Autonomous Trucks: Smoother and Safer Long-Haul Journeys

Creating safer journeys, improving energy efficiency, and creating more relaxed journeys for drivers are some of the benefits of autonomous trucks outlined in IDTechEx's report, "Autonomous Trucks 2024-2044: Technologies, Trends, Forecasts". The report explores how international regulations are making room for autonomous trucks to be tested and commercialized, and outlines the key players operating within the market.

 

 

IDTechEx declares that one million drivers would need to be hired over the next decade to make up for a lack of drivers in recent years, with a shortfall of 80,000 in 2021, according to the American Trucking Association. Difficulties arise in incentivizing people to spend time away from home, and aging populations in Asian countries also provide difficulties, with younger generations needing to be more of a target for employment. As a result of these driver-demand issues, freight transportation and operations costs are increasing, which is where the rise of autonomous trucks can provide a new approach.

 

 

Levels of automation range from Level 0, where the driver has complete control of the vehicle, to a long-term target of Level 5, where the vehicle is fully automated without any need for driver intervention. Level 4 is currently being tested in some European regions, including Germany, and trucks are seen as being able to operate driverless in the right conditions. IDTechEx's report highlights that Levels 2 and 3 are already being deployed, with features including assisted driving, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise control.

 

 

The rise of autonomous trucks could bring about increased safety with the lack of human error and potential distractions, and as a result, there would be fewer repair costs than in trucks without the same autonomous braking features or awareness of surroundings. Insurance costs could potentially be lowered as a result, which, across fleets of trucks, could lead to significant savings.

 

Fuel efficiency is another benefit of autonomous trucks, as they can adjust driving patterns to maximize energy efficiency on long journeys, which, across an accumulation of multiple long journeys, will be more energy efficient for companies. IDTechEx reports that according to manufacturers currently conducting commercialization tests, Level 2+ to Level 3 autonomous truck systems can help operators achieve fuel savings of 5% to 10%.

 

Freedom for drivers is more of a possibility with autonomous trucks, as there may be more time for them to relax. While Level 2 and 3 systems will still require drivers to maintain constant road awareness, the truck's autonomous features may take away some of the mental stress from driving. As Level 4 emerges, the role of drivers will be more supervision-based, presenting truck driving careers as more diverse and enticing, with the potential for fewer drivers needed in the long-term future as a fleet of autonomous trucks may only require one supervisor in a lead truck to monitor operations. Communications with other trucks and vehicles on the road using up-to-date autonomous vehicle software could also improve journey time and make trucking operations smoother - another incentive for potential drivers.

 

 

Journeys on well-maintained, straight roads make up the majority of time for long-haul trucking and would therefore be a feasible task for autonomous trucks, traveling between operational hubs and not venturing off-road or down narrow lanes. Autonomous trucks have already been tried and tested by some companies in the US and China, with commercialization tests already underway in both the US and China, and are predicted to soon be deployed for large-scale commercial transportation activities, demonstrating the technology's success.

 

IDTechEx reports a draft regulation in California allowing autonomous trucks to operate on highways and full testing permissions on routes between major cities in Texas. Germany's Autonomous Driving Act of 2021 allows Level 4 vehicles to drive in specific public areas, paving the way for more testing and allowing for the potential of near-future commercialization, while government policies in the UK also support testing and deployment initiatives.

 

Developments within the autonomous truck industry can be seen to create new pathways for long-haul trucking, with opportunities for driver incentives and both financial and energy efficiencies. Worldwide regulations prove that the market is expanding and that there is interest from governments to get autonomous trucks tested and in use in the near future.

 

For more information on players and predictions spanning the next two decades, see IDTechEx's report, "Autonomous Trucks 2024-2044: Technologies, Trends, Forecasts". Downloadable sample pages are available for this report.

 

For the full portfolio of autonomy market research available from IDTechEx, please see www.IDTechEx.com/Research/Autonomy.

IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.