Race to Robotaxis: Industry Faces Hurdles
Technology

Race to Robotaxis: Industry Faces Hurdles

According to analysts and industry experts, the quest for autonomous driving technology and robotaxis is proving to be a challenging and costly journey. Despite significant advancements, the path forward is obstructed by engineering challenges and regulatory scrutiny.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk highlighted progress in the company's Full Self Driving (FSD) and robotaxi initiatives, underscoring the electric car leader's strides in the sector. Meanwhile, Alphabet CFO Ruth Porat announced a $5 billion investment in Waymo, its self-driving subsidiary, to accelerate development over the coming years.

Waymo has recently begun testing a new robotaxi model in San Francisco, designed by Zeekr, a Chinese EV brand under Geely. However, General Motors (GM) faced setbacks with its Cruise Origin project. The company halted production of the autonomous vehicle?featuring subway-like doors and campfire seating?at a Detroit plant, incurring a $583 million charge.

Musk criticized GM's handling of the Cruise Origin, attributing the production halt to technology issues rather than regulatory obstacles. GM responded sharply, labeling Musk's comments as "blatantly false."

Cruise, which has faced multiple investigations"including by the NHTSA, Justice Department, and SEC" has come under intense scrutiny following an October accident involving a robotaxi that struck and dragged a pedestrian. In response, California revoked Cruise's driverless vehicle permit, leading to significant criticism.

Kyle Vogt, Cruise's co-founder who resigned as CEO in November, criticized GM's management, drawing parallels to the company's previous failure to capitalize on its early electric vehicle lead. Despite these challenges, GM's CEO Mary Barra remains optimistic, noting resumed robotaxi testing in three cities and the recent hiring of a new CEO. Barra has projected that Cruise could generate $50 billion in annual revenue by 2030, despite the division's $8 billion losses since 2017 and recent spending cuts.

The autonomous driving and robotaxi race continues to evolve, with significant investments and setbacks shaping the future of this transformative technology.

According to analysts and industry experts, the quest for autonomous driving technology and robotaxis is proving to be a challenging and costly journey. Despite significant advancements, the path forward is obstructed by engineering challenges and regulatory scrutiny. Tesla CEO Elon Musk highlighted progress in the company's Full Self Driving (FSD) and robotaxi initiatives, underscoring the electric car leader's strides in the sector. Meanwhile, Alphabet CFO Ruth Porat announced a $5 billion investment in Waymo, its self-driving subsidiary, to accelerate development over the coming years. Waymo has recently begun testing a new robotaxi model in San Francisco, designed by Zeekr, a Chinese EV brand under Geely. However, General Motors (GM) faced setbacks with its Cruise Origin project. The company halted production of the autonomous vehicle?featuring subway-like doors and campfire seating?at a Detroit plant, incurring a $583 million charge. Musk criticized GM's handling of the Cruise Origin, attributing the production halt to technology issues rather than regulatory obstacles. GM responded sharply, labeling Musk's comments as blatantly false. Cruise, which has faced multiple investigationsincluding by the NHTSA, Justice Department, and SEC has come under intense scrutiny following an October accident involving a robotaxi that struck and dragged a pedestrian. In response, California revoked Cruise's driverless vehicle permit, leading to significant criticism. Kyle Vogt, Cruise's co-founder who resigned as CEO in November, criticized GM's management, drawing parallels to the company's previous failure to capitalize on its early electric vehicle lead. Despite these challenges, GM's CEO Mary Barra remains optimistic, noting resumed robotaxi testing in three cities and the recent hiring of a new CEO. Barra has projected that Cruise could generate $50 billion in annual revenue by 2030, despite the division's $8 billion losses since 2017 and recent spending cuts. The autonomous driving and robotaxi race continues to evolve, with significant investments and setbacks shaping the future of this transformative technology.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

India, Brazil Discuss Energy Ties And Oil Investments

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri held discussions with Celso Luis Nunes Amorim, Special Advisor to the President of Brazil, and senior Brazilian officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy transition sectors. The talks took place during a dinner hosted by Kenneth H da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, at his residence in New Delhi.Mr Puri said the meeting focused on Indian investments in Brazil’s oil and gas sector, as well as expanding collaboration in energy transition and biofuels. “The enriching conversation revolved ar..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

ONGC To Invest Rs 8.11 Billion In Andhra Onshore Oil, Gas Project

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is set to invest Rs 8.11 billion for the onshore development and production of oil and gas from 172 wells across eight Production Mining Licence (PML) blocks in Andhra Pradesh.A committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has recommended environmental clearance (EC) for the project during a review meeting held last month.According to the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) minutes, the total project cost is estimated at Rs 8.11 billion, with a capital allocation of Rs 172 million towards the Environment Managem..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Tripura To Supply 40 MW Power To Mizoram For Christmas

The Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) will supply 40 megawatts (MW) of power to Mizoram during the upcoming Christmas celebrations, continuing a long-standing tradition of power exchange between the two north-eastern states, officials confirmed on Sunday.During Durga Puja, the Mizoram State Power Corporation (MSPC) had supplied an equivalent 40 MW of electricity to Tripura to ensure an uninterrupted power supply during the festive period.“We had an agreement to receive 40 MW during Durga Puja, although the full amount was not utilised due to lower-than-expected demand in ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?