Apple, Tesla Looks Into Testing Self-Driving Trucks

Tesla Semi rolling down freeways soon
Tesla provides a teaser look at their upcoming electric truck, the Tesla Semi. Tesla

Autonomous driving happens to be the stuff of science fiction and dreams, and it could also be part of the solution to a greener world. With computers managing the way fleets of vehicles are driven around the world, it will always try to take the most efficient route, while introducing additional savings when it comes to being as fuel efficient as possible. Tesla recently teased the masses with the Tesla Semi, an all-electric Class 8 truck that made many wonder whether it will also go down the route of Tesla’s Autopilot. Apparently so, as Tesla and Apple have sent in their respective requests to the California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to increase the weight limit when it comes to the testing of self-driving vehicles.

Right now, as long as a vehicle does not pass the 10,000 pounds mark, it is allowed to hit the roads with autonomous technology up and running within. In contrast, a semi-truck happens to tip the scales at approximately 80,000 pounds, which is 8 times more than the legal limit for autonomous vehicle testing. Apart from the Tesla Semi, Elon Musk’s company has also announced plans for autonomous buses, which will no doubt also pass the 10,000 pounds weight limit in vehicle testing easily. Another company that has plans to introduce a self driving truck is Uber, the ride hailing company, through its company known as Otto.

As for technology giant Apple, they have remained rather quiet when it comes to its autonomous vehicle plans. However, to see Apple make that kind of request with California’s DMV does indicate that the tech company has far bigger plans than cranking out another iPhone 10 years down the line, or to enter into the world of personal assistants at home which run on Siri. It remains to be seen as to how Apple will jump into the autonomous driving fray, although there has been whispers in the past about Apple working on a fully electric car before. Reuters did report that the likes of Lyft and Waymo, too, have thrown in their own requests to the California DMV. It will take some more time for additional details to be revealed concerning the plans of all these companies who might be working individually or even together on a fully autonomous electric truck, but a whole lot of it will depend on whether the existing weight limit restriction will be modified to cater to these requests.

Alternatively, perhaps licensing for such special requests can be given out to specific companies with selected goals, and initial testing ought to be restricted to a particular area. However, there is no better way to test out a technology than to throw it into the thick of action, but will such autonomous driving algorithms be up to the task in real world road conditions? Only time will be able to tell, but no one would be comfortable with the idea of an 80,000 lbs truck bearing down on their rear simply because the camera and sensors on that autonomous truck malfunctioned.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.