Google's new car has it all — except a steering wheel, brakes, and need for a driver

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Google's new car has it all — except a steering wheel, brakes, and need for a driver
(Image credit: 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, The Week US

Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.