[tophi]

Yes, the current delta was not massive and will shrink over time.

By getting rid of the extra sensors they eliminate a temporary crutch and focus resources on the simple solution.

Not a new concept by the way. Henry Ford was obsessed with simplifying and eliminating every part that wasn’t necessary on the model T for virtually all the same reasons.

[GuB-42]

The difference is that Ford started with something that worked. The Ford T is noteworthy because of the way it was made, not for its abilities as an automobile.

Tesla is starting with something that doesn't work. No one has been able to achieve full autonomy yet, not even Waymo on its own turf, despite Waymo being well ahead of Tesla. I trust Tesla will be able to close the gap and be able to perform to the its current standards without radar and ultrasound, and it would be fine if the current standards weren't terrible in the first place. What I mean is that Tesla is currently at the awkward spot where it is good enough for cruise control, but not good enough to safely take a nap in the driver seat.

As for the "simple solution", you may know the saying "For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong". I think it applies here.

[7e]

What crutch? What simplification? These sensors are widely deployed and have already been perfected. Systems which use only one modality are the crutch. Sensor fused systems will always be safer, and are the future.

This move is purely about screwing passenger safety for cost and sales.