Runaway Electric Car

An interesting  report on a significant software failure in an EV:

'I was kidnapped by my runaway electric car' - BBC News

"Soon after he made the call, three police vehicles arrived and drove in front and behind the car.

He said: "I was 100% concentrating on my steering, so when a police van pulled up besides me and asked if I was Brian and if I was okay, I just yelled 'no I'm not, I can't stop'."

Police asked Mr Morrison to throw his electronic key through their van window before driving off, and then tried forcibly shutting off the engine - but nothing could stop the car.

He was also asked to hold the power button for a couple of seconds which also failed to stop it and the entire dashboard lit up with faults."

So drive by wire and brake by wire both apparently failed. The steering which I assume is mechanical with power assistance remained functional. I wonder how this fits with the 'Motor Vehicle Construction and Use Regulations'?

Should EV's have emergency shutdown buttons like trams do?

Parents
  • No matter what the technical problems are, the `drive' towards an autonomous road traffic system will continue.

    The self driving car is all about traffic control, as volume rises speed can be limited, routes can be changed to limit congestion (maybe).

    There is no guarantee however that the system protocol will be secure as it would need to be open source to accommodate the variety of different manufacturers technology. 

    Would it not be better to negate the need to travel by car in the first place if we are serious about conservation, environmental damage and climate change.

    It is estimated that the current cost of repairing the nations roads is £14b will this not also contribute to climate change. 

    What will the police do when the `motorist' can no longer be relied upon to commit traffic offences I wonder?

Reply
  • No matter what the technical problems are, the `drive' towards an autonomous road traffic system will continue.

    The self driving car is all about traffic control, as volume rises speed can be limited, routes can be changed to limit congestion (maybe).

    There is no guarantee however that the system protocol will be secure as it would need to be open source to accommodate the variety of different manufacturers technology. 

    Would it not be better to negate the need to travel by car in the first place if we are serious about conservation, environmental damage and climate change.

    It is estimated that the current cost of repairing the nations roads is £14b will this not also contribute to climate change. 

    What will the police do when the `motorist' can no longer be relied upon to commit traffic offences I wonder?

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