Smart Driving Cars episode 319 Communications, Catalytic Converters, Ford, Tesla, Waymo and more

·1 hr 24 min·5 clips

A DOT official warns that government data to driverless cars creates unpredictable liability risks.

The episode opens with hosts Fred Fishkin and Alan Kornhauser welcoming consultant Michael Senna, who joins from Scranton. They begin by discussing Michael's article on vehicle-to-vehicle communication, contrasting European DSRC approaches with U.S. cellular V2X. Michael highlights liability concerns when governments provide data to driverless cars. Alan argues for simple analog signals like brake lights over complex V2V systems, but Michael counters with an example of a stop-sign accident that technology could prevent. The conversation shifts to catalytic converter theft, questioning why cars use precious metals that attract thieves. Alan shares anecdotes about car security flaws. Next, they analyze Ford's electric vehicle business, noting it consumes profits from internal combustion vehicles while losing market share in China. Michael suggests Tesla's charging partnership might further disadvantage Ford. They discuss Volvo's layoffs after a profitable quarter, linking it to its Chinese ownership and electric transition. Michael then critiques Zoox's self-certification for bypassing federal safety standards requiring a driver. The hosts debate whether autonomous vehicles should operate under existing laws or new exemptions. Later, they touch on Tesla's Model Y sales, data leak controversies, and Neuralink's FDA approval. The episode concludes with remarks on Waymo-Uber partnerships and autonomous vehicle deployment challenges in cities like San Francisco.

As heard by us

A practical mobility-policy debate about communication standards, China exposure, and keeping ICE in play.

Smart Driving Cars turns its attention to vehicle-to-vehicle communication, with Michael Senna revisiting DSRC, the European Commission's push for Wi-Fi-based systems, and the FCC-driven move away from a technology that saw little use after 20 years.

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Why you'd press play

A blunt car-policy argument about vehicle-to-vehicle communication, China exposure, and the case for keeping ICE in the mix.

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