A Theoretical Framework for Autonomous Vehicles: A Sustainability Perspective

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have inspired tremendous interest in solving existing transportation sector difficulties, especially with recent breakthroughs in sustainable ways of transportation. However, theoretical frameworks or models to efficiently analyze the threats, challenges, opportunities, and sustainability associated with AVs’ usage remain limited in application. This study introduces the Problem-Cause-Solution-Sustainability-Advantage-Disadvantage-Threat-Opportunities (PC-SSADTO) conceptual framework, a modified form of the Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis to analyze AVs as a sustainable solution. This framework examines the difficulties, risks, and possibilities of using AVs in the transportation sector as well as how their worldwide implementation and integration might help lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, enhance road safety, and improve mobility and accessibility, thus accelerating the accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The requirements of the PC-SSADTO framework are confirmed by a survey that gathers over 200 public answers on the present issues or challenges that AVs may address, such as lowering traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change for an improved livelihood. Despite some uncertainty in human opinions about AVs systems, the application of totally autonomous operations appears to be essential for the effective integration of AVs. Therefore, high degrees of integration with public transportation and cooperative decision-making structures would favor practical AVs implementations and usage positively.