Abstract:

This paper analyses the environmental impacts of electric automated minibuses operated in public transportation systems. The results are based on an environmental life cycle assessment study, which uses data from a minibus producer and field data from several European cities. It is shown that electric automated minibuses promise a reduction in environmental impacts within specific conditions and in several future settings. Their environmental performance largely depends on their average utilisation, lifetime and total mileage, the electricity mix used, and the substituted means of transport. Automated components have an impact on environmental performance, although they are not the primary driver. In near-future use cases, the minibus is predicted to contribute 78 g carbon dioxide equivalents per passenger kilometre on average, and just 39 g at peak operation. The findings of this paper are relevant to policymakers at various levels as well as public transportation operators. The study gives a clear picture of the environmental benefits and drawbacks of EAM adoption. The report emphasizes the importance of policymakers developing plans and frameworks for the deployment of automated vehicles in a timely manner in order to reap the greatest environmental benefits.