Autonomous driving technology has generated excitement that self-driving cars could curb climate change by enabling shared mobility, optimizing traffic flow, and promoting vehicle electrification.

However, while AVs present a major opportunity for sustainability gains, realizing their full environmental potential faces hurdles. AV solution to carbon emission problem, a mission not yet scrutinized.

AVs’ climate promise centers on increased ridesharing lowering car ownership rates. Studies like UC Davis’s Sustainable Transportation Energy Pathways (STEPS) program determined automation and electrification could slash greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles by 87% by 2050.

Researchers found the combination of electric, autonomous robotaxis displacing private car trips could dramatically cut emissions while still providing convenient personal mobility. Enabling smoother driving experience.

Additionally, AVs apply machine intelligence to drive more efficiently than humans. Robot drivers modulate throttle and brakes more smoothly than erratic humans, improving traffic flow and fuel economy.

Researchers estimate AVs using eco-driving techniques could reduce fuel consumption by 10-20%. Further gains come from connectivity and platooning, which allow vehicles to coordinate movements. Optimizing Routes & Vehicle Design 

As autonomous technology matures, self-driving vehicles can be designed purely for sustainability, absent human drivers. With no need for creature comforts like cushy seats, robotaxis can shed weight and complexity. Route optimization and right-sizing vehicles to trip and payload will also curb energy waste.

The Challenges 

However, forecasts that AVs will transform mobility and solve climate issues tend to overlook countervailing dynamics. Notably, the convenience of self-driving cars may induce new demand and increase total miles traveled, mitigating eco-benefits.

Researchers warn rebound effects could erode projected energy savings from automation by 60-90% unless policymakers intervene.

AVs also face immense infrastructure requirements, including roads, signage, and mapping suitable for computer perception. Fulfilling the vision of zero-occupant vehicles circulating continuously requires society to subsidize uneconomic operations.

Achieving promised sustainability benefits without simply passing costs to governments faces difficulties.

Furthermore, even with strong policy support, the EV and AV transition pace is uncertain and likely measured in decades. With scientists urging deep emission cuts this decade, AVs cannot be the prime solution climate change demands right now.

Rather than a silver bullet, AVs are better viewed as a supportive element of comprehensive mobility emission reduction plans prioritizing transit, micromobility, dense walkable cities, and work-from-home.

AVs do, however, promise to address concerns that curb private car use reduces personal freedom and convenience. Self-driving mobility services may enable low-carbon lifestyles once the tech and business models mature.

The Pros of AVs are:-

• Reducing carbon emissions by improving fuel efficiency, traffic flow, and vehicle utilization.
• Enables transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable and clean-energy future.
• Supports the development of systemic efficiency and circularity, such as multi-stage resource utilization and waste reduction.

The Cons of AVs are:-

• AV could increase carbon emissions by inducing more travel demand, especially for long-distance trips.
• Technical and economic barriers could be faced in electrification and decarbonization, such as battery cost and performance, charging infrastructure, and grid integration.
• Disrupts the existing transportation system, requiring significant infrastructure changes and policy interventions.

A fictious scenario created to use the present data and evaluate how much AVs could be helpful in real circumstances of reducing carbon emission problems around the world and the positive impact it can create for a better lifestyle.

Scenario	Year	Carbon emission (MtCO2)	Reduction (%)	Assumptions
Baseline	2020	7,500	–	Based on the IEA data
Baseline	2030	8,500	–	Assuming a 1.3% annual growth rate
Baseline	2050	10,000	–	Assuming a 1.3% annual growth rate
Scenario 1	2030	7,800	8.2	Assuming 10% of vehicles are AVs, 20% of AVs are electric, and AVs improve fuel efficiency by 18%
Scenario 1	2050	8,500	15	Assuming 50% of vehicles are AVs, 50% of AVs are electric, and AVs improve fuel efficiency by 18%
Scenario 2	2030	7,000	17.6	Assuming 20% of vehicles are AVs, 40% of AVs are electric, and AVs improve fuel efficiency by 25%
Scenario 2	2050	6,000	40	Assuming 80% of vehicles are AVs, 80% of AVs are electric, and AVs improve fuel efficiency by 25%

Sources:- Invest India, worldwife, Mckinsey, americanprogress, weforum, BBC future, economictimes