An update to my previous post on Driverless cars, check that one here. Another factor that has just come to mind on the subject of driverless cars are “insurances”.
The consensus is that driverless cars will massively reduce the number of road accidents as the majority are caused by driver error. Remove the driver = remove the error. Sure there maybe accidents caused by mechanical issues and there is the possibility of some caused by software issues but we will have to wait and see. The latest knock-on effect is that insurances will need to adjust to the new landscape. In all likelihood they will reduce as the possibility of an accident is reduced, or alternatively do the premiums increase as less people take up the insurances and the companies try to recoup their losses. Time will tell.
Elon recently posted an update on his Tesla blog about his original plans and future plans, riveting stuff.
Original master plan:
1. Create a low volume car, which would necessarily be expensive. (done)
2. Use that money to develop a medium volume car at a lower price. (done)
3. Use that money to create an affordable, high volume car. (done)
And…
4. Provide solar power. No kidding, this has literally been on our website for 10 years. (looks promising).
Master plan, part deux:
5. Create stunning solar roofs with seamlessly integrated battery storage.
6. Expand the electric vehicle product line to address all major segments.
7. Develop a self-driving capability that is 10X safer than manual via massive fleet learning.
8. Enable your car to make money for you when you aren’t using it.
I will post more about solar roofs here as soon as we know more about Elon Musk’s acquisition of Solar City. I think he is a game changer and I’m pretty excited.
