Ban on the sale of diesel or gasoline cars from 2035: when will the first autonomous vehicles be on our roads?

MEPs spoke out this week: they want the sale of new cars and light commercial vehicles of the thermal type to end by 2035. We should therefore gradually move towards autonomous and shared vehicles. But when will they be on our roads? An expert has provided some details on the set of It’s not every day on Sunday.

The ban on sales of thermal cars from 2035 was voted on this week in the European Parliament. New cars with thermal engines, i.e. diesel, petrol and hybrids (passenger cars and light commercial vehicles), will be banned from sale from 2035 throughout the European Union. This means that we will gradually move towards autonomous and shared vehicles. But, according to the D’Ieteren Automotive spokesperson, “Completely autonomous cars are not for now.”

Self-driving cars have been around for decades in another form

However, in Miami, we already see some taxis running without a driver, even if they cannot yet transport passengers. But for Damien Deroanne, mobility expert ROMAX Consult, if autonomous vehicles are not yet rolling on our Belgian roads, it is not for a question of technology. “It works very well. We call it a level 3 autonomous car because there is always a driver on board”he mentions, specifying that “the big challenge”for him, is more related to “acceptability and integration into circulation” by motorists.

“Self-driving cars have been around for decades in another formhe continues. These are the planes, which are quite capable of flying and landing on their own.”

According to this expert, the first 100% autonomous vehicles should arrive on our roads by 2040 or 2050, “that is, a traffic where othere really is no more than that, and no more driver in any car.”

Supply risk?

These self-driving cars will more than likely be electric. But who says electric car, says increased demand for electricity. Isn’t that going to be a problem from a supply point of view? “For Elia, this is not a new question. We have already carried out a study in 2020 on the integration of the electric car into the electrical system”assure David Zenner, Head of Consumer Centricity chez Elia.

The autonomous car is, on the contrary, seen as a “great opportunity”he said, for “integrate more renewables into our system.” This would indeed offer possibilities, in particular for recharging vehicles at more convenient times. For example, when the wind is blowing hard or the sun is shining. Applications might also be added for better control or management. The various players are therefore rather optimistic on the subject.

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