Robotaxi in Wuhan China

A few weeks ago i was in Wuhan and impressed by the hundreds of self driving autonomous taxis that operate there as part of daily commutes.

While it is a strange feeling to be driven in a car without a driver, the experience is thanks to the evolving technology safe and comfortable.

Importance of the Chinese Automotive Market:

With 30 Mio New Vehicles sold in China last year, it is by far the largest Automotive Market in the world.

China has also become a leader in vehicle exports, with over 30 Mio Vehicles being manufactured by local and international automakers.

In China Electric Vehicle Sales accounts for 25% of all car sales, compared to 12% in Europe and only 7% in the US.

Price of the self driving vehicles:

The latest Baidu Robotaxi's cost less than 200.000 RMB or 27.500 USD, this competitive price point will help to grow sales volume and deliver profits that are needed for continues R&D and product / software development investments.

Government support:

For new technologies including AI to evolve, regulators need to ensure the required legal, technical, safety and consumer regulations are in place.

Many Accidents involving Robotaxis have happened and will continue to happen but this should not stop the development.

Consumer perspective:

When a consumer car breaks down, the owner is greatly inconvenienced and angry. If a robotaxi breaks down or has a quality problem, it’s just taken out of service. If passengers were in it, it pulls over and a new taxi arrives in 60 seconds to continue them on their way—almost no inconvenience at all. As such, Chinese quality standards in low cost vehicles may well already be high enough for the western markets.

In addition, Asian consumers tend to be very open to try new technologies and to be very adaptable.

Outlook:

According to the China Society of Automotive Engineers, by 2030 over 20% of all cars sold in China will be completely driverless & about 70% will have advanced assisted driving technology.

Driverless technology works best in combination with battery electric vehicle technology and offers in Urban / City operation the most advantages and will therefore become the preferred mobility solution in China and other Asian Countries and international capitals and large cities where legislation and infrastructure is permitting it.

It is exciting to experience the speed in which technology is changing our daily life. Lets us capture the opportunities and embrace the change and development.