Automated vehicles and sustainability when considering rebound effects

Area of Science:

• Transportation Science
• Environmental Science
• Sociology

Background:

• Automated vehicles (AVs) promise reduced energy use, improved traffic flow, and enhanced safety.
• However, AV deployment might increase traffic volume due to a rebound effect, potentially negating benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a framework for assessing the environmental, social, and time costs of private and shared AV usage.
• To analyze these costs in urban and rural areas within Germany.

Main Methods:

• A framework was developed to quantify environmental, social, and time costs.
• Comparative analysis of status quo versus automated vehicle usage scenarios.
• Assessment across different geographical areas (urban/rural) and usage models (private/shared).

Main Results:

• A potential increase in traffic volume of 34-47% is identified without worsening current conditions, varying by area and usage.
• Shared automated vehicles (SAVs) in rural areas show the greatest environmental and social advantages.
• Rural SAVs present the least passenger attractiveness due to increased time costs.

Conclusions:

• Policymakers and system providers must address the trade-offs associated with AV deployment, particularly the dichotomy in rural SAVs.
• Strategies are needed to mitigate potential rebound effects and balance diverse user needs and societal benefits.