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.

FRED LAMBERT 4-21-2025

Tesla’s recent settlement of a wrongful death lawsuit holds considerable implications, challenging its policy of not settling unless at fault. This approach, as stated by Elon Musk, means settling indicates an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, even without explicit admission. Historically, Tesla rarely settled cases, with Musk in 2022 emphasizing aggressive legal strategies. Despite this, Tesla settled a UK case last year involving false full self-driving claims and a wrongful death lawsuit for Walter Huang. Now, Tesla has settled another wrongful death case concerning Clyde Leach, whose Model Y allegedly experienced “sudden acceleration.” Although Tesla asserts driver error in these cases, the settlement

indicates potential fault and could influence future lawsuits against the company. The settlement terms remain undisclosed, leaving broader implications for Tesla’s legal challenges.

Elon Musk’s robotaxi fantasy is starting to unravel

ANDREW J. HAWKINS 4-23-2025

Elon Musk has once again made a familiar promise: that millions of autonomous Teslas will be on the road by the end of next year. It’s a claim he’s made before – and one that has yet to materialize. Musk himself has acknowledged the repeated delays, referring to himself as “the boy who cried FSD.”

Despite past setbacks, Musk says is Tesla is forging ahead with the launch of the “unsupervised” robotaxis in Austin as early as June of this year. The planned Tesla ridehailing service will reportedly use Model Y vehicles, supported by remote operators for emergencies.

“Teslas are…probably costing a quarter or 20 percent of what a Waymo costs and made in very high volume,” Musk stated. “So, you know, ironically, we’re the ones that made the bet that a pure AI solution with cameras… is the right move.”

Volkswagen is putting AI-powered driver assistance into its Chinese EVs

CAT DOW 4-17-2025

VW is enhancing its autonomous driving technology in China with a new AI-based driver assistance system, supported by a self-developed chipset for upcoming electric cars. Carizon, a partnership between Horizon Robotics and VW’s Cariad, has created the ‘Gaia’ platform, which processes data much faster than traditional systems.

Having tested over 62,000 miles, this AI allows vehicles to handle complex traffic like humans. The system will be included in VW and Audi electric vehicles in China starting next year. Carizon aims for Level 2++ autonomous driving, which will be further developed toward Level 3 by 2026.

Tesla Odometers Could Be Overestimating Mileage By As Much As 117%: Lawsuit

ERIN MARQUIS 4-15-2025

A Tesla owner in Northern California has filed a lawsuit against the carmaker, alleging that its vehicles may be overestimating mileage – potentially leading to premature warranty expirations. The plaintiff, Nyree Hinton, claims that his Tesla logged over 13,000 miles, despite only driving 6,086 miles.

The lawsuit points to a patented Tesla system called the “miles-to-electrical energy conversation factor,” which calculates mileage using variables like road conditions and charging behavior, rather than distance traveled. The suit suggests this algorithm could inflate mileage by anywhere from 15% to 117%. If the case proceeds to trial, discovery could reveal how Tesla tracks vehicle usage – and whether the practice is costing drivers valuable warranty coverage.

Navigating the future: Creating a compensation framework for autonomous vehicle incidents

MARTIN TOTARO and CONNOR RASO 4-17-2025

The advent of AVs holds enormous potential for improving road safety, reducing emissions, and enhancing mobility, especially for those unable to drive. However, significant liability and regulatory challenges could impede their development and adoption. Establishing a victim compensation fund, as seen in cases like the September 11 attacks and the Deepwater Horizon spill, could mitigate these issues by providing an alternative to the tort system for compensating victims of AV accidents, thus smoothing the transition to driverless technology. Such a fund could encourage industry investment by reducing liability fears while ensuring compensation for victims. Key considerations include fund administration, regulatory alignment, funding mechanisms, and participation criteria. By addressing these challenges proactively, policymakers can foster AV innovation while safeguarding those affected by accidents, ultimately helping to unlock the full potential of this transformative technology.

China cracks down on automated driving features after Tesla’s FSD launch

FRED LAMBERT 4-17-2025

Tesla launched its “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) package in China, but shortly after, the Chinese government imposed new limitations on automated driving features. This followed Tesla’s introduction of the FSD for its latest “Hardware 4. 0” vehicles. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) highlighted the need for car manufacturers to understand and adhere to updated requirements, emphasizing safety and accurate product information. Car companies were advised to avoid misleading terms like “self-driving” and instead use “combined assisted driving. ” Tesla renamed its FSD to “Intelligent Assisted Driving” in response.

ZACHARY VISCONTI 3-10-2025

Tesla’s rollout of its FSD in the UK faces significant delays due to new regulatory challenges. The UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has proposed stricter rules that limit FSD capabilities to highway maneuvers, requiring drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel, contrary to earlier drafts that allowed hands-free driving in more complex situations. These changes arise from safety concerns regarding the impact of autonomous systems on driver behavior and situational awareness. Tesla has successfully launched FSD features in China and Mexico but is hindered by regulatory barriers in Europe, potentially delaying full deployment until 2028. Experts, including former Tesla officials, urge for reforms in type-approval frameworks to better accommodate emerging technologies. Meanwhile, CEO Elon Musk continues to advocate for FSD approval in upcoming EU sessions.

Japan’s Nissan tests driverless vehicles in city streets filled with cars and people

YURI KAGEYAMA 3-10-2025

Nissan’s driverless technology, utilizing 14 cameras, nine radars, and six LiDar sensors, showcases Japan’s effort to catch up in the autonomous driving race, led by companies like Waymo in the U.S. Despite being home to top automakers, Japan has lagged behind China and the U.S. in autonomous vehicle development. In a recent demonstration in Yokohama, Nissan’s vehicle operated at a maximum speed of 25 mph, with remote monitoring to ensure safety. The technology, currently rated Level 2, aims for Level 4 autonomy by 2029 or 2030, requiring no human oversight. With a shrinking population creating driver shortages, Japanese companies are exploring autonomous solutions, though challenges remain, including public expectations for high safety standards and the complexities of urban deployment.

Tesla to expand cabin radar support to more models

KARAN SINGH 3-8-2025

Tesla has begun rolling out an update for recent Model Ys, activating cabin radar and introducing first-row occupant sensing, replacing traditional seat sensors. This technology improves passenger size detection, crucial during accidents, and will extend to other recent models. A key feature, Child Presence Detection, aims to reduce fatalities caused by leaving children in parked vehicles. The radar can differentiate between adults and kids, adjusting airbag deployment, detecting heart rates, and notifying owners via the Tesla app if a child is left inside. Emergency services can also be alerted automatically. While current updates focus on Model Ys, plans to extend cabin radar features to Model 3s and Cybertrucks are underway. Rear-seat sensing is expected to launch in late 2025, with potential updates for Model S and X also on the horizon.

Second-hand Tesla’s flood the market as Elon Musk faces British backlash

JAMES TITCOMB 3-7-2025

British drivers are selling Tesla’s at record rates, with 4,822 second-hand models listed in February, up 36% from December. This increase follows growing competition among electric car makers and political controversies involving Elon Musk. Second-hand Tesla prices have fallen, and new sales in the UK rose by 21%. Interest in Tesla’s has declined, partially due to Musk’s politics and competition from other brands. Some customers have canceled orders because of his views, while others cite a lack of new models.

Hyundai pairs up with Yandex spinoff Avride to develop robotaxis

KIRSTEN KOROSEC 3-5-2025

Hyundai Motor Company and autonomous vehicle startup Avride have formed a partnership to develop autonomous vehicle technology specifically for robotaxis. Avride will enhance its fleet with Hyundai IONIQ 5 vehicles, assembled at Hyundai’s new Metaplant America in Georgia and integrated with Avride’s technology. These vehicles will launch later this year in Dallas as part of an Uber-accessible robotaxi service. This collaboration adds to Avride’s recent partnerships and signifies Hyundai’s strategy to expand beyond in-house efforts, complementing its existing relationship with Motional, an autonomous vehicle startup backed by Hyundai. Despite challenges faced by Motional, Hyundai remains committed to advancing Level 4 autonomy and aims to scale up to 100 autonomous IONIQ 5 vehicles by 2025, promoting innovations in mobility technology.

Volkswagen’s cheapest EV ever is the first to use Rivian software

KIRSTEN KOROSEC 3-5-2025

Volkswagen has introduced the ID EVERY1, a small four-door hatchback EV set to launch in 2027 with a starting price of 20,000 euros ($21,500). It will feature software and architecture from Rivian as part of a $5. 8 billion joint venture. Another model, the ID. 2all, will be priced at 25,000 euros and available in 2026. Both cars will target the European market. The ID EVERY1 will use a new software architecture for ongoing updates. The partnership aims to reduce development costs and improve technology scaling. The ID EVERY1 is a concept with a top speed of 130 km/h and a range of at least 250 kilometers.

• 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.