"RightFootDown" (rightfootdown)
05/29/2014 at 12:46 • Filed to: autonomous cars
7
5|
"RightFootDown" (rightfootdown)
05/29/2014 at 12:46 • Filed to: autonomous cars | 7
| 5 |
It's no secret where RFD leans when it comes to our automotive preferences. It's certainly more Porsche than Prius to say the least. But the automotive press (and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ) is going nuts over Google's announcement of its first self-driving autonomous prototype car. Some hail this, and other new and emerging technology, as the end of the automotive industry as we know it, and one of many death blows for enthusiasts. Here are the top 5 reasons why that's bullshit.
Read the original article on RightFootDown.com or continue below...
1. Autonomous cars will keep those who don't want to drive from driving.
You know the type, their car is an appliance, a necessary evil in their lives. It brings them no joy or pleasure, it just gets them to where they need to go. There is a reason why Toyota is one of the largest automakers in the World, these people are everywhere. Once the autonomous car is in showrooms, they will buy them and use them not only on their commute to work, but also to make a quick trip to the store, to go on vacation, everything.
This will get them out of the left lane where they see it as their mission to make you drive at a reasonable speed by going as slow as possible. Instead, their !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , or something similar, will plod along, sensors whizzing, in the right-hand lane and efficiently get them to where they want to be. Meanwhile those of us who enjoy driving can enjoy passing everyone in the autonomous lane in our petrol powered cars.
Pictured below: Steering wheel shaped cappuccino maker.
Image credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
2. The infrastructure to phase out non-autonomous cars is difficult to implement.
But Will you say, won't all roads have to become sensor filled techno marvels to ensure that the autonomous cars stay in their lane and don't hit each other? Ideally, yes. But not for a long time, no. In America, we can barely maintain the bridges and other superstructures required for our Eisenhower-era highways. You think that magically we will end up with some sort of computer powered road system? It's not happening in our lifetime at least. There is a reason why the Googlemobile has 360 degrees of sensor equipment. It's because autonomous cars will be designed to share the road with non-autonomous cars. So refer to item #1, that's good for enthusiasts.
Read the original article on RightFootDown.com or continue below...
3. It doesn't actually mean more cars on the road.
I've already read some columns and editorials about how this will mean more cars on the road and make things even more congested. Again, see #1, it won't. You still have the same number of people traveling to the same places, they will just be in little pods doing their makeup and taking a nap now instead of doing, well, doing their makeup and taking a nap. Sure, some folks may get a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! powered car as and addition to their driveway (I'm going with !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! or !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! personally) but again, it doesn't increase the number of drivers so it won't increase the number of cars.
Image credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
4. Technology isn't that scary folks
If you have seen coverage of the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , or !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , you already know that the next generation of hybrid cars are coming, and they are awesome. Some say that the EPA's 2025 requirement for a 54.5 MPG average across all automakers means the end for us RFD'ers. Not true. The trickle-down tech from these new supercars will mean more efficient cars to take to the track and have fun with. Increased used of carbon fiber and other exotic materials will drive down the price and we will quickly see how awesome it is to drive cars with electric engines. Instant torque anyone? The idea that all cars will instantly become boring, silent appliances just isn't true. Even as a V8-guy, I can appreciate a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! or an electric drag car and the trio of Euro halo cars I started this section with are not quiet and boring whatsoever. So I think we can figure it out.
Plus emerging tech like 3-D printing and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! mean that we may see what they refer to as "3rd Industrial Revolution". This means building new, fun things (like a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ) cheaper and easier via a virtual community that can brainstorm ideas, refine designs, provide materials, etc. Imagine an inexpensive, Caterham or Ariel Atom-like track toy that you printed and assembled in your garage. Win.
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Read the original article on RightFootDown.com or continue below...
Image Credit: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
5. Even old and arcane things still have groups dedicated to them
Find any old technology, be it an 8-bit video game, a black-powder rifle, or a carbureted classic car, and you will find an enthusiast group dedicated to celebrating it. Especially in the interconnected, internets-enabled world we live in, there is a group dedicated to whatever you are into. So if you think that gas powered cars will just disappear one day, never to be seen again, you are incorrect. Sure, one day we may be relegated to race tracks or specific areas (which will no-doubt feature some sort of anti-exhaust air purification system) but they will continue to exist and we can still have fun with them. So even if we do end up with some sort of autonomous-only Skynet government regulation for our highways, it's not the end of the World.
Denouement
So rest easy, fellow enthusiast, it's not that bad. And truth be told, I love driving, but I loathe commuting. DC traffic is terrible, we have crappy roads and crappier drivers. So if I have to crawl into my Googlepod in the morning and go back to sleep while I am shuttled to my office, great. When I wake up, I'll plan a track day and order up some 3-D printer designs to make my own aftermarket parts. Cool.
Sn210
> RightFootDown
05/29/2014 at 12:53 |
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I agree with all of the above!
Tekamul
> RightFootDown
05/29/2014 at 13:17 |
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Just a couple tin foil hat counterpoints :
1. Autonomous cars will put those who don't want to ride the bus anymore on the road.
For anyone with the money, but a fear/lack of knowledge for driving, this is their inroad to filling our streets by taking up 50 sq ft instead of 8.
2. The infrastructure sensors to implement autonomous cars rapidly drop in price now that the first successes have been made.
There is no infrastructure necessary for these cars. The roots of this project came from the DARPA challenges for self-contained autonomy.
3. See #1. I cannot understand a reality where 'no risk' driving doesn't mean more cars.
4. The application of technology has a an abuse rate relative to its level of innovation
See my other response. People will abuse the hell out of this.
5. Old things cannot protect us from the ravages of poorly applied new technology with unintended consequences. See also microbeads .
wiffleballtony
> RightFootDown
05/30/2014 at 00:37 |
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I don't think logic will get in the way of the politicians and eco crazies from having this implemented before its ready.
Dr. Understeer
> RightFootDown
08/05/2014 at 17:27 |
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So long as autonomous car remain as expensive as normal cars with gas/insurance/parts/everything. We shouldn't have to worry about inducing more demand through the increase in efficiency or lack of hassle. But if autopilot cars, combined with other forces (lower speed limits, hybrid/electric tech), reduces the cost per trip significantly it's not unreasonable to expect more use. aka: Jevons Paradox
Ark
> RightFootDown
08/05/2014 at 20:17 |
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Before you put your faith in technology, remember the malaise era. "Boring, silent appliances" is basically what we had for 25 years before fuel injection technology advanced enough for cars to have power again and designers stopped making cars that looked like boring jelly beans.
The shoe hasn't dropped yet because automakers are counting on a Republican president getting elected and making the current CAFE standards disappear.