While your post is a bit long for my taste, the analysis is certainly thorough. But I think you didn't address the elephant, which is with us here in this very room: how can Waymo ever compete with a company that is FULLY vertically integrated, i.e. combines self-driving software and hardware stack, the manufacturing of dedicated robotaxi vehicles, AND a ride-hailing experience on one balance sheet.
In CA, they are an approved TCP which is the same as Uber black drivers, so essentially they are approved commercially licensed drivers and are using 'FSD'. So they are not a licensed AV operator.
👏👏👏
While your post is a bit long for my taste, the analysis is certainly thorough. But I think you didn't address the elephant, which is with us here in this very room: how can Waymo ever compete with a company that is FULLY vertically integrated, i.e. combines self-driving software and hardware stack, the manufacturing of dedicated robotaxi vehicles, AND a ride-hailing experience on one balance sheet.
This description would apply to both Tesla and Zoox. I’m guessing you are reffering to the former, not the latter?
Question: Why is Tesla able to operate without approvals from regulators?
Not sure what you mean; all operations are approved. Do you have specific places you are wondering about?
In CA, they are an approved TCP which is the same as Uber black drivers, so essentially they are approved commercially licensed drivers and are using 'FSD'. So they are not a licensed AV operator.
More info about the process here - https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p/how-cpuc-handles-av-permits-data