Tesla, the car company run by Elon Musk, is asking a federal court to dismiss a $243 million damages award related to a deadly crash involving its Autopilot feature. A jury found the speeding driver mostly at fault but held Tesla responsible for faulty technology. Tesla claims the plaintiff’s lawyers misled the jury by introducing irrelevant evidence and that the company’s technology did not contribute to the crash. They are also concerned that the verdict may discourage innovation and pose liability risks for manufacturers with self-driving features. The case has implications for Tesla’s self-driving credibility and the use of the term “Autopilot.”

BMW to unveil ‘superbrain’ EVs to challenge Chinese rivals – Sebastien Ash and Kana Inagaki (September 3, 2025)

BMW is focusing on software-controlled electric vehicles with advanced technology called the “Neue Klasse. ” The new iX3 SUV will launch soon, part of a planned 40 models over two years. This shift aims to enhance performance and reduce complexity through powerful computer systems. BMW has invested over €10bn in this initiative, aiming to advance its software capabilities and battery technology. Although the company has seen growth in EV sales, it faces challenges in competing with lower-cost Chinese rivals.

EV Armageddon? Tesla, GM, Ford EV sales will be cut in half when tax credit expires, analyst says. – Pras Subramanian (September 3, 2025)

The expiration of Biden-era federal EV tax credits on September 30 under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” threatens to devastate the electric vehicle market, with analysts predicting a 50% drop in U.S. EV sales. Karl Brauer from iSeeCars.com expects market share to plummet from today’s 9.1% to “well below 4%” after a third-quarter surge driven by last-minute purchases. Automakers are already witnessing this pre-deadline rush, with GM reporting record August EV sales of 21,000 units.

However, the industry faces a challenging transition as companies prepare for drastically reduced demand. GM’s Duncan Aldred has acknowledged they “will almost certainly see a smaller EV market,”, while analysts expect automakers to slash prices. The situation is compounded by the White House’s elimination of federal manufacturing subsidies and emissions penalties, creating what Brauer calls a “two-pronged assault” that removes both consumer incentives and regulatory pressure to produce electric vehicles.

Tesla FSD turns off more U.S. consumers than it attracts, survey finds – Lora Kolodny (August 28, 2025)

A recent survey reveals that Tesla’s FSD technology is deterring more U.S. consumers than attracting them. Conducted by Slingshot Strategies, the Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report shows only 14% of Americans see FSD as a reason to purchase a Tesla, while 35% consider it a deterrent. This perception challenges Tesla amid an aging product lineup, increased competition, and declining sales, particularly in Europe. Elon Musk’s aggressive promotion of FSD as a key advantage has not alleviated concerns, with half of the surveyed consumers suggesting FSD should be illegal and wanting stricter regulations for autonomous vehicles. The survey also noted Tesla’s declining brand reputation, possibly exacerbated by high-profile legal issues and safety perceptions. Despite these challenges, Tesla continues honing its autonomous offerings, recently expanding FSD availability to new markets like Australia.

‘This is mission critical’: Inside Tesla’s battle to get Full Self-Driving approved in Europe – Grace Kay and Jack Newsham (September 3, 2025)

Since October 2024, Tesla has been conducting weekly meetings with the Netherlands’ RDW regulators to secure approval for its “Full Self‑Driving” (FSD) system across the EU. This regulatory push has shown early progress, with nine Tesla vehicles approved for testing in the Netherlands by December, while similar efforts are underway in Denmark and Norway.

Despite these advances, Tesla’s FSD remains heavily restricted in Europe compared to the U.S. The system still requires a licensed driver at all times, needs explicit approval for highway lane changes, and cannot independently handle complex scenarios like intersection navigation—reflecting Europe’s notably more cautious regulatory approach to autonomous vehicle technology.

How China’s electric vehicle juggernaut is reshaping the global car market – Sam Meredith (August 27, 2025)

China’s EV industry is dramatically transforming the global car market through rapid growth supported by significant subsidies, tax incentives, and research investments. As of 2025, China leads worldwide in both EV production and export, surpassing other countries like Japan. High-profile companies like BYD have ascended to global prominence, overtaking competitors such as Tesla in revenue and fostering dynamic domestic innovation. The surge is not without challenges, as Western markets have taken protective measures like imposing duties on Chinese EV imports, citing anti-competitive practices. However, this hasn’t stopped China’s expansion, with companies investing heavily abroad. Analysts predict continued growth, projecting dominance similar to China’s influence in other industries like shipbuilding and solar panels. Europe, meanwhile, grapples with its response strategy, seeking competitive policies to contend with China’s rising automotive power.

Federal autonomous vehicle legislation introduced (SJ Munoz — July 28, 2025)

Rep. Vince Fong, R-Calif., introduced the America Drives Act to establish a national framework for autonomous vehicle trucking. This legislation would override state laws, allowing deployment of Level 4 and 5 autonomous commercial vehicles across state lines without human drivers. The Act aims to empower the Department of Transportation to implement practical regulations to scale this technology, enhancing supply chain efficiency and U.S. competitiveness. It includes exemptions from human-specific requirements like hours of service and drug testing. The OOIDA calls for greater transparency and mandatory safety testing. Concerns were raised about potential risks, such as phantom braking. The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association supports the bill, emphasizing its benefits for supply chains and safety. The bill seeks to maintain U.S. leadership in transportation innovation while advancing policies prioritizing safety and technological progress.

Mercedes just pressed pause on EV orders in the US (Peter Johnson — July 30, 2025)

Mercedes-Benz has paused all US orders for its EQS and EQE electric vehicles, citing “current market conditions” as the company navigates anticipated policy chances under the Trump administration. The move follows the recent announcement that federal EV tax credits will expire at the end of September. While new domestic orders are no longer being accepted, Mercedes has sharply discounted its remaining US electrical vehicle inventory, slashing prices by as much as $15,000 in a final push to move product.

In a further shift, production of the EQS and EQE SUV models at the Mercedes Alabama production plant will be suspended beginning September 1. However, the facility will continue manufacturing electrical vehicles for export to internal markets.

Dealers and consumers in the US are no longer able to place new orders for these models, marking a significant pivot in the luxury automaker’s EV strategy.

China issues autonomous driving guidelines (Teresa Moss — July 28, 2025)

China has released ethical guidelines for autonomous driving technology, emphasizing transparency and data collection limits. Issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, these guidelines require algorithms and models to be accessible and mandate that data collection stays within the necessary scope for driving functions. They also delineate liability, specifying whether the driver or system is responsible based on the system’s advancement. Dongfeng Motor and Huawei played roles in drafting these rules. In response to a fatal crash involving Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan, China banned terms like “autonomous driving” in ads. Preliminary findings indicated the car crashed after the driver took over from the ADAS system. Similar to the UK’s 2024 Automated Vehicles Act, China aims to prevent misleading language in marketing, ensuring drivers understand their car’s capabilities.

Lyft to add autonomous shuttles in 2026 as Uber inks more self-driving deals (Sean O’Kane — July 25, 2025)

Lyft plans to add autonomous shuttles from Benteler Group to its network in late 2026, in partnership with U. S. cities and airports. The shuttles will have no steering wheel or pedals and can carry up to nine seated and six standing passengers. Lyft is also working on adding autonomous vehicles from May Mobility in Atlanta this year.

US closes probe into Waymo self-driving collisions, unexpected behavior (David Shepardson — July 25, 2025)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concluded its 14-month investigation into Waymo’s self-driving vehicles late last week, closing the probe without taking further action. The investigation began after 22 reports of Waymo robotaxis potentially violating traffic laws, which led to 17 collisions. NHTSA noted that Waymo issued two recalls during this period, including the May recall affecting over 1,200 vehicles. This recall updated software to improve object detection and better avoid roadway barriers. The federal agency said that it relied on data from Waymo in reaching its decision to close the investigation.

Driverless Cars Are Changing the Future of Claims (Chris Bakes — July 24, 2025)

The rise of autonomous vehicles brings both promise and uncertainty in the automotive industry. As of 2025, only 13% of U. S. consumers trust autonomous cars due to concerns about control and unpredictability. However, statistics show that these vehicles cause fewer claims than human errors, which account for 90% of accidents. The shift toward automation is changing liability from drivers to manufacturers and software developers, requiring new insurance models and claims processes. Advanced technologies are reducing crashes, leading to fewer claims and a focus on improving claims handling and customer experiences in a safer, smarter future.