Improving Infrastructure and Community Resilience with Shared Autonomous Electric Vehicles (SAEV-R)

Abstract

We propose using surface and aerial shared autonomous electric vehicles (SAEVs) to improve the resilience of infrastructure and communities, or SAEV-R. In disruptive events, SAEVs can be temporarily deployed to evacuate and rescue at-risk populations, provide essential supplies and services to vulnerable households, and transport repair crews and equipment. We present a modeling framework for feasibility analysis and strategic planning associated with deploying SAEVs for disaster relief. The framework guides our examination of three scenarios: a hurricane-induced power outage, a pandemic-affected vulnerable population, and earthquake-damaged infrastructure. The results demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed framework and showcase the potential and versatility of SAEV-R systems to improve resilience.