A bill requiring all self-driving cars to have zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2025 was quietly submitted to the California State Legislature in mid-February 2021. The proposed SB 500 bill was submitted by Senator Dave Min and endorsed by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
The bill could have a direct impact on the emerging self-driving car industry in the form of ride-hailing services, delivery and trucking.
The amendment is in line with California’s efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and, if passed, will be added to state legislation related to automobiles. State legislation currently implements programs to encourage zero-emission vehicles, such as the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project and the Charge Ahead California Initiative.
Governor Gavin Newsom said he intends to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to zero by 2035 for all new cars sold in the future. However, commercial vehicles are excluded. If the bill is rejected, this intention will not apply. The proposed bill is in its infancy and is likely to be rejected.
But the bill is throwing a stone at the fast-growing self-driving car industry and companies looking to develop and commercialize self-driving technology in California. It can also help companies that use only electric vehicles.
“California, which is actively facing climate change, has set important standards. My proposed SB 500 is in line with this move, before self-driving cars became widespread. It’s an important step towards mandating zero emissions, “Min told TechCrunch.
Proponents of the bill do not want to use existing technology for the means of transportation that will be developed in the future, and self-driving cars may and may not help reduce carbon dioxide. Is pointed out. The success or failure of the bill could spread across the country, as California is ahead of other states in adopting electric vehicles and promoting other policies related to carbon dioxide emissions.
“I’m sure there will be self-driving cars in areas such as ride-hailing services and delivery. That’s why it’s so important that electric vehicles are used in those areas. The average. Drivers travel between 18,000 and 21,000 km a year, while Uber and Lyft full-time drivers travel more than 48,000 km,” said UCS Transport Officer. Senior analyst Elizabeth Irvin said.
Strategy
Nearly half of California’s greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. The smog-filled dusk in Los Angeles is very unique, but if you don’t impose restrictions on the self-driving car industry, you can see that commercial vehicles will be self-driving and their power source will be fossil fuels, the bill supports. Those are thinking.
UCS says that there are studies showing that emissions can also increase dramatically as a result of a significant increase in the number of passengers who get used to a comfortable life with the spread of self-driving cars. He points out in a statement in support of the bill.
A study examining the impact of self-driving cars on the transportation system in the Washington, DC metropolitan area as of 2040 found that self-driving cars increased vehicle traffic by 66 percent compared to 2040 standards. It was.
Irvine told TechCrunch that SoftBank will support strategies to drive the policy before the full-scale introduction of a policy that requires all self-driving cars to have zero carbon dioxide emissions in California. Discussions with various stakeholders such as delivery startup Nuro and General Motors’ autonomous driving subsidiary Cruise have been held with UCS.
“We support efforts to drive the industry’s transition to clean energy. These efforts are in line with Neuro’s goals and values. We look forward to self-driving cars becoming the cornerstone of the automotive industry. We believe this initiative will lead to a future that is both environmentally and health-friendly,” said a Neuro spokeswoman.
Cruise, which announced an unmanned vehicle called Origin in 2020, is heading in the same direction. Designed for car sharing, Origin is powered by an all-electric platform developed by GM and created through years of partnership with Honda.
Cruise’s self-driving car Origin has not been tested in San Francisco. The battery platform is in the testing stage at GM’s test site, but there is no change in the passion for full-scale deployment of self-driving cars. In the early stages of testing, a fully electric Chevrolet Bolt is used. This could be deployed in San Francisco ride-hailing services and some delivery services.
Related article: An electric unmanned driving vehicle for vehicle dispatch service, which was jointly developed by GM and Honda, is now available.
“Since the industry is new, anyone can make an electric car an option. It’s not about modifying an existing vehicle. If you choose an electric car first, you’ll continue to maintain the status quo and later. You won’t be forced to make changes, “Cruise’s vice president of government operations, Rob Grant, told TechCrunch.
Hybrid and electric vehicles
Self-driving cars are not always electric vehicles. Ford Fusion hybrids and Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivans are self-driving cars such as Argo AI, Aurora, Waymo, and Voyage. It’s a popular option for developers.
Argo AI, a technology platform company, is developing an autonomous driving system in collaboration with major automakers such as Volkswagen and Ford. Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz will be the company’s first fully-electric self-driving car. Ford’s method is a little more cautious and is based on the hybrid Ford Fusion.
“We want to eventually move to battery-powered electric vehicles, but we also need the right balance to develop a viable and profitable business model. As a result, hybrid vehicles are the starting point. We have decided to develop it, “said John Davis, chief engineer at Ford Autonomous Vehicles.
Challenges in developing a fully automatic electric vehicle outlined by Davis include a reduction in cruising range due to the use of electricity in in-vehicle technology, a decrease in vehicle usage due to charging, and deterioration of the battery. ..
“Test results show that battery-powered electric vehicles consume more than 50% of their cruising range in the computational processing of autonomous driving systems. In addition, the ride-hailing service uses air conditioners to help passengers ride comfortably. And entertainment systems are likely to be needed. We are positively addressing these issues as batteries are chemically improving and costs continue to improve, “Davis said. ..
After completing the Robotaxi test, Waymo began service in the suburbs of Phoenix, adjusting the area. There is no official announcement from Waymo regarding the provision of services in California, but years of activity have shown that it will provide the service.
Based in Mountain View, California, the company periodically tests cars in and around San Francisco, and is also testing the Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicle. Has been done. Waymo said it would support the latest executive order issued by Mr. Newsom, but did not support the wording mentioned in Mr. Min’s bill.
“Marketing fully autonomous driving technology to the goals outlined in the latest administrative order N-79-20 issued by Governor Newsom, a comprehensive effort to electrify all vehicles in the future in California. Waymo has business areas and partnerships ranging from vehicle dispatch services to trucking and regional delivery. California’s policy on electric vehicles is affected by a variety of issues and policies. We hope it fits in with. At this point, the bill is in its infancy. We look forward to working with Senator Min, who is working hard,” Waymo spokeswoman told TechCrunch.
Industry sources familiar with the bill have pointed out that the current wording is fairly simple, just replacing the words, and it seems unlikely that any significant progress will be made during this session. T
he same source criticized supporters and drafters, saying that plans for infrastructure development and the distinction between small and large vehicles were stalled.
Self-driving cars are expected to be the first vehicles to become popular, but trucks are being developed not in California, but in less regulated states such as Arizona and Texas. Self-driving electric trailers have also been developed, but most diesel vehicles have been tested.
As a result, companies developing in California may directly appeal to senators to set exemptions for heavy vehicles.
“We are looking at whether the details of the bill will be decided as the process progresses, but it is UCS’s wish that the purpose of the bill will be mandatory electrification,” Irvin said.