What We’re Reading
Some Cybertrucks Are Finally Getting FSD (AutoWeek, October 1, 2024)
Tesla’s Cybertruck has been the only Tesla vehicle that has not been equipped with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving since it was introduced to the market in 2023. However, with Tesla’s most recent software update, Full Self-Driving (Supervised), Tesla has activated the driving assistance feature to some Cybertrucks. The Tesla update, v12.5.5, which many believe to be one of Tesla’s most advanced updates, claims to enhance the driving experience with “more natural lane change decisions” and incorporates the use of AI. Tesla stated, “This is an early access build. You and anyone you authorize must use additional caution and remain attentive. It does not make your vehicle autonomous. Do not become complacent.” FSD (Supervised) has remained an SAE Level 2 driving system, but it appears that Tesla may be trying to move into a “Level 2.5,” as it incorporates advanced features while maintaining the necessary driver attention requirements.
Tesla, Musk beat shareholder lawsuit over self-driving promises (Reuters, September 30, 2024)
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin ruled in favor of Tesla and Elon Musk over Tesla shareholders who claimed that the carmaker was overstating the safety and effectiveness of Autopilot and Full Self-Driving in order to increase its stock price. Judge Martinez-Olguin stated that the shareholders were not able to show that Tesla and Musk should be liable for the false promises, but that many of Musk’s statements were addressing future expectations. The judge dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice, but Tesla is still facing investigations from the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission, and a lawsuit filed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, regarding its self-driving claims.
Safest Electric Cars of 2024 (Kelley Blue Book, September 26, 2024)
The selection of the safest electric cars of 2024 emphasizes not just critical factors like range and charging time but the paramount importance of safety for family vehicles. The list includes vehicles awarded a Top Safety Pick (TSP) or Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Prioritizing extensive IIHS testing, models awaiting NHTSA evaluation are included based on their anticipated high safety standards. Highlighted models feature a range of advanced safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking systems, with top picks being the 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron, Genesis Electrified G80, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Rivian R1T, among others. As IIHS continues to assess more models, the roster of recognized safe electric vehicles is expected to expand, underscoring evolving safety benchmarks in the electric vehicle market. The full list can be viewed here.