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 filing for attorneys’ fees and cost this week by Plaintiffs’ counsel in the Benevides case, which we have been following closely, revealed that Tesla rejected a $60 million settlement demand.  Although this pretrial demand was considerably less than the eventual $243 million verdict, it does not appear that Tesla thought the possibility of a punitive damages award was likely prior to trial.  As we reported, the punitive damages award was $200 million and will certainly be appealed.  Tesla countered the families’ proposed settlement with a much lower offer that demanded confidentiality, which was declined. Attorney Brett Schreiber highlighted that Tesla’s proposal was a fraction of the demand and the jury’s verdict. This case illuminates Tesla’s legal strategies when dealing with lawsuits related to its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features, an area linked with numerous crashes and fatalities, yet often settled outside the courtroom.

BYD’s Ferrari-slaying electric supercar shatters the EV speed record at nearly 300 mph (Peter Johnson – August 26, 2025)

BYD’s Yangwang U9 Track Edition has officially seized the title of the world’s fastest electric vehicle. During an August 8 test at Germany’s ATP Papenburg track, the Chinese-built hypercar reached a blistering 472.41 km/h (roughly 293 mph), surpassing the previous EV speed record by over 20%. More than a feat of speed, this moment marks a historic milestone: the first time a Chinese automaker has captured a global performance record at this scale, signaling China’s rising influence in a hypercar market long dominated by European giants.

With a starting price around $233,000, the hypercar delivers superior performance while costing nearly half as much as established supercar rivals like the Ferrari SF90 and Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

Tesla FSD V14 to ‘Feel Alive,’ Second Biggest FSD Update Ever (Staff – August 20, 2025)

Elon Musk has confirmed that the next FSD update will be FSD v14, which is expected to be a significant improvement over previous versions. This update will only be available for HW4 vehicles and aims to reduce driver monitoring while enhancing the FSD experience.

FSD v14 will utilize 10 times more parameters than v13, improving performance and video quality. Musk highlighted that the update would make FSD feel more natural and human-like. He mentioned that driver monitoring would be less intense, allowing for more leniency unless drivers are frequently distracted. FSD v14 is anticipated to be released by the end of September, with the potential for new features like parking in garages and driveways.

Honda Taps Startup’s AI Tech for Self-Driving Cars (Graham Hope – August 21, 2025)

Honda has partnered with U.S. startup Helm.ai to integrate advanced AI technology into its mainstream vehicles’ ADAS. This “multi-year joint development agreement” will enhance Honda’s offerings with Helm.ai‘s real-time AI software, including autonomous driving features suited for highway and urban environments. Helm.ai’s suite includes perception and path prediction AI, leveraging Deep Teaching technology pre-trained on large datasets. This collaboration aims to accelerate Honda’s “Navigate on Autopilot” platform, offering partial automation and enhancing vehicle autonomy within broader model ranges. While Honda initiated automation with the Level 3 Legend sedan in 2021, the partnership seeks to regain competitive edge, targeting mass production after 2027. Honda aims to create a seamless driving experience across diverse terrains, focusing on reducing traffic collisions through advanced AI integration.

Stellantis pauses launch of automated driving tech due to ‘very limited’ market demand (Luke Ramseth – August 26, 2025)

Stellantis has suspended its plans to roll out Level 3 automated driving technology in its vehicles, citing high development costs, limited consumer demand, and ongoing technical challenges. Although the company had previously promoted its AutoDrive system as a major step forward in its software strategy, executives now say the technology won’t be launched any time soon despite having the capability in place if market conditions change.

This move reflects a broader pullback in Stellantis’s in-house software ambitions as the automaker shifts focus to external partners, such as aiMotive, to manage advanced driving development. The pause also comes amid weaker software performance, internal leadership changes, and declining stock value, raising questions about the company’s ability to compete in the increasingly software-driven future of mobility.

Waymo Brings Robotaxis to NYC Streets – But Can They Handle the Chaos? (Max Taylor – August 26, 2025)

Waymo has received the first permit to test self-driving cars in New York City, starting this September with eight Jaguar I-Pace EVs. Testing in the busy environment of Manhattan poses challenges, raising concerns about safety. Waymo claims its cars are safer than human drivers. The move is seen as a chance to establish leadership in autonomous tech, especially amid competition with Tesla. Success in New York could influence public perception and future approvals elsewhere, while failure could reinforce criticisms of autonomous vehicles. Ordinary New Yorkers wonder if robotaxis will improve their commutes or add to the chaos.

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.