Modeling Impact of Autonomous Vehicles at Network Level

This study attempts to quantify the change in emissions resulting from autonomous vehicles (AVs). Three different scopes are defined for AVs and emission quantities are estimated using both established and theoretical methods. AVs show potential to reduce total emissions at all three scopes, with measurements varying from 3.0-14.5% in reduction depending on varying assumptions. Main findings were that this reduction is not negligible, is sensitive to traffic demand, and greatest at full market penetration. It was also found that lower market penetration may generate a greater inventory of total vehicle emissions, contrary to popular thought.