Transport innovation to boost the second home market

France is at the forefront of high technology. The famous French Tech! The proof is this week at CES in Las Vegas (the global gathering for consumer electronics) there are 178 start-ups, making it the second largest contingent on site. Just behind the United States and there are many areas of application! We will look together at what is being prepared in the field of transport and the impact on the second home market in France.

Autonomous transport

Given the major economic stakes represented by autonomous vehicles, many manufacturers are working on them with eagerness. France is not left behind, especially since autonomous vehicles have been authorised on public roads since last summer. To facilitate testing and promote industrial collaboration, the public investment bank has announced the launch of a dedicated testing centre for 2018. That’s tomorrow!

Direct and indirect benefits

For many manufacturers, 2020 will be a pivotal year. According to the research firm McKinsey, by 2030, 15% of cars will be fully autonomous. In terms of benefits, there will be many and of different types. We first think particularly of road safety with denser but more fluid traffic and especially less polluting. Cities like Lyon are already testing autonomous buses. But as you can see, the question is how to adapt a new driving mode to existing infrastructure.

The most astute and innovative regions will certainly propose the development of dedicated roads with perhaps the creation of new districts, new communes or new towns built around autonomous transport. This is a serious project for the Department of Transport in Florida in any case.

Solar energy will be important

Closer to home, Normandy has just launched the first solar road…in the world. France is at the forefront of innovation again. Without doubt, developers are already working on the development of hi-tech property projects. These will be better suited to autonomous driving and will give pride of place to solar energy.

Indeed another gem of French Tech, AdvenSolar could equip electric bike charging stations with solar power, the famous SunPod Cyclo. In short, you use the car for long journeys and the electric bike to go buy your bread. Moreover, the local economy also has everything to gain from transport innovation in France. Indeed, simplified transport in complete safety will enable more frequent visits to second homes.

And even if you decide to acquire a property in a quiet, secluded hamlet, you will only need to put the autopilot on to get home. Comfortably seated, preparing your weekend on your tablet while the autonomous vehicle drives you there. This is not science fiction, just a bit of foresight. See our other article on this topic: The impact of autonomous vehicles on property.