Autonomous vehicles have the potential to reduce fuel consumption through automated acceleration and braking, platooning to reduce air resistance, vehicle design, fuel switching, routing efficiency, and traffic congestion reduction [1]. However, there is also the possibility that automation of vehicles will lead to increase in vehicle usage, and subsequently fuel consumption and emissions [1].

The effect of automation of heavy-duty vehicles can reduce energy consumption and benefit the environment, depending on the fuel source [2]. One study estimated that an automated diesel heavy duty truck reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent compared to a conventional heavy-duty truck [2]. Meanwhile, an automated battery electric heavy duty truck would reduce life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent compared to the conventional heavy-duty truck [2]. However, there are trade-offs between fuel sources for automated heavy-duty trucks, including the mineral resource losses [2]; the battery manufacturing required for automated electric heavy-duty trucks increase mineral intensity significantly compared to automated diesel heavy-duty trucks [2]. Additionally, automation decreases energy intensity of heavy-duty trucks, which decreases through automation, the increase in power generation required for electrified heavy duty trucks may outweigh the benefits from automation [2].

Further research is needed related to the effect of different electricity generation methods on automated heavy-duty truck emissions, as well as with different vehicle design and weight assumptions. Research is also needed related to environmental effects of other heavy-duty vehicles and equipment, such as automated buses and specialized equipment.