New AI method analyzes Swiss fleet consumption

Traffic jam near Zurich. Despite technological improvements, the Swiss passenger car fleet has had high emission levels for years. To analyze the exact causes and discuss possible solutions, Empa's research team examined comprehensive vehicle data using deep learning techniques. Image: Empa - How much does a country's vehicle fleet consume on average? How does it change from year to year? With the increasing number of electric vehicles and more and more "crossover" models that can hardly be assigned to one vehicle segment, analysis is becoming increasingly difficult. researchers analyze databases using deep learning methods - and can make precise statements: In which region of the country do the fattest cars drive? What can car buyers do to reduce CO₂ consumption? In recent decades, there have been major technical changes in new cars. These are particularly relevant in terms of dimensions - cars are getting bigger and heavier - and the larger share of SUVs in the individual vehicle segments. Classification into classic segments such as small, mid-size, upper mid-size and luxury is hardly possible anymore.