I’m excited to see that electrical automobiles are getting an increasing number of consideration these days. President-Elect Biden is making them a political precedence (hyperlink right here), they proceed to be an space of strategic focus for automakers (see examples right here and right here), and state coverage makers are turning their consideration to them as nicely (see right here). Seemingly, we’re going to see a significant uptick in electrical car manufacturing, gross sales and utilization, for each particular person and business markets.

I’d prefer to imagine {that a} vital improve in electrical car curiosity and adoption is because of a rising acknowledgement of local weather change and the injury we’re inflicting on the environment day by day. Huge climate occasions, poor air high quality, and unpredictable temperature swings have created a way of urgency for coverage makers, companies, and most of the people to shift away from fossil fuels.

So what does this imply for autonomous automobiles?  We all know that shared driverless automobiles have the potential to profit the surroundings as nicely – via decreased congestion and extra environment friendly driving routes.  I’m questioning if this impetus or one other comparable set off – like visitors security – will trigger the same shift in concentrate on driverless automobiles. What’s going to it take to get the general public and policymakers on board?

• Possibly our post-Coronavirus world can be so car-focused and have a lot congestion that shared driverless automobiles will grow to be a giant precedence? I want that was the case, however I’d be shocked…
• Possibly street security will obtain heightened consideration because of the better utilization of bikes and scooters inflicting extra security incidents?  I additionally want that was the case, however I’d be equally shocked…
• Possibly our post-Coronavirus world will cut back and even get rid of conventional in-person procuring, which can considerably improve the world’s bundle supply necessities? I feel we could have discovered our set off!

As grocery shops, retail shops, and pharmacies see much less and fewer foot visitors, our supply automobiles have gotten busier and busier. Lowering the labor prices and congestion related to these supply automobiles will possible be an enormous “driver” (pun meant!) for change. I’m hopeful that items motion necessities will permit us to see the technological advances and supportive coverage adjustments that can advance the driverless expertise in the identical approach that the electrical car expertise is being accelerated right this moment.

Another triggers I’m not considering of?