That Self Driving Car You Can't Wait To Have Will Increase Global Warming

Judging from General Motors Co.’s test cars and Elon Musk’s predictions, the world is headed toward a future that’s both driverless and all-electric. In reality, autonomy and battery power could end up being at odds.

That’s because self-driving technology is a huge power drain. Some of today’s prototypes for fully autonomous systems consume two to four kilowatts of electricity -- the equivalent of having 50 to 100 laptops continuously running in the trunk, according to BorgWarner Inc. The supplier of vehicle propulsion systems expects the first autonomous cars -- likely robotaxis that are constantly on the road -- will be too energy-hungry to run on battery power alone.

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jeffgall - 10/12/2017 3:07:26 PM

+1 Boost

Not too mention all of the routes that will occur without a human in the car at all. For example, I could take the car to work, then send it home by itself so my wife can use it, then have it come back to pick me up at the end of the day.

SanJoseDriver - 10/12/2017 10:24:07 PM

-7 Boost

Total BS, reported did terrible research. The current gen system in Teslas uses 150 watts + maybe another 50 watts for cameras and sensors. The prototypes other companies are testing are using gaming/server PCs that aren't even close to optimized. Those will also come down to under 250 watts when they are fully productized. Nvidia's newest chip for Level 5 self-driving was announced this week, ships in 2018, is 10x more powerful than the PX2 in Teslas, and uses ~100 watts.

Over time, chips will only become even more efficient as batteries get bigger and cost less. Renewable power will eventually start bringing the cost of electricity down, despite the extra demand. Self-driving cars can also take a break to charge themselves as needed and I'm sure wireless charging for cars will be more prevalent in a few years. Hybrids are a ridiculous choice for a self driving car, not even worth talking about.

SanJoseDriver - 10/12/2017 10:24:29 PM

-3 Boost

Typo: reporter

vdiv - 10/13/2017 11:31:08 AM

0 Boost

Didn't they get the memo? Fewer cars?