THE PROPOSAL: Self-driving cars, legal in other states but not New Jersey, would operate here in test runs under a bill released on Nov. 10 by the Senate Transportation Committee. Trials would take place on closed and open roads under S4702, sponsored by Senator Andrew Zwicker, a Democrat from South Brunswick.
HOW WE GOT HERE: Electric car manufacturer Tesla Inc. introduced partial self-driving vehicles in 2015 and predicted fully automated systems by 2018, but fell short after serious crashes and other mishaps. Supporters say such technology is safe and offers increased mobility for people who can’t drive. Not everyone is convinced, though. Only 37% of U.S. adults would ride in such a vehicle if given the chance, according to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center. Doubers cite safety risks and high costs. And some object on environmental grounds. The technology relies on energy-sapping data centers, and uses mined raw materials for cameras, radars and high-powered chips whose manufacturing contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
THE CONFLICT: Almost all lobbyists who testified about the bill said the legislation needs amendments.
- The bill would require a driver to ride along to take control in emergencies during the test period. “As written, this bill would unfortunately put New Jersey out of scope for Waymo in the next three years,” said Matt Walsh, regional head of state and local public policy for the autonomous ride-sharing service. Waymo operates successfully in other areas such as Dallas, Miami, Denver and San Diego, Walsh said.
- Hope Ledford, director of civic innovation policy for the Chamber of Progress, a Virginia-based technology research and advocacy group, said a New Jersey rollout should go faster. “Every year we delay deploying proven EV technology is another year of preventable tragedies on our roads,” Ledford told the committee.
WHAT LAWMAKERS SAY: Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr., a Democrat from South Plainfield, said he had spoken to Zwicker, the bill’s sponsor, about possible amendments. Zwicker was not at the hearing. “These are issues that he’s working on – he gets it,” Diegnan said. Senator Raj Mukherji, a Democrat from Jersey City, said he was a supporter. The technology, he said, has potential “for breaking the last mile in terms of our mass-transit shortcomings.”
WHAT’S NEXT: A version of the bill must be heard by the Assembly Transportation Committee if it’s to advance to the full Legislature for a vote.