Tesla may have a new rival other than its long time rival, Build Your Dreams (BYD). While Tesla seems to have found its place in the electric vehicle (EV) space and perhaps achieved dominance in the sector, there is one competitor taking the lead in another sector that Tesla is interested in. With Tesla is still trying to find its footing the Robotaxi realm, a rival who has made its mark in the sector already may cause added stress. Tesla’s rival is out to provide a new way for us to be on the move as well.
The fist steps in the Robotaxi realm initiated by Tesla
Full self driving (FSD) technology has always been on the top of the list for Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO. Tesla realized that after gaining repertoire in the EV market, attention needed to fall on Autopilot and FSD systems. Tesla did not back down on the Robotaxi dream despite hurdles along the way. Tesla is now testing a robotaxi in Austin, Texas.
While testing seems to be underway on a smaller scale in Texas, the company has realized the safety issues that may need to be addressed. While the challenges were to be expected when testing Robotaxi’s, these obstacles are making it difficult to provide scalable solutions. Musk remians optimistic that Tesla will continue to shine and has stated that Tesla may very well be the, “best in the world in terms of real-world AI.”
How is Tesla different from its rival?
Tesla’s rival not only had an earlier start in the autonomous sector, but also has its own technological stance. Although Tesla depends on cameras to assess the situation, its rival tends to use high-definition maps and a setup that is sensor heavy. Tesla’s rival has taken an approach that is hardware dependent, however, this approach ensures success.
Taking the lead and being able to explore sophisticated technology surely are advantages, but Tesla’s rival has already formed solid parnerships with leading companies such as Avis. This rival is setting the standard of what autonomous ride-hailing should be all about.
Taking the lead in terms of autonomous driving
While BYD has often revealed shocking functions that have always challenged Tesla, a company that seems to have already made its mark in the automous vehicle realm is Waymo. Waymo is the autonomous vehicle division of Alphabet which serves as Google’s parent company. Thus far Waymo has more than 100 million miles driven by its autonomous vehicles which surely is a feat in the autonomous vehicles industry.
Waymo currently already operates in Atlanta, San Francisco, Austin, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. However, a further 10 cities are on Waymo’s radar including New York City, Philadelphia, and Tokyo. Expansion plans in Dallas also seems to be under consideration. Waymo is not only thriving but expanding and perhaps Waymo’s ability to map data well is the reason behind this.
Tesla’s rival seems to be right next to Elon Musk
Telsa’s rival in the EV market has always been BYD from China, however, Tesla’s rival in the autonomous sector seems to be operating a few miles from Tesla’s headquarters in Austin.
Waymo’s lead is undeniable as the company has spent much time refining technology and pushing forward so its Robotaxis are not only prototypes but active service providers.
Thus far, Tesla has always found its spark and is still shining in the EV market and perhaps Tesla will shine in the autonomous vehicle’s market too, but Waymo is the competitor who is succeeding right on Tesla’s doorstep. Could Tesla’s ambitions and drive to be in the lead in the autonomous vehicles market make it one of the greatest competitors for Waymo? With Tesla’s Robotaxis finally coming to America, Musk’s vision seems unchanged and perhaps Musk is ready to compete with Waymo too.
