Daimler shows off its road-approved self-driving 18-wheeler

Daimler has a self-driving Freightliner 18-wheeler licensed to drive

(Image credit: AP/YouTube)

published 7 May 2015

Self-driving vehicles aren't limited to sedans. On Tuesday, Daimler Trucks unveiled the Freightliner Inspiration, the first autonomous commercial truck given permission to drive on public roads, in this case, Nevada highways. At Tuesday's unveiling ceremony, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) ceremonially gave Daimler its special permit to test its self-driving big rig on public roads around Las Vegas. On Wednesday, Daimler gave test-rides to the media. Here is The Associated Press' report:

Daimler says that the Inspiration, when it hits the market, will still require a driver to be behind the wheel, even if he or she isn't touching it. The 18-wheeler can't change lanes on its own yet, for instance. The advantage of semi-autonomous trucks is supposed to be safety and fuel efficiency, but they won't be viable until more than four states and Washington, D.C., allow self-driving vehicles on their roads.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.