Cities around the world are testing “robotaxis,” hoping that autonomous vehicles will ease traffic and reduce emissions. However, recent analyses suggest these expectations may be overly optimistic. According to consulting firm Kearney, robotaxis could actually make congestion worse rather than better. Because self-driving rides are expected to be cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis, more people may choose them over walking, biking, or using public transportation. This shift would put more cars on already crowded roads.
Another concern is “deadheading,” which refers to robotaxis traveling without passengers between rides. Since autonomous fleets need to reposition themselves throughout the day, these empty trips could greatly increase total vehicle miles traveled. In densely populated cities, even a small rise in traffic volume can slow speeds and worsen gridlock.
Environmental impacts are also raising alarms. Autonomous cars require large amounts of computing power for sensors and real-time decision-making. This energy demand may undermine the climate gains of electrification. If cities rely heavily on robotaxis instead of improving buses, subways, and walkable neighborhoods, emissions could remain high or even rise.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片:AdobeStock
Experts argue that robotaxis should support—not replace—public transportation. Without strong urban planning and clear policies, autonomous fleets may strengthen car-dependent habits and change cities in ways that are less sustainable. The real challenge for governments is balancing innovation with environmental responsibility. Robotaxis may still play a role in future mobility, but they are unlikely to solve congestion on their own.
全球各大城市正紛紛測試無人計程車，希望自動駕駛車輛能紓解交通並減少排放。然而，最近的分析指出，這些期待可能過於樂觀。根據顧問公司 Kearney 的說法，無人計程車其實可能讓壅塞惡化，而非改善。因為搭無人駕駛車預計會比傳統計程車更便宜、更便利，更多人可能會選擇這類服務，而不是走路、騎腳踏車，或使用大眾運輸工具。這樣的轉變將使更多車輛湧入本已擁擠的道路上。
另一項令人擔憂的問題是「空車行駛」，指的是無人計程車在接送乘客之間空車行駛的情況。由於自動駕駛車隊需要在一天當中不斷重新定位，這些空車行程可能大幅增加車輛行駛的總里程數。在人口密集的城市中，即使交通量只增加一點點，也足以拖慢車速、加劇交通阻塞。
Photo: Ivy English I 照片：常春藤解析英語
環境影響也同樣引發警訊。自駕車需要大量的運算能力，用於感測器資料和即時決策。這種能源需求可能會削弱電氣化所帶來的氣候效益。如果城市重度依賴無人計程車，而不改善公車、地鐵及適合步行的社區環境，排放量可能仍會居高不下，或甚至上升。
專家主張，無人計程車應支援大眾運輸，而非取而代之。如果缺乏健全的都市規畫與明確的政策，自駕車車隊可能會加深人們對汽車的依賴習慣，並使城市朝向較不永續的方向發展。對政府而言，真正的挑戰在於如何在創新與環境責任之間取得平衡。無人計程車或許仍能在未來的移動模式中扮演一定角色，但單靠它們不太可能解決交通壅塞問題。
What Did You Learn?
1. Why are people more likely to choose robotaxis instead of other modes of transportation?
2. What energy-related factor may reduce the climate benefits of electrification?
參考答案 :
1. Because self-driving rides are expected to be cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis.
2. Autonomous cars require large amounts of computing power for sensors and real-time decision-making.
Words in Use
1. analyses n. 分析（複數形）
analysis n. 分析（單數形）
The team completed a few detailed analyses before making any major decisions.
該團隊在做出任何重大決定前先完成了數項詳盡的分析。
2. expectation n. 期待
The results failed to meet Alexandra’s expectations.
結果未能符合亞歷珊卓的期待。
3. optimistic a. 樂觀的
Even after several setbacks, Emma remained confident and optimistic.
即使歷經多次挫折，艾瑪仍然保持信心與樂觀。
4. consulting a. 顧問的，提供諮詢的
The firm offers consulting services to small startups.
該公司為小型新創企業提供諮詢服務。
5. shift n. 轉變，改變
There has been a noticeable shift in consumer preferences.
消費者偏好出現了明顯的轉變。
Practical Phrases
1. choose A over B 選擇A而非B
Many students choose e-books over printed textbooks.
許多學生選擇電子書，而不是紙本教科書。
2. refer to. . . 指的是……
In this message, “ASAP” refers to doing it as soon as possible.
在這則訊息中，「ASAP」指的是要盡快完成。
3. rely on. . . 依賴∕仰賴……
Grace relies on her calendar to manage her busy schedule.
葛瑞絲依賴行事曆來管理自己繁忙的行程。
4. play a role in. . . 在……中扮演角色；對…有影響
Technology plays an important role in modern learning.
科技在現代學習中具有重要影響。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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