X @Herbert Ong

Technical Feasibility & Applications - The industry confirms gas/hybrid vehicles can achieve high levels of autonomous driving (SAE Level 4 or 5), though less common than EVs [1] - Autonomy primarily relies on sensors, computing hardware, and software, making the powertrain (gas, hybrid, or electric) secondary [2] - Waymo's initial robotaxi fleet used hybrid Chrysler Pacifica minivans for years [2] - Retrofit kits exist to add autonomy to existing gas/hybrid vehicles for Level 4 operation in defined areas [3] EV Dominance & Advantages - Autonomous systems consume significant power (up to 2-3 kW continuously), which EVs handle efficiently [4] - Electric motors provide instant, precise torque control, ideal for autonomous maneuvers, while gas engines have inherent delays [5] - EVs offer lower "fuel" (electricity) and maintenance costs, plus easier centralized charging for robotaxi fleets [5] - EVs have fewer moving parts, meaning less downtime for high-utilization robotaxis [5] - Companies target zero-emission goals, making gas/hybrids less desirable due to tailpipe pollution [6] Market Outlook & Trends - In the short term, gas/hybrids will continue supporting autonomy in personal cars (Level 2-3) [7] - Long-term, EVs will dominate full driverless robotaxis due to economic advantages [8] - Niche paths for gas/hybrids exist in trucking/logistics or retrofits for specific uses [8] - Ford expects a massive $195 billion write-down related to its EV investments and has lost $13 billion on its EV business since 2023 [9]