  Autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs) hold great promise for the future of
automotive engineering, but safety remains a significant challenge in their
development and commercialization. Therefore, conducting a comprehensive
analysis of AEV development and reported accidents is crucial. This paper
reviews the levels of automation in AEVs, their disengagement frequencies, and
on-road accident reports. According to the report, numerous manufacturers
thoroughly tested AEVs across a distance of more than 3.9 million miles between
2014 and 2022. Disengagement frequencies vary among manufacturers, and
approximately 65% of accidents during this period occurred while AEVs were
operating in autonomous mode. Notably, the majority of accidents (90%) were
caused by other road users, with only a small fraction (approximately 8%)
directly attributed to AEVs. Enhancing AEVs' ability to detect and mitigate
safety risks from external sources has the potential to significantly improve
their safety. This paper provides valuable insights into AEV safety by
emphasizing the importance of comprehensively understanding AEV development and
reported accidents. Through the analysis of disengagement and accident reports,
the study highlights the prevalence of passive accidents caused by other road
users. Future research should concentrate on enabling AEVs to effectively
detect and respond to safety risks originating from external sources to enhance
AEV safety. Overall, this analysis contributes to the ongoing efforts in AEV
development and provides guidance for strategies aimed at improving their
safety features.
