Mastering mobility: autonomous vehicles and EU-alignment

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are not just a technological evolution but rather have the capacity to transform urban mobility. AVs’ potential to reduce traffic congestion, emissions and traffic fatalities while enhancing accessibility, represents an opportunity for Europe.

Discussions at the Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress session entitled Autonomous Technologies for Improved Mobility held in Barcelona in November, centred around the potential and challenges of AV implementation in Europe in particular. Catriona Meehan , Founder of Startingup PA declared that “A harmonised framework is very important in Europe.” Joost VANTOMME , CEO of ERTICO - ITS Europe agreed, explaining, “There is a need to harmonise AV testing and policy...so that your vehicle doesn't stop at country borders. If the traffic laws do not allow you to cross borders into other EU countries, we need synchronisation...”  

Indeed, while individual countries like Germany, France and the United Kingdom have made strides to implement AVs, the current patchwork of regulations and varying levels of progress present challenges that demand EU-wide alignment. Thus, to harness the numerous possibilities of AV implementation, the European Union must adopt a unified regulatory and operational framework that prioritises public benefit over profit and fosters sustainable, equitable transportation solutions.

The current state of AVs in Europe

While the European Union is known for its robust safety regulations and standardisation legislation, it faces challenges in scaling AV deployment. Across Europe, AV adoption, implementation and regulation is advancing, but at different speeds and scopes. Thus far, Germany has led the way with regulations allowing Level 4 autonomous vehicles to operate without a safety driver on designated routes. France has permitted Level 4 AVs in mixed traffic, but the AVs must meet remote monitoring requirements. The United Kingdom is working toward similar goals by 2025.

Despite these developments, in most cases AV deployment is still limited to pilot projects and controlled environments. For example, in Germany, autonomous shuttles operate at low speeds on fixed routes and with safety drivers onboard. Similarly, while Oslo, Norway has showcased the potential of AVs to replace private car ownership with shared robotaxis, scaling these initiatives across Europe requires cohesive regulation and support.

The need for EU-wide alignment

Fragmented regulations across member states pose significant barriers to scaling AV technology. Unified EU standards, such as those established under the General Safety Regulation in 2019 and ADS specifications from 2022, offer a foundation for harmonisation. However, more work is needed to ensure that safety, liability, data privacy and cybersecurity are addressed consistently across borders.

At the ITF - International Transport Forum ’s Innovation futures: beyond the horizon global mobility conference, co-hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea (MOLIT) and the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA), Daniel Serra Segarra , Director of Ecosystem and Stakeholders at EIT Urban Mobility , explained “Autonomous mobility is closer than we anticipated. We must perceive it as more than just a disruptive technology; it represents a significant social innovation for urban mobility. Observing its current implementation in South Korea provides a valuable opportunity to reimagine how we should rethink the way we move in cities, improving every social aspect and creating a positive impact.”

A common regulatory framework would not only reduce manufacturing and compliance costs for AV developers but also provide a clearer pathway for large-scale deployments, allowing consumers the peace of mind knowing that they can freely move through the region and producers the opportunity to break into a larger market. With a single marketplace, Europe could position itself as a global leader in AV innovation, offering a stark contrast to the regulatory uncertainty in the United States and the state-controlled model in China.

AVs and multimodality

The true potential of AVs lies in their integration into efficient, multimodal urban transportation systems. According to a policy brief published by the Union Internationale des Transports Publics (UITP) entitled Antonomous vehicles: a potential game changer for urban mobility, studies show AVs could reduce the number of cars on the road by 80% therefore slashing emissions and congestion. In Hamburg, autonomous shuttles are already bridging gaps in public transit, showcasing how AVs can complement existing networks.

However, successful deployment requires AVs to align with urban design principles and accommodate the needs of all users of the space, including pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities. Meehan of Startingup PA explained at the Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress session, “This is a really exciting opportunity that we have in front of us...We think that AVs are revolutionising public transport, and can be deployed for people who have different physical and sensory needs...As we are integrating AVs into the mobility ecosystem, we could think about a different set of solutions for everyone, so it is really important to ensure that these voices are heard, and it is a challenge that regulators are going to have to step up to.”

Co-creation with these groups is essential to avoid issues such as blocking bike lanes or conflicts at curbsides, and in order to reach the studies’ forecast of an 80% reduction in cars, these AVs must be shared and complement existing public transport systems.

Public and private adoption

Scaling AV deployment requires a collaborative effort between public and private sectors. While EU funding mechanisms and support from entities like EIT Urban Mobility can mitigate financial risks and support cities in deploying autonomous mobility, private actors must take the initiative alongside public funding. Waiting solely for public investment risks stagnation; instead, private stakeholders should contribute to building the necessary infrastructure, conducting large-scale pilots and advancing technology alongside public investments and progress.

If public transport authorities do not seize the opportunity to invest in shared AV now, it is reasonable to imagine a future in which private robo-taxis dominate the streets, exacerbating instead of alleviating urban mobility challenges reports Ruter As , the public transport authority for Oslo and Akershus counties in Norway. Discussed at The integration of shared autonomous vehicles in public transportation systems, an invite-only closed session at Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress 2024, the participants noted that collaboration between public and private actors is essential to reshape value chains and promote innovation. To make this a reality, AV solutions must be integrated into existing public transport services, digital infrastructure must be developed and expertise in data-driven service needs to be fostered.

Additionally, the participants noted that in order to move beyond small-scale pilots, Europe must foster a competitive AV market. For example, a centralised European agency could procure various AV technologies and lease them to cities, accelerating adoption. This approach builds off of the trajectory of electric bus uptake, which only gained meaningful traction once a clear market potential emerged.

A uniquely European competitiveness

In the race for global leadership in AV technology, Europe faces stiff competition from the United States and China. However, a unified regulatory and operational framework can set the EU apart with a competitive edge that is uniquely European. Unlike the fragmented state-level approach in the United States or China's top-down mandates, Europe can leverage its success though its niche of alignment and cooperation.

Such alignment offers clear advantages as it reduces barriers to entry for investors, creates a robust business and logistical case for deploying AVs and fosters a sustainable ecosystem that benefits all member states. Oslo’s approach to AV implementation, with its focus on shared and integrated mobility, could serve as a blueprint for cities across Europe, demonstrating the viability of large-scale AV deployments.

A unified vision for AVs in the EU

Autonomous vehicles represent a pivotal opportunity for Europe to redefine urban mobility, enhance financial and environmental sustainability, create more accessible public transportation options and drive economic growth. To achieve these goals, EU-wide regulatory alignment and a collaborative approach to adoption are essential. By addressing regulatory fragmentation, supporting cities in integrating AVs into urban planning and fostering private-public partnerships, Europe can secure its position as a global leader in autonomous mobility.