In a groundbreaking yet slightly bewildering move, the electric vehicle industry has taken a bold step towards revolutionizing the driving experience. Car manufacturers have announced the integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems in their latest models, designed to mimic that classic staple of any long road trip—the backseat driver.
As automakers continually strive for innovation, Tesla, Nissan, and other leading electric car producers have collaborated with leading AI developers to ensure that drivers never feel alone—or unjudged—again. With this latest feature, driving enthusiasts can now enjoy the nostalgic thrill of unsolicited advice, random comments, and pointed safety reminders, all from the comfort of their driver’s seat.
“We realized that the serene, soundless experience of driving an electric car was leaving many people yearning for something more. Drivers expressed missing the unsolicited commentary on their driving skills,” said Sebastian Gridlock, head of AI development at Mostly Human Tech Inc. “We wanted to create an AI that not only excels in functionality but also brings back the joy of internal, familial conflict and personal intrusion that many drivers love—or love to hate.”
The AI system, affectionately named “AIckseat Partner,” comes with a variety of settings to suit personal preferences, ranging from “Nervously Cautious Parent” to “Overenthusiastic Driving Coach,” and even includes a “Know-It-All Teenager” mode for those looking to genuinely test their patience and resolve. Each setting provides a unique blend of encouragement, condescension, and armrest clutching.
The Nervously Cautious Parent mode features gentle reminders such as, “Are you sure you shouldn’t slow down?” and “Why not take the scenic route with fewer kamikaze squirrels?” Meanwhile, the Overenthusiastic Driving Coach is there to provide aggressively positive self-affirmations like, “Great turn, champ! You’re getting so good at using the indicators!”
Reports from early adopters of AIckseat Partner have been overwhelmingly amused. Emilia Holt, a beta tester from Manchester, shared, “It’s as if my mother’s spirit was downloaded directly into the dashboard. Her pride in my parking was always touch-and-go, but now I’ve got AIckseat there with a thumbs-up emoji every time I successfully back into a space.”
However, not everyone appreciates this leap into AI-driven companionship. A small community group, PAD (People Against AIckseat Drivers), has raised concerns about over-the-top nagging features potentially causing more road rage incidents among drivers who “really didn’t need that kind of pressure right now, thank you.”
But manufacturers are unperturbed. “For too long, the driving experience has lacked the drama of real human interaction,” said Gridlock unapologetically. The heads of AI development are even planning spectacular updates, like seasonal Comment Packs that synchronize with AI mom’s favorite florals or grumble at the government for roadworks.
As electric vehicles continue to dominate the market, one thing is certain: whether it’s cruising down the motorway or just popping to the corner shop, AIckseat Partner ensures that the journey is just as memorable as the destination. So, buckle up, prepare for the unsolicited advice, and remember, you’re not just driving; you’re being supervised by digital loved ones who’ve incessantly got your back… seat.