All the data needs to be combined, sorted, and turned into a robot-friendly picture of the world, with instructions on how to move through it. That takes huge computing power, which means huge electricity demands. Prototypes use around 2,500 watts, enough to light 40 incandescent light bulbs... that draw translates to reduced range, because power from the battery goes to the computers instead of the motors... Maybe you’re old enough to have dealt with a parent who turned off the car's AC to save gas. Now imagine having to turn off the self-driving abilities just to make it to your destination without running out of electrons.
Self-Driving Cars Use Crazy Amounts of Power, and It's Becoming a Problem
Self-Driving Cars Use Crazy Amounts of Power, and It's Becoming a Problem