Chinese startup WeRide has been granted a three-year permit to test its fleet of autonomous vehicles in California, according to Reuters. However, the permit comes with significant limitations, as WeRide is prohibited from accepting fares or transporting the general public during the testing phase. The company will be conducting trials with its 12 vehicles in and around San Jose, with or without a company driver present, and with passengers consisting solely of WeRide personnel.
WeRide’s entry into the California market puts it in direct competition with Waymo, a Google spinoff that has established itself as a robotaxi service in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Waymo has faced its fair share of challenges, with federal officials currently investigating 22 crashes involving its robotaxis. These investigations were prompted by videos showing Waymo vehicles potentially violating traffic safety laws, including instances of driving on the wrong side of the street. Additionally, Waymo faced public backlash when one of its robotaxis ran over and killed a dog in San Francisco.
General Motors’ Cruise, another player in the autonomous vehicle space, had to temporarily halt its operations last year after a woman became trapped under one of its robotaxis. The company has since reintroduced its vehicles in Phoenix, Arizona, but now with human drivers on board.
Given the mixed reception from the public and regulators towards robotaxis, it remains to be seen whether WeRide’s venture into California will be successful. Some locals in the state have even called for a ban on robotaxis altogether. With these challenges in mind, WeRide can expect a challenging road ahead.