Nvidia is obviously in the news constantly because of the AI boom — but it's also a major supplier to the entire auto industry As head of Nvidia's automotive division, Xinzhou Wu has a front-row seat to all the challenges EVs and autonomous vehicles are facing, especially in the US. And of course, you can’t talk about electric cars or vehicle autonomy in the US without talking about Elon Musk and Tesla. So I asked Xinzhou pretty directly if Tesla full self driving can actually do what Elon claims it will be able to do without using LiDAR. You tell me if you think his answer holds up. Read the ⁠full interview transcript on The Verge⁠ [https://www.theverge.com/podcast/964614/nvidia-auto-xinzhou-wu-ev-ai-hyperion-autonomy-cars-tesla]. Links:  * Nvidia’s head of autonomous driving opens up about his plans | The Verge [https://www.theverge.com/tech/892395/nvidia-autonomous-vehicle-xinzhou-wu-interview] * Hyundai, Nissan, BYD, and Geely Join Nvidia’s Level 4 | MotorTrend [https://www.motortrend.com/news/nvidias-drive-hyperion-platform-gains-new-automaker-partners-for-level-4-autonomous-vehicles] * Nvidia, auto suppliers roll out partnerships to rekindle self-driving  | Reuters [https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/nvidia-auto-suppliers-roll-out-partnerships-rekindle-self-driving-push-2026-01-09/] * Meet Alpamayo, Nvidia’s new AI model for autonomous cars | Forbes [https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonmarkman/2026/01/07/meet-alpamayo-nvidias-new-ai-model-for-autonomous-vehicles/] * I tested Nvidia’s FSD competitor — Tesla should be worried | The Verge [https://www.theverge.com/news/852880/nvidia-autonomous-driving-demo-tesla-fsd] Subscribe to The Verge [https://www.theverge.com/subscribe] to access the ad-free version of Decoder! Credits: Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Decoder’s producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt; this episode was edited by Xander Adams. Our editorial director is Kevin McShane.  The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]