FUN LANE Cars are rapidly evolving from mechanical products into software-controlled technological platforms. Honda and Nissan have announced joint development of systems for future software-defined vehicles, while autonomous driving and over-the-air upgrades are becoming increasingly important to manufacturers. Solid-state batteries could eventually offer lighter batteries, greater energy density and faster charging, although mass production remains challenging. At the same time, recent safety concerns over electronic door handles demonstrate that technological sophistication does not automatically make a car safer. The next generation of vehicles will therefore have to balance convenience, autonomy, affordability and basic reliability.