Changing gears: autonomous vehicles and motor insurance

Autonomous vehicles have long been a cornerstone for the future of mobility. Advancements in enabling technologies such as 5G, LiDAR and human-machine interface systems have spurred autonomous vehicle research efforts, bringing this transportation vision closer to reality. However, safety concerns following recent accidents have stopped manufacturers and other stakeholders from pressing ahead more aggressively. On the other hand, bolstered by decarbonisation and sustainability imperatives, electric vehicles (EVs) have continued to gain widespread acceptance. In 2021, electric car sales increased two-fold, and EVs now represent almost 9% of the global car market.

The electrification of autonomous vehicles can play an important role in helping manufacturers to design commercially viable business models that are safe, robust, and sustainable (Figure 1). Electric autonomous vehicles (E-AVs) can help manufacturers to generate short-term revenues by providing semi-autonomous features such as advanced driver assistance systems, aspects of which include lane keeping assistance. Data collected from these systems – sensor inputs, camera feeds and electronic control unit decisions – will help to improve deep learning algorithms, facilitating a safe and scalable migration to full urban autonomy.

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