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.

DAVID ZIPPER | Fast Company | 12/19/2025

Tesla’s controversial “Mad Max mode,” a setting in its Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assist system that encourages aggressive, high-speed driving, highlights a growing problem for autonomous and advanced driver-assist technologies. The mode, whose name nods to the film franchise, can push cars to exceed posted speed limits, dart through traffic, and make bold lane changes, raising safety concerns as regulators and researchers watch closely. While FSD still legally requires an attentive human driver, the behavior encouraged by Mad Max mode blurs the line between supervised assistance and risky automated driving, prompting scrutiny from safety authorities.

Tesla isn’t alone. Other autonomous systems Waymo’s robotaxis, are also being tuned to emulate human driving behaviors, sometimes bending or ignoring traffic laws to match real-world expectations. As companies compete, the questions remain of how much traffic law flexibility is acceptable, and who bears responsibility when machines break the rules

Tesla faces 30-day car sale ban for misleading use of ‘Autopilot’ branding, CA DMV warns

TIM JOHNS | ABC 7 News | 12/17/2025

California’s DMV has warned Tesla it could face a 30-day ban on selling vehicles in the state if it doesn’t change how it markets Autopilot and FSD. Regulators say the terminology misleads consumers into believing the systems are fully autonomous, despite requiring constant driver supervision, and follows a court ruling finding Tesla’s advertising violates state law. Tesla disputes the warning, calling it regulatory overreach, but the move signals escalating scrutiny over how automakers describe advanced driver-assist technologies an how those descriptions shape driver expectations and safety.

Ford’s $19.5 billion EV writedown: five things to know

MIKE COLIAS | Reuters | 12/16/2025

Ford Motor announced a $19.5 billion charge on electric vehicle investments, reflecting a shift from focusing on EVs to conventional gas models and hybrids. The charge includes costs for canceled EV models, a failed battery joint venture, and other expenses. Ford is scrapping future electric vehicles to focus on affordable models and hybrid growth, aiming for 50% of sales by 2030. The company will also invest $2 billion to create battery storage for energy services.

16 US states sue federal government after Trump suspends EV charging programs

DAVID SHEPARDSON | Reuters | 12/16/2025

A group of 16 states and the District of Columbia have sued the U. S. government after President Trump’s administration suspended two electric vehicle charging programs. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that new funding was refused under these programs from a $1 trillion infrastructure law. The lawsuit claims Trump’s actions jeopardize $1.8 billion in federal awards for state and local governments and hinder efforts against air pollution and climate change.

BYD increases EV battery warranty to 8 years/250,000 km, surpassing Tesla’s

FRED LAMBERT | Electrek | 12/15/2025

BYD is enhancing confidence in its electric vehicles in Europe by extending its battery warranty to 8 years or 250,000 km, significantly more than the industry standard. This new policy pressures competitors like Tesla and Volkswagen to increase their warranty offers. Previously, BYD’s warranty was around 8 years or 160,000 km. The new coverage targets high-mileage users and is backed by BYD’s Blade Battery technology, known for its long cycle life. BYD is also expanding its presence in Europe with new vehicle launches.

SEAN O’KANE | Tech Crunch | 12/3/2025

Autolane is building what it calls “air traffic control for autonomous vehicles,” a new infrastructure layer to coordinate the arrivals, departures, and curbside handoffs of robotaxis and delivery vehicles. The Palo Alto-based startup recently secured $7.4 million in funding and inked a deal with Simon Property Group, which will deploy Autolane’s system at shopping centers in Austin, Texas and San Francisco, California. Rather than building cars, Autolane focuses on the end of autonomous journeys, where vehicles need to pick up passengers or drop off goods. Its platform aims to manage curb usage with a combination of signage, sensor-equipped poles, and cloud software that schedules and authenticates vehicle access, preventing double-parking and reducing pickup times.

Tesla is gearing to sell its electric semi truck, poaches key sales executives from rivals

FRED LAMBERT | Electrek | 12/2/2025

Tesla is expanding its sales team for the Tesla Semi by hiring two experienced professionals from the electric trucking industry, Mac Burns and Jason Gies. This move comes as Tesla prepares for increased production at Gigafactory Nevada, despite delays pushing production to 2026. The hires indicate a shift toward building a stronger sales team, moving from pilot programs to a more traditional sales approach.

US Postal Service using 2,600 EVs for mail deliveries

DAVID SHEPARDSON | Reuters | 12/2/2025

The U.S. Postal Service says it is now using more than 2,600 electric vehicles (EVs) for mail deliveries, marking a major step in its fleet modernization efforts. Under a 2023 congressional allocation that provided $1.2 billion for EVs, USPS has purchased 8,700 Ford E‑Transit vans, of which 2,010 are already in service at 65 locations, plus 612 specially built electric delivery trucks from Oshkosh Defense, currently deployed across 15 sites. The agency says it’s deploying EVs on routes where battery-powered vans can deliver cost savings compared with older internal-combustion vehicles, part of a broader effort to modernize a delivery fleet that had long relied on aging trucks.

Driving American battery innovation forward

CHARLOTTE WHITTLE | MIT News | 12/1/2025

Kurt Kelty from General Motors discussed advancements in battery technology at the MIT Energy Initiative’s Fall Colloquium. His team focuses on making electric vehicles more affordable by reducing battery costs, improving performance, and localizing the supply chain. They are developing lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries to lower costs while maintaining range. GM aims to introduce these batteries in EVs by 2028. Kelty expressed optimism about future innovations, including vehicle-to-grid technologies and grid-scale energy storage.

Tensor Wants to Sell You a Private, Waymo-Style Self-Driving Car

SCOTT EVANS | Motortrend | 11/28/2025

The promise of self-driving cars is advancing, particularly with autonomous taxis like Waymo and Tesla in the U. S. A company named Tensor, previously AutoX, has created the Robocar, a private autonomous vehicle. It features a 112-kWh battery, fast charging, and automated doors. Tensor claims it is SAE Level 4 autonomous, requiring no human driver. It includes over 100 sensors for navigation, along with features to keep them clean.

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.

SHRUTI SINHA | Telematics Wire | 11/19/2025

Hyundai Motor Group has launched a dedicated cybersecurity command center to monitor and respond to cyber‑threats across its connected‑vehicle ecosystem. The unit will identify vulnerabilities, oversee real‑time incident response, and streamline governance across its global affiliates. The move comes amid a massive increase in the company’s security investments: this year’s spend on information‑security initiatives has climbed by nearly 170% compared to 2022, and the dedicated personnel have grown to over 260.

With vehicles becoming more software‑defined and connected, Hyundai positions this command center as foundational, aiming to protect everything from over‑the‑air updates and data flows to perimeter safety in vehicles themselves.

Tesla obtains permit for its ‘Robotaxi’ with a safety driver in Arizona

FRED LAMBERT | Electrek | 11/19/2025

Tesla has obtained a Transportation Network Company (TNC) permit in Arizona, allowing it to operate a paid ride‑hailing service statewide under its robotaxi branding. However, the permit does not authorize fully driver‑less vehicles; all operations must include a human driver or safety monitor for now. Analysts say the strong demand is driven by better affordability and mature technology: many used EVs are available in the mid‑$20,000 range and offer advanced features and lower running costs compared to similarly priced used gas cars.

Tesla To Phase Out Chinese Made Parts For US Cars Within Two Years

STEVE HANLEY | Clean Technica | 11/18/2025

Tesla is directing its suppliers to phase out Chinese‑sourced components for cars built at its U.S. factories, with plans to complete the shift within the next year or two. According to reports, the company has already begun replacing certain parts and aims ultimately to source components outside China. This shift reflects growing geopolitical and trade‑risk pressures, especially U.S. tariffs and supply‑chain disruptions, and represents a major recalibration of Tesla’s North American sourcing strategy.

How Tesla’s Technology Inspired EV Innovation at Ford

CHARLIE KING | EV Magazine | 11/16/2025

Ford CEO Jim Farley says that a close inspection of rival EVs, particularly those from Tesla, Inc. and leading Chinese manufacturers, served as a shock to Ford’s engineering approach. Farley admitted that dissecting a Tesla Model 3 and Chinese electric vehicles revealed “shocking” gaps in Ford’s own design, including longer wiring looms and heavier systems, driving a major strategic shift.

Farley said this realization accelerated the creation of Ford’s dedicated EV division, Model E, and underscored the need to innovate faster, streamline vehicle architecture, and embrace a global EV mindset. “Take on the hardest problems as fast as you can and sometimes do it in public because you’ll solve them quicker that way,” stated Farley.

Tesla releases detailed safety report after Waymo co-CEO called for more data

SEAN O’KANE | Tech Crunch | 11/14/2025

Tesla has released its most detailed safety report to date for its Full Self‑Driving (Supervised) (FSD) software, following public calls for greater transparency from Waymo’s co‑CEO, Tekedra Mawakana. According to the data, in North America FSD‑users drive roughly 5 million miles between major collisions (versus the national average of ~699,000 miles) and about 1.5 million miles between minor collisions (versus ~229,000 miles) based on Tesla’s calculations.

The report also clarifies how Tesla defines “major” and “minor” collisions and discloses that the data will be updated quarterly, marking a shift toward greater methodological clarity and accountability in how the company presents its driver‑assistance performance.

Suvrat Kothari | Inside EVs | 11/11

Three-year-old electric vehicles are now the fastest-selling used cars on dealer lots, surpassing gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles for the first time. Edmunds reports that used EVs spent an average of just 34 days on the lot in Q3 2025, significantly faster than the 40 to 47 days required to move other powertrains. Leading the pack are popular Tesla models: the Model 3 averaged 24 days to sell at around $24,447, while the Model S moved even quicker at 21.5 days with an average price of $44,621. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Ford Mustang Mach-E also ranked among the fastest sellers.

What’s fueling this shift? Industry analysts point to two key factors. First, pricing has reached a sweet spot, with many used EVs now available in the mid-$20,000 range. Second, the technology has matured. Buyers are getting advanced features and significantly lower operating costs compared to similarly priced gas-powered alternatives, making used EVs an increasingly attractive value proposition.

Chinese Automaker Says Its AI Self-Driving Tech Outperforms Tesla, and Other OEMs Can Use It

Miguel Cortina | Motortrend | 11/10

Chinese automaker Xpeng announced the launch of its upgraded semi-autonomous driving system, VLA 2.0, at its AI Day. This new platform, aimed at competing with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD), uses advanced AI trained on extensive real-world driving data. Volkswagen will be the first partner to adopt VLA 2.0, which launches in early 2026 and includes a powerful in-house chip. Xpeng’s system requires drivers to stay alert and is provided at no additional cost.

Tesla Launches $60-a-Day Car Rentals Straight from the Dealer with Free Supercharging

Joe Kucinski | Road Track | 11/10

Last month, Tesla launched a new lower-priced “Standard” Model 3 at $38,630, making it the cheapest option in their lineup. However, for $60, you can now rent a Tesla instead of buying. The rental program allows you to try out features like smartphone control, Full Self-Driving (Supervised), and access to the Supercharger network, with rates starting at $60/day for the Model Y and Model 3. Renters must be 21 or older, have a valid license, and can earn a credit toward a new Tesla purchase. This pilot program is limited to a few dealers and runs until the end of the year.

The BIG WIN for auto industry in court against Biden’s EV rule

Lauren Fix | CBT News | 11/10

A recent ruling by the 8th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned a key policy in the Biden administration’s electric vehicle (EV) agenda. The court found that a Department of Energy (DOE) formula for calculating EV efficiency unfairly inflated fuel economy ratings, disadvantaging gasoline and hybrid vehicles. The case was brought by 13 Republican attorneys general, who argued that the formula misled consumers and gave automakers an unfair regulatory advantage.

This decision requires the DOE to eliminate the flawed formula immediately, impacting how automakers meet federal fuel economy standards. It also encourages more accurate information for consumers, allowing them to make informed choices between EVs and other vehicle types. The ruling signifies a need for federal agencies to operate within legal limits and could influence future automotive policies and regulations.

This Fourth Light Could Finally Free Us From Endless Red Lights

Stephen Rivers | Car Scoops | 11/9

A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has proposed introducing a fourth traffic light color, white, that would allow self-driving vehicles to coordinate intersections more efficiently. When enough autonomous vehicles are present at an intersection, the white light would signal human drivers to simply follow the autonomous vehicles ahead of them, allowing the AVs to operate like mobile controllers that optimize traffic flows.

According to simulations published in the study, this “white phase” system could reduce intersection delays by 3.2% to 94%, and improve overall signal‐timing efficiency by up to 98.9% compared to today’s red‐yellow‐green configuration. The researchers caution, however, that widespread rollout is still distant: full AV penetration is required, and many existing traffic systems would need substantial upgrades before this fourth light could become reality.

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.

Uber will launch a premium robotaxi service in San Francisco in 2026, using Lucid Motors’ electric Gravity SUVs with self-driving technology from Nuro. This service will directly compete with Waymo. The announcement took place during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where Uber’s chief product officer and Nuro’s president were set to be interviewed.

Uber plans to invest $300 million in Lucid and purchase at least 20,000 Gravity SUVs over six years for this service. This launch may create tension with Waymo, which already operates robotaxis in the Bay Area. Uber, Nuro, and Lucid are currently working on a test fleet of about 100 vehicles.

Aurora Expands Driverless Trucking Service from Fort Worth to El Paso (Business Wire, 10/28)

Aurora Innovation, Inc. is expanding its commercial operations by launching a second driverless route from Fort Worth to El Paso, achieving over 100,000 driverless miles on public roads. They plan to deploy hundreds of driverless trucks with new hardware in 2026. The next-generation hardware offers increased reliability and an extended sensing range. Aurora is integrating this hardware across multiple truck platforms, enhancing customer capacity for driverless freight. Aurora will also share its third quarter 2025 results in a conference call.

China’s Pony.ai, WeRide file for Hong Kong IPOs in milestone for driverless tech sector (Yulu Ao, 10/28)

Two of China’s leading autonomous-driving companies, Pony.ai and WeRide, have submitted IPO prospectuses in Hong Kong—marking a major milestone for the country’s driverless-tech sector. Pony.ai plans to offer approximately 41.96 million Class A shares (including 4.2 million for retail investors) following regulatory approval by China’s securities watchdog. WeRide’s IPO move similarly reflects a push to tap capital markets closer to home amid intensifying global competition in autonomous mobility. The listings reflect rising investor confidence in China’s autonomous vehicle sector, align with national efforts to foster homegrown innovation, and provide Pony.ai and WeRide with critical capital to support their global growth ambitions.

Tesla revives ‘Mad Max’ mode in Full Self-Driving (Kurt Knutsson, 10/27)

Tesla has reintroduced its Mad Max mode in the Full Self-Driving feature, allowing for more aggressive driving habits. This update comes amid regulatory scrutiny. While some enjoy the assertive driving style, critics raise safety concerns. Drivers can access Mad Max mode through car settings, but must remain attentive.

Is Waymo ready for Winter? (Andrew Hawkins, 10/25)

Waymo is actively equipping its robotaxi fleet to navigate heavy snow and icy roads as it plans expansion into colder East Coast cities. While its current system handles light snow, the next-generation “Waymo Driver” is being built specifically for severe winter conditions, where features like snow-obscured lane markings and reduced visibility still challenge autonomous systems. The company is collecting rare snow-driving data, testing in places like Truckee, Michigan, Denver and Upstate New York, and deploying innovations such as sensor heaters and rooftop lidar wipers to boost performance in slushy conditions. Yet even with these upgrades, Waymo stresses that some extreme weather could still force service pauses.

Join Mike Nelson and Bryan Reimer on one of the biggest issues shaping mobility, insurance, and safety today: vehicle data.

We’ll explore how data—from onboard systems, telematics, and video—now determines fault, liability, and even regulatory direction after a crash. Bryan and I will also discuss the challenges around data access and transparency, and how these forces are reshaping claims handling and litigation.

If you work in insurance, law, or mobility technology, this session will offer a unique look at where the data-driven future is headed.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to maintain but depreciate faster than traditional cars, losing about 13% more value over five years. Their greater depreciation is due to heavy incentives affecting resale values and rapid technology changes. The EV market is expanding with more affordable models coming soon.

China Is Making 800-Mile EV Batteries. Here’s Why America Can’t Have Them (Suvrat Kothari, 10/20)

Chery Automobile has developed a new solid-state battery technology that could significantly increase the driving range of electric vehicles and improve safety. However, China’s new export controls may prevent this technology from reaching North America. Chery’s prototype boasts an energy density of 600 watt-hours per kilogram, potentially allowing for a range of 1,300 kilometers. They aim for a pilot program next year and broader rollout by 2027, competing with automakers like BYD and CATL. Despite the exciting possibilities, widespread use may take longer.

GM Unveils AI-Driven Autonomous Future (Self Drive News, 10/22)

GM showcased its next-generation autonomous technologies at the GM Forward media event in New York. Key points include plans for eyes-off driving by 2028 in the Cadillac ESCALADE IQ and conversational AI from Google Gemini launching next year. A centralized computing platform will enhance AI performance by 35 times. GM is also advancing robotics in manufacturing and energy systems enabling vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid capabilities. Overall, GM aims for intelligent mobility, where vehicles communicate and evolve through AI and advanced technology.

Uber will pay drivers $4,000 to switch to EVs (Andrew Hawkins, 10/22)

Uber is aiming for all trips to be in electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, offering $4,000 grants to drivers who replace their gas vehicles with zero-emission ones. The company plans to be carbon neutral in North America and Europe by 2030, and globally by 2040, reversing its previous decision not to pay drivers directly. The new “Go Electric” program is initially available in specific states. Uber is also enhancing its features for EV drivers and offering discounts for EV rides.

Tesla to recall nearly 13,000 US vehicles over battery risk (Reuters, 10/22)

Tesla is recalling 12,963 vehicles in the U. S. due to a battery pack defect that may cause loss of drive power, increasing crash risk. The recall affects specific 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. Tesla will replace the faulty component for free. No injuries linked to this issue have been reported. Additionally, the NHTSA is investigating 2.88 million Tesla vehicles for safety violations related to its Full Self-Driving system. Tesla will also report its third-quarter financial results today.