Aeravai: Autonomous Electric Mobility for Ireland
Aeravai, the Autonomous Electric Road & Air Vehicle Association of Ireland, presents its Pre-Budget 2025 Submission advocating for innovative shared mobility solutions to meet climate goals and improve transportation. This includes exploring the potential of robotaxis as a sustainable and efficient mode of transport.
Current Carsharing Landscape
Ireland's carsharing options are limited, with 5 operators providing restricted services that are not ideal for replacing private car ownership. Issues include return-to-base models, exclusive use requirements, and high insurance costs. Providers include VW Group's GoCar, Toyota's Yuko, Hyundai/Kia's DriveYou, Enterprise CarClub, and Hertz CarClub. Most vehicles are fossil-fueled or hybrid, with few electric options available.
Limited Availability
Only 5 operators with restricted services
Return-to-Base Model
Vehicles must be returned to pickup location
Fossil Fuel Dominance
Few electric vehicles in current fleets
Innovative Mobility Solutions
Remotely piloted and autonomous electric vehicles offer promising solutions for efficient shared mobility. Companies like Hyundai/Kia and vay.io are developing teledriver services for carsharing. The NExT vehicle by next-future-mobility.com provides a flexible, modular design for public transportation that can adapt to passenger needs and potentially serve as cargo delivery when not carrying passengers.
1
Remote Piloting
Teledriver services for efficient vehicle relocation
2
Autonomous RoboTaxis
Self-driving vehicles for on-demand transportation
3
Modular Public Transit
Flexible vehicles adapting to passenger needs
Public Consultations and Research
Aeravai has participated in several public consultations on transport efficiency, shared mobility hubs, and autonomous vehicles. Surveys indicate public interest in autonomous vehicles, with 21% of drivers trying to use their cars less for environmental reasons. However, concerns about journey length, weather, and safety prevent wider adoption of alternative transportation methods.
Key Survey Findings
- 21% of drivers trying to use cars less for environmental reasons
- 10% of adults don't have a car for environmental reasons
- 28% of drivers won't change habits for environmental reasons
- Majority aware of autonomous vehicles
- Significant interest in using autonomous taxis in the future
Legislation and EU Investigation
Ireland is facing delays in passing legislation to allow autonomous vehicle deployments on roads. Aeravai has reported Ireland to the EU Commission for failure to legislate, potentially violating EU trade rules and the Windsor Framework. The Commission has opened an investigation. Aeravai's founder has reached out to government officials and opposition members to address the issue and help meet climate commitments in the transport sector.
1
Legislation Delay
Ireland failing to pass autonomous vehicle laws
2
EU Commission Report
Aeravai reports Ireland for legislative failure
3
Investigation Opened
EU Commission investigates potential violations
Waymo in Ireland
Waymo has expressed interest in entering the Irish market, requiring a stable legal framework and a local partner willing to invest in a permanent deployment. The estimated budget for such a project is around €100 million. Preliminary work, including Google's 4D mapping of Dublin streets, has already been conducted. Waymo is ready to deploy its autonomous electric shared mobility RoboTaxi services with government support and local investment.
Legal Framework
Stable regulations needed for deployment
Local Partnership
€100 million investment required
Preliminary Work
4D mapping of Dublin streets completed
Pre-Budget 2025 Recommendations
Aeravai proposes a SharedMobilityVoucher Car Scrappage Scheme, offering up to €7,500 for households giving up private cars. These vouchers can be used by carsharing providers to purchase electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Additional incentives include tax-free earnings for households and businesses sharing their electric vehicles. The proposal aims to replace private cars with shared mobility options, potentially saving households money compared to annual car ownership costs.
"Time to Get the Stick Out"
To meet climate goals and avoid significant fines, Aeravai recommends implementing stronger disincentives for fossil-fueled vehicles. This includes a new ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) Tax and holding fossil fuel vehicle owners responsible for a proportion of potential EU fines for missing climate targets. The revenue generated could fund the SharedMobilityVoucher scheme and incentivize the transition to electric and shared mobility options.
New ICE Tax
Additional tax on fossil fuel vehicles
EU Fine Responsibility
Vehicle owners to pay share of climate fines
Transition Incentive
Encourage shift to electric and shared mobility
