Autonomous Vehicles: Development Considerations

Our approach

Car manufacturers, technology companies, regulators and engineers are working tirelessly to make autonomous vehicles a reality, shaping the future and forever altering how people will travel from one place to another. Several companies are already road testing autonomous vehicles. And many believe most auto manufacturers will have such vehicles on the road by 2020.

We are paying attention to this issue and keeping up with the most recent developments. Our cross-practice team has the experience to truly understand the intersection of how this technology will impact real estate, land use and public finance issues.

Emerging autonomous technologies could eliminate up to 80% of the 33,000 annual accidents that involve non-impaired drivers, while also making roads less congested and cars more efficient. To maximize the benefits, effectiveness and safety of autonomous vehicles, cities and states will need to establish the infrastructure foundation. Although many lawmakers are in favor of autonomous vehicles to curb traffic fatalities and travel delays, the investment needed to accelerate adoption is nearly $4 billion.

One of the biggest hurdles will be financing these transportation projects across the country, including building the infrastructure to accommodate autonomous vehicle technology and connect the cars to roadways and surrounding vehicles. Federal and state lawmakers are still researching regulations and working with automakers to craft policies and rules for autonomous vehicles.

The convenience and comfort of autonomous vehicles will profoundly impact real estate and urban planning. The technology will increase commuter tolerance for a longer travel time between home and work, which could shift the focus of development from urban core areas back to suburban areas. In addition, autonomous vehicles will be able to park themselves. Parking requirements and the high fees generated from parking lots will play a decreased role in proposed new developments. Over a longer term, self-parking cars, especially when coupled with the ever-increasing use of ride-sharing, will also force local governments to rewrite their land use laws in a manner that takes into account the effects of autonomous vehicles.

Autonomous vehicles could have endless benefits for our society but only if their adoption is coupled with proper planning and implementation. As regulators rewrite the rules of the road, we’re keeping a close eye on this new frontier and using a cross-disciplinary approach to pave the way for our clients to navigate new laws and reap the benefits of new opportunities.

 Who we work with

• Municipalities
• Universities
• Real estate developers
• Real estate lenders
• Real estate finance partners
• Urban developers
• Governmental think tanks/agencies
• Transportation agencies