Taiwan’s Foxconn says driverless technology coming sooner than expected

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foxconn Chief Strategy Officer for EVs Seki Jun said Level 4 autonomous driving technology is likely to become commercially viable sooner than previously expected, Nikkei Asia reported Thursday.

The EV chief said recent improvements have changed his outlook over the past few months. Level 4 technology allows vehicles to operate without a driver under specific conditions.

Seki said the reliability of autonomous driving systems has improved, citing an overseas example in which vehicle disengagements have fallen to about once every 30,000 kilometers. Vehicle disengagements are when vehicles come to a complete halt.

Seki said autonomous driving is likely to become more affordable and reliable between 2030 and 2035, with more companies offering such services. He expects Level 4 or higher technology to be installed in more than 80% of vehicles by around 2040.

Foxconn has been expanding its EV business by leveraging its expertise in electronics integration and manufacturing, per Nikkei Asia. The company has produced EVs for Yulon Motor since 2023 and offers contract manufacturing services for a range of EVs.

Seki said autonomous driving could become a key advantage for EVs over hybrid vehicles because the technology’s high power demands are better suited to battery-powered cars. He added that Foxconn is developing electrical and electronic architectures, as well as operating systems, capable of supporting Level 4 autonomous driving.

Japan legalized Level 4 autonomous driving in 2023 and aims to have 10,000 Level 4 buses, taxis and other vehicles in operation by fiscal 2030. Toyota plans to introduce the technology in its e-Palette EV in fiscal 2027, while Nissan plans to launch a robotaxi pilot program in Tokyo later this year.

Seki acknowledged that long charging times remain one of the biggest obstacles to wider EV adoption. He said EVs could compete with hybrid vehicles without subsidies once charging and other practical challenges are addressed.

Foxconn has also expanded partnerships with automakers in Japan and overseas. Mitsubishi Motors plans to launch a Foxconn-supplied EV in Oceania later this year. Foxconn also announced a joint venture with Poland’s ElectroMobility Poland in May, per Reuters.