Last updated on February 9th, 2026 at 05:10 pm
Tesla Model Y Performance First Drive: Fast, But Enough To Keep Up? (Christopher Otto | Inside EVs | 11/4)
Tesla’s updated Model Y Performance features a new “4DU” drivetrain that significantly enhances output, boosting peak torque by 16%, peak power by 32%, and continuous power by 22% over its predecessor. The electric crossover offers impressive acceleration and continues to rank among the segment’s performance leaders. However, reviewers warn that these improvements might not be sufficient to maintain Tesla’s competitive edge, as rival manufacturers are closing the gap at an accelerating pace, threatening the company’s once-dominant position in the high-performance EV market.
Las Vegas police roll out Tesla Cybertrucks worth up to $115K each after donation from tech billionaire (Emma Bussey | Fox News | 11/3)
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is introducing the largest police fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks, thanks to a $2.7 million donation from Ben and Felicia Horowitz. The ten bulletproof vehicles, valued between $80,000 and $115,000 each, represent the first major use of electric vehicles in U. S. law enforcement. Police Chief Kevin McMahill stated that around 400 officers are trained to operate the Cybertrucks, which symbolize innovation and sustainability in policing and come equipped with the necessary gear.
China’s Baidu says weekly robotaxi rides hit 250,000 – same as Alphabet’s Waymo this spring (Evelyn Cheng | CNBC | 11/2)
Baidu’s autonomous taxi service has reached a significant milestone, completing approximately 250,000 rides weekly, matching Waymo’s highest U.S. deployment figures. This achievement demonstrates the rapid expansion of Baidu’s self-driving ride-hailing operations, fueled by supportive regulatory frameworks, dense urban environments, and the strategic advantage of operating in its domestic market. The development escalates the worldwide race for driverless transportation dominance and signals China’s rising prominence as a formidable competitor in the autonomous mobility sector.
NHTSA is investigating Waymo robotaxis for passing stopped school bus (Jo Borrás, 11/1)
Waymo, an autonomous taxi company, is under investigation by the NHTSA after a video showed one of its driverless cars illegally passing a stopped school bus in Atlanta. Georgia State Representative Clint Crowe, who co-sponsored Addy’s Law to enhance penalties for such violations, emphasizes the need for accountability in autonomous vehicle operations. Crowe believes manufacturers should face stricter consequences. Senator Rick Williams plans to propose legislation for higher fines for autonomous vehicles that break traffic laws, arguing that they should be off the roads until safety is ensured.
Driverless Car Violations Are Climbing – California’s New Law Will Hold Them Accountable (Sandara V, 11/1)
As self-driving cars become more prevalent, they are causing various traffic violations, such as illegal U-turns and passing school buses, with no clear accountability. In California, existing laws only allow citations for human drivers, leaving police officers unable to ticket autonomous vehicles (AVs) when there is no one in the driver’s seat. This has raised concerns about who is responsible for these violations.
To address this, California is implementing a new law starting July 2026. Under Assembly Bill 1777, traffic violations by AVs will lead to citations sent directly to the companies operating them, like Waymo or Zoox. This new system aims to enhance accountability and improve AV technology. Other states may follow California’s lead in managing the rise of driverless vehicles.
