Suggested Citation:
Sperling, Daniel (2018) Three Revolutions: Steering Automated, Shared, and Electric Vehicles to a Better Future. Island Press/Center for Resource Economics

Three recent developments in passenger transportation - automated vehicles, electric vehicles, and shared mobility services - are in the process of converging, and this convergence holds great potential for reducing energy use, decreasing environmental impacts from transportation, and improving social cohesion. Crucial to achieving those benefits is appropriate implementation of policy. Chapter 1 discusses the tension between potential gains and pitfalls of the three revolutionary technologies. If they are appropriately realized, the world would see greater transportation choice and accessibility; healthier cities, and diminished greenhouse gases. If not, a nightmare scenario of the opposite results could ensue. Chapter 2 opens the discussion of technological innovation by focusing on electrification of vehicles. Chapter 3 examines the power of shared mobility services - perhaps the most important of the three strategies. Chapter 4 considers how automated vehicles hold the ability to leverage the gains offered by pooling. Chapter 5 discusses the necessity of upgrading our transit system in order to fully benefit from the three transformative technologies. Chapter 6 takes up the issue of equity between those who have mobility access and those who do not. Chapter 7 covers the implications of the transportation revolutions for the automotive industry. Lastly, Chapter 8 reflects on the role China will play in achieving the convergence of the three innovations. The epilogue re-emphasizes the importance of pooling.

Key words: Accessibility, automated vehicle control for ground vehicles, autonomous vehicles, demand responsive transportation, economic factors, electric vehicles, environmental impacts, intelligent vehicles, mobility, motor vehicle industry, public transit, ridesharing, ridesourcing, social factors, transportation policy, vehicle sharing