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.

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.

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.

Tesla has settled two more Autopilot-related wrongful death cases in California, just weeks after a Florida jury ordered the company to pay $243 million in the Benavides v. Tesla case. As we previously reported, court filings revealed that Tesla had initially rejected a $60 million settlement offer in the Florida case—a decision that ultimately cost them four times as much when the 2019 fatal crash went to trial.

The two California settlements, involving confidential amounts, were reached just before trials were scheduled to begin next month. One case involved the death of a 15-year-old boy traveling with his father when they were rear-ended by a Tesla Model 3 in Autopilot mode. The other centered on two Honda Civic passengers killed when a Tesla Model S allegedly failed to stop at a red light.

US opens probe into 174,000 Tesla Model Y cars over door handle failure (David Shepardson, 09-16-2025)

The U. S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into about 174,000 Tesla Model Y cars from 2021 due to reports of malfunctioning electronic door handles. Parents have reported being unable to open exterior doors to remove a child, sometimes needing to break windows to access their vehicles. NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation is the first step toward a possible recall if safety risks are confirmed. Initial reviews suggest the issue may be linked to insufficient voltage from the low voltage battery, which owners did not report warning signs for before failures.

Waymo gets green light for airport service in San Francisco (Andrew J. Hawkins, 09-16-2025)

After several years of negotiations, Waymo has signed a “Testing and Operations Pilot Permit” with San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The agreement allows Waymo to roll out its new services in multiple phases, first testing vehicles with a human driver, followed by testing without a driver, and then beginning commercial services with trips to and from the airport. SFO will become the second airport with Waymo robotaxi services, following Phoenix’s Sky Harbor. This new agreement is expected to be a very profitable opportunity for Waymo, as trips to and from airports account for approximately 20% of all human-drive ride hailing car services in the United States.

Cadillac’s new electric SUVs crush real-world EV range tests (Peter Johnson, 09-15-2025)

Cadillac’s new luxury electric SUVs may have longer driving ranges than their official EPA estimates suggest. The models, including the Optiq and Vistiq, show impressive real-world performances, with the Optiq reportedly reaching 339 miles and the Vistiq 334 miles. Cadillac has had a strong start this year, claiming leadership in the luxury EV market, excluding Tesla. The SUVs are built on GM’s Ultium platform, offering a range of at least 300 miles. The Optiq starts at $54,390 and the Vistiq at $79,090, with deals available before the federal EV tax credit expires.

Tesla’s ‘self-driving’ software fails at train crossings, some car owners warn (David Ingram, 09-16-2025)

Many Tesla owners are reporting a potential defect with the vehicles’ Full Self-Driving system when coming across railroad crossings. FSD doesn’t seem to be able to register the railroad gate arms and flashing redlights as signals to stop. Many Tesla drivers reported similar problems, as well as many other complaints online internet forums, such as Reddit, about railroad issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is aware of the issue, stating, “We are aware of the incidents and have been in communication with the manufacturer.” Many experts believe that Tesla engineers simply have not encountered enough railroad crossing examples to train the FSD software.

Amazon’s Self-Driving Zoox Vehicles Begin Ride-Hailing Service in Las Vegas (Caleb Miller, 09-12-2025)

Amazon subsidiary Zoox has launched a ride-hailing service in Las Vegas using its fully autonomous pod with no driving controls. Currently, the free rides are limited to specific locations, including Resorts World Las Vegas, AREA15, and Topgolf. Zoox aims to expand this service to San Francisco next, followed by Austin and Miami. The vehicle is designed specifically as a robotaxi, without a steering wheel or pedals, marking a significant step in making self-driving cars more mainstream. Paid rides will be introduced after regulatory approval.

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.

General Motors is reviving its self-driving car efforts with a crucial shift in strategy: abandoning robotaxi ambitions in favor of developing autonomous vehicles for personal buyers. The company is bringing back ex-Cruise employees while growing its engineering teams, led by Sterling Anderson, GM’s newly appointed product development head who previously spearheaded Tesla’s Autopilot program. Additionally, GM is conducting real-world testing with lidar-equipped vehicles operated by human drivers on public streets, collecting critical data to advance fully autonomous technology that will ultimately deliver “eyes-free, hands-free” driving capabilities.

Wait times for this Chinese EV are so long that the CEO is telling buyer to consider rivals (Electrek, August 12, 2025)

Xiaomi’s new YU7 electric SUV, positioned to undercut Tesla’s Model Y with a longer range and a lower price, has sparked a frenzy in China, receiving a staggering 240,000 orders within just 18 hours of launch. But while the demand has exceeded expectations, production constraints mean customers may have to wait up to a year or more for delivery. In a statement, CEO Lei Jun acknowledged the delays and encouraged potential buyers in urgent need of a vehicle to consider alternatives such as XPeng’s G7, Li Auto’s L8, or even Tesla’s Model Y. While the YU7 has quickly established itself as a competitive force in the crowded Chinese EV market, Xiaomi’s open acknowledgment of its limitations reflects a transparent and pragmatic approach to customer expectations.

Tesla is hiring robotaxi test drivers in New York City, but company hasn’t applied for permits (CNBC, August 12, 2025)

Tesla has launched a hiring campaign in Queens for “vehicle operator, Autopilot” roles, tasking operators with driving engineering vehicles, collecting audio and video data, troubleshooting software, and filing detailed reports. Despite this ambition, the city’s Department of Transportation confirms that Tesla has not applied for the permits required to test autonomous vehicles on NYC streets, a legal step that remains unfulfilled as Tesla presses forward with robotaxi preparation. Concurrently, Tesla is running limited robotaxi operations in Austin and San Francisco with safety personnel inside but aims to scale its autonomous ride-hailing footprint, potentially covering “half of the U.S. population by year-end,” according to Elon Musk, pending regulatory approvals.

Tesla shuts down Dojo, the AI training supercomputer that Musk said would be key to full self-driving (TechCrunch, August 7, 2025)

Tesla is shutting down its Dojo supercomputer project, ending in-house chip development for driverless tech. Lead engineer Peter Bannon is leaving, and remaining team members will be reassigned within Tesla. The move follows the departure of about 20 employees who started their own AI firm, DensityAI, building chips and hardware for robotics, AI agents, and automotive use. This shift marks a major change in Tesla’s AI strategy, moving away from Musk’s vision of Dojo as the core of full self-driving and robotaxi ambitions. Musk recently emphasized Tesla’s focus on Cortex, a new AI supercluster in Austin. Tesla plans to rely more on external partners like Nvidia, AMD, and Samsung for chips, including a $16.5 billion deal with Samsung for AI6 inference chips. This decision comes as Tesla’s board offers Musk a $29 billion pay package to maintain his leadership and push AI initiatives forward.

NHTSA Issues First-Ever Demonstration Exemption to American-Built Automated Vehicles (US Dept. of Transportation, August 6, 2025)

The NHTSA granted Zoox an exemption for its driverless vehicles, marking the first-ever exemption for American-built vehicles under the expanded Automated Vehicle Exemption Program (AVEP). This change, part of Secretary Duffy’s Innovation Agenda, levels the playing field for U.S. companies by allowing them to participate in AVEP, previously limited to foreign AVs. The program simplifies the exemption process, promoting U.S. technology and safety by enabling companies to test noncompliant vehicles on U.S. roads. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy praised the initiative as a dual victory for safety and innovation, positioning the U.S. as a leader in autonomous vehicle development. Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser emphasized the efficiency of the expanded review process. As part of the exemption, Zoox must alter vehicles to indicate non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. NHTSA is also closing its investigation into Zoox’s self-certification.

Elon Musk teases new Tesla ‘Full Self-Driving Supervised’, but manage your expectations (Electrek, August 6, 2025)

Elon Musk has announced a new update for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) which promises “10x improvements.” However, past experiences suggest caution in managing expectations. In a recent post, Musk mentioned enhancements like a tenfold increase in parameters and better video compression, slated for public release next month if testing succeeds. Although Tesla’s FSD for consumer vehicles hasn’t shown notable progress this year, focusing instead on its Robotaxi service in Austin, shareholders hope this new update leverages lessons learned from the Robotaxi deployment. In June, Musk initially teased a “4x increase” in parameters for this update, now expanding it to “10x.” However, previous promises, like the disappointing FSD v12.5 update claiming a “5x increase,” resulted in less reliable performance, making it prudent to remain cautious about these new claims.

General Motors is reviving its self-driving car efforts with a crucial shift in strategy: abandoning robotaxi ambitions in favor of developing autonomous vehicles for personal buyers. The company is bringing back ex-Cruise employees while growing its engineering teams, led by Sterling Anderson, GM’s newly appointed product development head who previously spearheaded Tesla’s Autopilot program. Additionally, GM is conducting real-world testing with lidar-equipped vehicles operated by human drivers on public streets, collecting critical data to advance fully autonomous technology that will ultimately deliver “eyes-free, hands-free” driving capabilities.

Wait times for this Chinese EV are so long that the CEO is telling buyer to consider rivals (Peter Johnson August 12, 2025)

Xiaomi’s new YU7 electric SUV, positioned to undercut Tesla’s Model Y with a longer range and a lower price, has sparked a frenzy in China, receiving a staggering 240,000 orders within just 18 hours of launch. But while the demand has exceeded expectations, production constraints mean customers may have to wait up to a year or more for delivery. In a statement, CEO Lei Jun acknowledged the delays and encouraged potential buyers in urgent need of a vehicle to consider alternatives such as XPeng’s G7, Li Auto’s L8, or even Tesla’s Model Y. While the YU7 has quickly established itself as a competitive force in the crowded Chinese EV market, Xiaomi’s open acknowledgment of its limitations reflects a transparent and pragmatic approach to customer expectations.

Tesla shuts down Dojo, the AI training supercomputer that Musk said would be key to full self-driving (Rebecca Bellan August 7, 2025)

Tesla is shutting down its Dojo supercomputer project, ending in-house chip development for driverless tech. Lead engineer Peter Bannon is leaving, and remaining team members will be reassigned within Tesla. The move follows the departure of about 20 employees who started their own AI firm, DensityAI, building chips and hardware for robotics, AI agents, and automotive use. This shift marks a major change in Tesla’s AI strategy, moving away from Musk’s vision of Dojo as the core of full self-driving and robotaxi ambitions. Musk recently emphasized Tesla’s focus on Cortex, a new AI supercluster in Austin. Tesla plans to rely more on external partners like Nvidia, AMD, and Samsung for chips, including a $16.5 billion deal with Samsung for AI6 inference chips. This decision comes as Tesla’s board offers Musk a $29 billion pay package to maintain his leadership and push AI initiatives forward.

Tesla is hiring robotaxi test drivers in New York City, but company hasn’t applied for permits (Lora Kolodny, August 12, 2025)

Tesla has launched a hiring campaign in Queens for “vehicle operator, Autopilot” roles, tasking operators with driving engineering vehicles, collecting audio and video data, troubleshooting software, and filing detailed reports. Despite this ambition, the city’s Department of Transportation confirms that Tesla has not applied for the permits required to test autonomous vehicles on NYC streets, a legal step that remains unfulfilled as Tesla presses forward with robotaxi preparation.

Concurrently, Tesla is running limited robotaxi operations in Austin and San Francisco with safety personnel inside but aims to scale its autonomous ride-hailing footprint, potentially covering “half of the U.S. population by year-end,” according to Elon Musk, pending regulatory approvals.

NHTSA Issues First-Ever Demonstration Exemption to American-Built Automated Vehicles (U.S. Department of Transportation, August 6, 2025)

The NHTSA granted Zoox an exemption for its driverless vehicles, marking the first-ever exemption for American-built vehicles under the expanded Automated Vehicle Exemption Program (AVEP). This change, part of Secretary Duffy’s Innovation Agenda, levels the playing field for U.S. companies by allowing them to participate in AVEP, previously limited to foreign AVs. The program simplifies the exemption process, promoting U.S. technology and safety by enabling companies to test noncompliant vehicles on U.S. roads. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy praised the initiative as a dual victory for safety and innovation, positioning the U.S. as a leader in autonomous vehicle development. Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser emphasized the efficiency of the expanded review process. As part of the exemption, Zoox must alter vehicles to indicate non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. NHTSA is also closing its investigation into Zoox’s self-certification.

Elon Musk teases new Tesla ‘Full Self-Driving Supervised’, but manage your expectations (Fred Lambert, August 6, 2025)

Elon Musk has announced a new update for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) which promises “10x improvements.” However, past experiences suggest caution in managing expectations. In a recent post, Musk mentioned enhancements like a tenfold increase in parameters and better video compression, slated for public release next month if testing succeeds. Although Tesla’s FSD for consumer vehicles hasn’t shown notable progress this year, focusing instead on its Robotaxi service in Austin, shareholders hope this new update leverages lessons learned from the Robotaxi deployment. In June, Musk initially teased a “4x increase” in parameters for this update, now expanding it to “10x.” However, previous promises, like the disappointing FSD v12.5 update claiming a “5x increase,” resulted in less reliable performance, making it prudent to remain cautious about these new claims.

Tesla, Elon Musk sued by shareholders over Robotaxi claims (Jonathan Stempel — August 5, 2025)

Elon Musk and Tesla were sued by shareholders for securities fraud, accusing them of hiding the risks of their self-driving vehicles. The lawsuit followed a test showing dangerous behavior of robotaxis, leading to a drop in Tesla’s stock price. Shareholders seek damages from April 2023 to June 2025. Also, Tesla was recently found partially responsible for a fatal crash involving its self-driving software.

Trump’s deregulation of AI and autonomous vehicles: Revolution or risk? (Lauren Fix — August 6, 2025)

On January 23, 2025, Trump signed Executive Order 14179, “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence,” signaling a dramatic shift away from the Biden administration’s cautious regulatory stance on AI. The directive calls on federal agencies to dismantle regulations viewed as obstacles to innovation, most notably in autonomous vehicle development. It streamlines NHTSA’s exemption process and could open the door for self-driving cars to operate without traditional safety features like steering wheels or pedals.

Proponents say the move will accelerate U.S. dominance in emerging sectors such as transportation, healthcare, and logistics, potentially saving thousands of lives and cutting costs through automation. But critics warn that the sweeping rollback comes with serious risks. Key concerns include the elimination of mandatory crash data reporting for AVs and the removal of protections against algorithmic bias. The order may also clash with existing state-level laws in places like California and Colorado, raising fears of a fragmented regulatory landscape that could erode public trust and compromise safety.

Ford opens massive EV development center in Long Beach, California (Susan Carpenter — August 5, 2025)

After a 65-year absence, Ford Motor is making a major West Coast comeback with the opening of a massive 250,000-square-foot Electric Vehicle Development Center in Long Beach, its first significant Southern California presence since closing an assembly plant in 1959. The repurposed aviation depot near LAX now houses 350 engineers, designers, and technicians, with plans to expand to 450 staff. The high-tech campus features design studios, fabrication workshops, EV labs, and specialized garage space for next-generation projects spanning electric drivetrains, software, and battery development.

Ford’s California team is laser-focused on developing a low-cost, midsize electric pickup truck set to launch in 2027, a crucial vehicle that could determine the automaker’s competitiveness in the mass-market EV space. The move signals Ford’s determination to attract top-tier engineering talent from California’s tech corridor while reinforcing its electrification commitment, even as the industry grapples with rising tariff pressures and supply chain challenges.

Tesla Wants To Bring Its Robotaxis To New York. Good Luck With That (Rob Stumpf — August 3, 2025)

Tesla’s Robotaxi service, after launching in California, is expanding by hiring “vehicle operators” in several U. S. cities, including Brooklyn, New York. Unlike competitors like Waymo, Tesla is rapidly expanding its service, though it still lacks full autonomous permits. The push raises safety concerns, especially in busy areas.

Lyft to partner with Chinese AI firm Baidu to bring robotaxis to Europe in 2026 (Euronews — August 4, 2025)

Robotaxis may be available in Germany and the UK on the Lyft app as soon as next year. Lyft is partnering with Chinese AI firm Baidu to introduce autonomous vehicles, pending regulatory approval. Baidu aims to scale its fleet in Europe, while Lyft expands its operations after acquiring the FREENOW app.

Lucid softens full-year production forecast as EV maker misses second-quarter estimates (Michele Luhn — August 5, 2025)

Lucid Motors posted mixed Q2 results, missing revenue expectations with $259.4 million and reporting a wider-than-expected 24-cent loss per share. The EV maker also lowered its 2025 production forecast to 18,000–20,000 units, citing rising tariffs and trade tensions. To offset supply chain challenges, Lucid is shifting to domestic sourcing—aiming to boost long-term stability despite near-term margin pressure. The company is betting on its upcoming Gravity SUV, a $50,000 midsize EV, and a newly announced six-year robotaxi partnership with Uber and Nuro, backed by a $300 million Uber investment.

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.

SUVRAT KOTHARI 1-29-2025

Even though General Motors shut down its robotaxi venture, Cruise, in late 2024, the carmaker is still pushing with autonomous driving technology through its consumer-focused system, Super Cruise. Currently, Super Cruise is available on certain Chevy, Cadillac, GMC, and Buick models, with around 360,000 vehicles equipped with the system, according to GM’s 2024 earnings call earlier this week. Superior Cruise is an SAE Level 2 driver assistance system, comparable to Tesla’s Autopilot, and boasts a 20% subscription uptake among customers.

GM plans to expand Super Cruise to 24 different models by the end of the year and remains optimistic about the ongoing development and consumer demand for the tech. GM CEO Mary Barra noted, “80% of our customers say they either wouldn’t buy a car without it, or they would strongly want it in their next vehicle.”

Norway is set to become the first country to fully transition to electric vehicles

SAM MEREDITH 1-28-2025

Norway is a global leader in sustainable transportation, with EV sales soaring from less than 1% in 2010 to 88.9% in the previous year. Norway aims to erase gasoline and diesel cars from its market, supported by policies rather than bans. EVs surpassed 96% of new car sales early this year, nearing Norway’s goal from 2017. Celebrations are planned, marking this shift amid global environmental challenges, including Trump’s actions against low-carbon tech. Norway’s Deputy Transport Minister attributes success to supportive policies, contrasting EU’s and U.K.’s future bans on carbon-emitting cars. Incentives like VAT exemptions and charging infrastructure investment are pivotal. Looking ahead, Norway plans fully electric city buses by 2025 and aims for 75% renewable heavy-duty vehicles by decade’s end, signaling a new normal in transportation.

NHTSA proposes exemptions tailed for autonomous vehicles

JEREMOY WOLFE 1-29-2025

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a new voluntary oversight program to monitor automated vehicles, called the Automated Driving System-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (“AV STEP”). The program aims to offer exemptions for the deployment of autonomous vehicles and provide benefits to manufactuers, ADS developers, and commercial fleets that enroll in AV STEP. It also includes safeguard requiring participants to disclose their commercial operations and show how these efforts contribute to public interest, such as a focus on environmental sustainability or improving transportation efficiency. To be eligible for AV STEP, vehicles must meet SAE’s Levels 3, 4, or 5 of autonomy.

A new AI assistant from China has Silicon Valley talking

ANGELA YANG and JASMINE CUI 1-27-2025

A small lab in China, DeepSeek, has created an advanced AI assistant that has taken the U. S. tech industry by surprise. This assistant recently reached No. 1 on the Apple App Store and is said to outperform leading U. S. AI models with far fewer resources. DeepSeek’s large language model, R1, has quickly gained recognition, ranking just below OpenAI’s o1 model. The company has released another model, Janus-Pro-7B, that can handle different media types.

Tech stocks fell sharply following the news of DeepSeek’s success. Microsoft and other tech leaders have shown admiration for the new AI model, which is open-source and free to use. DeepSeek’s achievements have sparked discussions about the capabilities of small companies compared to bigger U. S. firms. Concerns about potential ties to the Chinese government have emerged, but many in the industry have praised DeepSeek’s innovative work.

Rivian to launch hands-free driving system in 2025

ARSHEEYA BAJWA 1-23-2025

Rivian plans to introduce its advanced hands-free driver assistance systems in 2025 and its “eyes-off” systems in 2026, according to CEO RJ Scaringe. Despite recent executive orders from President Trump targeting the EV sector, Rivian does not anticipate significant risks to its $6.6 billion loan for a Georgia plant. Rivian’s Gen 2 vehicles currently include the “Rivian Autonomy Platform,” requiring driver attention similar to systems from other automakers. This announcement occurs as scrutiny over driver assistance technologies intensifies, with competitors like Tesla advancing towards self-driving capabilities. Trump also recently overturned a 2021 decree seeking to make half of U.S. vehicle sales electric by 2030 and plans to reconsider EV tax credits.

2025 Model Y Juniper Arrives With End of ‘EV Mandate’

BROOKE CROTHERS 1-21-2025

The Tesla Model Y Juniper update faces pricing issues in the U. S. due to a changing EV market. The updated model, which is already in China, is set to arrive in the U. S. soon. President Trump announced plans to revoke the “EV mandate” and eliminate subsidies that favor EVs, which could affect the $7,500 tax credit for consumers. The credit is key to keeping Model Y prices low. Future pricing for the Model Y Juniper remains uncertain, and prospective buyers should consider purchasing now to benefit from the tax credit.