your name and company.

Drinks Reception and/or Dinner

IESF non-members wishing to book the drinks reception (£10 per person) or the drinks reception and dinner should request a booking form by emailing [email protected] 

Programme