SAFE’s Center for Automated Transportation Technology has released the first in a series of policy research briefs, Maximizing Energy Efficiency through Widespread AV Deployment.
The issue brief highlights that widespread adoption of shared, electric AV technology could cut fuel consumption by half and reduce carbon emissions by 75% – all while making roads safer and less congested.
In the brief, Dr. Allanté Whitmore, director of SAFE’s AV Initiative, explores the benefits of widespread shared, electric AV adoption and proposes how the right U.S. federal regulatory frameworks and emerging technologies can benefit society as a whole.
Key takeaways:
- Nearly 7 billion hours are lost in traffic and more than 3 billion gallons of fuel wasted annually in the U.S.
- Current U.S. regulations make AV deployment at scale impossible and limit innovative vehicle designs.
- Policymakers must address current design standards and safety regulations to allow for innovation and adoption of shared, electric AV fleets.
“Dr. Whitmore’s research makes a compelling, fact-based case to policymakers for accelerating the regulatory progress to support the large-scale adoption of AVs,” said SAFE President and CEO Robbie Diamond.
“Maximizing Energy Efficiency through Widespread AV Deployment” is the first in a series of briefs outlining the path toward unlocking the potential societal benefits of allowing AVs to flourish while centering on safety and equity.
