Google takes to the road with its driverless cars

The internet is buzzing with news that Google is to build its own self-driving cars. So what exactly are they?

What is it?

Where can I buy one?

Why is Google building driverless cars?

It's worth noting that Google invested $258m in Uber, the controversial cab service app, last year. Marry up a smartphone-operated cab system with cabs that drive themselves, and you could have a very lucrative business.

Will they be safe?

Google's current crop of self-driving hybrid Prius cars have already clocked up over 700,000 incident-free miles in America. (To be fair, there have been two incidents. One was when a human was at the controls, and the other was when the car was hit from behind.)

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Although Google claims the cars will have no controls, the prototypes will initially have a steering wheel, accelerator and brakes to comply with safety laws in America.

Are there any other driverless cars?

driverless car project