Automated vehicle vs electric vehicle

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Research Analysis by Consensus

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Yes

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Automated Vehicles vs. Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis

Consumer Preferences for Electric and Automated Vehicles

Consumer preferences for electric vehicles (EVs) and automated vehicles (AVs) are influenced by various factors including demographics, driving patterns, and technological experience. A study conducted in the Chicago Metropolitan area revealed that young, well-educated, and tech-savvy individuals with high annual vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and long-distance work trips are more inclined to adopt automated and electric vehicles. The primary concerns for consumers regarding AVs are the potential for imperfect performance in unexpected traffic situations, while the most significant expected benefit is increased safety.

Energy Consumption and Range Implications

The integration of automation in electric vehicles impacts energy consumption and vehicle range. Automated electric vehicles (AEVs) tend to have higher energy demands due to additional computing and sensor loads. This can reduce the range of AEVs by 5-10% for suburban driving and 10-15% for city driving. However, smoother driving patterns associated with automation can partially offset these increases in energy use. Despite these challenges, the impact on battery longevity is minimal, suggesting that with energy-efficient computing and aerodynamic sensor designs, AEVs can be viable without resorting to gas-electric hybrids.

Environmental and Economic Impacts

The electrification of transport is crucial for meeting global greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets. Automated vehicles can enhance the economic feasibility of electric vehicles, potentially accelerating the adoption of electric powertrains and reducing emissions. The combination of automation and electrification in heavy vehicles, particularly in the freight sector, can lead to significant reductions in the total cost of ownership and improve the profitability of battery electric heavy vehicles (BEHVs). This synergy is essential for sustainable transport solutions.

Powertrain Design and Optimization

The design of powertrains for automated vehicles must account for the additional power requirements of connected and automated driving systems. Studies indicate that optimized powertrains for automated driving can lead to significant reductions in fuel and energy consumption, with electric vehicles showing the highest savings potential. The development of these powertrains involves creating representative driving cycles based on real-world data to ensure efficiency and performance.

Adoption and Behavioral Changes

Early adopters of electric vehicles in California show a strong interest in automated vehicles, driven by perceptions of increased safety. Partially automated electric vehicles, such as Tesla's with Autopilot, have already influenced travel behavior, leading to increased driving and a preference for driving over flying due to enhanced comfort and reduced stress. This shift in behavior underscores the potential for automated electric vehicles to change transportation patterns significantly.

Acceptance and Trust in Automated Electric Vehicles

Real-world testing of electric automated vehicles (EAVs) has provided valuable insights into user acceptance and trust. Participants in a pilot test in Berlin generally accepted and trusted EAVs, perceiving them as safe. However, the study highlighted the need for broader conceptualizations of key constructs like acceptance and trust, suggesting that interdisciplinary approaches and multi-methodical study designs are necessary for a comprehensive understanding of user attitudes towards EAVs.

Conclusion

The integration of automation and electrification in vehicles presents both challenges and opportunities. While automated electric vehicles face higher energy demands, advancements in powertrain optimization and energy-efficient technologies can mitigate these issues. Consumer preferences and behavioral changes indicate a growing acceptance of these technologies, driven by perceived safety and comfort benefits. The combined impact of automation and electrification holds promise for reducing emissions and enhancing the economic viability of sustainable transport solutions.