The author suggests that robotaxis could have the same negative impact, increasing total miles driven and failing to solve transit's first mile/last mile problem. The article also points out that the failure of pooled ridehail services suggests that robotaxis will mostly be used for private rides, which could increase pollution. The author concludes that while robotaxi companies claim to be sustainable due to their fully electric fleets, the reality may be different, especially considering that autonomous vehicles require more energy than equivalent driver-operated electric vehicles.
Key takeaways:
- Robotaxi companies like Cruise and Waymo are positioning themselves as environmentally friendly, but their services are similar to ridehail services like Uber and Lyft, which have been found to increase traffic congestion and total driving.
- Research has shown that ridehail services increase car registrations in cities and often replace trips that would have been made by more sustainable modes of transport like biking or public transit.
- Robotaxis, like ridehail services, are likely to increase total miles driven due to deadheading (driving without passengers) and replacing public transit.
- While robotaxi companies claim their electric fleets will be more sustainable, the energy required for their complex computers and sensors could significantly increase total power demand.