Final answer:
Modern vehicles heavily rely on electronics and computers, which have enhanced their functionality and safety. Legislation has influenced automotive technology, mandating safety and environmental standards. Developments in electronics have also enabled energy-efficient technologies such as electromagnetic induction in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The integration of electronics and advancements in computer technology have immensely influenced modern vehicles. Electronics have embedded themselves into nearly every aspect of vehicles, enhancing functionality, efficiency, and safety. Regulations have similarly shaped technology in the automotive industry by setting standards that ensure public safety and environmental considerations.
Legislation has played a crucial role by implementing policies that mandate certain technologies. For example, safety standards following boiler explosions in the late 1800s led to strict engineering protocols. Similarly, vehicle emissions regulations have driven the automotive industry to develop more environmentally friendly technologies like electric and hybrid cars.
Electronics have enabled features such as GPS and electronic toll collection, which increase convenience but also raise privacy concerns. Developments in electronics led to the transition from vacuum tube-based devices to modern solid-state devices, making possible the sophisticated computer systems found in today's vehicles.
Innovations like electromagnetic induction are utilized in electric and hybrid vehicles to enhance battery life. This type of technology allows the vehicle’s motor to act as a generator during braking, recapturing energy that would otherwise be lost, and storing it in the battery. This ability to recover energy contributes to the increased adoption of electric vehicles despite concerns about battery life compared to traditional internal combustion engines.