It is the way and means through which people in cities and metropolitan areas traverse to and from places or from one destination to another. Incorporating the fact that as people move to bigger cities, mobility is a major issue with issues such as traffic jams, poor air quality, inaccessible transport and long distances traveled. How Are AI and EV Technologies Improving Urban Mobility?
Other modern advancements such as the internet of things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and electric vehicles (EVs), are finding solutions to some of these urban mobility challenges in unique ways.
In this article, we are going to take an in-depth look at how AI is enhancing mobility in cities.
Reduce Traffic Congestion
Current traffic data is being collected and processed through the use of AI systems in order to determine the appropriate signaling intervals at cross junctions.
It also helps the machine learning algorithms to pinpoint areas of congestion and advise drivers, by suggesting other routes to take, in a bid to distribute traffic evenly across the roads.
The other related benefit that has arisen from the use of AI apps is that it enables drivers to locate parking spaces that are not occupied in record time.
Enhance Public Transport
Availability of computer vision technology enables the AI systems used in the current study to count passengers at the station and other bus stops to estimate the demand.
This information is being applied to optimally manage shuttle and bus services based on actual demand during a particular day/week. In automobiles, AI is enabling real-time monitoring and ETA to stations to enhance travelers’ experience.
Enable Autonomous Vehicles
Artificial intelligence in the form of deep learning and neural networks have made significant advancement in enhancing the efficiency of autonomous vehicles in the last decade.
Advanced image recognition makes correct driving decisions based on the input data and completely controls the car even in rather complex conditions of city traffic.
It leads to automated and safe vehicles such as self-driving cars, buses and shuttles that can potentially revolutionize urban transport through efficiency and accessibility.
Reduce Local Air Pollution
EVs do not emit any tailpipe pollutants while traditional IC vehicles or, more specifically, gasoline ICE vehicles are known to be a significant source of urban air pollution.
Large scale use of electric cars also has implications to fresh air as they contribute to the emission of fewer pollutants in urban areas than fossil powered vehicles.
Decrease Noise Pollution
Most of the EVs’ electric drives create lower levels of engine sound than the ICEs.
This has the effect of eliminating noise pollution in urban areas, and research has established that noise pollution – or excessive noise – can lead to health complications and affect the well-being of individuals in the long-run.
This also means that cities with a significant number of EVs and less traditional automobiles can have quieter environments.
Enable Vehicle-to-Grid Integration
Standard batteries in these automobiles can store a great deal of electricity. Smart charging extends the capability of the charging infrastructure with batteries to charge during the periods of low demand for electricity.
This stored energy can be fed back to the grid during the peak tariff period or whatever we can call it. This integration of V to G also minimizes pressure on the total power supply human infrastructure.
Promote Sustainable Transportation
Generally, electricity is one of the energy sources that can be harnessed from renewable sources such as solar and wind.
Electric vehicles, especially battery-powered EVs, thus offer a way forward to environmentally sustainable transport fueled solely by electricity.
Transforming urban transport into electricity is essential to reducing carbon emissions in line with environmental management. It also eliminates the use of oil and ensures enhanced energy security.
Conclusion
AI and EV are two technologies that attempt to tackle parts of the mobility problem that fast-growing cities experience. AI employed in the transport sector enhances efficiency in the transportation systems, minimizes traffic issues and allows for self-driving cars.
On the other hand, EVs contribute towards reduction of exhaust emission, noise pollution and enable integration of renewable sources in the transport system. Together, both have the potential to redesign the concept of mobility in intelligent and sustainable manners and build new cities.
Government intervention in the form of supporting investment into development of the charging and sharing technology, as well as investments into R&D will assist in the promotion of the use of electric vehicles and get the most out of it.
Utilizing AI and EV in a smart and strategic manner can create a new era of high efficiency in mobility without causing additional harm to the existing urban context.