Last updated on February 9th, 2026 at 09:23 pm
Tesla launches its most inexpensive trim of new Model Y
JOEY KLENDER 5-6-2025
Tesla has officially launched its most affordable trim of the best-selling Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model Y, priced just under $45,000 before federal tax credits. This latest model offers an impressive 357 miles of range – 30 additional miles over the AWD version – and accelerates from 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds. Tesla has also introduced several design upgrades, including acoustic glass for a quieter cabin, enhanced heated and ventilated seating throughout, and improved door closures. Tesla has begun accepting orders for the new Model Y with deliveries expected within the next 5 weeks.
US House Is Likely to Kill EV Tax Credit, Speaker Johnson Says
ARI NATTER 5-6-2025
Congress is likely to end the EV tax credit soon, despite arguments that it creates jobs and lowers emissions. House Speaker Mike Johnson mentioned that killing the credit seems more probable. Similar reductions have occurred in Germany and China. In the U. S., cutting the tax credit while EV sales grow poses challenges, especially with tariffs on imported vehicles. Automakers may sell EVs at a loss. If the credit is eliminated, a significant disruption in the EV market is expected. Buyers should consider purchasing an affordable EV now.
Waymo Robotaxis Are Better Than Human Drivers. But Not Everywhere
SUVRAT KOTHARI 5-5-2025
Robots have become part of our daily lives, including driverless taxis now operating in many cities. A study from Waymo shows that their self-driving cars are safer than human drivers, with lower crash rates found through over 56. 7 million miles of data. Key safety improvements include a 96% reduction in injuries at intersections and 91% fewer airbag deployments.
Waymo’s cars are proving to be safer. They need to drive more miles to confirm long-term safety statistics. Upcoming tests in cities with diverse weather will be important. Waymo has been more transparent about its data compared to Tesla, which has faced skepticism about its safety claims. Driverless taxis are expected to grow, with Uber and Lyft supporting the trend.
Uber partners with China’s Pony AI to deploy self-driving taxis in key Middle East market
REUTERS 5-6-2025
On Tuesday, Uber announced a new partnership with China-based autonomous vehicle developer Pony AI, aiming to boost its robotaxi fleet through integration with Pony AI’s ride-hailing platform. The collaboration is part of Uber’s broader strategy to stay competitive against rivals like Lyft and Tesla, both of which are ramping up their own autonomous vehicle and robotaxi initiatives.
Before going fully driverless, the robotaxis will launch with onboard safety operators. The initial rollout is planned for the Middle East later this year, with global expansion on the horizon.
Waymo and Toyota partner to go after Tesla with personal self-driving vehicles
FRED LAMBERT 4-30-2025
Waymo and Toyota have partnered to challenge Tesla in the realm of personally owned self-driving vehicles. While Waymo leads the autonomous driving market with around 250,000 paid autonomous rides weekly, Tesla is only now beginning similar services in Austin. Despite Tesla’s lead in personally owned self-driving vehicles, it has yet to fulfill its promise of unsupervised self-driving capabilities in consumer vehicles. Meanwhile, Waymo and Toyota aim to integrate Waymo’s autonomous technology with Toyota’s vehicle expertise for next-generation personally owned vehicles. This collaboration could result in Waymo’s technology being embedded into Toyota’s consumer vehicles, paralleling Tesla’s ambition to license its self-driving technology to other automakers—a goal yet to materialize. Waymo also has a similar partnership with Hyundai, focusing initially on Hyundai vehicles for its ride-hailing fleet.
Uber strikes deal with May Mobility to deploy ‘thousands’ of robotaxis
ANDREW J. HAWKINS 5-1-2025
May Mobility, an autonomous vehicle operator focused on long-term transportation contracts, has partnered with Uber to deploy “thousands” of robotaxis across multiple US markets. The partnership will start in Arlington, Texas, at the end of 2025, initially with vehicles operated by safety drivers before transitioning to fully driverless. The companies plan to expand into additional cities next year. May Mobility currently owns a fleet of autonomous Toyota Sienna minivans and operates in geofenced areas like campuses and residential communities. The partnership with Uber is non-exclusive, as May also collaborates with Lyft, while Uber works with multiple AV firms, including Waymo and Motional. Unlike some, May emphasizes addressing municipal concerns and launching electric minibuses for larger capacity, aiming for deployment next year.
