🚘 Rev up your engines, tech enthusiasts! California just gave the green light to WeRide, a China-based autonomous driving startup, to test its driverless cars with passengers on board in the Golden State. 🌉
In a move that's got us all geared up, WeRide received approval from California's Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) earlier this month. This means they'll be cruising the streets of San Jose and nearby areas over the next three years. But hold up—before you grab your phone to book a ride, know that these rides aren't open to the general public just yet, and they won't be charging fares. 🚦
With 12 active vehicles hitting the road, WeRide is navigating some tight corners—regulatory challenges, city agency roadblocks, and public concerns—as they steer toward commercializing their robotaxi services in the U.S. It's not an easy ride, but they're keeping their eyes on the road ahead! 🛣️
Despite the bumps, WeRide is shifting into high gear, aiming for a whopping $5 billion valuation in their upcoming New York IPO. This, even as the U.S. considers new restrictions on vehicles equipped with Chinese-developed systems. Talk about a wild ride! 🎢
Founded in 2017, WeRide isn't just about passenger cars. They're also developing autonomous vans, buses, and even street sweepers. Plus, they've got driverless permits in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. 🌍
While Waymo, Google's sibling under Alphabet, is currently the only U.S. company operating driverless robotaxis that collect fares, WeRide is revving up to join the race in the competitive autonomous driving market. 🏎️
Are we on the cusp of an autonomous revolution? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure—the future of transportation is charging ahead, and we can't wait to see where it takes us! 🚀
Reference(s):
California allows Chinese robotaxi firm WeRide to test with passengers
cgtn.com
