GM’s self-driving division, Cruise, has officially decided to abandon its plans for the Origin robotaxi, meaning those sleek autonomous vehicles won’t be available anytime soon. Designed as a glimpse into the future of rideshare technology with its spacious, boxy structure and absence of driver controls, the ambitious concept is now being replaced with more affordable Chevy Bolts.
According to Tech Crunch, GM CEO Mary Barra informed shareholders that the pivot from Origin robotaxis to next-generation Bolts aims to "simplify their path to scale." In simpler terms, Bolts are much more budget-friendly and do not encounter the regulatory challenges associated with fully driverless vehicles. The Origin robotaxi, lacking the capability for a driver and featuring what GM calls "campfire seating," currently does not comply with regulatory requirements. While details about the specifics of the next-gen Bolt and its level of autonomy remain unclear, it will serve as the foundation for Cruise’s upcoming vehicle.
A GM spokesperson told The Drive, “GM and Cruise are optimizing resources to focus development of our next autonomous vehicle on the next-generation Bolt instead of the Origin. This shift creates a more cost-effective and scalable option for pursuing an autonomous future faster, while avoiding the uncertain path to regulatory compliance in the U.S. that could impede scaling of the Origin. The Origin does not include a steering wheel and brake pedals and uses campfire seating, a design that is currently not permitted.”
It’s important to consider the timing of this decision. Over the past year, Cruise has faced high-profile incidents that led California to tighten regulations and even suspend its permits for testing self-driving cars when the company failed to cooperate with an investigation. Although Cruise paid a fine to resume operations in California, the damage to its public image has already been done. Furthermore, with a staggering second-quarter operating loss of $1.14 billion, Cruise can ill afford to continue pouring resources into the Origin. Transitioning to the Bolt not only conserves funds but also serves as a more favorable showcase for Chevy’s self-driving technology in consumer vehicles, albeit these are limited to Level 2 Super Cruise rather than the Level 4 autonomy intended for robotaxis.
Updated at 1:15 p.m. ET on 07/23/2023: This article now includes General Motors’ statement provided to The Drive.
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