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.

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.

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.

Zoox has announced that it is launching robotaxi test vehicles in Washington, DC, marking its eighth US city for testing. The company aims to offer paid rides in the future and has begun with free rides in Las Vegas. DC’s unique street layout and seasonal weather present testing challenges. Initially, Zoox will use retrofitted SUVs with safety drivers to map the area. The city is seen as a key location for expanding sustainable transportation options.

Tesla Is About to Launch a New Vehicle. It May Be a Game-Changer (Daniel Sparks, 09-28-25)

Tesla is working on a new, more affordable vehicle expected to launch in the second half of 2025, aiming to expand its market and support its autonomy goals. CEO Elon Musk indicated this model may be a simplified version of the Model Y, potentially priced around $30,000. A lower-priced Tesla could boost sales by addressing affordability gaps in the electric vehicle market. Although this new vehicle might not create a change as significant as the Model 3, it may enhance demand related to affordability and self-driving capabilities.

Autobrake slashes rear-end crash risk associated with red light safety cameras (IIHS, 09-25-25)

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems reduce rear-end crashes caused by sudden stops at red light safety cameras. While these cameras decrease dangerous right-angle crashes, they can increase minor rear-end collisions. The study suggests that as more vehicles are equipped with AEB, the safety benefits of red light cameras will improve. Despite their advantages, only 343 U. S. communities use these cameras, partly due to opposition citing increased rear-end crashes. The research highlights the need to reassess the effectiveness of safety measures as vehicle technology evolves.

California police pull over a self-driving Waymo for an illegal U-turn, but they can’t ticket (Janie Har, 09-30-25)

During a DUI checkpoint in San Bruno, California, police officers stopped a Waymo robotaxi after it made an illegal U-turn. But when they approached it, there was no human driver to cite, leaving them unable to issue a moving-violation ticket. The department even joked, “our citation books don’t have a box for ‘robot’.” Officials contacted Waymo to flag the incident as a “glitch” and hope to prevent repeats. Under current law, only human drivers can be cited; however, a new California statute set to take effect in 2026 will allow officers to issue notices for autonomous vehicle violations directly to manufacturers or operators.

Tesla hikes lease prices as US electric vehicle tax credit expires (Reuters, 10-01-25)

Following the expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit on September 30, Tesla has increased lease rates across its U.S. vehicle lineup. Monthly payments for the Model Y now range from $529 to $599 (up from $479–$529), while Model 3 leases have jumped to $429–$759 (from $349–$699).

Though the sticker prices of the vehicles remain unchanged, the removal of the tax credit has effectively made Tesla leases more expensive for consumers. The move underscores how deeply the tax incentive was integrated into pricing strategies—and it raises questions about how demand will hold once costs rise.

Tesla has settled two more Autopilot-related wrongful death cases in California, just weeks after a Florida jury ordered the company to pay $243 million in the Benavides v. Tesla case. As we previously reported, court filings revealed that Tesla had initially rejected a $60 million settlement offer in the Florida case—a decision that ultimately cost them four times as much when the 2019 fatal crash went to trial.

The two California settlements, involving confidential amounts, were reached just before trials were scheduled to begin next month. One case involved the death of a 15-year-old boy traveling with his father when they were rear-ended by a Tesla Model 3 in Autopilot mode. The other centered on two Honda Civic passengers killed when a Tesla Model S allegedly failed to stop at a red light.

US opens probe into 174,000 Tesla Model Y cars over door handle failure (David Shepardson, 09-16-2025)

The U. S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into about 174,000 Tesla Model Y cars from 2021 due to reports of malfunctioning electronic door handles. Parents have reported being unable to open exterior doors to remove a child, sometimes needing to break windows to access their vehicles. NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation is the first step toward a possible recall if safety risks are confirmed. Initial reviews suggest the issue may be linked to insufficient voltage from the low voltage battery, which owners did not report warning signs for before failures.

Waymo gets green light for airport service in San Francisco (Andrew J. Hawkins, 09-16-2025)

After several years of negotiations, Waymo has signed a “Testing and Operations Pilot Permit” with San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The agreement allows Waymo to roll out its new services in multiple phases, first testing vehicles with a human driver, followed by testing without a driver, and then beginning commercial services with trips to and from the airport. SFO will become the second airport with Waymo robotaxi services, following Phoenix’s Sky Harbor. This new agreement is expected to be a very profitable opportunity for Waymo, as trips to and from airports account for approximately 20% of all human-drive ride hailing car services in the United States.

Cadillac’s new electric SUVs crush real-world EV range tests (Peter Johnson, 09-15-2025)

Cadillac’s new luxury electric SUVs may have longer driving ranges than their official EPA estimates suggest. The models, including the Optiq and Vistiq, show impressive real-world performances, with the Optiq reportedly reaching 339 miles and the Vistiq 334 miles. Cadillac has had a strong start this year, claiming leadership in the luxury EV market, excluding Tesla. The SUVs are built on GM’s Ultium platform, offering a range of at least 300 miles. The Optiq starts at $54,390 and the Vistiq at $79,090, with deals available before the federal EV tax credit expires.

Tesla’s ‘self-driving’ software fails at train crossings, some car owners warn (David Ingram, 09-16-2025)

Many Tesla owners are reporting a potential defect with the vehicles’ Full Self-Driving system when coming across railroad crossings. FSD doesn’t seem to be able to register the railroad gate arms and flashing redlights as signals to stop. Many Tesla drivers reported similar problems, as well as many other complaints online internet forums, such as Reddit, about railroad issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is aware of the issue, stating, “We are aware of the incidents and have been in communication with the manufacturer.” Many experts believe that Tesla engineers simply have not encountered enough railroad crossing examples to train the FSD software.

Amazon’s Self-Driving Zoox Vehicles Begin Ride-Hailing Service in Las Vegas (Caleb Miller, 09-12-2025)

Amazon subsidiary Zoox has launched a ride-hailing service in Las Vegas using its fully autonomous pod with no driving controls. Currently, the free rides are limited to specific locations, including Resorts World Las Vegas, AREA15, and Topgolf. Zoox aims to expand this service to San Francisco next, followed by Austin and Miami. The vehicle is designed specifically as a robotaxi, without a steering wheel or pedals, marking a significant step in making self-driving cars more mainstream. Paid rides will be introduced after regulatory approval.

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.

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.

Federal autonomous vehicle legislation introduced (SJ Munoz — July 28, 2025)

Rep. Vince Fong, R-Calif., introduced the America Drives Act to establish a national framework for autonomous vehicle trucking. This legislation would override state laws, allowing deployment of Level 4 and 5 autonomous commercial vehicles across state lines without human drivers. The Act aims to empower the Department of Transportation to implement practical regulations to scale this technology, enhancing supply chain efficiency and U.S. competitiveness. It includes exemptions from human-specific requirements like hours of service and drug testing. The OOIDA calls for greater transparency and mandatory safety testing. Concerns were raised about potential risks, such as phantom braking. The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association supports the bill, emphasizing its benefits for supply chains and safety. The bill seeks to maintain U.S. leadership in transportation innovation while advancing policies prioritizing safety and technological progress.

Mercedes just pressed pause on EV orders in the US (Peter Johnson — July 30, 2025)

Mercedes-Benz has paused all US orders for its EQS and EQE electric vehicles, citing “current market conditions” as the company navigates anticipated policy chances under the Trump administration. The move follows the recent announcement that federal EV tax credits will expire at the end of September. While new domestic orders are no longer being accepted, Mercedes has sharply discounted its remaining US electrical vehicle inventory, slashing prices by as much as $15,000 in a final push to move product.

In a further shift, production of the EQS and EQE SUV models at the Mercedes Alabama production plant will be suspended beginning September 1. However, the facility will continue manufacturing electrical vehicles for export to internal markets.

Dealers and consumers in the US are no longer able to place new orders for these models, marking a significant pivot in the luxury automaker’s EV strategy.

China issues autonomous driving guidelines (Teresa Moss — July 28, 2025)

China has released ethical guidelines for autonomous driving technology, emphasizing transparency and data collection limits. Issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology, these guidelines require algorithms and models to be accessible and mandate that data collection stays within the necessary scope for driving functions. They also delineate liability, specifying whether the driver or system is responsible based on the system’s advancement. Dongfeng Motor and Huawei played roles in drafting these rules. In response to a fatal crash involving Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan, China banned terms like “autonomous driving” in ads. Preliminary findings indicated the car crashed after the driver took over from the ADAS system. Similar to the UK’s 2024 Automated Vehicles Act, China aims to prevent misleading language in marketing, ensuring drivers understand their car’s capabilities.

Lyft to add autonomous shuttles in 2026 as Uber inks more self-driving deals (Sean O’Kane — July 25, 2025)

Lyft plans to add autonomous shuttles from Benteler Group to its network in late 2026, in partnership with U. S. cities and airports. The shuttles will have no steering wheel or pedals and can carry up to nine seated and six standing passengers. Lyft is also working on adding autonomous vehicles from May Mobility in Atlanta this year.

US closes probe into Waymo self-driving collisions, unexpected behavior (David Shepardson — July 25, 2025)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concluded its 14-month investigation into Waymo’s self-driving vehicles late last week, closing the probe without taking further action. The investigation began after 22 reports of Waymo robotaxis potentially violating traffic laws, which led to 17 collisions. NHTSA noted that Waymo issued two recalls during this period, including the May recall affecting over 1,200 vehicles. This recall updated software to improve object detection and better avoid roadway barriers. The federal agency said that it relied on data from Waymo in reaching its decision to close the investigation.

Driverless Cars Are Changing the Future of Claims (Chris Bakes — July 24, 2025)

The rise of autonomous vehicles brings both promise and uncertainty in the automotive industry. As of 2025, only 13% of U. S. consumers trust autonomous cars due to concerns about control and unpredictability. However, statistics show that these vehicles cause fewer claims than human errors, which account for 90% of accidents. The shift toward automation is changing liability from drivers to manufacturers and software developers, requiring new insurance models and claims processes. Advanced technologies are reducing crashes, leading to fewer claims and a focus on improving claims handling and customer experiences in a safer, smarter future.