Electric vehicles are rapidly coming down the cost curve and competing with ICE vehicles on a total cost of ownership basis in more and more places. But autonomous electric vehicles aren’t just another revolution in battery technology — they are also smart, aware of their surroundings and in wireless communication with other vehicles, which opens up the possibility of a major shift in transportation.
1. They’ll reshape the built environment
As we move to a future of autonomous electric vehicles, cities will have to prepare for an array of changes in the built environment. This includes everything from smart street design to flexible parking garages and multi-modal transit stations.
AVs will require less space for roads and parking, which could transform redundant urban spaces into new land uses. For example, gas stations may become obsolete as AVs replace them on the streets.
If AVs enable a shift from shop visits to deliveries, supermarkets and other retailers could turn to their own logistical centres that house their delivery fleet. These centres could be situated in locations where AVs are more likely to park, such as on the edge of city centers.
However, the widespread use of AVs may also have negative impacts on urban sprawl, road congestion, and parking. This is especially true in large cities, where commuters may prefer AVs over public transportation. This could increase congestion on roads and force mass transit system operators to raise fares or cut routes.
2. They’ll change the way we travel
The future of autonomous electric vehicles is expected to bring major changes to our travel habits. They’ll make our lives more convenient, save us money and reduce air pollution and congestion.
They’ll also be safer than cars with human drivers. That will have a knock-on effect on transport-related industries, such as insurance and car repair centers.
If AVs become widely available as personal vehicles or rideshares, commuters may prefer them over public transportation. That could increase traffic on roads, lead to more urban sprawl and impact public transit systems.
Autonomous vehicles also promise to provide mobility for those who are unable or unwilling to drive themselves, such as children and the elderly. They can prevent loneliness, depression, and a failing quality of life, as well as ensure access to essential services like healthcare.
3. They’ll change the way we live
Autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs) have the potential to change the way we live in a variety of ways. They could free up time for people to work, sleep or spend with their families.
They’ll also help eliminate traffic congestion and air pollution. According to Ohio University’s Future of Driving report, harmful emissions would decrease by up to 60% when autonomous vehicles take over.
AEVs can reduce accidents thanks to 360deg vision and their ability to communicate with other cars. This helps to keep traffic moving smoothly and prevent phantom traffic jams, which are created by stop-and-go driving habits that cause waves of traffic.
The resulting decrease in traffic congestion will lead to lower carbon dioxide emissions. This is a significant reduction, considering that passenger cars account for 16.4% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
However, these benefits will come at a cost. Some sectors may suffer as a result of the introduction of autonomous electric vehicles, including trucking, public transport and delivery services.
4. They’ll change the way we work
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, traffic accidents and greenhouse gas emissions. This will improve travel times and free up the time that drivers spent driving, which will also benefit the economy as a whole.
To achieve autonomy, AVs need to leverage an array of sensors including cameras, lidar, radar and ultrasonic. These sensors work together to detect, react and predict in real time.
The technology is also requiring a significant amount of computing power, which is growing exponentially. A research team has calculated that autonomous EVs need to consume less than 1.2 kilowatts of energy to get the job done, a feat that will require a rapid pace of improvement in computer hardware.
Ultimately, autonomous electric vehicles are expected to revolutionize the way we work and live. However, if we want to see the benefits of this new technology realised and a more sustainable world, we must understand the full spectrum of impacts it will have on our society.
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