Electric vehicles are usually safer for their occupants – but not necessarily for everyone else

EV fires make headlines, but they don’t tell the full story of EV safety. The real threat isn’t combustion, it’s weight.

Jingwen Hu, Research Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
April 30, 2024 ~6 min

Even hands-free, phones and their apps cause dangerously distracted driving

Technology has made driving safer in many ways, but also provided more opportunities for drivers to distract themselves.

Shannon Roberts, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, UMass Amherst • conversation
April 3, 2024 ~6 min


Why aren’t there solar-powered cars?

It’s common to see solar panels on rooftops and fields, but they aren’t widespread on cars − yet.

Chen Liu, Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Clarkson University • conversation
April 1, 2024 ~7 min

EPA’s new auto emissions standard will speed the transition to cleaner cars, while also addressing consumer and industry concerns

The new rule isn’t a mandate for electric vehicles, but it will sharply increase their market share over the coming decade.

Alan Jenn, Associate Professional Researcher in Transportation, University of California, Davis • conversation
March 22, 2024 ~8 min

Trees near highways cut air pollution from traffic

Trees and bushes near highways significantly reduce air pollution caused by cars, which has been linked to a host of illnesses.

Sam Fahmy-Georgia State • futurity
March 21, 2024 ~4 min

Car brakes spit out potentially harmful particles

Car brakes emit electrically charged particles during even light braking, researchers say. The finding could help reduce pollution.

UC Irvine • futurity
March 12, 2024 ~5 min

4th traffic light would benefit pedestrians and drivers

Adding a fourth light to traffic signals would not only be good for autonomous vehicles and human drivers, it would also benefit pedestrians.

Matt Shipman-NC State • futurity
March 12, 2024 ~5 min

Bringing AI up to speed – autonomous auto racing promises safer driverless cars on the road

Artificial intelligence systems that can handle the pressure of high-speed auto racing could lead to driverless vehicles that can safely manage the morning commute.

Madhur Behl, Associate Professor of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, University of Virginia • conversation
Feb. 14, 2024 ~8 min


How can I get ice off my car? An engineer who studies airborne particles shares some quick and easy techniques

When you’re running late in the winter, you don’t want to have to spend time scraping frost off your windshield. Try some expert-recommended techniques instead.

Suresh Dhaniyala, Bayard D. Clarkson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Clarkson University • conversation
Feb. 2, 2024 ~5 min

Driverless cars: stopping dead seems to be a default setting when they encounter a problem — it can cause chaos on roads

Self-driving cars still perceive what’s going on very differently to how humans do.

Barry Brown, Professor of Human Computer Interaction, Stockholm University • conversation
Jan. 3, 2024 ~7 min

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