Marketplace Tech
After years of missed deadlines, Tesla enters the robotaxi race
Oct 16, 2024
Andrew Hawkins, transportation editor for The Verge and expert on Tesla, dives into the recent debut of Tesla's Cybercab, marking a pivotal moment in the autonomous vehicle race. He discusses Elon Musk's history of bold promises and whether the new robotaxi meets expectations. Hawkins compares Tesla’s camera-based approach to competitors reliant on LiDAR, raising concerns about safety. The conversation also touches on Tesla's declining sales and market challenges, painting a complex picture of the future of robotaxis and autonomous technology.
10:06
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Quick takeaways
- Tesla's CyberCab unveiling demonstrates the company's ongoing struggle to deliver on autonomous vehicle promises while facing fierce competition from rivals like Waymo.
- Concerns surrounding Tesla's refusal to adopt LIDAR technology highlight potential drawbacks in its vision-based approach to self-driving cars amid industry advancements.
Deep dives
Tesla's CyberCab: A Long-Awaited Prototype
The Tesla CyberCab was finally introduced after years of anticipation and promises from Elon Musk about self-driving technology. This prototype represents a purpose-built driverless vehicle with unique features, including butterfly wing doors and no traditional driving controls. However, it is essential to note that this is not a fully operational vehicle; production is slated to begin in two years, continuing a trend of Musk's announcements that technology is perpetually just two years away. Despite the hype, the debut has left many questioning whether it truly delivers on the long-promised autonomous capabilities.
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