Exploring the challenges Tesla faces in achieving fully autonomous driving. The hosts recount their experience using Tesla's Full Self-Driving feature. Comparing Tesla's autonomous technology to that of other companies and the potential of autonomous cars. Discussing the future of self-driving technology and criticism of Tesla's approach.
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Quick takeaways
Tesla's claims about their full self-driving (FSD) capabilities have repeatedly fallen short of reality, with staged promotional videos not reflecting the actual performance of the software.
Other companies like Waymo and Cruise, with their advanced hardware systems and comprehensive sensor suites, have made significant progress in autonomous driving, offering better safety and a different business model focused on ride-sharing.
Deep dives
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Claims
Tesla's full self-driving (FSD) claims, as showcased in a staged promotional video, have been far from reality. The video, which depicted the car flawlessly navigating city streets, was actually pre-programmed, and drivers had to intervene multiple times, even causing a crash while attempting to park. Elon Musk's assertions about Tesla's autonomous driving capabilities have repeatedly fallen short of the truth. The promise of convenience and safety from autonomous vehicles remains unfulfilled.
Testing Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD)
A test drive of Tesla's FSD software revealed its inadequacies. While the system is meant to handle city driving autonomously, it struggled to navigate through complexities such as red lights, pedestrians, and lane changes. The test driver had to take over frequently, and the software even attempted to move forward during a red light. The experience of using FSD felt more like babysitting the car rather than a truly autonomous driving experience.
Safety Issues and False Advertising
Tesla's claims about FSD being safer than a human driver have been called into question. The software has faced multiple recalls and investigations, and there have been hundreds of crashes and several deaths linked to Tesla's driving assistance systems. The lack of regulation and oversight in the autonomous driving sector adds to the concerns. Experts argue that Tesla's camera-based system, without additional hardware like LiDAR and radar, will never achieve the level of safety that Tesla promises.
Competition and Approach to Autonomy
While Tesla faces challenges with its FSD software, other companies, such as Waymo and Cruise, have made significant progress in autonomous driving. These companies operate autonomous robo-taxi pilot programs in select cities and have a better track record of safety. Their approach, building advanced hardware systems with comprehensive sensor suites, has proven more effective than Tesla's camera-only system. Additionally, Waymo and Cruise have a different business model, focused on ride-sharing, which allows for better pricing and investment in the technology.
Seven years ago, Elon Musk stood on stage and said he “would consider autonomous driving to be basically a solved problem.” He also said Teslas could “drive with greater safety than a person right now.” That statement wasn’t true. But Musk has continued making this claim. Meanwhile, several other companies have made major strides on autonomous driving. Can Tesla catch up?