⚡️🔋Current Events 2/10/23: Autonomy and Electrification, A Compelling Relationship
Why do we often hear about self-driving cars in the context of electric ones? Are they related technologies? What connects them?
The advent of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the electrification of transportation are two of the most important trends shaping the future of mobility. Both technologies offer significant benefits in transforming the way we think about transportation. Together, they offer the potential for even more significant advances in efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
That said, why do we often hear about autonomous cars in the context of electric vehicles? Are they related technologies? What connects them?
The first part of the answer is software. Autonomous driving requires big computers and a lot of software to achieve safer driving than the average human. Electric vehicles (EVs) have natural compatibility with software and computer technology. The flow of electrons is their love language.
The advanced software systems in EVs manage the vehicle's power, charging, and other functions. Additionally, they possess advanced sensors and cameras essential for autonomy, allowing cars to gather data about the road and the surrounding environment and make informed decisions about navigating roads safely while avoiding obstacles. Tesla Enhanced Autopilot, for example, uses an array of 8 cameras placed around the vehicle to gather the necessary information for driving safely.
Another technological element that pairs EVs organically with autonomous driving technology is their electric powertrains. Electric motors generate power through the flow of electricity. They can deliver it instantly to the wheels, allowing quick and precise acceleration with near-instant torque delivery. Electric motors are smoother, quieter, and more responsive than internal combustion engines. As such, they are an ideal choice for autonomous technology that needs to respond instantly to changing conditions on the road.
Beyond just their technological compatibility, AVs and EVs also share a somewhat economical, philosophical compatibility regarding efficiency. Engineers and designers of battery-powered vehicles are always constrained by the need to squeeze as much range as possible out of the car, bus, or bike. They need to be highly energy efficient to be reliable and effective, and so they are. Autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionize the way we think about transportation by eliminating the need for a personal driver or even car ownership. With an autonomous vehicle, you summon the car when needed, taking you safely to your destination at a low cost. Various household members can share one autonomous vehicle, reducing the number of cars per household. Again, we see a natural tendency towards efficiency.
Now let's scale that capability up to the neighborhood level. A 5-seat, autonomous electric car replaces not just one family vehicle but potentially 5. A car could simultaneously take multiple workers from different families in the same neighborhood on their commute.
In this case, a single AEV replaces the same number of vehicles on the road as the number of seats it possesses while dramatically reducing the cost of commuting for each rider. Reducing the number of cars on the road by a factor of 5 or more would allow any city or neighborhood to significantly reduce traffic congestion and air/noise pollution, making an autonomous electric vehicle an even more sustainable, economically beneficial, and environmentally friendly option.
The last similarity we'll discuss between electric and autonomous vehicles relates to something we've alluded to a few times, their ability to reduce costs. Overall, EVs and AVs are becoming more affordable over time as technology improves and production costs decrease. With EVs, the cost of ownership can be lower due to reduced fuel and maintenance costs. At the same time, autonomy offers the potential for reduced transportation costs through shared rides and increased efficiency. The result is a meager price of transportation for the end user. Combining all these savings makes an autonomous electric vehicle an attractive option for any user looking for the most cost-effective transport possible, whether they're a commuter, a distributor, or a fleet operator.
So now, let's return to the original question. Why are self-driving vehicles and electric vehicles spoken of so interchangeably, and how are they related?
Electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles are built upon technologies that complement each other perfectly. These technological advancements not only benefit individual users but also positively impact society as a whole. Integrating autonomy with EV technology will start a new era in transportation that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and accessibility. Together, these technologies can revolutionize the way we approach transportation, making it safer, more sustainable, and more efficient for everyone.
With love and gratitude,
Renato Amboss
Renato A. Amboss is the Founder and First Pilot of Ronin EV. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are his own. None of the views expressed are intended as investment advice of any kind and should not be taken as such. Cars are not investments, but we would love to show you what electric ones can do! Have a lovely day!