Part 11/12:
The consensus among experts is cautious optimism. While technological breakthroughs are happening—like Tesla’s new V12 chip and China’s licensing—full autonomy is still at least a decade away, with many hurdles remaining. The potential for autonomous vehicles to revolutionize transportation is undeniable, but the path is long and fraught with regulatory, technological, and economic challenges.
Already, the market reflects this uncertainty with low valuations for many AV firms. Nonetheless, the foundational technology is advancing, and companies like Tesla remain optimistic. If history is any guide, transformational shifts like EVs and automation often take longer than initially expected but eventually reshape industries.