New York has some strict rules for self-driving cars which is why companies haven’t been rushing there to test their technology. General Motors has seen past that, though, and it’s going to be the first company to start testing autonomous vehicles in New York City. General Motors’ self-driving unit Cruise Automation will begin testing its autonomous Chevy Bolts in the city. GM will thus be the first company to test Level 4 autonomous cars on public roads.
The law that allows testing of self-driving cars in New York lapses on April 1st, 2018 so these tests have to been conducted by then. Moreover, a police escort is also mandatory for each self-driving car and the company will be the one paying for it.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office sent out a press release confirming this agreement with Cruise Automation. As part of this deal, Cruise Automation will be allowed to map a geofenced area in Manhattan where it will be able to test the cars.
“Autonomous vehicles have the potential to save time and save lives, and we are proud to be working with GM and Cruise on the future of this exciting new technology,” the governor said.
During testing, there’s going to be an engineer in the driver’s seat to keep an eye on things. There’s also going to be another person in the passenger seat. Cruise will also have to open an office in New York City and hire employees for a new team.
Filed in . Read more about New York and Self-Driving Cars. Source: governor.ny.gov