Photos of Tesla Semi prototypes are currently circulating on Twitter. They tell us that even if the brand’s vehicles will not use it, Tesla is actively using LiDAR technology in the development of Autopilot and FSB functionalities.
A Twitter member named The Kilowatts has shared photos showing off two prototypes of Semi, Tesla’s electrified Class 8 tractor-trailer. The finest observers quickly noted that in addition to integrating cameras, the truck hood was topped with LiDAR sensors. A small detail that has something to challenge since from 2022, Tesla has started to remove the various sensors used in its cars for autonomous driving for the exclusive benefit of 360° cameras.
Engineers would have turned around and decided to reuse this technology which measures distances by targeting an object with a laser? It is highly unlikely. Recall that Elon Musk had described it as expensive and unnecessary. According to a Twitter member, LiDAR sensors are frequently installed on the brand’s cars, here the Semi and the Cybertruck, for comparison purposes with Tesla’s in-house technologies.
The Semi sports LiDAR sensors, but won’t use that tech
We often hear about LiDARs in the context of autonomous driving, another name for autopilot. While Tesla has been promising for ages that its vehicles will soon be ready to offer this revolutionary feature, in fact, Mercedes is the first automaker to receive certification for its Level 3 autonomous driving technology in the United States.
To read – Tesla’s New Cybertruck Prototype Has a Massive Windshield Wiper
This should not disturb Elon Musk’s sleep, however, since in November 2022, the company advanced that more than 1.6 million potential customers have pre-ordered the Cybertruck, the all-electric pickup whose release continues to be postponed. Regarding the company’s truck, although it does not interest the crowds as much, it is rumored that Tesla plans to make 50,000 Semis by 2024.
Source: InsideEVs