More efficient EVs

ARTIFICIAL intelligence or energy efficiency? It seems like a philosophical question, but it is instead the main technological issue we have to answer to create innovative vehicles for a sustainable future.

In reality, there should be no conflict between the two technological developments, which should be integrated as a whole to establish mobility for the future. But what is happening today is that almost all car manufacturers, especially new startups, are focusing on autonomous driving rather than energy efficiency, which should be the priority as the world faces the urgent problem of climate change.

Most of the companies manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) are making heavy SUVs. And the game looks to be about who will be the first to reach the full level-5 autonomous driving that ultimately will exclude the human presence behind the steering wheel.

For the problem of pollution, who will be the drivers of vehicles, humans or algorithms, is not relevant. What our world needs is light-weight, low-consumption solar EVs that reduce by the maximum poisoning emissions. Research, public financing and incentives should be addressed if we are to reach the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Dr. Marco Loglio via email