Beijing's Baidu Advances Autonomous Driving with Reduced Production Costs for Robotaxi

Tuesday, 19 November 2024, 12:00

Beijing-based Baidu has significantly slashed costs for its autonomous driving vehicle, the Apollo RT6. The company announced the production cost is now US$34,525, marking a leap for affordable robotaxi services. This pivotal change sets Baidu apart in the race for autonomous driving excellence in China.
Scmp
Beijing's Baidu Advances Autonomous Driving with Reduced Production Costs for Robotaxi

Beijing's Baidu Ignites Autonomous Driving Landscape

Chinese technology leader Baidu has officially reduced the production costs of its groundbreaking Apollo RT6 self-driving vehicle to 250,000 yuan (approximately US$34,525) as of this week. This milestone not only enhances consumer accessibility but also underscores Baidu's dominance in the Level-4 (L4) autonomous driving arena.

Significant Cost Reduction Announced in Wuhan

During a recent event in Wuhan, Baidu's co-founder and CEO, Robin Li Yanhong, unveiled the innovative vehicle, emphasizing that the RT6 is currently the only mass-produced L4 autonomous vehicle worldwide. Li noted, “Tesla's trajectory involves transitioning from L2 to L4 and is still in progress.” His comments highlight Baidu's competitive edge in the sector where SAE International has categorized autonomous driving into six distinct levels.

The Growing Demand for Autonomous Robots

Earlier this year, Baidu's robotaxis made waves in Wuhan, appealing to consumers with lower fare prices, while traditional taxi drivers expressed concern regarding job displacement. Li previously indicated that these advances allow for wider deployment of self-driving vehicles across China, claiming,


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


Related posts


Newsletter

Get the most reliable and up-to-date financial news with our curated selections. Subscribe to our newsletter for convenient access and enhance your analytical work effortlessly.

Subscribe