The hype surrounding electric vehicles (EVs) and robotaxis has died down significantly since the early 2020s, but carmakers are still committed to making them a reality. On a recent episode of The Vergecast, Andy Hawkins explained why the momentum has slowed, but why carmakers can't afford to give up on EVs and robotaxis just yet.

One of the primary reasons for the slowdown is the significant investment required to develop and implement EV and robotaxi technology. Ford, for instance, lost $5 billion on EVs in 2024, and Volkswagen is still working on its promised $20,000 EV. Despite these setbacks, carmakers are pushing forward, driven by the potential long-term benefits of EVs and robotaxis, including reduced emissions and increased efficiency.

Robotaxis, in particular, are gaining traction, with Uber and Lyft resuming their plans to automate ride-sharing. Lyft aims to launch its robotaxi service in 2026, while Uber is preparing to introduce Waymo to Austin. The potential for robotaxis to disrupt the transportation industry is significant, and carmakers are eager to be at the forefront of this revolution.

The EV and robotaxi landscape is not without its challenges, however. Senate Republicans have introduced bills to make EVs more expensive, and EV truck maker Nikola recently went bust. Despite these obstacles, carmakers are committed to making EVs and robotaxis a reality, driven by the potential for long-term growth and innovation.

In addition to the EV and robotaxi discussion, the episode of The Vergecast also touched on the fediverse, with Evan Prodromou, research director at the Social Web Foundation, providing insight into the rise of Bluesky and the ambitions of the ActivityPub universe. The episode also addressed the price of the iPhone 16E, with the hosts arguing that cheaper phones are a good thing for consumers.

The continued investment in EVs and robotaxis is a testament to the potential for innovation and disruption in the transportation industry. While the road to widespread adoption may be long and winding, carmakers are committed to making EVs and robotaxis a reality, and the implications for the environment, economy, and society as a whole could be significant.

As the industry continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor the progress of EVs and robotaxis, as well as the challenges and obstacles that carmakers face. With the potential for significant growth and innovation, the future of transportation is looking increasingly electric and autonomous.