iPhones have LIDAR, so you could already make that case. I doubt that all LIDAR is the same, though, and there are more expensive solutions for increased range and speed, reliability, durability.

Tesla's was more likely motivated by supply chain issues, though, as well as what seems to be a weirdly motivated Elon sticking point that humans can drive successfully with just vision.

Tesla’s argument centered around the idea that vision and LiDAR were not complementary. They questioned the reliability of having two different sensors providing conflicting information and the challenge of determining which one is accurate.

When tesla was first saying that LIDAR was nothing more than a laser and receiving optics mounted on a spinning hub that spun real fast. Like old those big radar dishes on big navy ships.

In the years since, ic and component manufacturers have created solid state lidar. They're basically little electronics modules that cost a few dozen dollars, no motors, etc.

The world changes. Better components come along

I guess that dog's LiDAR doesn't need to read much longer distances with maximum accuracy at like 150+ Km/h speed; then add certifications et al for automotive use and you probably have very different costs.