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Michigan Gives GM the Green Light to Test Autonomous Cars on Public Roads

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Self-driving Chevy Bolts have begun testing on public roadways in Michigan

GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra said Michigan provides the ideal location for testing the autonomous Bolt’s winter driving abilities
Photo: © General Motors

General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra officially announced the company will begin testing autonomous Bolt EVs on public roadways in Michigan, effective immediately.


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This announcement comes on the heels of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signing the SAVE Act legislation. This new policy allows self-driving cars to operate on public roadways without a driver present behind the wheel. This legislation also gives automakers the right to offer autonomous ride-sharing services, as well as the right to sell fully autonomous vehicles in the not too distant future. All told, this new act allows Michigan to compete on the same level with Silicon Valley when it comes to new vehicle technology.

Self-driving Chevy Bolts have begun testing on public roadways in Michigan

Autonomous Chevy Bolt EV
Photo: © General Motors

“Revolutionizing transportation for our customers while improving safety on roads is the goal of our autonomous vehicle technology, and today’s announcement gets us one step closer to making this vision a reality,” said General Motors Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “Our autonomous technology will be reliable and safe, as customers have come to expect from any of our vehicles.”

GM has already started testing its self-driving Chevrolet Bolt EVs on public roads around GM’s Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan. These Bolts are all painted white and are equipped with technology such as LIDAR, sensors, cameras, and other advanced equipment. In addition, engineers have given animal names to all of the self-driving Bolts, which are clearly displayed on each car’s rear bumper and hood.

These autonomous Bolt EVs were already testing in both California and Arizona, but being able to test them in Michigan will allow GM engineers to see how these vehicles perform in colder conditions.


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Photos: GM To Begin Testing Autonomous Vehicles