Societal Impact & Consumer Acceptance
Self-driving cars are more than just vehicles—they could change cities, jobs, and how we live. If shared AVs become common, fewer people might own cars.
That could free up parking space—30% of city land is used for parking! That space could be used for parks or housing instead. Public transport may also improve.
Driverless buses or shuttles could offer flexible, on-demand rides in rural and urban areas. But not everyone is ready to trust self-driving tech. Surveys show that 60% of people are still nervous about AVs. Accidents involving AVs, even rare ones, can reduce public confidence. Still, the market for AVs is growing fast.
It could be worth over $550 billion by 2026. New jobs will appear in tech, delivery, and vehicle services—even if some old ones disappear, like trucking or taxi driving.
Cleaner cities are another bonus. With electric AVs, emissions could drop by up to 90% by 2050.