Google's new car has it all — except a steering wheel, brakes, and need for a driver
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Google has developed an electric-powered, bubble-shaped, two-seater car that will have no need for silly things like brakes, a gas pedal, and a driver. Instead of depending on a person, it will drive itself, Google co-founder Sergey Brin announced Tuesday night at a tech conference in Southern California.
Google already has a fleet of Lexus SUVs and Toyota Priuses with sensors and computers that drive around California, but there are "safety drivers" on board in case something happens. These new cars will cart passengers around, with no need for a driver.
"It reminded me of catching a chairlift by yourself," Brin said of his first ride in the car. "A bit of solitude I found really enjoyable." Google's goal is to have 100 prototypes out in a year's time for a pilot program. They'll be easy to spot, as they won't go any faster than 25 miles per hour. Don't get too excited about having your own chauffeur, though — Google will not be selling the car to the public. But you can watch it in action below. --Catherine Garcia
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Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
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