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.

Kia unveiled its full electric vehicle lineup, aiming to lead the EV market with new models like the affordable EV2 and the midsize EV5 SUV. The EV5 launches in Europe soon, while the EV4 hatchback will follow next year. Kia also showcased sporty models and introduced its first electric van. Visitors at the IAA Mobility Show can test drive several models, as Kia intends to popularize EVs further. The EV3 was the top-selling retail EV in the UK this year.

Can You Buy An EV From China As An American? (Nina Hernandez, 09-09-2025)

A woman showcased her new Chinese electric vehicle, the IM Motors L7, in a TikTok video. The vehicle features advanced displays and AI-controlled functions. Viewers expressed concerns about distractions while driving. In the U. S., importing such vehicles is complicated due to safety regulations, but Chinese brands may enter the market in the next five years.

Tesla gives up on Cybertruck wireless charging (Fred Lambert 09-09-2025)

Tesla has official scrapped plans to equip the Cybertruck with wireless charging, citing design challenges related to the truck’s high ground clearance. The gap between the vehicle and a wireless charging pad would significantly reduce charging efficiency, making the feature impractical.

This marks a shift from earlier signals, including owner’s manual references and 2023 prototypes that hinted at future wireless capabilities. While Tesla steps back from the idea, competitors like Porsche are moving forward with plans to offer optional wireless charging systems for upcoming EVs like the electric Cayenne.

NHTSA Rule Changes Favor Autonomous Cars (Steve Hanley 09-06-2025)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a major regulatory overhaul aimed at enabling the next generation of autonomous vehicles. Revealed on September 4, the proposed reforms would modernize outdated federal safety standards, many of which still assume a human driver is behind the wheel, requiring elements like steering wheels, pedals, and windshield defrosters.

The changes specifically target Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards related to gear shifts, windshield systems, lighting, and reflective devices, systems historically designed with human operation in mind. NHTSA officials emphasized the importance of establishing a cohesive national framework to avoid a patchwork of conflicting state laws. The goal is to streamline innovation while maintaining critical safety benchmarks, clearing a regulatory path for autonomous technology to advance responsibly and at scale.

Tesla’s U.S. EV market share falls to eight-year low amid rising competition (Ashby Lincoln 09-09-2025)

Tesla’s once-dominant hold on the U.S. electric vehicle market hit a new low in August, with market share dropping to just 38%, the lowest since 2017. While Tesla’s sales grew modestly (7% in July, 3.1% in August), the broader EV market exploded by 14% in August, outpacing any of Tesla’s gains with competitors like Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen gaining ground with aggressive incentives and new models that offer consumer compelling alternatives.

Industry insiders blame Tesla’s slide on an aging vehicle lineup, repeated delays in launching affordable cars, and Musk’s strategic pivot toward AI, robotaxis, and humanoid robots. Tesla built its empire by being first to market, but “first” doesn’t guarantee “forever,” and with rivals gaining momentum while Tesla’s refresh cycle lags, the EV landscape could look dramatically different in just a few years.

Qualcomm inks connected car deals with Google, BMW, and others (Ryan Daws 09-08-2025)

Qualcomm is enhancing connected cars through partnerships with companies like Google, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. With Google Cloud, they are integrating advanced AI to improve in-car voice commands and user experiences. Their collaboration with BMW has introduced the Snapdragon Ride Pilot for automated driving, while the Snapdragon Digital Chassis powers the digital cockpits in new Mercedes-Benz models. Qualcomm is also partnering with Valeo to create integrated solutions for a wider range of vehicles, streamlining the development of advanced driving features.