Tesla To Introduce Self Driving Technology In Cars By Summer, Says CEO Elon Musk
Tesla - maker of high-end electric cars - will introduce autonomous technology by this summer in U.S., according to an announcement made by CEO Elon Musk.
The technology to be introduced will allow drivers to have their cars take control on "major roads" like highways.
Mr. Musk said that a software update - not a repair performed by a mechanic - would give Tesla's Model S sedans the ability to start driving themselves, at least part of the time, in a hands-free mode that the company refers to as autopilot, NYT reported.
Musk also announced "an end to range anxiety," which will be the Model S system software update. The update, due in a week or so, will include a feature called Range Assurance, a background application for the car that communicates with Tesla's network of charging facilities and alerts the driver when existing battery reserves are about to become insufficient to reach the nearest charging station, Information Week noted.
However, some experts remain skeptical about the new technology in cars.
"It's not just a philosophical reason why automakers haven't allowed their vehicles to drive themselves," said Karl Brauer, an analyst with Kelley Blue Book. "There's a legal reason, too."
In response, Alexis Georgeson, a spokesman for Tesla, said that there was "nothing in our autopilot system that is in conflict with current regulations."
"We're not getting rid of the pilot. This is about releasing the driver from tedious tasks so they can focus and provide better input," she added.
