Significant Decline in Autonomous Vehicle Testing Miles in 2024

Autonomous vehicle testing in California has seen a significant decline, with testing miles dropping by 50% in 2024, according to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The total miles logged for autonomous vehicle tests were 4.5 million, a sharp reduction compared to previous years. This drop is particularly noticeable in the driverless testing category, which fell by 83% from 3.26 million miles in 2023 to just 552,895 miles in 2024.

Decrease in Active Testing Companies

The reduction in testing is due to several factors, including a shift in focus from testing to scaling up commercial operations. Companies such as Waymo and Cruise have notably reduced their testing activities. Waymo has moved towards operating its robotaxi services in San Francisco and Los Angeles, reducing its testing efforts. In contrast, Cruise faced a suspension of its permits in October 2023 and ultimately ceased testing in California.

Disengagement Reports and Testing Permits

The DMV also released its annual disengagement reports, detailing instances when human drivers had to take control due to technology failures or safety concerns. These reports have been criticized for inconsistent standards across companies, making it difficult to assess the performance of autonomous vehicles.

Testing permits have also seen a decline. In 2022, the DMV issued four new permits for autonomous vehicle testing with a human driver. By 2024, this number dropped to just one new permit, reflecting a slowdown in the expansion of autonomous vehicle testing in the state. Tesla, for example, did not log any autonomous miles in 2024.

Financial Constraints and Industry Consolidation

The reduction in testing miles can be linked to financial constraints and a shift toward commercial operations. With fewer companies willing to invest in extensive testing, the industry has become more consolidated. Waymo and AutoX are among the few companies still actively testing, with Waymo continuing its focus on driverless testing in select locations.

Despite the downturn, some companies continue to secure significant investments. Wayve raised $1 billion in May 2024, and Waymo raised $5.6 billion in November 2024. However, the industry now has fewer active participants, with just 31 companies holding permits for testing with a safety driver, and only 11 of them conducted testing on public roads in 2024.

Conclusion

The decline in autonomous vehicle testing in California highlights challenges within the industry, from financial hurdles to shifting regulatory environments. While some companies like Waymo continue to move forward with commercial operations, the overall trend points to fewer players and a more cautious approach to testing and development.