I’ve been thinking about an idea for improving energy efficiency with autonomous vehicles. Imagine if self-driving cars could temporarily form a physical connection while in motion, almost like a train, with only the front car powering its wheels. The trailing cars would roll along, conserving energy by not using their own engines.

To make this safe and practical, the cars would be in constant communication. They could share braking signals, coordinate acceleration, and even disconnect quickly if needed, all without leaving any vehicle “confused.” The system could also dynamically optimize which car provides propulsion, reducing mechanical strain and improving overall efficiency.

It’s essentially turning multiple vehicles into a single, coordinated system on the road. The potential benefits could include significant energy savings, smoother traffic flow, and improved safety through coordinated movement.

Would you trust your self-driving car to connect in this way with the cars of strangers so everyone involved would save money on energy in the long run?