In the wake of the Coronavirus, there has been much speculation about what society will look like once the pandemic subsides. While many are eager to return to a sense of normalcy, it is also widely acknowledged that the world will be forever changed. Numerous articles have explored the potential societal shifts post-COVID-19, and I wanted to take a closer look at how this might impact the driverless industry. Here are a few key trends I have observed:
- Car sales are increasingly moving to online platforms (link here);
- The shift to online shopping for groceries, clothing, and other goods is reducing individual car ownership but placing greater reliance on goods delivery (link here);
- Due to remote work, online shopping, and the closure of public spaces, people are driving less (link here);
- Concerns about close proximity to others have led to a decrease in the use of public transit and shared rides (link here);
While these changes are currently driven by necessity, it is likely that they will have a lasting impact. This raises questions about the future of driverless vehicles. People are increasingly open to the idea of driverless delivery services, which could pave the way for wider acceptance of driverless vehicles in general. The significant reduction in vehicle miles traveled is also prompting a reevaluation of our impact on the environment. Could this lead to long-term changes, such as better environmental policies? On the other hand, the decrease in shared rides does not bode well for the future of shared driverless transportation, though there is hope that this is only a temporary setback.
As we look to reopen society, it is crucial that we consider not only the health implications but also the broader societal, business, and policy aspects. It is essential to envision the kind of world we want to create and take proactive steps to make it a reality. This could involve encouraging shared, electric, driverless vehicles, promoting electric vehicle use, enacting supportive driverless regulations, and discouraging single occupancy vehicle usage and ownership. Additionally, it is important to continue demonstrating and communicating success stories related to driverless vehicles, even as the technology continues to evolve.
