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In 25 years, new cars could be unrecognizable thanks to technology

New battery chemistries, self-driving tech and advanced propulsion systems will revolutionize how we get around.

CNET, Roadshow's parent website, is celebrating its 25th birthday this year. The world of transportation has changed immensely over the last quarter century, but how will it be different in the next?

We've asked automotive industry experts to weigh in on that very question, covering topics from battery technology to autonomy to flying cars. Yes, even flying cars.

In the not-too-distant future, electrified vehicles will dominate the roads, particularly in places like Europe and China. They'll play an important, if less-significant role in America, too. Self-driving or autonomous cars are also expected to become a thing in the next 25 years, though how automated they'll truly be remains to be seen. 

What about alternative propulsion solutions? Hydrogen fuel cells could become more important, though this technology is predicted to remain a relatively small player. For all the details on what's to come in the next quarter century, make sure to watch the video embedded above. 

Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR is Pandora on four wheels

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Craig Cole Former reviews editor
Craig brought 15 years of automotive journalism experience to the Cars team. A lifelong resident of Michigan, he's as happy with a wrench or welding gun in hand as he is in front of the camera or behind a keyboard. When not hosting videos or cranking out features and reviews, he's probably out in the garage working on one of his project cars. He's fully restored a 1936 Ford V8 sedan and then turned to resurrecting another flathead-powered relic, a '51 Ford Crestliner. Craig has been a proud member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
Craig Cole
Craig brought 15 years of automotive journalism experience to the Cars team. A lifelong resident of Michigan, he's as happy with a wrench or welding gun in hand as he is in front of the camera or behind a keyboard. When not hosting videos or cranking out features and reviews, he's probably out in the garage working on one of his project cars. He's fully restored a 1936 Ford V8 sedan and then turned to resurrecting another flathead-powered relic, a '51 Ford Crestliner. Craig has been a proud member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).

Article updated on October 24, 2020 at 5:00 AM PDT

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Craig Cole
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Craig Cole Former reviews editor
Craig brought 15 years of automotive journalism experience to the Cars team. A lifelong resident of Michigan, he's as happy with a wrench or welding gun in hand as he is in front of the camera or behind a keyboard. When not hosting videos or cranking out features and reviews, he's probably out in the garage working on one of his project cars. He's fully restored a 1936 Ford V8 sedan and then turned to resurrecting another flathead-powered relic, a '51 Ford Crestliner. Craig has been a proud member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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