Work

Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs): A Multivocal Literature Review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents a multivocal literature review (MLR) on the implementation of Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs), a relatively new concept in urban mobility that merges autonomous driving with shared transportation. The purpose of this review is to analyse the feasibility, challenges and potential impacts of SAV deployment by aggregating and synthesising insights from the academic literature and grey sources. The review addresses factors influencing deployment, including social acceptance, environmental impact, business models, policy frameworks, needs and barriers, and lessons from existing pilot programmes. The findings reveal that successful SAV implementation depends on combining technology, regulation and infrastructure. Public trust and perception of safety, cost and convenience can also significantly influence the adoption of this technology, as well as potential sustainability benefits (like reduced emissions and fewer private vehicles). Case studies from cities like Phoenix, San Francisco and Singapore show promising results but also context-specific challenges. This study concludes that future research should apply these insights to specific cities, where urban layouts and public transport reliance demand customised approaches to successfully deploy SAVs.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app16105163

Authors: António Pedro Ribeiro Camacho, António Reis Pereira, Miguel Mira da Silva

Institutions: Instituto Superior Técnico, Instituto de Novas Tecnologias, Institute for Systems Engineering and Computers

Language: English

Topic: Transportation and Mobility Innovations

Subfield: Automotive Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896