Can cars be caring: How wellness trends in the automotive space will transform future vehicles
A quick wash, some air in the tyres, and an engine tune-up—car maintenance used to be all about the owner taking care of their vehicle. But times are changing. Now, your vehicle wants to take care of you.
The rise of electrification has undoubtedly reduced the maintenance burden on the modern-day motorist. A lack of oily parts means longer service intervals, and simpler powertrains require fewer belts, chains, and seals that need replacing.
Put simply, EVs are just easier to look after than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.
As if wanting to return the favor for years of tinkering, wrenching, and greasing, the automotive industry is now on a mission to ensure our vehicles take good care of our physical and mental well-being. After all, many of us spend hours in the car every week, so why not make it count?
there will be increased importance of ergonomic overchecks required to study their impact on the people in the car
Wellness Tech on the Rise
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, wellness tech innovations were everywhere, from minuscule electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors to AI-enabled mindfulness coaches, much of which was being touted for automotive use.
Embedding vital sign monitoring sensors into vehicle surfaces—such as the steering wheel and seats—could allow automakers to continuously track both the driver’s and passengers’ physical and mental states.
One leading electronics brand, for example, showcased an AI-powered mobility concept that could track real-time stress levels, analyze posture, and measure heart rate via sensors embedded in the steering wheel.
Polestar’s entire range of electric vehicles is already equipped with a driver monitoring system, capable of detecting when a driver becomes distracted—a telltale sign of fatigue—and recommending a break.
Thanks to deep integration with Google and Google Maps, the infotainment system will even suggest the best nearby coffee shop for that much-needed caffeine boost.
A Sense of Well-Being
Much of the future sensor and camera technology in the automotive industry is reactive, stepping in when something goes wrong. But there’s also a strong argument for using innovation to introduce preventative measures.
The same cameras and sensors that monitor stress levels can work proactively, with artificial intelligence detecting subtle changes in a driver’s voice or speech patterns that signal an impending mood shift.
At this point, the vehicle could adjust ambient lighting, play a calming soundtrack through Polestar’s renowned speaker system, or activate a gentle massage function in the seats.
If that fails, the vehicle might suggest a break and, once parked, launch a guided meditation session via Polestar’s Breathe app—an increasingly popular feature among Polestar owners.
With hypnotic animations, therapeutic soundscapes, and easy-to-follow breathwork instructions, the app is designed to clear the mind, reduce stress, and enhance focus.
"It’s basically a guided breathing tool that helps ground the user. So, before going to work or heading home to chaos, you can take a moment to relax," explains Johanna Øien, a UX Designer within the Polestar Innovation team.
Beyond stress relief, this future suite of sensors, lighting, sound, and AI could also boost positive moods—playing an uplifting soundtrack, opening the panoramic roof blinds, or even shifting into a sportier driving mode when the navigation system detects an open road ahead.
The Power of Materials
While next-generation sensors embedded in vehicle interiors may still be a few years away, Polestar’s designers and ergonomics experts have long been crafting interiors that cocoon, soothe, and support both driver and passengers.
"Ergonomics applies to a variety of different areas within the car and can involve teams of many different people, for instance within the Human Machine Interface, seat comfort, or vehicle setup," says Bethany Martin, Polestar’s Ergonomics Attribute Lead.
"Many of these traditional focus areas are still important, but with the increase of new technologies, the landscape is bound to change. And as an effect, there will be increased importance of ergonomic overchecks required to study their impact on the people in the car."
Even the materials we touch impact our mood. Leather evokes luxury and opulence, while wool and other natural fibers offer a sense of home-like comfort.
Polestar has been investing in vegan leathers and other sustainable materials, designed not just for aesthetics, but to enhance the clean, calming feel of its cabins.
Even seat belts could soon offer more than just safety. A major automotive supplier recently showcased an innovative heated seatbelt, with small heating elements woven into the fabric for instant warmth.
Not only could this provide a soothing embrace on chilly mornings, but it could also improve an EV’s cold-weather efficiency by up to 15 percent.
The future of car wellness isn’t just about detecting stress or fatigue. It’s about creating an environment that nurtures, restores, and uplifts.
