Self-driving vehicles – what your business needs to know
Self-driving vehicles are not as far off as you might think and are already being trialled on UK roads. They are expected to be made legal in the UK by 2026.
These vehicles could change the way we transport goods, move people and manage fleets in the very near future.
Here’s what your business needs to know about self-driving vehicles.
What is a self-driving vehicle?
Self-driving vehicles are vehicles that can take control of some or all aspects of driving on their own.
They do this by using a combination of sensors to detect speed, distance and objects, GPS to work out precise locations, and artificial intelligence (AI) to recognise objects and predict how they may behave. They use these tools to make decisions such as avoiding hazards and responding to traffic.
The two types of self-driving vehicles are:
- advanced driver-assistance systems – these have features to make driving safer and easier like adaptive cruise control but the person behind the wheel is still in charge of the vehicle
- automated driving systems – these use more advanced technologies that allow the vehicle to drive itself.
Why does this matter for business?
Self-driving technology will have an impact on many areas of business.
Transport and delivery costs
For businesses that rely on deliveries, self-driving vehicles could significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce the costs of employing drivers. They may also enable more frequent, smaller, and out-of-hours deliveries, helping to meet customers' growing expectations.
Safety and insurance
The systems used for self-driving vehicles could reduce crash risks. This may lead to a reduction in insurance claims and costs as the technology improves.
Efficiency
Transport currently contributes 26% of the UK’s carbon emissions according to the Department for Transport. Self-driving vehicles will reduce this as most are expected to be electric, helping businesses to cut emissions and meet net zero goals.
Systems that are built into vehicles will also help make sure the vehicles run efficiently, such as eco-driving and speed alignment. This will result in improved traffic flow and reduce congestion.
When will this happen?
Most modern cars already feature some level of advanced driver-assistance systems, but vehicles with automated driving systems are not yet legal on UK roads.
It is predicted that the UK government plans to introduce legislation that will allow fully autonomous vehicles on the roads by 2026, with trials already happening in London and Oxford.
What to consider
As with all new technology, there are uncertainties and risks to consider. These include:
- regulation and liability, such as who is responsible in a crash
- cyber security risks
- public trust and uptake
- upfront investment costs.
Despite these factors, self-driving vehicles have the long-term potential to reduce costs, improve safety and help your business to operate more sustainably.
Now is the time to develop your understanding of what’s coming and explore what it could mean for your business’ operations.
Interested in making your business more sustainable?
Zellar have a tool to help you reduce your impact and tell your sustainability story.
Energy Saving Trust
Learn more on the Energy Saving Trust’s self-driving vehicles explained article.