Automated Vehicles Not an 'If' but a 'When'

May 15, 2019

Matthew Borst

The automotive industry once questioned whether electric motors would replace the internal combustion engine (ICE) as the primary powertrain option for consumers. Today, the industry is facing a similar challenge regarding the adoption of automated vehicles . Many companies already realize that the implementation of electric and automated technologies is a ‘when,’ not an ‘if’ situation. They have started developing these technologies before answering the next question, “How does this new reality affect the industry today?”

The first question that most people try to answer is when fully automated vehicles will be produced for public use. Analysts seem to have a wide variety of opinions. Loup Ventures expects almost 100 million fully autonomous vehicles will be on the road by 2040. PwC predicts that autonomous vehicles could make up as much as 40% of traffic in 2030. Goldman Sachs anticipates semi-autonomous cars will be on the roads in the next one to two years.

Matthew Borst is a content editor at SAE International in the Global Products Group. Previously, he worked as a technical writer at Polaris Industries and was responsible for writing service manuals for various powersports products. He graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Automotive Engineering. His interests include the latest automotive industry news, movies, hockey, and anything that keeps his two kids entertained.

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