Self-Driving Taxis Still a Distant Prospect, Says Xpeng
Industry Experts Remain Cautious Despite Musk’s Ambitious Projections
Image: Xpeng G9 on display in Beijing
In a recent statement from the LA News Center, Xpeng Vice Chairman and Co-President Brian Gu expressed skepticism about the widespread commercialization of self-driving taxis within the next five years. His comments came in response to the hype surrounding Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s plans to develop an extensive robotaxi network using artificial intelligence (AI) software.
Gu believes that the industry is still in its nascent stages, with significant challenges to overcome before driverless taxis can become a viable and reliable transportation option for the general public.
Xpeng’s Focus on Driver-Assist Technology
Xpeng, a Chinese electric car manufacturer with a growing presence in Europe, has prioritized the development of advanced driver-assist software as a key selling point for its vehicles. Gu emphasized the importance of rigorous testing and validation processes to ensure the safety and reliability of these technologies.
“I think there will be a lot of testing,” Gu said, acknowledging the increasing interest in China in showcasing technological advancements and achieving milestones.
Limited Commercial Operations in China
Gu’s comments are in line with the current state of affairs in China, where several tech companies have received permission to operate fully driverless taxis in designated areas. However, these operations are currently confined to specific suburbs of Beijing and Wuhan and are not yet widespread or commercially viable.
Autonomous Taxi Time Horizon
Gu’s assertion that commercial self-driving taxis are still more than five years away aligns with the perspectives of other industry experts. DespiteMusk’s aggressive timeline, many believe that the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles will take considerable time due to the complexities involved in ensuring their safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
Gu’s conservative estimate offers a more realistic assessment of the challenges that the industry faces in bringing driverless taxis to the masses. While the potential of this technology is undeniable, it is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective and focus on incremental advancements that will gradually pave the way for a truly autonomous future.
Data sourced from: cnbc.com
