Samsung Follows Apple, Abandons Autonomous Driving and EV Research Initiatives

Samsung has reportedly halted its autonomous EV driving research project. The company's Advanced Institute of Technology branch has dropped autonomous driving from its research initiatives. This move comes after allegations surfaced claiming Apple has quit studying the EV business.

Samsung's Strategic Shift: From Autonomous EVs to Robotics Amid Industry Challenges and Apple's Lead

According to BusinessKorea, Samsung is halting the "era of autonomous EV driving." Instead, the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology will shift development professionals to the robotics industry as part of a selection and focus strategy.

An industry insider suggested that Samsung's move mirrors Apple's decision, attributing it to the challenges of technology realization and the lack of substantial returns on investment.

“Samsung Electronics' following Apple in ceasing autonomous vehicle research appears to be due to the difficulties in technology realization and the lack of significant returns compared to investment," it stated.

Apple's EV Ventures: From Abandoning the Apple Car to Potential Partnership with Rivian Amid Industry Scrutiny

Earlier this year, Apple abandoned its Apple Car development project, as per The Verge. In addition, the business has disbanded the Special Projects Group, which was in charge of autonomous EV development. However, current sources indicate that Apple may sign an arrangement with Rivian to continue its EV R&D.

According to Bloomberg, Apple's chief operating officer, Jeff Williams, and Kevin Lynch, a vice president in charge of the project, informed employees that it was being discontinued. The site claims there will be layoffs, but how many employees were affected is unclear.

Apple's plans to make its own electric car have been reported for years, and the latest reports suggest the company is still working on it. Wired reported that Apple had traveled over 45,000 miles in 2023 using the autonomous driving technology it has built, while Bloomberg reported in January that Apple had extended the car's projected delivery date to 2028.

Global EV manufacturers, including Tesla, are under examination for fully automated driving. The United States is investigating Elon Musk's electric vehicle startup. Federal prosecutor for "wire fraud" (misleading customers) and "security fraud" (deceiving securities investors).

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