By Guillaume Gerondeau, Vice President, Transportation & Mobility Industry Asia, Dassault Systèmes
Traffic congestion is a major challenge in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, impacting citizens’ quality of life and economic productivity. For example, according to data from TomTom, commuters in Kuala Lumpur are reportedly losing a total of 75 hours per year of their productive time driving slowly through rush hour traffic.
To address the issue, governments in the ASEAN region are seeking sustainable mobility solutions that will enhance citizens’ lives and build smarter cities. CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric) technologies are now at the forefront of this transformation, reshaping the automotive industry and revolutionizing the way people move and live.
Build scenarios of mobility connecting systems
Integration of technology, improved work schedules, and partial telework show promising results in traffic management. Communication between vehicles (V2V) and infrastructure (V2X) enhances mobility experiences and reduces stress.
“Mobility-as-a-Service” (MaaS) solutions are reshaping mobility, encouraging usage beyond peak hours for greater efficiency. A cyber-system approach becomes crucial for achieving these promising results.”
With seamless integration and communication between systems, we can now imagine, model, visualize, and simulate scenarios of mobility experiences that delight users while improving fluidity, safety, and sustainability.
How ASEAN is mainstreaming EVs
Electrification drives significant changes in the automotive industry, revolutionizing vehicle development and battery technology. The mass adoption of EVs, including electric cars and bikes, plays a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.
The market has taken off in most countries of the region for both two and four wheelers and we can expect a sharp growth in the coming years. The use of virtual twins expedites knowledge acquisition and digital simulation, accelerating advancements in electrification of mobility.
Shared vehicles to the rescue
Shared mobility services are gaining popularity, as access becomes a priority over vehicle ownership. Optimized for specific use cases, shared vehicles offer cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives. Bespoke city vehicles prioritize lightweight and reduced aerodynamics, effectively reducing environmental impact.
“Shared mobility not only curtails expenses and congestion but also significantly contributes to cleaner air, thereby improving the urban living experience.”
Acceleration with autonomous vehicles
Autonomous vehicles hold the potential to revolutionize mobility in ASEAN cities. Robotaxis in Chinese cities efficiently provide up to 20 rides per day, offering a glimpse of future mobility possibilities. Additionally, autonomous last-mile shuttles enhance efficiency and coverage, eliminating the need for personal car ownership. Self-driving technology effectively eases traffic congestion and promotes sustainable urban mobility.
The importance of startups
“Startups play a crucial role in transforming mobility, with approximately 1,700 startups globally contributing to innovation.”
Software République’s mobility open innovation ecosystem Human First (H1st) vision embodies future mobility, showcasing safety-enhancing technologies. The ecosystem was founded by six partner companies including Dassault Systèmes, Atos, Orange, Renault Group, STMicroelectronics, and Thales.
Built by collaborating with 12 members, six of which are startups, the H1st concept car features 20 functional innovations available in both the physical and virtual realm. This revolutionary vision enhances the safety of all road users, paving the way for a brighter, greener future and illustrates how collaboration will accelerate innovation.
The way forward
The adoption of sustainable transportation solutions is vital for ASEAN’s smart city development. EVs, shared, and eventually autonomous vehicles offer great potential in improving transportation efficiency and reducing air pollution.
To transform the current stress-inducing system, delightful mobility experiences must become the cornerstone of future transportation solutions. Collaborations between OEMs, corporations of all industries, startups, and governments hold the key to building a sustainable transportation ecosystem, fostering economic growth and job creation.
Paving the path to a greener ASEAN
ASEAN cities can overcome traffic challenges and promote sustainable urban mobility by using EVs, shared, and autonomous vehicles connected through integrated systems. Integrated systems lead to efficient, eco-friendly, and user-centric transportation. As stakeholders come together to drive collective efforts, a brighter and greener future awaits all citizens in the region.