December 20th 2016
The new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid based self-driving prototype by Google has been revealed. It will be taking part in the trials as a part of the Waymo self-driving project.
Waymo, led by John Krafcik, is one of the first self-driving taxi services which will be made available to the public in the coming few days. The company has already started testing the prototypes, some of which features no steering wheel or pedals.
The partnership between Google and Fiat Chrysler Automobile was first announced in May. FCA decided to supply the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid prototypes, whereas Google worked on the autonomous technology. The prototype models are equipped with hardware and software enhancements, which provide autonomous driving experience.
The first prototypes were tested at the FCA’s Chelsea Proving Grounds in Chelsea and Michigan. Later, more tests were conducted in Arizona as well as Waymo’s testing sites in California.
Other automakers have also been conducting trials for autonomous cars at different locations. General Motors is about to start the trials for the Chevy Bolt EV in Michigan. nuTommy has also announced trials in Boston, Massachusetts, and Uber is already testing its autonomous vehicles in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and San Francisco, California.