Would there be any use for a pod car? (transportation, park, electric)

[shiphead]

I read articles like this :
Red with EN-V: GM shows off next generation of self-driving, Chevy-branded pod car in China | Digital Trends

And wonder is there really any point to these?

[pvande55]

Sure, for people who have to get somewhere you have to drive, but dont especially like driving.

[shiphead]

I mean where would you use something like this? why would you use this over another form of transportation? Would this type of vehicle work anywhere?

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by shiphead

I mean where would you use something like this? why would you use this over another form of transportation? Would this type of vehicle work anywhere?

Looking at the features, since it's electric with a 25-mile radius, it would have to be used only for city driving. And since it's a two-seater, it wouldn't make sense for families. Plus there's the built-in internet.

Overall, I see them replacing zipcars and taxis, as I've generally thought would happen with autonomous cars. Order a car on your cellphone, it shows up at your door, and takes you where you want to go. Such by-the-hour rentals will make much more sense to younger professionals who live in areas where they don't need a car every single day (e.g., those who can commute to work by transit), but occasionally need one for shopping runs and socialization.

In addition, the small size of the cars means they need less parking space than a standard car. I'd hazard a guess that in non-American cities, where the inner portions of cities are more tightly built and parking is even more scarce, this will be a big plus.

[darkeconomist]

Originally Posted by shiphead

I read articles like this :
Red with EN-V: GM shows off next generation of self-driving, Chevy-branded pod car in China | Digital Trends

And wonder is there really any point to these?

Ironically, I'd expect to see these in the retirement communities of Florida before I'd see one in Silicon Valley.

[BIMBAM]

Not the best design for America, but it's not designed for America. This would be awesome in most industrialized cities with reliable electricity grids that are both starved for space and filled with single professionals and couples looking for an affordable option like this one. Perfect for many Chinese cities, and I could see something similar with a longer range and some small trunk space maybe working here in Vancouver, as an alternative to car-share.