Google Adds Lexus Rx450h To Ongoing Self-driving Car Project

03 Aug 2015

The self-driving car turns out to be a very smart ride

Google's self-driving car is an ambitious project that hopes to end human error behind the wheel with a sophisticated software solution. The tech titan's robo-cars have logged more than 700,000 hours since it began working on the vehicles in 2009. Google expects to have them ready for public use between 2017 and 2020.

The Internet search giant has clocked in over 300,000 miles testing its self-driving Toyota Prius, sweeping across city-scapes and suburbs alike. Now, it has added another hybrid to the mix, the Lexus RX450h, as it turns its attention to more treacherous and tricky road conditions. In the present time Google is testing its new self-driving smart car in Austin Texas.

Google Company uncovered new tests for Google car in different environments to test the efficiency of the car programs while driving in different conditions and roads . “To provide the best experience we can, we’ll need to master snow-covered roadways, interpret temporary construction signals and handle other tricky situations that many drivers encounter,” said Chris Urmson, Engineering Lead of the Self-driving program. With the RX450h’s electric all-wheel-drive system Google should have little difficulty traversing the tricky terrain it has planned.

Google smart car is driven by two drivers to make sure of the car safety and control it in time , if necessary. The car is not yet released in Austin streets until going through the official procedures. The car obtained the permission of the city governor, police and Ministry of Transportation.