DAVID SHEPARDSON | Yahoo! Finance | 2/4/2026

Lawmakers, Waymo, and Tesla will call on Congress to act on stalled legislation for self-driving vehicles, citing competition from China. The Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing with testimonies from these companies. They argue that U.S. leadership in autonomous vehicles is at risk and regulations need updating to promote innovation. Without action, they warn that the U.S. may fall behind in this crucial industry.

Tesla UK sales plunge 57% in January as BYD races ahead

FRED LAMBERT | Electrek | 2/4/2026

Tesla’s UK electric vehicle registrations fell about 57% year over year in January 2026, with just 647 vehicles sold, marking the steepest decline among major automakers as competition from rivals like China’s BYD intensifies. BYD nearly doubled Tesla’s volume with roughly 1,326 battery-electric vehicles sold during the same month, while Ford led the UK BEV market with more than 2,200 sales. Broader UK EV registrations declined only 6.4%, highlighting how sharply Tesla underperformed as its aging lineup and growing competition continue to pressure its market share in Europe.

Self-driving vehicle bill comes under fire in committee hearing

WisBusiness | 2/4/2026

Legislation to regulate fully autonomous vehicles in Wisconsin faced criticism during an Assembly committee hearing over safety concerns. Supporters argue Wisconsin lags behind other states in regulations. The bill proposes an autonomous driving safety board and a permitting process for companies. However, motorcycle safety advocates oppose the bill, fearing risks for vulnerable road users. They question the necessity of testing in Wisconsin when similar conditions exist in other states. Proponents believe the technology can improve transportation options for those in need and keep Wisconsin competitive with states using autonomous vehicles.

Tesla Adds A Cheaper Model Y AWD In The U.S., Skipping The ‘Standard’ Badge

IULIAN DNISTRAN | Inside EVs | 2/3/2026

Tesla has quietly made the all-wheel-drive version of the Model Y cheaper and now standard for new orders in the U.S., meaning buyers no longer pay extra for dual-motor capability. The price drop comes as Tesla adjusts its lineup to stay competitive and simplify options, removing the prior cost premium for AWD while retaining the electric SUV’s overall pricing structure. This change may help boost appeal in colder regions and among buyers who prefer AWD performance without a higher sticker price.

A Waymo hit a child near an elementary school. The NHTSA is investigating

LORA KOLODNY | CNBC | 1/29/2026

Waymo has reported a driverless vehicle incident in Santa Monica, California, where it struck a child near an elementary school on January 23. The child suffered minor injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the incident, focusing on how the vehicle behaved in a school zone during drop-off hours. Waymo said their technology detected the child early, slowing the vehicle significantly before impact. The child was able to walk away shortly after. Waymo is also facing scrutiny for other incidents involving its vehicles and stopped school buses, with investigations initiated by both the NTSB and NHTSA.

Suvrat Kothari | Inside EVs | 11/11

Three-year-old electric vehicles are now the fastest-selling used cars on dealer lots, surpassing gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles for the first time. Edmunds reports that used EVs spent an average of just 34 days on the lot in Q3 2025, significantly faster than the 40 to 47 days required to move other powertrains. Leading the pack are popular Tesla models: the Model 3 averaged 24 days to sell at around $24,447, while the Model S moved even quicker at 21.5 days with an average price of $44,621. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Ford Mustang Mach-E also ranked among the fastest sellers.

What’s fueling this shift? Industry analysts point to two key factors. First, pricing has reached a sweet spot, with many used EVs now available in the mid-$20,000 range. Second, the technology has matured. Buyers are getting advanced features and significantly lower operating costs compared to similarly priced gas-powered alternatives, making used EVs an increasingly attractive value proposition.

Chinese Automaker Says Its AI Self-Driving Tech Outperforms Tesla, and Other OEMs Can Use It

Miguel Cortina | Motortrend | 11/10

Chinese automaker Xpeng announced the launch of its upgraded semi-autonomous driving system, VLA 2.0, at its AI Day. This new platform, aimed at competing with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD), uses advanced AI trained on extensive real-world driving data. Volkswagen will be the first partner to adopt VLA 2.0, which launches in early 2026 and includes a powerful in-house chip. Xpeng’s system requires drivers to stay alert and is provided at no additional cost.

Tesla Launches $60-a-Day Car Rentals Straight from the Dealer with Free Supercharging

Joe Kucinski | Road Track | 11/10

Last month, Tesla launched a new lower-priced “Standard” Model 3 at $38,630, making it the cheapest option in their lineup. However, for $60, you can now rent a Tesla instead of buying. The rental program allows you to try out features like smartphone control, Full Self-Driving (Supervised), and access to the Supercharger network, with rates starting at $60/day for the Model Y and Model 3. Renters must be 21 or older, have a valid license, and can earn a credit toward a new Tesla purchase. This pilot program is limited to a few dealers and runs until the end of the year.

The BIG WIN for auto industry in court against Biden’s EV rule

Lauren Fix | CBT News | 11/10

A recent ruling by the 8th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned a key policy in the Biden administration’s electric vehicle (EV) agenda. The court found that a Department of Energy (DOE) formula for calculating EV efficiency unfairly inflated fuel economy ratings, disadvantaging gasoline and hybrid vehicles. The case was brought by 13 Republican attorneys general, who argued that the formula misled consumers and gave automakers an unfair regulatory advantage.

This decision requires the DOE to eliminate the flawed formula immediately, impacting how automakers meet federal fuel economy standards. It also encourages more accurate information for consumers, allowing them to make informed choices between EVs and other vehicle types. The ruling signifies a need for federal agencies to operate within legal limits and could influence future automotive policies and regulations.

This Fourth Light Could Finally Free Us From Endless Red Lights

Stephen Rivers | Car Scoops | 11/9

A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has proposed introducing a fourth traffic light color, white, that would allow self-driving vehicles to coordinate intersections more efficiently. When enough autonomous vehicles are present at an intersection, the white light would signal human drivers to simply follow the autonomous vehicles ahead of them, allowing the AVs to operate like mobile controllers that optimize traffic flows.

According to simulations published in the study, this “white phase” system could reduce intersection delays by 3.2% to 94%, and improve overall signal‐timing efficiency by up to 98.9% compared to today’s red‐yellow‐green configuration. The researchers caution, however, that widespread rollout is still distant: full AV penetration is required, and many existing traffic systems would need substantial upgrades before this fourth light could become reality.

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.

Uber will launch a premium robotaxi service in San Francisco in 2026, using Lucid Motors’ electric Gravity SUVs with self-driving technology from Nuro. This service will directly compete with Waymo. The announcement took place during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where Uber’s chief product officer and Nuro’s president were set to be interviewed.

Uber plans to invest $300 million in Lucid and purchase at least 20,000 Gravity SUVs over six years for this service. This launch may create tension with Waymo, which already operates robotaxis in the Bay Area. Uber, Nuro, and Lucid are currently working on a test fleet of about 100 vehicles.

Aurora Expands Driverless Trucking Service from Fort Worth to El Paso (Business Wire, 10/28)

Aurora Innovation, Inc. is expanding its commercial operations by launching a second driverless route from Fort Worth to El Paso, achieving over 100,000 driverless miles on public roads. They plan to deploy hundreds of driverless trucks with new hardware in 2026. The next-generation hardware offers increased reliability and an extended sensing range. Aurora is integrating this hardware across multiple truck platforms, enhancing customer capacity for driverless freight. Aurora will also share its third quarter 2025 results in a conference call.

China’s Pony.ai, WeRide file for Hong Kong IPOs in milestone for driverless tech sector (Yulu Ao, 10/28)

Two of China’s leading autonomous-driving companies, Pony.ai and WeRide, have submitted IPO prospectuses in Hong Kong—marking a major milestone for the country’s driverless-tech sector. Pony.ai plans to offer approximately 41.96 million Class A shares (including 4.2 million for retail investors) following regulatory approval by China’s securities watchdog. WeRide’s IPO move similarly reflects a push to tap capital markets closer to home amid intensifying global competition in autonomous mobility. The listings reflect rising investor confidence in China’s autonomous vehicle sector, align with national efforts to foster homegrown innovation, and provide Pony.ai and WeRide with critical capital to support their global growth ambitions.

Tesla revives ‘Mad Max’ mode in Full Self-Driving (Kurt Knutsson, 10/27)

Tesla has reintroduced its Mad Max mode in the Full Self-Driving feature, allowing for more aggressive driving habits. This update comes amid regulatory scrutiny. While some enjoy the assertive driving style, critics raise safety concerns. Drivers can access Mad Max mode through car settings, but must remain attentive.

Is Waymo ready for Winter? (Andrew Hawkins, 10/25)

Waymo is actively equipping its robotaxi fleet to navigate heavy snow and icy roads as it plans expansion into colder East Coast cities. While its current system handles light snow, the next-generation “Waymo Driver” is being built specifically for severe winter conditions, where features like snow-obscured lane markings and reduced visibility still challenge autonomous systems. The company is collecting rare snow-driving data, testing in places like Truckee, Michigan, Denver and Upstate New York, and deploying innovations such as sensor heaters and rooftop lidar wipers to boost performance in slushy conditions. Yet even with these upgrades, Waymo stresses that some extreme weather could still force service pauses.

Join Mike Nelson and Bryan Reimer on one of the biggest issues shaping mobility, insurance, and safety today: vehicle data.

We’ll explore how data—from onboard systems, telematics, and video—now determines fault, liability, and even regulatory direction after a crash. Bryan and I will also discuss the challenges around data access and transparency, and how these forces are reshaping claims handling and litigation.

If you work in insurance, law, or mobility technology, this session will offer a unique look at where the data-driven future is headed.

SAE’s Government/Industry Meeting (GIM) is the only place where policymakers, regulatory bodies, academia, and industry leaders can meet in a neutral setting, providing all sides the opportunity to voice their perspectives on key mobility issues and the evolving industry landscape.

This conference is packed with opportunities for formal and informal networking. Don’t miss this unique chance to connect with the individuals who can support your work and help influence the industry’s direction. Join us in Washington!

Registration is FREE for all federal and state government employees. Proof of employment status/ID required for entry.

Event Venue

Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Allen Y. Lew PI NW
Washington, DC 20001

In Person & Virtual Meeting: December 8-11, 2025

Meeting Documents

• Tentative Agenda 10/1/2025

NAIC Events App and Website

All registered attendees will receive access to:

• Open hybrid meetings taking place during the Fall National Meeting
• Meeting agendas, materials, summaries, and meeting minutes for all open meetings within ten (10) business days after the conclusion of the national meeting
• Recordings of all open meetings taking place during the Fall National Meeting

The 9th International Scientific Conference Petar Šarčević “Automated Vehicles at the Crossroads: Law, Policy and Deployment in Transition” will be held on 13 and 14 November 2025 at the Faculty of Law in Rijeka, with the aim of discussing the latest developments in the area of automated (and autonomous) vehicles and related legal and regulatory issues in Croatia, the European Union and the United States. The conference will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from government, the private sector, and the academic community.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to maintain but depreciate faster than traditional cars, losing about 13% more value over five years. Their greater depreciation is due to heavy incentives affecting resale values and rapid technology changes. The EV market is expanding with more affordable models coming soon.

China Is Making 800-Mile EV Batteries. Here’s Why America Can’t Have Them (Suvrat Kothari, 10/20)

Chery Automobile has developed a new solid-state battery technology that could significantly increase the driving range of electric vehicles and improve safety. However, China’s new export controls may prevent this technology from reaching North America. Chery’s prototype boasts an energy density of 600 watt-hours per kilogram, potentially allowing for a range of 1,300 kilometers. They aim for a pilot program next year and broader rollout by 2027, competing with automakers like BYD and CATL. Despite the exciting possibilities, widespread use may take longer.

GM Unveils AI-Driven Autonomous Future (Self Drive News, 10/22)

GM showcased its next-generation autonomous technologies at the GM Forward media event in New York. Key points include plans for eyes-off driving by 2028 in the Cadillac ESCALADE IQ and conversational AI from Google Gemini launching next year. A centralized computing platform will enhance AI performance by 35 times. GM is also advancing robotics in manufacturing and energy systems enabling vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid capabilities. Overall, GM aims for intelligent mobility, where vehicles communicate and evolve through AI and advanced technology.

Uber will pay drivers $4,000 to switch to EVs (Andrew Hawkins, 10/22)

Uber is aiming for all trips to be in electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, offering $4,000 grants to drivers who replace their gas vehicles with zero-emission ones. The company plans to be carbon neutral in North America and Europe by 2030, and globally by 2040, reversing its previous decision not to pay drivers directly. The new “Go Electric” program is initially available in specific states. Uber is also enhancing its features for EV drivers and offering discounts for EV rides.

Tesla to recall nearly 13,000 US vehicles over battery risk (Reuters, 10/22)

Tesla is recalling 12,963 vehicles in the U. S. due to a battery pack defect that may cause loss of drive power, increasing crash risk. The recall affects specific 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. Tesla will replace the faulty component for free. No injuries linked to this issue have been reported. Additionally, the NHTSA is investigating 2.88 million Tesla vehicles for safety violations related to its Full Self-Driving system. Tesla will also report its third-quarter financial results today.

California’s rate review system is under fire again as Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara targets reforms to Proposition 103. His proposed rules would limit attorney fees and require conflict disclosures for consumer advocates like Consumer Watchdog, which has long challenged insurer rate hikes. Supporters say the changes will bring transparency and speed; critics warn they could silence the public’s watchdog.

California’s insurance code allows the public to review rate increase requests from insurers and receive compensation for their efforts. This provision, part of Proposition 103, has frustrated the industry, especially with the current Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara wanting to regulate it more strictly. Lara claims that the advocacy group Consumer Watchdog has benefited disproportionately from the process and delayed reviews.

Consumer Watchdog defends its role, stating it has saved consumers billions and has been effective in challenging rate increases. Lara’s proposed changes would limit how many attorneys and experts intervenors can hire and require them to disclose conflicts of interest. The proposals aim to streamline the rate review process and address complaints about lack of transparency and delays. Public comments are being collected, and a hearing is set for November 20.

Tesla Autopilot visualization gets big upgrade with tons of new additions (Joey Klender, 10/13)

Tesla’s Autopilot visualization has been upgraded to better display objects around vehicles, including types of cars, pedestrians, and animals. New renders for vehicles like ambulances, firetrucks, and school buses will be available soon. Tesla is also working on using Unreal Engine for more realistic visualizations.

Tesla under investigation after cars with the self-driving feature drove on the wrong side of the road (The Associated Press, 10/10)

US federal regulators are investigating Tesla’s self-driving feature due to numerous incidents where cars ran red lights or drove incorrectly, causing crashes and injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is examining 58 incidents involving Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode. Critics question if the software works, and there are multiple ongoing investigations regarding Tesla’s safety practices and reporting. Tesla’s stock fell amid concerns over the FSD system’s reliability and competition from other electric vehicle manufacturers.

A New Road Safety Group Targets Self-Driving Cars (Aarian Marshall, 10/15)

A newly formed advocacy organization named SAVE-US (Safe Autonomous Vehicles Everywhere in the U.S.) is pushing for tougher state-level regulations on self-driving cars to prevent public safety from being sacrificed as companies rush to roll out emerging technology. The group’s recommendations include better disclosure of what automated systems can’t do, enhanced transparency in accident data, and requirements for vehicles to use multiple types of sensors rather than relying solely on cameras.

Tesla has become a primary target of SAVE-US, which labels the company “the worst actor in this space” and warns that weak oversight could enable any manufacturer to cut corners dangerously. The organization intends to begin its efforts in major states such as Illinois, New York, and New Jersey, where policy changes would have the most significant influence.

GM to take $1.6 billion charge as tax credit blow muddies EV plans (Utkarsh Shetti, 10/14)

General Motors revealed it will take a $1.6 billion hit to its third quarter earnings as the company reassesses its electric vehicle plans in response to softening market demand and changing federal policies. The charge breaks down into $1.2 billion in non-cash write-downs related to reduced EV production capacity, plus $400 million in costs from cancelled contracts and settlements.

The pivot comes after the elimination of the $7,500 EV tax credit and the easing of emissions regulations, changes that GM believes will dampen the pace of electric vehicle adoption. Although the company insists its existing electric offerings from Chevrolet, GMC, and

Cadillac will stay in production, it cautioned that further financial charges could emerge as it adjusts its operations to align with current market conditions.