The introduction of autonomous vehicles in urban traffic is anticipated to gradually change urban transportation needs and capabilities. It is generally agreed that for a long transition period the autonomous vehicle (AVs) will co-exist alongside with human-driven vehicles (HVs). This paper investigates the potential contribution of autonomous vehicles (AVs) towards sustainable urban transport through their interaction with human-driven vehicles (HVs) and provides insights into how this will impact urban transport in the future. The dynamic nature of traffic flows is highly sensitive to the homogeneousness of driving style features of the vehicle participating. Anticipating the gradual increase in autonomous vehicles use, the research examines how the adoption of a homogeneous non-aggressive, environmentally friendly driving style by AVs may influence HVs driver behaviour. The methodology adopted connects intersection capacity, vehicle performance and driver/ passenger comfort and uses microscopic traffic simulation to assess the performance of mixed traffic streams. Different eco-driving models are compared and evaluated for the CAVs. The analysis tracks environmental benefits both from the replacement of HVs from eco-friendly AVs and from alterations in human driving style. The results will be presented and also will provide some insights on the impact of different eco-driving model for AVs.

CICTP