Hyperdrive
Baidu Unveils New Robotaxi It Says Could Halve Commuting Costs
- Chinese company plans to start deploying Apollo RT6s in 2023
- Beijing-based Baidu says each car will cost $37,000 to produce
This article is for subscribers only.
Baidu Inc. unveiled a new version of its self-driving robotaxi that it says costs nearly half as much to make as the previous model, opening the opportunity for cheaper travel.
Apollo RT6 robotaxis are set to be mass-produced at a cost of 250,000 yuan ($37,000) per unit, the Chinese search-engine giant said in a statement Thursday. The car, which has a detachable steering wheel, will become available on Baidu’s riding-hailing service in 2023. The company said it plans to eventually deploy “tens of thousands” of the robotaxis.