Research on sustainable future mobility with Andreas Herrmann

In the previous article, we delved into the realm of mobility transformation and the essential skills required by leaders spearheading transformative projects. In this chapter, I engage in a conversation with Professor Andreas Herrmann, an expert from the Institute for Mobility at the University of St. Gallen to learn more about the potential of self-driving cars.

New mobility and its advantages

The environmental impact of transportation is undeniable. In Switzerland, road traffic contributes to 30% of CO2 emissions. This underscores the critical role that mobility plays in climate protection and the greenhouse gas reduction effort. The Institute for Mobility at the University of St. Gallen focuses its research on several topics around mobility. It conducts studies on topics like multimodal mobility, the impact of “new mobility” on society, practice, and academia, and the transformation of mobility-related companies.

“There are four main reasons for embracing autonomous traffic as the future of mobility: Emissions are reduced, less space is required, safety can be increased, and private car ownership can be decreased.” – Prof. Andreas Herrmann

Let me share more details about these four key advantages of autonomous traffic. Firstly, self-driving vehicles can dramatically reduce emissions by operating more efficiently in terms of acceleration and deceleration. Secondly, they require less space as they can park in closer proximity and maintain lanes consistently. Thirdly, autonomous cars promise enhanced safety, minimizing the occurrence of accidents. Lastly, the initiation of on-demand autonomous car services is expected to decrease private car ownership.

Embracing change for autonomous driving

Not using the steering wheel of the car you’re driving might sound futuristic to you. But according to Andreas, this change is imminent, with autonomous driving becoming accessible for tasks like parking or low-speed routes in the near future. Hamburg and Oslo are already embracing this change with the introduction of numerous self-driving buses in their public transportation systems. In Hamburg, the shuttles have seats for 15 people and the passengers can demand a bus ride via app. The busses will be able to drive up to 60km/h and have a reach of about 280km. Once the implementation of these autonomous driving shuttles in the city is successful, the goal is to expand the service to the agglomeration of Hamburg. With this initiative, the public transport in Hamburg will change fundamentally, increasing its availability and possibilities.

How can the public be motivated to move away from owning a car to renting it on demand as a service? Andreas Hermann’s answer to this question: Incentives. For instance, certain lanes on highways could be exclusively available for autonomous cars, or private cars could be restricted in city centres to promote autonomous public transportation. Renting a car on demand is financially advantageous, as it is more cost-effective than owning a car. The key advantage of autonomous cars lies in their ability to pick you up when needed while also serving other passengers in other time slots, significantly reducing costs for passengers.

After our interesting chat, I’m more than curious to hear from Andreas how he uses mobility and if he already owns an autonomous car. When questioned about his current mode of transportation, Andreas couldn't help but smile as he revealed that he still moves around the classical way, personally steering his car. Nevertheless, he is very excited about the future of mobility and changes we are currently witnessing and hopes to drive around in an autonomous on demand car service in Switzerland very soon.

Fighting climate change with an automotive ecosystem

In the next article, you will be introduced to the innovative network Catena-X. The network enables its members to create a consistent, and resilient value chain. Hagen Heubach, member of the executive board at Catena-X and SAP’s global VP of the industry business unit automotive, will shed light on the impact Catena-X has on the green transformation in the automobile industry. Stay tuned!