CBS News | 11/25/2025

A lawsuit claims design flaws in a Tesla Model 3 caused it to accelerate unexpectedly, crashing into a utility pole, resulting in the death of Wendy Dennis and severe injuries to her husband, Jeff. The lawsuit highlights issues with door handles that hindered rescue efforts. It seeks punitive damages and a jury trial. The automatic braking failed to engage, and a hazardous battery design increased fire risk after the crash.

Volkswagen can now build EVs in China, claiming it can cut costs by up to 50%

PETER JOHNSON | Electrek | 11/25/2025

Volkswagen can now fully develop new vehicles in China, cutting development costs by up to 50%. The new facility in Hefei allows VW to create electric vehicles efficiently by collaborating with local suppliers. It aims to meet market trends like autonomous driving and digital technology. The hub will test batteries and powertrains, supporting exports to markets such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk admits tough realization about FSD

TONY OWUSU | The Street | 11/25/2025

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently acknowledged a tough truth about the company’s long-awaited Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology: most major automakers simply aren’t biting. Despite Tesla’s efforts to position FSD as the industry’s gold standard for autonomy, Musk revealed that other manufacturers have shown little interest in licensing the system, even when it’s been offered to them. He characterized this reluctance as both surprising and frustrating, suggesting that legacy automakers either remain skeptical of Tesla’s approach or prefer to keep their autonomy development in-house.

The revelation highlights a significant hurdle for Tesla as it repositions itself around robotics and autonomous driving. While the company remains committed to advancing FSD, the industry’s cold shoulder suggests that widespread adoption may still be a distant prospect.

China’s solid-state EV batteries hit factory floor, promise 2x range

CHRISTOPHER McFADDEN | Interesting Engineering | 11/23/2025

China’s GAC Group has created the first production line for large (60 Ah+) solid-state electric vehicle (EV) battery cells, currently in pilot stage. It aims to test small batches before starting vehicle testing in 2026. Solid-state batteries offer higher energy density and safety than traditional lithium-ion batteries, potentially allowing for longer driving ranges. GAC claims to have a high areal capacity of 7.7 mAh/cm², suggesting progress in solid-state technology. The company hopes to scale production between 2027 and 2030, competing with global leaders in the field.

The Future of Crash Investigation, Liability & Claims

In this Nelson Law LLC webinar, Mike Nelson (Nelson Law LLC) and Bryan Reimer (MIT) explore how vehicle data is reshaping accountability in the age of automated and connected vehicles.

What You’ll Learn

• The Role of Data in Every Crash: From onboard sensors to telematics and video evidence—see how data now drives liability and safety outcomes.
• Modern Claims Handling: How analytics and automation reduce litigation, improve accuracy, and lower costs.
• Access & Transparency: The legal and technical challenges of data ownership, sharing, and privacy.
• Technology Evolution: From early telematics to today’s sensor and video fusion systems—and where U.S. automakers stand globally.
• Regulatory & Industry Outlook: How data governance and safety standards are adapting to new realities.

Why It Matters

Vehicle data determines not just what happened in a crash—but who’s responsible.
As vehicles become software-defined, data transparency will shape litigation, insurance, and public trust. This webinar offers a practical roadmap for insurers, attorneys, and manufacturers to adapt now.