Autonomous e-commerce delivery in ordinary and exceptional circumstances. The French case

Automation represents the next big buzz in transport and promises many advantages beneficial for society, including a more efficient use of space, energy, time, as well as reduced costs. An impressive range of autonomous vehicles is introduced, covering applications for personal and goods transport. In particular in response to the global pandemic linked to COVID-19, autonomous vehicles were proposed and celebrated as safe and reliable home delivery solutions of the future. In the midst of visionary trend reports, eye-catching press releases and promising research simulations, the actual applicability of autonomous vehicles in an e-commerce context remains difficult to assess. This lack of clarity holds for delivery automation in ordinary situations as well as in exceptional circumstances, such as those presented by a severe health crisis. To understand the state of practice and future potential of autonomous vehicles for e-commerce delivery in cities, we carried out desk and field research on the topic. This article structures the different types of autonomous e-commerce delivery vehicles and scenarios and discusses their state of practice and potential in ordinary as well as in exceptional circumstances. The study focusses on France, against a comprehensive international backdrop.