Government wants to accelerate the implementation of autonomous driving

In Germany, a nationwide regular operation of autonomous vehicles is to be made possible in the coming years. This is outlined in a strategy paper by the federal government that was passed in the cabinet. By 2028, Germany is expected to create the world's largest contiguous operational area for autonomous vehicles.

They are already driving in San Francisco and Beijing

In terms of legal frameworks, Germany is considered a global pioneer in autonomous driving with three laws from 2017, 2021, and 2022. However, while thousands of robo-taxis are already on the move in U.S. cities like San Francisco and Phoenix or in China, there are only individual pilot projects here, and there is still a lack of maturity and scalable business models.

In the long term, autonomous driving should take place everywhere in Germany in regular operation, said Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (independent). "We are working towards this and are placing a particular focus on public transport and freight transport." Autonomous driving is a key technology for innovative, clean, accessible, and affordable mobility.

Commencing regular operation

According to the paper, funding opportunities for autonomous mobility in public transport are to be identified in the course of the coming year. By 2026, a seamless transition from trial to regular operation should then take place. The federal government expects this to result in increased road safety and a strengthening of public transport. Additionally, autonomous driving helps to cope with driver shortages and increase efficiency in freight transport, as driving times in autonomous operation can be extended and logistics concepts integrated. The paper cites the lack of maturity, high costs, unresolved liability issues, and possibly missing acceptance among the population as challenges.