Amazon-owned Zoox is seeking federal approval to deploy up to 2,500 driverless vehicles in the U.S., asking regulators for exemptions from certain longstanding safety requirements, such as those mandating windshield defrosters, traditional braking systems, and manual controls. The fully autonomous vehicles, which lack steering wheels and pedals, are purpose-built for robotaxi service. If granted, the exemptions would mark a significant step toward large-scale deployment of control-less autonomous vehicles and reflect growing regulatory momentum in favor of next-generation mobility solutions.

Goodbye to the $7,500 EV tax credit. What’s that mean for EV practices? (Chris Isidore, 09-23-2025)

Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States are expected to decline after the $7,500 federal tax credit for EV buyers expires on October 1. This tax credit, introduced in 2022 to promote EVs, will end due to new legislation. Sales rose 7% in 2024 but recently slowed, prompting consumers to rush to buy before the expiration. Automakers may lower prices or offer incentives to maintain demand. However, many buyers still plan to purchase EVs due to their performance and environmental benefits, despite the loss of the tax credit.

Tesla gains ADOT approval to test vehicles in Arizona (Amy Edelen, 09-23-2025)

Tesla has secured approval from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to begin testing autonomous vehicles on public roads in the Phoenix metropolitan area with safety drivers behind the wheel. The company submitted self‑certification documentation on September 19, confirming that its test vehicles will comply with all state and federal motor vehicle rules and regulations. Tesla emphasized that only trained employees or contractors will operate the vehicles during this testing phase. It’s important to note that the ADOT approval covers testing only; Tesla has not yet applied for permission to run autonomous ride‑hailing (robotaxi) services.

Three crashes in the first day? Tesla’s robotaxi test in Austin (Jonathan M. Gitlin, 09-22-2025)

Tesla’s new robotaxi test in Austin has already recorded three crashes over just 7,000 miles of operation, an unusually high rate compared to rivals. Two of those incidents involved another vehicle rear-ending the Tesla, though overall Tesla’s crash rate is “orders of magnitude worse” than Waymo’s in comparative deployment.

Stellantis detects breach at third-party provider for North American customers (Reuters, 09-21-2025)

Stellantis reported unauthorized access to a third-party service affecting its North American customer service. Only basic contact details were exposed, with no financial or sensitive data involved. The incident is under investigation, and impacted customers are being informed.

Lucid Sells Out Gravity Inventory Vehicles in 24 Hours (Claudio Afonso, 09-22-2025)

Lucid Motors’ Gravity SUVs were briefly available for immediate delivery but sold out quickly, prompting questions from investors. The company clarified this was not a demand issue but a small batch produced to avoid delays. Lucid has improved manufacturing and predicts higher vehicle volumes this year.

A new Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report shows Tesla has plummeted to become America’s least-trusted automotive brand, ranking below all major competitors in consumer confidence, particularly around safety and corporate integrity. The survey placed Tesla dead last in “trust integrity” metrics, signaling widespread skepticism about the company’s reliability and transparency.

This erosion of public faith stems largely from mounting safety concerns surrounding Tesla’s autonomous driving technology, including a series of high-profile accidents involving Autopilot and Full Self-Driving systems. The timing couldn’t be worse for Tesla, which is simultaneously pushing forward with its robotaxi pilot program in Austin while facing intensified regulatory oversight and an increasingly wary consumer base that questions both its safety claims and business practices.

CA DMV claims Tesla misled drivers on Autopilot capabilities; seeks to suspend business for 30 days (Suzanne Phan – July 21, 2025)

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has launched a lawsuit demanding Tesla halt all vehicle sales and manufacturing in the state for 30 days, accusing the company of deceptively marketing “Full Self-Driving” technology that remains merely Level 2 driver assistance requiring constant human oversight. DMV officials contend the autonomous system “is not ready for being simply a driver-assist system,” arguing Tesla’s branding has created dangerous misconceptions about the technology’s actual capabilities.

The legal action cites fatal consequences, including the 2018 death of Apple engineer Walter Huang during Autopilot operation and a devastating eight-car pileup on the Bay Bridge in 2022 allegedly caused by Teslas in “full self-driving” mode. UC Berkeley expert Scott Moura reinforces that Tesla’s FSD falls far short of true Level 5 autonomy, supporting critics who contend the misleading terminology has fostered deadly overconfidence among drivers who believed they could rely on technology that isn’t nearly as advanced as advertised.

Understanding Level 4 Autonomous Driving Systems, from Currently Available to Upcoming (Mircea Panait – July 20, 2025)

Before aiming for Level 5 autonomous driving, mastering Level 4 is a crucial step. Honda was among the first automakers to lease cars with Level 3 capabilities, like the Legend Hybrid EX, but that model has been discontinued, and Honda appears to have paused progress on their SENSING Elite Traffic Jam Pilot system. Meanwhile, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are moving forward with Level 3 luxury sedans, with Mercedes upgrading its DRIVE PILOT system to Level 4 in China for deployment by the end of the decade.

Although no Level 4 vehicles are available for retail yet, they do exist, mostly in China, where regulations are more permissive. Companies like GM’s Cruise, Waymo, Tesla, and Baidu are leading the way in developing and testing Level 4 and near-Level 4 systems. Cruise had early ambitions for Level 4 robotaxis but faced setbacks, while Waymo continues expanding its autonomous fleet with advanced hardware. Tesla is operating Level 4-like robotaxis in Austin but hasn’t officially received permits yet. Other players like Navya, Baidu Apollo, WeRide, Nuro, and VW’s MOIA are also making strides in autonomous transport, with several promising systems and upcoming deployments around the world. The race toward full autonomy is accelerating, with China leading some regions due to favorable regulations, and major automakers focusing on the critical transition from Level 3 to Level 4.

A Huge New Lab in Sweden Is Testing the 6G-Powered Future of Connected Cars and Drones (Oscar Collins – July 18, 2025)

AstaZero has launched an advanced proving ground for connected vehicles. This facility will test automated transport systems to ensure safety and confidence as the industry moves towards a 6G-powered future. It features multiple 5G networks for real-time communication between vehicles and emergency services.

The facility allows testing of various real-world scenarios, using AI and drones for simulations. AstaZero aims to enhance vehicle communication and decision-making, achieving a high reliability rate crucial for critical situations. It caters to all brands, supporting fair testing as new vehicle standards emerge.

Uber inks six-year robotaxi deal with Lucid, invests $300 million in EV company (Samantha Subin – July 17, 2025)

Uber announced a partnership to deploy over 20,000 robotaxis in the next six years, responding to rising demand for driverless cars. The collaboration is with Lucid, the electric vehicle maker, and Nuro, an autonomous vehicle startup. Uber will invest $300 million in Lucid, while Nuro will create the self-driving technology. They plan to launch the robotaxis in a major U. S. urban area next year. Testing of the first prototype is underway in Las Vegas, and the program aims for commercial viability and global scalability.

Trump’s Auto Safety Pick Promises Rapid Self-Driving Deployment (Keith Laing – July 16, 2025)

President Donald Trump’s nominee for NHTSA administrator, Jonathan Morrison, has pledged to prioritize safety while making it easier for automakers to deploy self-driving cars. During a Senate hearing, Morrison said the agency should create proactive, science-based regulations that go beyond voluntary guidelines, which currently limit test vehicles to 2,500 and restrict safety features.

Morrison emphasized the need for federal leadership to build consumer trust in autonomous vehicles and avoid undue costs that could hinder innovation. If confirmed, he may lead investigations into Tesla’s driver assistance technologies and address nearly 73 open safety probes, including eight involving Tesla. Critics fear Morrison’s past at NHTSA might lead to fewer safety standards, but automakers and industry groups welcome his experience. The outcome depends on Trump’s influence, with no official comment from Tesla or the White House.