Keep your eyes peeled for self-driving cars the next time you're in Las Vegas, thanks to a partnership between Lyft and self-driving car manufacturer Motional.
We took a self-driving Lyft through Vegas
It’s perhaps not surprising that Las Vegas would be a testing ground for autonomous vehicle (AV) rideshares. Especially considering that Nevada is one of several U.S. states that has taken steps to legalize AVs on public roads. And that’s exactly what’s happened, with Lyft rolling out a number of Motional’s IONIQ 5 all-electric AVs to its Vegas network.
Developed with the help of Motional’s parent company, Hyundai, the IONIQ 5 is designed primarily as a “ride-hail vehicle.” It’s mid-sized to provide more space for passengers and offers multiple charging stations in case someone needs to charge their smartphone or other devices.
And because the IONIQ 5 is built to work with Lyft’s network, it offers some features you might not find when you hop in a standard ride. According to Motional, the Lyft app can unlock the AV’s doors once it’s in place, and the car won’t move until you give permission from your phone. While the app isn’t required, the IONIQ 5 also has built-in touchscreens that can be used to start a ride, call customer service, or get more trip information.
