Google broadens its self-driving car tests in Austin

Saturday Google held an event in Austin to announce it will be testing more self-driving cars in the city. (Google)

Google is expanding its self-driving car tests in Austin, and will begin testing its prototype in the city in the next few weeks.

Earlier this summer Google brought a couple of self-driving Lexus RX 450h SUVs to Austin. Until now, the company was only testing its prototype near its Mountain View, Calif. headquarters.

Google’s fleet of self-driving cars consists mostly of the Lexus SUVs, which are retrofitted with the equipment needed for autonomous vehicles. Google’s prototype vehicle was built from the ground up with autonomous driving in mind. It’s limited to a top speed of 25 mph, seats two people and does not have airbags.

Google will be testing north and northeast of downtown Austin. It is encouraging residents who encounter the cars to send it feedback online.

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