The Vergecast Argo’s CEO explains why its fleet of self-driving taxis won’t be all-electric (at first)
Feb 25, 2020
Brian Salesky, CEO of Argo AI, leads a self-driving car company backed by Ford and Volkswagen. He discusses the intriguing debate over whether self-driving fleets should go all-electric. Salesky highlights the financial challenges of recouping costs associated with advanced technology. He explores urban deployment complexities, including safety and community trust. Alongside Andrew Hawkins, they delve into the future of autonomous vehicles and the potential transformation they could bring to city transportation and mobility.
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Paradigm Shift in Urban Transportation
- Brian Salesky is betting on a paradigm shift in urban transportation with autonomous vehicles.
- He believes this will necessitate city infrastructure adapting to manage traffic data and communicate with cars.
Phased Transition to Electric
- Argo's approach to an all-electric fleet involves a phased transition.
- Hybrids offer a good balance in the near term due to power consumption and charging infrastructure limitations.
DARPA Urban Challenge
- In the DARPA Urban Challenge, Brian Salesky's team used a Chevy Tahoe with a large alternator, which caused unexpected problems.
- The alternator blocked airflow, leading to melted wiring harnesses and necessitating modifications for cooling.