Last updated on February 9th, 2026 at 05:18 pm
Amazon’s Zoox seeks U.S. approval for driverless car deployment (Keith Laing, 09-24-2025)
Amazon-owned Zoox is seeking federal approval to deploy up to 2,500 driverless vehicles in the U.S., asking regulators for exemptions from certain longstanding safety requirements, such as those mandating windshield defrosters, traditional braking systems, and manual controls. The fully autonomous vehicles, which lack steering wheels and pedals, are purpose-built for robotaxi service. If granted, the exemptions would mark a significant step toward large-scale deployment of control-less autonomous vehicles and reflect growing regulatory momentum in favor of next-generation mobility solutions.
Goodbye to the $7,500 EV tax credit. What’s that mean for EV practices? (Chris Isidore, 09-23-2025)
Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States are expected to decline after the $7,500 federal tax credit for EV buyers expires on October 1. This tax credit, introduced in 2022 to promote EVs, will end due to new legislation. Sales rose 7% in 2024 but recently slowed, prompting consumers to rush to buy before the expiration. Automakers may lower prices or offer incentives to maintain demand. However, many buyers still plan to purchase EVs due to their performance and environmental benefits, despite the loss of the tax credit.
Tesla gains ADOT approval to test vehicles in Arizona (Amy Edelen, 09-23-2025)
Tesla has secured approval from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to begin testing autonomous vehicles on public roads in the Phoenix metropolitan area with safety drivers behind the wheel. The company submitted self‑certification documentation on September 19, confirming that its test vehicles will comply with all state and federal motor vehicle rules and regulations. Tesla emphasized that only trained employees or contractors will operate the vehicles during this testing phase. It’s important to note that the ADOT approval covers testing only; Tesla has not yet applied for permission to run autonomous ride‑hailing (robotaxi) services.
Three crashes in the first day? Tesla’s robotaxi test in Austin (Jonathan M. Gitlin, 09-22-2025)
Tesla’s new robotaxi test in Austin has already recorded three crashes over just 7,000 miles of operation, an unusually high rate compared to rivals. Two of those incidents involved another vehicle rear-ending the Tesla, though overall Tesla’s crash rate is “orders of magnitude worse” than Waymo’s in comparative deployment.
Stellantis detects breach at third-party provider for North American customers (Reuters, 09-21-2025)
Stellantis reported unauthorized access to a third-party service affecting its North American customer service. Only basic contact details were exposed, with no financial or sensitive data involved. The incident is under investigation, and impacted customers are being informed.
Lucid Sells Out Gravity Inventory Vehicles in 24 Hours (Claudio Afonso, 09-22-2025)
Lucid Motors’ Gravity SUVs were briefly available for immediate delivery but sold out quickly, prompting questions from investors. The company clarified this was not a demand issue but a small batch produced to avoid delays. Lucid has improved manufacturing and predicts higher vehicle volumes this year.
