Chinese robotaxi startup WeRide can now carry passengers in California
- WeRide autonomous robotaxis can now carry passengers
- However, it is limited to the state of California
- More specifically, San Jose and its nearby areas
Published on Aug 26, 2024 at 5:51 PM (UTC+4)
by Nalin Rawat
Last updated on Aug 26, 2024 at 7:22 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Alessandro Renesis
Another Chinese start-up has received permission to carry passengers with their autonomous robotaxi in California.
The autonomous driving start-up WeRide received permission from the California Public Utilities Commission to use passenger-carrying driverless vehicles.
And it’s not the only Chinese start-up to have this opportunity.
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Chinese autonomous robotaxi
WeRide getting permission to test their autonomous robotaxi with passengers in California is good progress for the entire industry.
The permit enables WeRide to provide rides in some districts of San Jose and its nearby area, with and without safety drivers.
However, the permit does not allow WeRide to offer the service to the general public or charge fares.
Fortunately, it’s not the only Chinese start-up to receive such permission.
Waymo is another Chinese start-up that has been operating robotaxis in San Francisco for years now.
These kinds of permits allow these companies to test their services and work toward their ultimate goal of providing a commercial autonomous robotaxi service.
Tesla is also trying to build their own robotaxi service based on their autopilot and full self-driving feature.
Fortunately, WeRide has already been testing autonomous cars on the roads of San Jose since 2021.
Of course, by comparison, Waymo has way more autonomous cars and more reach in the US.
However, the American flying car industry is still an open frontier waiting for its pioneers.
WeRide ambitions
This development comes just ahead of WeRide’s plan to go public.
The company is seeking an IPO at a $5 billion evaluation and expects to raise around $93 million in proceeds.
It seems they are leveraging their ability to pass the rigorous U.S. safety standards to garner more visibility before its IPO.
WeRide mainly operates in California, since the state has been instrumental in producing self-driving cars.
Their activities in California are indicative of the continuing shift in the autonomous driving industry.
Nalin started his career by working with various national newspapers in India. He has also worked as a writer/editor for many popular websites, while still pursuing his journalism and mass communication degree. Working as a digital nomad has allowed him to inform and educate through his work. When he is not writing, you can find him playing video games or travelling the mountains on his bike.
