The successful implementation of the CHAUFFEUR system depends on the reachable private and public benefits. Therefore, the profitability of the system has to be proven. The traditional assessment tool for both is the cost-benefit analysis. The paper presents a general methodological framework, which allows using the cost-benefit analyses for all kinds of Automated-Vehicle-Control-systems. Main focus lies on the assessment of benefits. The usage of CHAUFFEUR enables the optimizing of routes and load factor. Furthermore, the fuel consumption of the second truck can be reduced by the possibility of lee-driving. Beside these direct cost savings, reductions of road accidents, of road traffic, and of emissions (e.g. pollution, noise) can be reached. Therefore, a traffic simulation model is introduced that enables the direct calculation of benefits coming from the traffic effects of the CHAUFFEUR-system. The results are the input for a cost-benefit-analysis, that shows that CHAUFFEUR could lead to significant benefits for society. (A*)
Abstract