The news media has expended considerable effort researching and publishing information about the robotaxi business. This channel highlights some of the important articles.
The Verge reports on a level 4 robotaxi that costs just $30k by having swappable batteries. Tesla and Waymo won't be able to compete with that low of a vehicle cost.
It is remarkable that Tesla will take out a patent on an idea that they have no hope or intention of building, and fan-boys will write about it as if it is some great new product.
Paris Marx reports in dazeen how we are currently going through yet another hype cycle with self-driving cars. This will definitely not help solve our transportation issues.
Wired does something rather numerous. They follow around a Waymo for a day to see what it actually does. But interestingly, they actually make some great insights.
Jalopnik reports in how a Wall Street analyst wrongly thinks that robotaxis will be less expensive than regular cars due to steering wheel and pedals not needed
Yes, it is true that Musk will try to modify federal rules for robotaxis in order to allow vehicles without controls for human drivers. But it should be very clear to everyone that Tesla does not have the necessary technology, nor is the robotaxi business a viable one, especially in the next four years. Therefore even if Musk is successful in changing the regulations it won't actually make a difference.
TechCrunch reports that Cruise is being fined $500,000 because they withheld information from regulators. They are also being investigated by the NHTSA for issues with pedestrians, and with the SEC for financial issues.
Not Just Bikes posts an epic video on not just the problems of self driving cars, but how they would turn our cities into driving hell - unless we do something about it.
Reuters reports that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is finally requiring the robotaxi companies to report critical information on incidents. Instead of reporting being optional once past the test phase of an implementation, it will be mandatory to report collisions and when vehicles simply get stuck in traffic or receive tickets.
Forbes reports on how using a Waymo is significantly slower and more expensive than using an Uber or Lyft. The only reason to take one is for the novelty of a Disneyland like ride.
Business Insider reports on how Tesla is requiring test drivers to test Full [sic] Self Driving on public roads - and not take over if at all possible when mistakes occur. The result is that Tesla has been endangering the public by running red lights, speeding, and getting far too close to pedestrians and bicyclists.
