Last updated on February 9th, 2026 at 05:23 pm
Tesla rejected $60 million settlement in Autopilot case that ultimately cost it 4 times that amount (Andrew J. Hawkins – August 26, 2025)
A filing for attorneys’ fees and cost this week by Plaintiffs’ counsel in the Benevides case, which we have been following closely, revealed that Tesla rejected a $60 million settlement demand. Although this pretrial demand was considerably less than the eventual $243 million verdict, it does not appear that Tesla thought the possibility of a punitive damages award was likely prior to trial. As we reported, the punitive damages award was $200 million and will certainly be appealed. Tesla countered the families’ proposed settlement with a much lower offer that demanded confidentiality, which was declined. Attorney Brett Schreiber highlighted that Tesla’s proposal was a fraction of the demand and the jury’s verdict. This case illuminates Tesla’s legal strategies when dealing with lawsuits related to its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features, an area linked with numerous crashes and fatalities, yet often settled outside the courtroom.
BYD’s Ferrari-slaying electric supercar shatters the EV speed record at nearly 300 mph (Peter Johnson – August 26, 2025)
BYD’s Yangwang U9 Track Edition has officially seized the title of the world’s fastest electric vehicle. During an August 8 test at Germany’s ATP Papenburg track, the Chinese-built hypercar reached a blistering 472.41 km/h (roughly 293 mph), surpassing the previous EV speed record by over 20%. More than a feat of speed, this moment marks a historic milestone: the first time a Chinese automaker has captured a global performance record at this scale, signaling China’s rising influence in a hypercar market long dominated by European giants.
With a starting price around $233,000, the hypercar delivers superior performance while costing nearly half as much as established supercar rivals like the Ferrari SF90 and Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.
Tesla FSD V14 to ‘Feel Alive,’ Second Biggest FSD Update Ever (Staff – August 20, 2025)
Elon Musk has confirmed that the next FSD update will be FSD v14, which is expected to be a significant improvement over previous versions. This update will only be available for HW4 vehicles and aims to reduce driver monitoring while enhancing the FSD experience.
FSD v14 will utilize 10 times more parameters than v13, improving performance and video quality. Musk highlighted that the update would make FSD feel more natural and human-like. He mentioned that driver monitoring would be less intense, allowing for more leniency unless drivers are frequently distracted. FSD v14 is anticipated to be released by the end of September, with the potential for new features like parking in garages and driveways.
Honda Taps Startup’s AI Tech for Self-Driving Cars (Graham Hope – August 21, 2025)
Honda has partnered with U.S. startup Helm.ai to integrate advanced AI technology into its mainstream vehicles’ ADAS. This “multi-year joint development agreement” will enhance Honda’s offerings with Helm.ai‘s real-time AI software, including autonomous driving features suited for highway and urban environments. Helm.ai’s suite includes perception and path prediction AI, leveraging Deep Teaching technology pre-trained on large datasets. This collaboration aims to accelerate Honda’s “Navigate on Autopilot” platform, offering partial automation and enhancing vehicle autonomy within broader model ranges. While Honda initiated automation with the Level 3 Legend sedan in 2021, the partnership seeks to regain competitive edge, targeting mass production after 2027. Honda aims to create a seamless driving experience across diverse terrains, focusing on reducing traffic collisions through advanced AI integration.
Stellantis pauses launch of automated driving tech due to ‘very limited’ market demand (Luke Ramseth – August 26, 2025)
Stellantis has suspended its plans to roll out Level 3 automated driving technology in its vehicles, citing high development costs, limited consumer demand, and ongoing technical challenges. Although the company had previously promoted its AutoDrive system as a major step forward in its software strategy, executives now say the technology won’t be launched any time soon despite having the capability in place if market conditions change.
This move reflects a broader pullback in Stellantis’s in-house software ambitions as the automaker shifts focus to external partners, such as aiMotive, to manage advanced driving development. The pause also comes amid weaker software performance, internal leadership changes, and declining stock value, raising questions about the company’s ability to compete in the increasingly software-driven future of mobility.
Waymo Brings Robotaxis to NYC Streets – But Can They Handle the Chaos? (Max Taylor – August 26, 2025)
Waymo has received the first permit to test self-driving cars in New York City, starting this September with eight Jaguar I-Pace EVs. Testing in the busy environment of Manhattan poses challenges, raising concerns about safety. Waymo claims its cars are safer than human drivers. The move is seen as a chance to establish leadership in autonomous tech, especially amid competition with Tesla. Success in New York could influence public perception and future approvals elsewhere, while failure could reinforce criticisms of autonomous vehicles. Ordinary New Yorkers wonder if robotaxis will improve their commutes or add to the chaos.
