LURAH LOWERY | Repairer Driven News | 1/15/2026

Last week, the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade held a hearing to consider the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, a bill aimed at ensuring vehicle owners and independent repair shops have access to the diagnostic, maintenance, and repair data needed to service modern cars. Supporters, including aftermarket groups and insurers, argued that as vehicles become increasingly software-driven, restricted access to that data threatens competition, raises repair costs, and limits consumer choice, while opponents from major automakers warn it could disrupt the industry and raise safety or intellectual property concerns. The testimony highlighted deep divisions over how to balance consumer repair rights with industry safeguards as Congress weighs how to modernize motor vehicle policy.

China’s industry ministry revises EV safety rules for automakers

Investing .com | 1/21/2026

China’s industry ministry announced new rules for approving automakers and vehicles, effective in 2027, emphasizing electric vehicle safety monitoring. Manufacturers must create platforms to track the safety status of their electric vehicles, with the data used to enhance vehicle design and performance.

Canada’s Industry Minister Meets Auto Giants BYD, Chery in Beijing

 CLÁUDIO AFONSO | EV | 1/18/2026

Canada’s Industry Minister Mélanie Joly met with Chinese automakers BYD and Chery during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing to finalize a trade deal. The agreement allows up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles per year at a reduced tariff of 6.1%. A new Auto Plan, expected next month, may let Chinese firms assemble vehicles in Canada under certain conditions. The deal has faced criticism from US officials but aims to boost Canada’s manufacturing and export potential.

Hyundai hires Tesla Autopilot pioneer for top driverless role

PAUL MYLES | Wards Auto | 1/16/2026

Hyundai Motor Group has hired a former Tesla Autopilot pioneer to lead its autonomous driving and software efforts, signaling a renewed push into driverless technology. The executive, who helped build Tesla’s early Autopilot vision system and later worked on autonomous platforms at Nvidia, will oversee Hyundai’s advanced vehicle and software strategy, including its global software unit, 42dot, as the automaker looks to accelerate development of next-generation driver-assist and autonomy features.

Tesla granted more time in US investigation into its self-driving tech

MATT OTT | AP News | 1/16/2026

U.S. auto safety regulators have granted Tesla a five-week extension to respond to an investigation into allegations that its “Full Self-Driving” system has violated traffic laws, including running red lights and driving into oncoming lanes, with at least 62 reported incidents across 2.9 million vehicles. Regulators say some drivers received no warning before erratic behavior, while Tesla argues it has consistently told users that FSD is only a Level 2 driver-assistance system requiring full driver attention. The probe comes as Tesla faces declining vehicle sales and increased competition, heightening pressure on the company to demonstrate progress with FSD and its long-promised autonomous ambitions.

DAVID ZIPPER | Fast Company | 12/19/2025

Tesla’s controversial “Mad Max mode,” a setting in its Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assist system that encourages aggressive, high-speed driving, highlights a growing problem for autonomous and advanced driver-assist technologies. The mode, whose name nods to the film franchise, can push cars to exceed posted speed limits, dart through traffic, and make bold lane changes, raising safety concerns as regulators and researchers watch closely. While FSD still legally requires an attentive human driver, the behavior encouraged by Mad Max mode blurs the line between supervised assistance and risky automated driving, prompting scrutiny from safety authorities.

Tesla isn’t alone. Other autonomous systems Waymo’s robotaxis, are also being tuned to emulate human driving behaviors, sometimes bending or ignoring traffic laws to match real-world expectations. As companies compete, the questions remain of how much traffic law flexibility is acceptable, and who bears responsibility when machines break the rules

Tesla faces 30-day car sale ban for misleading use of ‘Autopilot’ branding, CA DMV warns

TIM JOHNS | ABC 7 News | 12/17/2025

California’s DMV has warned Tesla it could face a 30-day ban on selling vehicles in the state if it doesn’t change how it markets Autopilot and FSD. Regulators say the terminology misleads consumers into believing the systems are fully autonomous, despite requiring constant driver supervision, and follows a court ruling finding Tesla’s advertising violates state law. Tesla disputes the warning, calling it regulatory overreach, but the move signals escalating scrutiny over how automakers describe advanced driver-assist technologies an how those descriptions shape driver expectations and safety.

Ford’s $19.5 billion EV writedown: five things to know

MIKE COLIAS | Reuters | 12/16/2025

Ford Motor announced a $19.5 billion charge on electric vehicle investments, reflecting a shift from focusing on EVs to conventional gas models and hybrids. The charge includes costs for canceled EV models, a failed battery joint venture, and other expenses. Ford is scrapping future electric vehicles to focus on affordable models and hybrid growth, aiming for 50% of sales by 2030. The company will also invest $2 billion to create battery storage for energy services.

16 US states sue federal government after Trump suspends EV charging programs

DAVID SHEPARDSON | Reuters | 12/16/2025

A group of 16 states and the District of Columbia have sued the U. S. government after President Trump’s administration suspended two electric vehicle charging programs. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that new funding was refused under these programs from a $1 trillion infrastructure law. The lawsuit claims Trump’s actions jeopardize $1.8 billion in federal awards for state and local governments and hinder efforts against air pollution and climate change.

BYD increases EV battery warranty to 8 years/250,000 km, surpassing Tesla’s

FRED LAMBERT | Electrek | 12/15/2025

BYD is enhancing confidence in its electric vehicles in Europe by extending its battery warranty to 8 years or 250,000 km, significantly more than the industry standard. This new policy pressures competitors like Tesla and Volkswagen to increase their warranty offers. Previously, BYD’s warranty was around 8 years or 160,000 km. The new coverage targets high-mileage users and is backed by BYD’s Blade Battery technology, known for its long cycle life. BYD is also expanding its presence in Europe with new vehicle launches.

Tesla has released its Full Self-Driving (FSD) v14 update, the first major update in a year. This update, built from insights gained in the Robotaxi program, allows Tesla vehicles to park in various locations and handle emergency vehicles more effectively. It includes improvements in navigation, speed profiles, handling obstacles, and fault management.

Chinese EV giant BYD sees UK sales soar by 880% (Osmond Chia, 10/6/2025)

Chinese automaker BYD announced that the UK has become its largest market outside China, with sales soaring 880% in September to over 11,000 vehicles—mainly its Seal U plug-in hybrid SUV. The surge came as UK electric and hybrid car sales hit record highs, helped by the absence of tariffs on Chinese EVs, unlike in the EU and US. Despite this growth, petrol and diesel vehicles still made up more than half of all UK car sales. BYD, which has surpassed Tesla and major European brands globally, plans to expand its UK presence further, though it criticized the government’s EV subsidy scheme for excluding Chinese-made vehicles.

Over-the-Air Technology Shaping the Future of Connectivity and Mobility (Times Tech, 10/8/2025)

Over-the-air (OTA) technology is transforming how we interact with vehicles and connected systems by enabling remote firmware and software updates, eliminating the need for service visits. In the auto industry, it’s become essential for delivering new features, performance improvements, and security patches, helping manufacturers reduce recalls and boost customer satisfaction.

The global OTA market is projected to grow from $2.54 billion in 2025 to $4.22 billion by 2034, driven by demand for smarter mobility and stronger cybersecurity. With support from 5G and AI, OTA updates are becoming faster, more personalized, and increasingly proactive. Tech giants like AWS, Microsoft, Google, Bosch, and Qualcomm are ramping up their involvement, as OTA emerges as a fundamental component in modern vehicle design.

Tesla’s New Cheap Models Drop Autopilot’s Lane Centering (Rob Stumpf, 10/7/2025)

Inside EVs Tesla’s new entry-level trims, the Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard, have dropped Autosteer, the lane-centering feature once central to the brand’s Autopilot system. While these models still include Traffic-Aware Cruise Control for speed and braking, drivers must now steer manually, as lane assistance is no longer built-in. This move marks a notable shift, as Autosteer has long been a defining feature of Tesla’s driver-assist identity. The change signals a strategic pivot: trimming advanced features to hit lower price points, while potentially encouraging buyers to opt for premium trims or pay for software upgrades to regain those capabilities.

The future for EVs in America looks grim. But the auto industry isn’t giving up (Chris Isidore, 10/6/2025)

America’s auto industry has pulled back from its once-bold all-electric ambitions after the Trump administration ended EV incentives and rolled back emissions regulations. The expiration of the $7,500 federal tax credit sparked a short-term sales surge, but automakers now expect demand to drop sharply. Despite this, companies like Ford, GM, and Hyundai continue investing in electric and hybrid vehicles while adapting to shifting policies and slower consumer adoption. The industry still views electrification as inevitable—but progressing more gradually and on a smaller scale than originally envisioned.

A filing for attorneys’ fees and cost this week by Plaintiffs’ counsel in the Benevides case, which we have been following closely, revealed that Tesla rejected a $60 million settlement demand.  Although this pretrial demand was considerably less than the eventual $243 million verdict, it does not appear that Tesla thought the possibility of a punitive damages award was likely prior to trial.  As we reported, the punitive damages award was $200 million and will certainly be appealed.  Tesla countered the families’ proposed settlement with a much lower offer that demanded confidentiality, which was declined. Attorney Brett Schreiber highlighted that Tesla’s proposal was a fraction of the demand and the jury’s verdict. This case illuminates Tesla’s legal strategies when dealing with lawsuits related to its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features, an area linked with numerous crashes and fatalities, yet often settled outside the courtroom.

BYD’s Ferrari-slaying electric supercar shatters the EV speed record at nearly 300 mph (Peter Johnson – August 26, 2025)

BYD’s Yangwang U9 Track Edition has officially seized the title of the world’s fastest electric vehicle. During an August 8 test at Germany’s ATP Papenburg track, the Chinese-built hypercar reached a blistering 472.41 km/h (roughly 293 mph), surpassing the previous EV speed record by over 20%. More than a feat of speed, this moment marks a historic milestone: the first time a Chinese automaker has captured a global performance record at this scale, signaling China’s rising influence in a hypercar market long dominated by European giants.

With a starting price around $233,000, the hypercar delivers superior performance while costing nearly half as much as established supercar rivals like the Ferrari SF90 and Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

Tesla FSD V14 to ‘Feel Alive,’ Second Biggest FSD Update Ever (Staff – August 20, 2025)

Elon Musk has confirmed that the next FSD update will be FSD v14, which is expected to be a significant improvement over previous versions. This update will only be available for HW4 vehicles and aims to reduce driver monitoring while enhancing the FSD experience.

FSD v14 will utilize 10 times more parameters than v13, improving performance and video quality. Musk highlighted that the update would make FSD feel more natural and human-like. He mentioned that driver monitoring would be less intense, allowing for more leniency unless drivers are frequently distracted. FSD v14 is anticipated to be released by the end of September, with the potential for new features like parking in garages and driveways.

Honda Taps Startup’s AI Tech for Self-Driving Cars (Graham Hope – August 21, 2025)

Honda has partnered with U.S. startup Helm.ai to integrate advanced AI technology into its mainstream vehicles’ ADAS. This “multi-year joint development agreement” will enhance Honda’s offerings with Helm.ai‘s real-time AI software, including autonomous driving features suited for highway and urban environments. Helm.ai’s suite includes perception and path prediction AI, leveraging Deep Teaching technology pre-trained on large datasets. This collaboration aims to accelerate Honda’s “Navigate on Autopilot” platform, offering partial automation and enhancing vehicle autonomy within broader model ranges. While Honda initiated automation with the Level 3 Legend sedan in 2021, the partnership seeks to regain competitive edge, targeting mass production after 2027. Honda aims to create a seamless driving experience across diverse terrains, focusing on reducing traffic collisions through advanced AI integration.

Stellantis pauses launch of automated driving tech due to ‘very limited’ market demand (Luke Ramseth – August 26, 2025)

Stellantis has suspended its plans to roll out Level 3 automated driving technology in its vehicles, citing high development costs, limited consumer demand, and ongoing technical challenges. Although the company had previously promoted its AutoDrive system as a major step forward in its software strategy, executives now say the technology won’t be launched any time soon despite having the capability in place if market conditions change.

This move reflects a broader pullback in Stellantis’s in-house software ambitions as the automaker shifts focus to external partners, such as aiMotive, to manage advanced driving development. The pause also comes amid weaker software performance, internal leadership changes, and declining stock value, raising questions about the company’s ability to compete in the increasingly software-driven future of mobility.

Waymo Brings Robotaxis to NYC Streets – But Can They Handle the Chaos? (Max Taylor – August 26, 2025)

Waymo has received the first permit to test self-driving cars in New York City, starting this September with eight Jaguar I-Pace EVs. Testing in the busy environment of Manhattan poses challenges, raising concerns about safety. Waymo claims its cars are safer than human drivers. The move is seen as a chance to establish leadership in autonomous tech, especially amid competition with Tesla. Success in New York could influence public perception and future approvals elsewhere, while failure could reinforce criticisms of autonomous vehicles. Ordinary New Yorkers wonder if robotaxis will improve their commutes or add to the chaos.

Tesla has unveiled two new variants in China as it battles declining sales and an intensifying price war with domestic rivals like BYD. The Model 3 Plus features a rear-wheel-drive setup with a high-capacity LG NMC battery for extended range, while the Model Y L offers a larger, six-seat, three-row configuration that’s seven inches longer. The Model Y L includes dual motors (340 kW combined), all-wheel drive, and will launch this fall likely priced above $50,000—positioning it against competitors like NIO’s Onvo L90.

The launch follows Tesla’s 14% global delivery drop and comes after its refreshed “Juniper” Model Y failed to reverse the sales slide. With Chinese regulators already concerned about the ongoing EV price war, Tesla is betting these new models can help it regain ground in the world’s largest EV market.

China’s Baidu to bring its driverless cars to Uber globally (Arjun Kharpal – July 15, 2025)

Baidu has partnered with Uber to deploy autonomous cars on Uber’s platform outside the U.S. and mainland China, targeting Asia and the Middle East later this year. The partnership will introduce “thousands” of Baidu’s Apollo Go vehicles globally, boosting Baidu’s international expansion and providing Uber with a reliable partner in autonomous driving. Riders on Uber may soon have the option to choose a driverless Apollo Go car. In China, Baidu has operated its robotaxi service since 2021 in cities like Beijing and aims to expand to international markets like Dubai and Europe. This collaboration marks a strategic move for Uber, which seeks partnerships with driverless technology firms, following the sale of its own autonomous vehicle unit in 2020. The partnership reflects Uber’s strategy to lead in autonomous tech globally.

China’s BYD unveils Level-4 autonomous parking, promises full cover for losses (Bojan Stojkovski – July 12, 2025)

BYD has launched a new L4-level autonomous driving feature for its God’s Eye advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS). The update enhances parking scenarios and introduces three-speed parking. BYD promises to cover any damages incurred during parking and will take full liability for safety issues. They plan a major update to improve parking, driving, and safety. Over one million vehicles now have the God’s Eye ADAS, and BYD is the first to guarantee autonomous parking.

Tesla’s Grok AI Has Landed. Here’s What We Know (Patrick George – July 13, 2025)

Tesla is integrating Grok, Elon Musk’s xAI chatbot, into its vehicles through the Summer Update 2025.26. Available on new Teslas delivered after July 12 and older models with AMD chips, Grok offers conversational interactions with various personalities rather than controlling car functions.

The rollout follows recent controversy when Grok made anti-Semitic comments on X, prompting xAI to apologize and remove problematic code. As Tesla drivers experience Grok’s “maximally based and truth-seeking” approach firsthand, its real-world behavior will be closely watched.

Tesla is already trying to expand its robotaxi service to Arizona (Kirsten Korosec and Sean O’Kane – July 10, 2025)

Tesla has applied to test and operate autonomous vehicles in Arizona, aiming to bring its robotaxi service to the Phoenix Metro area. On June 26, Tesla began the certification process with Arizona’s Department of Transportation. The application includes testing with a driver and without a driver. Discussions are in preliminary stages, with Tesla’s senior regulatory counsel, Casey Blaine, having meetings with state officials. Tesla’s limited robotaxi service launched in South Austin and plans to expand further. In California, Tesla holds a testing permit with a safety driver since 2014 but hasn’t applied for driverless testing. Arizona’s process involves self-certification, but a Transportation Network Company permit is needed for ride-hailing services. Waymo, which operates a driverless robotaxi in Phoenix, holds necessary permits in Arizona and California, including Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

2,000 km of range and two fuels merged – BYD unveils revolutionary new engine (Sarah I. – July 11, 2025)

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has surpassed Tesla in global sales since 2022. BYD offers affordable electric vehicles, with prices starting below $8,000, while Tesla’s least expensive model is around $42,000. BYD recently introduced a new hybrid engine that can travel over 2,000 kilometers without recharging. Additionally, BYD is advancing its autonomous driving technology, providing it in all vehicles at no extra cost, while Tesla continues developing its own autonomous options.

DAVID SHEPARDSON 3-19-2025

Amazon’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Zoox, has issued a recall for 258 self-driving vehicles due to a flaw in their automated driving system that could cause sudden unintended braking. Zoox has since resolved the problem by deploying a software update to all affected vehicles. The recall follows an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into two incidents where Zoox robotaxis were rear-ended by motorcyclists. While no injuries were reported, the scrutiny led the company to reinforce its commitment to safety and transparency in its autonomous vehicle technology. Zoox has stated that it is working closely with regulators to ensure the reliability of its self-driving fleet as it continues testing and development in the competitive robotaxi industry.

BYD Unveils Battery System That Charges EV in Five Minutes

DANNY LEE 3-17-2025

BYD Co. introduced a new electric car system that allows for fast charging, providing 292 miles of range in just 5 minutes. This innovation could attract drivers hesitant about long charging times. The system will support future electric vehicles and boost BYD’s competition with Tesla.

Tesla Owners Are Rushing to Sell Their Cars

THEO BURMAN 3-15-2025

Tesla owners are affecting the used car market as many sell their cars, leading to a drop in prices. This trend coincides with Elon Musk’s political involvement and a decline in Tesla stock and sales. The average price for a used Tesla has dropped significantly, now about $30,000 compared to $70,000 in 2022. Many owners, including celebrities, are trading their Teslas, with reports of increased trades at dealerships. Additionally, a study shows that 30% of Tesla owners are considering selling due to Musk’s reputation. Musk responded to critics on social media, while Trump suggested labeling violence against Tesla as terrorism. Future developments depend on Musk’s political role and influence.

Eggings, swastikas and dog poop: Tesla bears brunt of people’s ire against Musk

DARA KERR and NICK ROBINS-EARLY 3-15-2025

In recent months, Tesla dealerships, vehicles and charging stations across the U.S. have increasingly been targeted by vandals, with attacks including Molotov cocktails, spray-painted swastikas, and other defacements. This wave of destruction is largely seen as a reaction to CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in President Trump’s administration, particularly his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has enacted major federal spending cuts and deregulation efforts.

The destruction of Tesla vehicles has spread internationally, with vehicles and showrooms targeted in at least five other countries. In France, a dozen Tesla vehicles were set on fire, while a Netherlands showroom was graffitied with anti-Musk slogans. On X, Musk has condemned the vandalism, calling it a criminal act rather than free speech, while Trump stands beside Musk in vowing to classify the attacks on Tesla as domestic terrorism, arguing that “they’re harming a great American company.”

Tesla’s upcoming cheaper electric car is basically a stripped-down Model Y

FRED LAMBERT 3-13-2025

Tesla is set to introduce new, more affordable electric vehicles, with the first being a simplified Model Y. This initiative follows a strategic shift after CEO Elon Musk canceled previous plans for “the $25,000 Tesla” vehicles. Instead, Tesla aims to maximize underutilized production lines for existing Model 3 and Model Y platforms. The upcoming vehicle will be produced in Gigafactory Shanghai and described as a “lower-priced Model Y,” maintaining essential features while reducing extras, similar to a cost-effective Model 3launched in Mexico. Expected to start at around $35,000 USD, Tesla’s “decontent” strategy focuses on simplifying features for rapid product launch. The release of this vehicle in China, and potentially other markets, depends on the sales performance of the refreshed Model Y.

White House prepares high-profile purchase of Tesla auto

ADAM CANCRYN 3-11-2025

President Trump held a promotional event for Tesla on the White House South Lawn, showcasing Elon Musk’s cars to support a key campaign donor. Describing Musk as unfairly treated, Trump praised his contributions and reaffirmed his commitment to buying a Tesla. Musk, responsible for large federal workforce reductions, faces scrutiny from lawmakers and Trump’s Cabinet. His actions have pressured Tesla, impacting its stock value. Trump, alongside Musk, underscored the need to support “high IQ people” like Musk. Despite potential conflicts—Musk being a significant Trump donor and government employee making sweeping federal cuts—Trump’s event aimed to bolster Tesla’s sales. Critics, like Jordan Libowitz, view this as potentially misusing presidential power to benefit Musk, whose companies, including Tesla, vie for lucrative federal contracts.

NOEL BRENNAN 2-11-2025

Rivian made its debut appearance at the Chicago Auto Show this year, displaying its R3X and R2 models. The Rivian manufacturing plant, located in Normal, Illinois, has been producing two new models for the electric car maker, and is rolling a new vehicle off the manufacturing line every three minutes. Last year, the plant built around 50,000 new Rivian vehicles and has only been growing, with plans to launch the new R2, a more affordable mid-size sport-utility vehicle in the first half of next year, and the R3 in 2027. “Today, we’re less than 10% of new vehicle sales are electric, so the real competition is building products that appeal to people to get them to make the switch from an internal combustion engine vehicle to an electric vehicle,” stated Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe. “If you look at R1T, R1S, they’re vehicles that really enable and inspire you to go do the kinds of things you want to take photographs of.”

Could extended-range EVs nudge more car buyers toward full electric?

KEVIN LACZKOWSKI and PATRICK HERTZKE 2-10-2025

As sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) slow, the automotive industry is exploring ways to boost electrification.  Many buyers are hesitant to choose BEVs due to higher costs and concerns about driving range, particularly those without easy access to charging. Extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), which combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) generator with an electric system alongside plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), have reappeared as a solution to address range anxiety and price concerns among buyers of ICE and electric vehicles.

McKinsey’s surveys show that many potential buyers are interested in EREVs, and they might encourage current ICE owners to transition to electric.  Consumer understanding of EREVs vs. PHEVs and BEVs is crucial, as confusion exists about these types.

BYD shares hit record high after EV maker rolls out driver assistance tech with DeepSeek’s AI help

EVELYN CHENG 2-10-2025

Chinese electric carmaker BYD has announced that its advanced smart driving technology will become a standard safety feature across all of its vehicles, including those prices at under $10,000, as well as the 20 new vehicle models that were launched on Monday. The company revealed that it is partnering with AI startup DeepSeek to enhance its driver-assistance system, “DiPilot,” by integrating software, AI, cameras, and sensors for a more sophisticated, low-driver-intervention driving experience. Analysts noted, “BYD is changing its competition strategy from price cutting last year to functions’ update in 2025.” While Tesla’s Full Self-Driving remains unapproved in Beijing, BYD competes with companies like Li Auto, Huawei, Nio, and Xiaomi, several of which rely on Nvidia’s chips for their driver-assistance systems.

Tesla Sales Are Tanking Across The World

PATRICK GEORGE 2-8-2025

Tesla is facing significant sales challenges as it starts 2025. Despite adding the Cybertruck, sales are declining in the U.S., particularly in California, where Tesla’s registrations fell by 11. 6% last year, while other brands saw increases. The company also experienced a 60% drop in Germany and declines in France and the UK. Tesla’s sales in China dropped by 11. 5% in January. Competition is increasing, and demand has waned due to ending subsidies in Europe. Additionally, Elon Musk’s political involvement appears to be alienating traditional EV buyers, impacting sales further.

Sony teases first-of-its-kind EV collaboration packed with high-tech features: ‘Revolutionize the travel experience’

CASSIDY LOVELL 2-9-2025

Sony and Honda are set to launch the Afeela 1, an innovative EV collaboration expected next year. This luxury sedan, priced at $102,000, features advanced self-driving capabilities with 40 sensors, including cameras, LIDAR, and radar. It has a personal AI agent, spatial audio, a customizable interior, and a charging status display offering real-time information. Although packed with high-tech features, its range of 300 miles and charging speed lag behind competitors. A cheaper, $86,000 version will release the following year. Reservations are $200, currently available for California residents. Yasuhide Mizuno of Sony Honda Mobility heralds the Afeela as a groundbreaking travel experience.

Uber CEO:2024 was a ‘turning point’ for autonomous vehicles

RYAN DAWS 2-6-2024

Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, declared 2024 as a pivotal year for AV’s, highlighting Uber’s focus on this technology in their latest earnings call. Uber ended 2024 with impressive growth, manifesting a 21% YOY increase in Gross Bookings and surpassing internal expectations. Khosrowshahi emphasized that the AV industry’s advancements, with firms like Waymo and Tesla making strides, signal a major shift. Uber aims to capitalize on the $1 trillion AV opportunity by integrating AVs into its well-established platform, ensuring safety, overcoming regulatory challenges, enhancing cost efficiency, leveraging operational expertise, and addressing demand variability. Collaborations with Waymo and other leaders are key to Uber’s strategy, alongside its expansion plans. Uber envisions a hybrid model of AV and human drivers to optimize demand fulfillment, continuing its trajectory of innovation and market leadership.

• San Francisco balks at Cruise settlement offer (San Francisco Examiner February 29, 2024)

  Cruise’s attempt to settle the ongoing investigation of its purported failure to fully disclose information regarding an October pedestrian dragging incident to the California Public Utilities Commission is meeting resistance from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. “San Francisco does not support approval of the proposed settlement as submitted,” said city attorney David Chiu in a letter to CPUC. “In most, if not all cases, complete and accurate video (and audio) offers the best and most easily accessible information about a crash involving a driverless AV. Any settlement agreement should address the standards for making complete and accurate video and audio available to the Commission,” Chiu added.

  At a hearing on Feb. 6, Cruise offered to pay sanctions of $112,000 and to voluntarily make several “new data reporting enhancements” to the commission as part of its proposed settlement offer to resolve the investigation. Thus, it appears Cruise is now agreeing to automatically submit data to CPCU whenever there is any AV accident, not just when requested.  This no doubt will result in the submission of substantially more data to CPCU going forward. Others likely will follow suit.

• Bill to help build electric vehicle infrastructure in rural areas moves along (Royal Examiner, March 4, 2024)

  In an effort to expand its charging network to distressed rural areas, state legislators in Virginia recently introduced House Bill 107, which would create a state fund to help subsidize the cost of public electric charging stations. The bill would give public charging station developers funds for up to 70% of the non-utility costs to build charging stations. This attempt to expand the EV charging network aligns with Virginia’s Clean Car Act, which will begin banning the sale of gas-powered vehicles in 2035. 

  So, will the House pass the bill? According to the opinion of the author, “[t]he House will likely reject House Bill 107’s amendment because that will send the bill to conference, a relatively regular practice in the legislature where a select group of lawmakers meets in private to work out differences between any bills. Otherwise, if the bill remains as is, the re-enactment clause effectively kills it because it means the bill will have to come back for approval next year before it becomes law.”  We’ll be watching Virginia to see if the House approves or if Bill 107 gets pushed back another year.

• US to probe national safety risks of Chinese cars (Just Auto, March 4, 2024)

  The White House announced that the Secretary of Commerce will be opening an investigation into connected vehicles that are imported from China that may be collecting “sensitive data” about United States citizens, and whether these vehicles are a national security threat.

  In response, China foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “China’s door has been open to global auto companies, including US auto companies who fully shared in dividends of China’s big market.”  She further told the United States to “respect the laws of market economy and the principles of fair competition.”

  Currently, there are few Chinese imported vehicles in the United States, and EV maker BYD continues to focus on Europe and Asia for its largest markets. Europe is “bracing for a Chinese export offensive” as BYD continues to dominate the EV market, recently announcing is cheapest electric vehicle, the BYD Seagull EV, starting at under $10,000.

• EV battery giants BYD, CATL form Chinese powerhouse to build solid-state batteries (Electrek, February 12, 2024)

  Who will win the race to commercialize all-solid-state EV batteries?  China, if they have anything to say about it.  Several leading Chinese automakers and battery manufacturers are joining forces to commercialize solid-state batteries, which could revolutionize the EV market.  The government led, China All-Solid-State Battery Collaborative Innovation Platform (CASIP), was formed last month and includes academia and industry leaders like BYD, Contemporary Amperex Technology, and NIO.  BYD and CATL already make up over 50% of the global EV battery market and are used by Tesla, BMW, Toyota, Kia, Ford, and other leading EV makers.  China sees this new alliance as a way of ensuring they will become an “automotive powerhouse.”

• Waymo recalls and update robotaxi software after two cars crashed into the same towed truck (Tech Crunch, February 13, 2024)

  Self-driving vehicles continue to face ongoing scrutiny with the latest news of Waymo issuing its very first recall after two of the carmaker’s robotaxis crashed into a towed pickup truck in Arizona this past December. According to Waymo, the pickup truck was improperly towed, “angled across a center turn lane and a traffic lane,” which resulted in the robotaxis being unable to correctly predict the motion of the vehicle.  While the crashes were considered “minor” with no injuries,according to Mauricio Peña, Waymo’s chief safety officer, the company has developed and tested a software update that was deployed to its entire fleet by January 12.

  “This voluntary recall reflects how seriously we take our responsibility to safely deploy our technology and to transparently communicate with the public,” Peña wrote in a blog post.

• AV restrictions bill reintroduced in California (Trucking Dive, February 13, 2024)

  The ongoing battle between labor and autonomous tech in California witnessed another salvo last week when California legislators reintroduced a bill seeking to give state legislators more oversight over the AV sector.  Specifically, the bill aims to shift the responsibility for keeping safety operators onboard autonomous heavy-duty trucks to politicians, rather than state regulators. The proposed law is aligned with another Teamsters-supported bill, which seeks to require the passage of local ordinances before autonomous vehicles are allowed to operate.  “California must implement real AV safety standards and ensure local municipalities have a say in AV deployment,” said Peter Finn, president of Teamsters Joint Council 7.

• Tesla finally releases FSD v12, its last hope for self-driving (Electrek, January 22, 2024)

  In what many industry insiders consider to be a last-ditch effort to finally deliver on its highly scrutinized fully self-driving platform, Tesla has finally started releasing its FSD Beta v12 update to customers. The new software update is expected to utilize the highly teased and purportedly revolutionary neural net-powered controls.  According to Tesla, this means the new end-to-end neural nets will be powered by AI, like its vision system, rather than traditionally engineered coding. 

  Although little is known of the original testing of the software since it was limited to Tesla’s internal fleet, proponents are optimistic that Tesla will finally deliver on its long overdue self-driving promises.

• Tesla’s new compact crossover is reportedly coming in 2025, but will it cost $25,000? (The Verge,  January 24, 2024)

  As Tesla continues to compete with Chinese automaker BYD, the automaker is reportedly planning to release a new model with a $25,000 price tag. BYD, who overtook Tesla in the last quarter of 2023 as the top EV automaker in the world, has grown rapidly, largely due to its affordable electric vehicles.

  Elon Musk has teased a more affordable Tesla model several times over the years, but Tesla has struggled to lower its prices, even increasing the price of the Cybertruck to $60,990 from its initially announced price of $39,900. 

  The new Tesla model, nicknamed “Redwood,” is expected to be a compact crossover with a 2025 production year. Tesla is apparently planning to produce 10,000 vehicles per week. Only time will tell if this new model will be enough for Tesla to take back the throne as the top EV carmaker in the world, or if BYD will continue its global growth, especially as the Chinese carmaker is planning to introduce more premium vehicles to compete with Tesla’s existing models.

• Teslas crash more than gas-powered cars. Here’s why (CNN, January 18, 2024)

  Relying upon insurance claim data from owners who transitioned from ICE vehicles to EVs, insurance analyst at LexisNexis Risk Solutions found that the frequency of accidents for the new EV owners increased by 14.3%, with the highest frequency rates occurring in the first year of EV transition. Interestingly the research also revealed similar trends in China, which suggests the issue is not solely a “Tesla problem.”

  Given that crash frequency appears to have an inverse relationship to the length of EV ownership, the findings suggests that unfamiliarity has something to do with the increased accident ratio, said Xiaohui Lu, head of EV research at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. According to Lu, perhaps the best explanation for this is the higher acceleration capabilities of EVs combined with their large, dense battery packs that add more weight to the vehicle. “Most drivers are trained in driving [internal combustion] vehicles and they’re applying the habitual amount of pressure on the driving pedal but the behavior is very different, particularly in low-speed zones,” said Lu.