With more self-driving cars on the road, states put more rules in place (Madyson Fitzgerald, August 19, 2025)

Self-driving vehicle technology is progressing, leading to new safety and liability laws from state lawmakers in Arizona, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, and the District of Columbia. In total, 25 states introduced 67 related bills, while California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are considering more. Some governors vetoed measures regarding driver presence in commercial vehicles and artificial intelligence regulations. No vehicle has reached full autonomy yet, but companies like Tesla and Waymo are offering advanced automated features. Despite potential safety benefits, driverless cars have had numerous accidents, with ongoing investigations into Tesla’s system.

The future of freight: A national framework for autonomous trucking (Rep. Vince Fong, August 18, 2025)

Autonomous vehicles, including trucks, can greatly improve transportation in the U. S. by enhancing supply chain efficiency and road safety. However, inconsistent state regulations create confusion and slow progress. Currently, 35 states permit some form of autonomous truck testing, but varying rules complicate nationwide deployment. The America Drives Act aims to provide a cohesive federal framework by 2027, updating safety measures and ensuring clear standards for autonomous trucks. This legislation is essential for keeping the U. S. competitive globally while improving safety and efficiency in transportation.

Tesla, Rivian, and others see billions in revenue disappear as US officially end emission credits (Fred Lambert, August 15, 2025)

Tesla, Rivian, and other U.S. EV makers are losing billions in revenue as the emission credit market ends, following the passage of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”. This legislation also removes the federal tax credit for electric vehicle purchases and ceases penalty enforcement for automakers with low fuel economy. Consequently, the NHTSA stopped issuing compliance letters, effectively ending the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) credit market. Automakers previously bought credits instead of paying fines, benefiting EV manufacturers like Tesla. Rivian reported a $100 million revenue loss due to unfinalized credit deals, and Tesla, heavily reliant on global regulatory credits for income, faces significant impacts. The Zero Emission Transportation Association petitioned for the return of compliance letters, but there’s skepticism that this will occur under Trump’s administration.

Mobility and beyond: How autonomous technologies could transform lives (Laurie Yoler and Emily Shao, August 15, 2025)

Laurie Yoler, a tech investor, shares insights on how AVs are evolving and their broader impact on mobility and society. Having worked with Tesla and Zoox, Yoler has witnessed AVs transition from a concept to a tangible reality. While companies like Waymo operate self-driving services in certain cities, fully autonomous vehicles are not yet mainstream due to technical and regulatory challenges. Public trust is still forming as automakers and tech firms invest in AV technology. Yoler notes a generational shift in driving attitudes, with fewer young people seeing car ownership as a symbol of freedom. She envisions diverse in-vehicle experiences in AVs by 2030-2035, from entertainment to relaxation. Yoler also discusses the shift from hardware to software-defined vehicles and new business models, highlighting opportunities in energy storage and AI-driven data monetization. The global AV landscape is influenced by different regional innovations and supportive policies, as seen in China.

Camera-Only Driverless Tech Now ’Good Enough,’ Imagry Says (Paul Myles August 15, 2025)

Imagry’s CEO, Eran Ofir, asserts that camera-only sensor systems for AVs are now safer than human drivers and ready for broader deployment. While some skepticism remains about relying solely on cameras without lidar or radar, Ofir argues this approach reduces unnecessary data management and saves computing power. Despite Tesla’s recent legal issues involving camera-based systems, Ofir contends that AV technologies have advanced significantly, achieving faster reaction times than humans, with sub-100 millisecond latency compared to human response.

Autonomous Vehicles Are Tangled Up In Red Tape, But There’s No One Left To Cut It (Nicholas Werner, August 15, 2025)

The Biden administration’s Office of Automation Safety was created to regulate AVs and establish safety standards, but Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s recent staff cuts to the office have left it nearly empty. Musk’s DOGE initiative reduced the staff by nearly half, removing crucial guidance for navigating federal and state regulations. Without this office, the AV industry claims to face delays in safety exemptions and legal clarity, hindering deployment. Historically, U.S. vehicle regulations were designed for human drivers, so adapting them for driverless cars requires federal guidance—work the now sparsely staffed office was meant to do. Despite some loosening of safety requirements earlier this year, progress remains slow, prompting calls for the Department of Transportation to prioritize staffing. Restoring the office is essential for smoother AV integration and safer urban navigation, industry experts say.

ALISA PRIDDLE 3-28-2025

Nissan and Infiniti will not offer Level 3 hands-free driving technology in North America any time soon, not due to a lack of capability, but because it is not a priority. The company faces challenges with new leadership and financial issues. Although Nissan can provide Level 3 systems and is testing Level 4 robotaxis in Japan, they are focusing on making Level 2 technology more appealing to consumers, who aren’t willing to pay extra for more advanced features. Research indicates that Level 3 driving is not a major consumer demand. Nissan continues to advance its technology and plans to test more robotaxis in Japan, hoping to address transportation challenges.

US Carmakers Crush It On Q1 EV Sales (Except You-Know-Who)

TINA CASEY 4-2-2025

GM and Ford are reporting strong electric vehicle sales for Q1 2025, as analysts suggest buyers may be acting before potential tariffs or changes to the federal EV tax credit. GM’s EV sales surged 94%, positioning the company as a strong contender for the #2 EV seller in the U.S., trailing only Tesla. “We’re the industry leader in trucks and affordable small SUVs, Cadillac is growing significantly in luxury, and we have the broadest portfolio in EVs in the industry,” stated GM executive VP and president of global markets Rory Harvey.

Ford also saw a boost, with hybrid sales up 33% and EV sales rising 12%, making up 15% of its total Q1 sales. While Tesla’s Q1 report has yet to be release, sales have reportedly been declining since Elon Musk took on a greater role in the White House.

Hyundai’s EVs are about to get smarter and more efficient with its new ‘Pleos’ brand

PETER JOHNSON 3-28-2025

Hyundai is evolving beyond traditional automaking with its new software brand, Pleos, aimed at creating advanced, software-defined vehicles. Launched at Hyundai’s developer conference, Pleos signifies Hyundai’s shift towards becoming a software-centric mobility provider. Derived from “Pleo,” meaning more, and OS, for operating system, this initiative promises high-tech connectivity. Hyundai’s platform integrates from the infotainment system (Pleos Connect) to the Vehicle Operating System and cloud infrastructure, enabling smart functions like autonomous driving. These features improve continuously via updates. Pleos Connect, based on Android, offers a smartphone-like interface with AI assistance. The first vehicle with Pleos Connect is expected in Q2 2026, with the goal of 20 million vehicles by 2030. By 2027, Hyundai plans to achieve Level 2+ autonomous driving, turning vehicles into self-learning systems, in collaboration with partners like Samsung and Google.

Rivian rolls out hands-free driving via software update

ERIC WALZ 3-27-2025

Rivian has introduced a hands-free driving feature called Enhanced Highway Assist through a software update for its second generation R1 vehicles. This system operates on 130,000 miles of roads in the U. S. and Canada, with plans for significant future expansion.

Rivian’s technology includes advanced cameras and radar, with AI-powered decision-making based on extensive data collection. The system is classified as Level 2, meaning drivers must stay alert and ready to take control. More capabilities are expected later this year, with a more advanced feature planned for 2026.

Tesla hypes ‘unsupervised full self-driving’ launch in June: here’s what it will actually launch

FRED LAMBERT 3-26-2025

Tesla is creating buzz around its upcoming unsupervised FSD launch in Austin this June, focusing on a paid ride-hailing service using self-driving technology. CEO Elon Musk announced plans for a no-driver-required launch at Tesla’s last earnings call. Current practices at Tesla’s Fremont facility include vehicles autonomously driving on private roads, unlike the planned public deployment. The transition to “unsupervised” is significant as Tesla’s FSD features have historically required supervision. Tesla’s Austin launch, using its existing vehicle lineup and potentially the new Cybercab, will operate within a geo-fenced area, offering services similar to Waymo, which uses lidar and other sensors. Though Tesla’s system relies solely on cameras, they may employ teleoperation for vehicle support. Despite Musk’s longstanding claims of imminent autonomy, the practical execution remains closely watched.

Self-Driving Car Firms Bleed Cash – WeRide CEO Says Only Regulation Can Steer Toward Profit

KURT ROBSON and SAMANTHA DUNN 3-31-2025

The U.S. autonomous vehicle market remains unprofitable, and industry leaders warn that slow federal regulations could put the country behind China. “If the federal government fails to act to advance sensible AV policies, we will cede our leadership in this economically crucial sector to China,” stated the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

Major autonomous technology companies, such as WeRide, Waymo, and Pony.ai have yet to turn a profit due to high software development, research, and maintenance costs.  WeRide founder Tony Han stresses that federal regulation will be a deciding factor. “What I want in the next five years is that, first of all, this company can become profitable…I think from a technology perspective, it will definitely support this within five years, but there are more commercial and policy considerations,” he told the Financial Times.

REUTERS 2-25-2025

Tesla released an update to its autopilot software in China, adding a city navigation feature, but many Chinese owners feel let down as it doesn’t meet Elon Musk’s promises. The update includes automatic lane-changing and traffic light detection but is less advanced than in the U. S. due to data limitations. Chinese competitors are offering better features at lower prices. Tesla is seeking regulatory approval to fully roll out its Full Self-Driving system in China, while also planning a data center there to enhance its technology.

This is how Americans truly feel about self-driving cars

NEAL BROVERMAN 2-25-2025

AAA released its findings of its January safety survey this week, revealing that most Americans remain wary of self-driving vehicles. The survey of 1,095 respondents found that 61% do not trust autonomous vehicles, a slight decrease from last year’s 66%. Notably, the survey does not differentiate between semi-autonomous vehicles, such as Tesla models, and fully autonomous vehicles, like Waymo’s robotaxis. When asked specifically about robotaxis, 74% of respondents acknowledged awareness of self-driving rideshare services in some locations. However, 53% expressed unwillingness to ride in one, with reluctance being particularly strong among Baby Boomers.

Despite limited interest in autonomous vehicle development, many respondents voice support for investments in vehicle safety systems over expanding access to fully self-driving technology.

Rivian will launch hands-off highway driver assist ‘in a few weeks’

SEAN O’KANE 2-20-2025

Rivian announced plans to launch a hands-off driver assistance system for highway driving in a few weeks, with an eyes-off version expected in 2026. This move positions Rivian alongside competitors like Ford and GM, which have similar systems. The company, which posted its first positive gross profit in Q4 2024, faces challenges due to uncertain regulatory changes under the Trump administration. Rivian’s autonomy goals were emphasized since its 2018 debut but shifted focus to vehicle launches. With a steady production of around 50,000 vehicles annually and a new deal with Volkswagen, Rivian is ready to expand features. Using an end-to-end training approach, the feature will initially be highway-restricted, with potential for wider application in the future.

Tesla recalls more than 375,000 vehicles for power steering issue

MATT LAVIETES 2-21-2025

Tesla is recalling over 375,000 vehicles in the U. S. due to power steering problems, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This affects certain Model 3 and Model Y cars with software prior to 2023. The power steering assist may fail, making it harder to control the car, especially at low speeds, which raises crash risks. Tesla will send letters to affected owners and has provided a free software update. The recall occurs amid various NHTSA investigations into Tesla’s features. Concerns over Musk’s dual roles and possible conflicts of interest have been raised.

Stellantis Unveils “Eyes-Off” Driving System

SEAN TUCKER 2-21-2025

Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep and Dodge, has introduced STLA AutoDrive, a Level 3 driver assistance system that allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road in limited conditions. Currently, Mercedes is the only U.S. automaker with an approved Level 3 system, which is operational in Nevada and California. STLA AutoDrive functions at speeds up to 37 mph, transitioning to Level 2 at higher speeds, where drivers must remain attentive. While fully developed, Stellantis is not launching it yet due to a limited market for Level 3 systems, with a potential European rollout seen as more feasible. Legal considerations around liability for accidents and driver distraction also remain unresolved as automakers advance toward autonomous driving technology.

Volvo’s new ES90 has lightning-fast EV charging speeds and up to 435 miles range

PETER JOHNSON 2-26-2025

Volvo is setting new standards in the EV market with the ES90, its longest-range and fastest-charging model yet. With up to 435 miles of range and an 800V system, the vehicle can charge up to 185 miles in 10 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging EVs available. The vehicle is equipped with lidar, five radars, eight cameras, and twelve ultrasonic sensors, along with dual NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin computers, making it one of Volvo’s “most technically advanced cars,” capable of handling 508 trillion operations per second. The official debut for the new flagship electric sedan is scheduled for March 5.

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.

In this edition of Thoughts from the Drivers Seat, Mike Nelson shares some of the pitfalls he experienced when trying to charge his Rivian at a Supercharging station while traveling to an out of state wedding.

Copyright Nelson Law LLC

The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Firm, its clients, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This blog post is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice.

• Tesla in Seattle-area crash that killed motorcyclist was using self-driving system, authorities say (AP, July 30, 2024)

  Investigators in Washington state have determined that an April crash in which a Tesla Model S hit and killed a motorcyclist about 15 miles north of Seattle was engaged in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system at the time of the incident, according to EDR data from the vehicle. The Tesla driver told a state trooper that he was looking at his phone while Autopilot was engaged, and “the next thing he knew there was a bang and the vehicle lurched forward as it accelerated and collided with the motorcycle in front of him.”

  The death of the motorcyclist, Jeffrey Nilsen, is the second fatality in the United States involving Full Self-Driving according to investigation documents from NHTSA. The investigation is ongoing, and it currently is unclear if FSD is at fault in the fatality.

  Tesla has not commented on this recent development in the investigation, but this news comes only a week after Elon Musk stated that he expects FSD to run without human supervision by the end of 2024.

• Volkswagen And Rivian Are Teaming Up On Software In $5 Billion Deal (Inside EVs, July 29, 2024)

  On Tuesday, automakers Rivian and Volkswagen announced they are partnering to create software for their future electric vehicles.  Volkswagen has a long history of producing cars and making a profit, however they have struggled with their software.  Rivian is widely regarded for its software and user experience but lacks funding.  The money VW plans to invest does come with some strings attached.  Rivian will need to meet certain financial and technological milestones.  Volkswagen will invest an initial $1 billion with plans to invest another $4 billion in the future.  

  Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe said during a conference call on Tuesday. “Each company will continue to separately operate their respective vehicle businesses.”

• Automakers Sold Driver Data To Insurance Companies For Next To Nothing (Jalopnik, July 26, 2024)

  Two U.S. Senators, Ron Wyden and Edward J. Markey, are urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate how automakers are collecting and selling driver data to insurance companies at low prices. This follows a report by The New York Times indicating General Motors, Hyundai, and Honda are involved in selling data such as acceleration patterns, braking habits, and speeding frequencies to insurance companies to assess driver risk. Highlights from the investigation revealed automakers made minimal profits from these sales, with Honda receiving 26 cents per car from Verisk, and Hyundai earning 61 cents per car. GM declined to specify exact figures, but sources confirm low millions of dollars for data on eight million cars. The senators criticize the vague and often deceptive ways drivers are informed about data collection, with some automakers still sharing location data without clear consent. This marks the third congressional appeal to the FTC to scrutinize such data practices.

• Rivian’s latest update lets you record and save drive cam footage, including any ‘incidents’ (Electrek, May 2, 2023)

  Rivian’s latest over-the-air software update brings a number of new features to drivers, including 360-degree “Drive Cam” and “Incidents” functions to “enable Rivian drivers to record and save footage of their journeys.” As the name suggests, this footage could include incidents experienced during a journey, such as collisions and hard braking.

  To engage the Drive Cam function, the driver simply taps the “Save Clip” button on the center display, and the car will “create a video clip of the previous two minutes.” Any captured footage can be stored on a USB-C device, and can be viewed in the vehicle or downloaded to another external source.

  When the Incidents function is engaged, no footage is saved unless an incident is experienced; then the car will automatically save the fifteen minutes of footage preceding the incident and the following 1 minute and 45 seconds. As Rivian explains, “Incidents constantly monitors vehicle dynamics to identify incidents, and if one occurs, saves video of the event. For example, if you are cut off in traffic and have to slam on the brakes, this near-impact scenario would trigger the anti-lock braking system and, in turn, activate Incidents.” Incident footage is saved directly to the Rivian internal hard drive without need for a USB-C device.

• Elon, or deepfake? Musk must face questions on Autopilot statements (Reuters, April 26, 2023)

  Elon Musk has faced more than a few lawsuits involving his public statements, but he has not denied making the statements—until now. In a California lawsuit brought by the family of Walter Huang, who was killed when his Tesla crashed while operating in Autopilot, Tesla’s lawyers are claiming that certain recorded statements about the capabilities of Autopilot attributed to Musk may actually be “convincing ‘deepfake’ videos.” But the Court found that argument less than convincing, ordering Musk to sit for a deposition and calling Tesla’s arguments “troubling.” Among the statements reportedly at issue is a 2016 statement in which Musk allegedly claimed that a “Model S and Model X, at this point, can drive autonomously with greater safety than a person.” The Huang case is set for trial in July. The docket can be accessed here (Sz Huang v. Tesla, Inc., Case No. 19CV346663).

• May Mobility launches Arizona’s first on-demand autonomous public transit service for 55+ community (PR Newswire, April 25, 2023)

  May Mobility, a Michigan-based autonomous vehicle developer, is launching its first service in the Western U.S. in partnership with Via, a global “TransitTech” company. The new service will provide on-demand autonomous public transit to the retirement community of Sun City, Arizona, operating from 7 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday to shuttle residents throughout the community and to local recreation and retail centers.

  May Mobility and Via hope that the service will both “expand access to safe, reliable, and equitable on-demand transportation” to the community, and help the companies to better “understand how [AV] technology is adopted and addresses mobility challenges faced by aging adults.” Edwin Olson, CEO of May Mobility, touted the public benefit of the service, saying: “We’re fundamentally changing public transit, making it easier and more desirable than having a personal car. … People are living longer, and we believe that aging populations stand to gain greater access to mobility with autonomous vehicle technology. We’re committed to providing safe, reliable transportation for people who don’t want to or can’t drive themselves.”

Happy holidays!

Copyright Nelson Niehaus LLC

The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Firm, its clients, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This blog post is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice.

Copyright Nelson Niehaus LLC

The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Firm, its clients, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This blog post is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice.