| Russia’s Yandex chooses Ann Arbor for long-term testing of AVs |
Russian tech company Yandex arrived in Michigan with the hopes of showcasing its autonomous-driving systems during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Those plans changed amid the pandemic, and continue to do so.
Even after the show was canceled, Yandex intended to make the Motor City its home base for testing in North America. But the company said Thursday its long-term U.S. fleet instead would locate down the road.
Yandex will run its operations out of nearby Ann Arbor, which has established itself as a regional destination for autonomous testing. The University of Michigan’s Mcity test facility was the world’s first purpose-built AV proving ground. Self-driving shuttle company May Mobility is headquartered in the city, about 45 miles west of Detroit. Delivery bots operated by Refraction AI have roamed bike lanes along city streets.
With a fleet of Toyota Prius V and recently launched Hyundai Sonata test mules, Yandex has already taken things further. Last month, the company began testing in Ann Arbor with no human safety drivers aboard. A video released by Yandex shows the vehicles driving through the heart of the University of Michigan’s campus and downtown.
Yandex intended to conduct such driverless testing in Innopolis, Russia, where it first launched robotaxi service two years ago with a safety driver aboard. But in Russia, regulations require a safety driver in the passenger’s seat. Michigan enacted laws in 2016 that allow driverless deployments. It’s a key reason Yandex opted to stay in Michigan.
“We are trying to use our testing locations to the fullest,” Dmitry Polischuk, head of Yandex’s self-driving car division, wrote in a blog post on Medium. “Ann Arbor, with its bigger size and more progressive regulatory environment, will enable us to take this experience a step further.”
Since 2017, the company has conducted public-street testing in Moscow, Innopolis and Skolkovo in Russia. In the U.S., it has showcased its self-driving tech in Las Vegas and Detroit with safety drivers sitting in the passenger’s seat. It also operates a small fleet in Tel Aviv.
— Pete Bigelow
What you need to know
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Federal AV legislative push stuck in neutral Efforts have stalled to revive federal legislation that would permit the widespread deployment of autonomous vehicles. Concerns over everything from safety, data transparency, roles of state and local governments and worker displacement have combined to thwart a second attempt by lawmakers to pass legislation, according to lawyers and policy experts who spoke at last week’s Automated Vehicles Symposium. All said it was unlikely, though not impossible, that a bill could reach a vote during the current congressional session. Old disagreements have yet to be resolved, and the pandemic has captured the bulk of lawmakers’ attention.
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Roundup
Audi has cut the price of the E-tron electric crossover by $8,800 and has improved the EV’s range.
The coronavirus pandemic has delayed the start of production of Ferrari’s first plug-in hybrid.
Former Google engineer Anthony Levandowski gets 18 months in prison for stealing Google files.
Jet engines offer a clue to why AV tech company Aurora Innovation has resisted efforts to tie itself too closely to an automaker partner.
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Denso has established an automated driving R&D center in Pittsburgh.
The timetable for EV launches could get dicey.
PSA Group’s fledgling Free2Move short-term rental service in Washington, D.C., is “very close” to being a sustainable business, PSA North America CEO Larry Dominique said Wednesday.
The COVID-19 pandemic is complicating cities’ transportation planning.
Hope and challenges for solid-state batteries.
Wireless charging could foster speed and ease.
The desire for faster charging times and better driving performance and an increase in automated driving features in electric vehicles are creating the need for more power.
Startup shows up on a skateboard.
GM, LG Chem cook up a new battery formula.
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Linear Labs’ plan to disrupt electric motors.
Tesla Model Y crossover teardown shows just how high the bar has been set for EV innovation.
The pandemic has rekindled interest in driverless cars.
Amazon continues to develop voice with Alexa Auto efforts.
Pandemic’s virtual pitfalls and micromobility gains.
GM, EVgo partner to expand U.S. charging network.
Brain food
The U.S. Department of Energy is fostering work on a range of advanced technology initiatives that stand to benefit Detroit innovation, writes Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette.
Last mile
Ahead of tonight’s scheduled Cadillac Lyriq unveiling, here’s a sniq piq at more Cadillac EV names.