Photo: Terry Chea ~ AP
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November 10, 2026 ~ Tesla’s robotaxis are now being seen on the street of Detroit, alongside the Waymo robotaxis. What does this competition mean for the City? Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson ask Detroit News Auto Columnist, Henry Payne about it.
DETROIT ~ Autonomous ride-hailing companies Tesla and Waymo are bringing their robotaxi technology to Metro Detroit, where Michigan’s snow, ice and challenging winter driving conditions could provide one of the industry’s toughest tests. Henry Payne, auto columnist for The Detroit News, said the region’s changing weather will help determine how well the competing autonomous systems perform outside the warmer climates where they have largely operated.
The competition extends beyond technology. Tesla is betting that its camera-only system can lower costs and make large-scale robotaxi fleets more affordable, while Waymo relies on a combination of cameras, radar and LiDAR sensors. If the companies can prove their vehicles can safely operate in Michigan’s conditions, the testing could accelerate the expansion of driverless ride-hailing services across the Midwest.
