While vehicles capable of full urban autonomy largely remain in the research and development phase, the global stock of electric vehicles (EVs) registered a 43% year-on-year increase in 2020, buoyed by incentives and subsidies in several countries. The electrification of autonomous vehicles (AVs) to create electric autonomous vehicles (E-AVs) will help businesses reap the benefits of such policies, generate short-term revenues through the provision of semi-autonomous features like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and curate troves of data that will enable safe and commercially viable E-AV business
Besides bolstering safety and profitability, this data can be used by urban planners, infrastructure providers, and even retailers to inform business decisions and influence consumer behavior. Beyond commercial interests, E-AVs will also help countries and companies achieve their net-zero emission targets (see Exhibit below).
The growing need for electric autonomous vehicles
Recharging Driverless Mobility explores how the electrification of autonomous vehicles will compound technological benefits and enable the collection of data that will eventually facilitate safe and commercially viable E-AV business models. This report outlines the scope for the imminent deployment of E-AV technologies in trucking and sheds light on how the traditional approach to auto liability will need to give way to more product-related liability coverage or hybrid coverage. It also lists strategies for defusing risks, leveraging existing workforce capabilities, and building trust with consumers.