I am encouraged to witness the growing attention being given to electric vehicles. President-Elect Biden is prioritizing them politically (link here), automakers are strategically focusing on them (examples here and here), and state policy makers are paying attention (see here). It seems that we are going to witness a significant increase in electric vehicle production, sales, and usage in both individual and commercial markets.
I like to think that the increased interest and adoption of electric vehicles is due to a growing acknowledgment of climate change and the damage we are causing to our environment every day. Severe weather, poor air quality, and erratic temperature changes have created a sense of urgency for policy makers, businesses, and the general public to transition away from fossil fuels.
So, what does this mean for autonomous vehicles? We know that shared driverless vehicles have the potential to benefit the environment as well – by reducing congestion and optimizing driving routes. I wonder if this or another related factor, such as traffic safety, will cause a similar shift in focus toward driverless vehicles. What will it take to gain the support of the public and policy makers?
- Maybe the post-Coronavirus world will be so car-focused and congested that shared driverless vehicles will become a top priority? I hope for that to be the case, but I would be surprised…
- Perhaps road safety will receive more attention due to increased bike and scooter usage resulting in more safety incidents? I also wish for that to be the case, but I would be equally surprised…
- Maybe the post-Coronavirus world will reduce or even eliminate traditional in-person shopping, leading to a significant increase in package delivery requirements globally? I think we may have found our trigger!
As grocery stores, retail stores, and pharmacies experience dwindling foot traffic, our delivery vehicles are becoming busier. The need to reduce labor costs and congestion associated with these delivery vehicles will likely be a major driver for change. I am optimistic that the demands for goods movement will prompt technological advancements and supportive policy changes that will propel driverless technology forward in the same way that electric vehicle technology is advancing today.
Are there any other triggers that I am not considering?
