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.

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.

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.

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.

General Motors is reviving its self-driving car efforts with a crucial shift in strategy: abandoning robotaxi ambitions in favor of developing autonomous vehicles for personal buyers. The company is bringing back ex-Cruise employees while growing its engineering teams, led by Sterling Anderson, GM’s newly appointed product development head who previously spearheaded Tesla’s Autopilot program. Additionally, GM is conducting real-world testing with lidar-equipped vehicles operated by human drivers on public streets, collecting critical data to advance fully autonomous technology that will ultimately deliver “eyes-free, hands-free” driving capabilities.

Wait times for this Chinese EV are so long that the CEO is telling buyer to consider rivals (Electrek, August 12, 2025)

Xiaomi’s new YU7 electric SUV, positioned to undercut Tesla’s Model Y with a longer range and a lower price, has sparked a frenzy in China, receiving a staggering 240,000 orders within just 18 hours of launch. But while the demand has exceeded expectations, production constraints mean customers may have to wait up to a year or more for delivery. In a statement, CEO Lei Jun acknowledged the delays and encouraged potential buyers in urgent need of a vehicle to consider alternatives such as XPeng’s G7, Li Auto’s L8, or even Tesla’s Model Y. While the YU7 has quickly established itself as a competitive force in the crowded Chinese EV market, Xiaomi’s open acknowledgment of its limitations reflects a transparent and pragmatic approach to customer expectations.

Tesla is hiring robotaxi test drivers in New York City, but company hasn’t applied for permits (CNBC, August 12, 2025)

Tesla has launched a hiring campaign in Queens for “vehicle operator, Autopilot” roles, tasking operators with driving engineering vehicles, collecting audio and video data, troubleshooting software, and filing detailed reports. Despite this ambition, the city’s Department of Transportation confirms that Tesla has not applied for the permits required to test autonomous vehicles on NYC streets, a legal step that remains unfulfilled as Tesla presses forward with robotaxi preparation. Concurrently, Tesla is running limited robotaxi operations in Austin and San Francisco with safety personnel inside but aims to scale its autonomous ride-hailing footprint, potentially covering “half of the U.S. population by year-end,” according to Elon Musk, pending regulatory approvals.

Tesla shuts down Dojo, the AI training supercomputer that Musk said would be key to full self-driving (TechCrunch, August 7, 2025)

Tesla is shutting down its Dojo supercomputer project, ending in-house chip development for driverless tech. Lead engineer Peter Bannon is leaving, and remaining team members will be reassigned within Tesla. The move follows the departure of about 20 employees who started their own AI firm, DensityAI, building chips and hardware for robotics, AI agents, and automotive use. This shift marks a major change in Tesla’s AI strategy, moving away from Musk’s vision of Dojo as the core of full self-driving and robotaxi ambitions. Musk recently emphasized Tesla’s focus on Cortex, a new AI supercluster in Austin. Tesla plans to rely more on external partners like Nvidia, AMD, and Samsung for chips, including a $16.5 billion deal with Samsung for AI6 inference chips. This decision comes as Tesla’s board offers Musk a $29 billion pay package to maintain his leadership and push AI initiatives forward.

NHTSA Issues First-Ever Demonstration Exemption to American-Built Automated Vehicles (US Dept. of Transportation, August 6, 2025)

The NHTSA granted Zoox an exemption for its driverless vehicles, marking the first-ever exemption for American-built vehicles under the expanded Automated Vehicle Exemption Program (AVEP). This change, part of Secretary Duffy’s Innovation Agenda, levels the playing field for U.S. companies by allowing them to participate in AVEP, previously limited to foreign AVs. The program simplifies the exemption process, promoting U.S. technology and safety by enabling companies to test noncompliant vehicles on U.S. roads. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy praised the initiative as a dual victory for safety and innovation, positioning the U.S. as a leader in autonomous vehicle development. Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser emphasized the efficiency of the expanded review process. As part of the exemption, Zoox must alter vehicles to indicate non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. NHTSA is also closing its investigation into Zoox’s self-certification.

Elon Musk teases new Tesla ‘Full Self-Driving Supervised’, but manage your expectations (Electrek, August 6, 2025)

Elon Musk has announced a new update for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) which promises “10x improvements.” However, past experiences suggest caution in managing expectations. In a recent post, Musk mentioned enhancements like a tenfold increase in parameters and better video compression, slated for public release next month if testing succeeds. Although Tesla’s FSD for consumer vehicles hasn’t shown notable progress this year, focusing instead on its Robotaxi service in Austin, shareholders hope this new update leverages lessons learned from the Robotaxi deployment. In June, Musk initially teased a “4x increase” in parameters for this update, now expanding it to “10x.” However, previous promises, like the disappointing FSD v12.5 update claiming a “5x increase,” resulted in less reliable performance, making it prudent to remain cautious about these new claims.

General Motors is reviving its self-driving car efforts with a crucial shift in strategy: abandoning robotaxi ambitions in favor of developing autonomous vehicles for personal buyers. The company is bringing back ex-Cruise employees while growing its engineering teams, led by Sterling Anderson, GM’s newly appointed product development head who previously spearheaded Tesla’s Autopilot program. Additionally, GM is conducting real-world testing with lidar-equipped vehicles operated by human drivers on public streets, collecting critical data to advance fully autonomous technology that will ultimately deliver “eyes-free, hands-free” driving capabilities.

Wait times for this Chinese EV are so long that the CEO is telling buyer to consider rivals (Peter Johnson August 12, 2025)

Xiaomi’s new YU7 electric SUV, positioned to undercut Tesla’s Model Y with a longer range and a lower price, has sparked a frenzy in China, receiving a staggering 240,000 orders within just 18 hours of launch. But while the demand has exceeded expectations, production constraints mean customers may have to wait up to a year or more for delivery. In a statement, CEO Lei Jun acknowledged the delays and encouraged potential buyers in urgent need of a vehicle to consider alternatives such as XPeng’s G7, Li Auto’s L8, or even Tesla’s Model Y. While the YU7 has quickly established itself as a competitive force in the crowded Chinese EV market, Xiaomi’s open acknowledgment of its limitations reflects a transparent and pragmatic approach to customer expectations.

Tesla shuts down Dojo, the AI training supercomputer that Musk said would be key to full self-driving (Rebecca Bellan August 7, 2025)

Tesla is shutting down its Dojo supercomputer project, ending in-house chip development for driverless tech. Lead engineer Peter Bannon is leaving, and remaining team members will be reassigned within Tesla. The move follows the departure of about 20 employees who started their own AI firm, DensityAI, building chips and hardware for robotics, AI agents, and automotive use. This shift marks a major change in Tesla’s AI strategy, moving away from Musk’s vision of Dojo as the core of full self-driving and robotaxi ambitions. Musk recently emphasized Tesla’s focus on Cortex, a new AI supercluster in Austin. Tesla plans to rely more on external partners like Nvidia, AMD, and Samsung for chips, including a $16.5 billion deal with Samsung for AI6 inference chips. This decision comes as Tesla’s board offers Musk a $29 billion pay package to maintain his leadership and push AI initiatives forward.

Tesla is hiring robotaxi test drivers in New York City, but company hasn’t applied for permits (Lora Kolodny, August 12, 2025)

Tesla has launched a hiring campaign in Queens for “vehicle operator, Autopilot” roles, tasking operators with driving engineering vehicles, collecting audio and video data, troubleshooting software, and filing detailed reports. Despite this ambition, the city’s Department of Transportation confirms that Tesla has not applied for the permits required to test autonomous vehicles on NYC streets, a legal step that remains unfulfilled as Tesla presses forward with robotaxi preparation.

Concurrently, Tesla is running limited robotaxi operations in Austin and San Francisco with safety personnel inside but aims to scale its autonomous ride-hailing footprint, potentially covering “half of the U.S. population by year-end,” according to Elon Musk, pending regulatory approvals.

NHTSA Issues First-Ever Demonstration Exemption to American-Built Automated Vehicles (U.S. Department of Transportation, August 6, 2025)

The NHTSA granted Zoox an exemption for its driverless vehicles, marking the first-ever exemption for American-built vehicles under the expanded Automated Vehicle Exemption Program (AVEP). This change, part of Secretary Duffy’s Innovation Agenda, levels the playing field for U.S. companies by allowing them to participate in AVEP, previously limited to foreign AVs. The program simplifies the exemption process, promoting U.S. technology and safety by enabling companies to test noncompliant vehicles on U.S. roads. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy praised the initiative as a dual victory for safety and innovation, positioning the U.S. as a leader in autonomous vehicle development. Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser emphasized the efficiency of the expanded review process. As part of the exemption, Zoox must alter vehicles to indicate non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. NHTSA is also closing its investigation into Zoox’s self-certification.

Elon Musk teases new Tesla ‘Full Self-Driving Supervised’, but manage your expectations (Fred Lambert, August 6, 2025)

Elon Musk has announced a new update for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) which promises “10x improvements.” However, past experiences suggest caution in managing expectations. In a recent post, Musk mentioned enhancements like a tenfold increase in parameters and better video compression, slated for public release next month if testing succeeds. Although Tesla’s FSD for consumer vehicles hasn’t shown notable progress this year, focusing instead on its Robotaxi service in Austin, shareholders hope this new update leverages lessons learned from the Robotaxi deployment. In June, Musk initially teased a “4x increase” in parameters for this update, now expanding it to “10x.” However, previous promises, like the disappointing FSD v12.5 update claiming a “5x increase,” resulted in less reliable performance, making it prudent to remain cautious about these new claims.

DAVID SHEPARDSON 3-19-2025

Amazon’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Zoox, has issued a recall for 258 self-driving vehicles due to a flaw in their automated driving system that could cause sudden unintended braking. Zoox has since resolved the problem by deploying a software update to all affected vehicles. The recall follows an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into two incidents where Zoox robotaxis were rear-ended by motorcyclists. While no injuries were reported, the scrutiny led the company to reinforce its commitment to safety and transparency in its autonomous vehicle technology. Zoox has stated that it is working closely with regulators to ensure the reliability of its self-driving fleet as it continues testing and development in the competitive robotaxi industry.

BYD Unveils Battery System That Charges EV in Five Minutes

DANNY LEE 3-17-2025

BYD Co. introduced a new electric car system that allows for fast charging, providing 292 miles of range in just 5 minutes. This innovation could attract drivers hesitant about long charging times. The system will support future electric vehicles and boost BYD’s competition with Tesla.

Tesla Owners Are Rushing to Sell Their Cars

THEO BURMAN 3-15-2025

Tesla owners are affecting the used car market as many sell their cars, leading to a drop in prices. This trend coincides with Elon Musk’s political involvement and a decline in Tesla stock and sales. The average price for a used Tesla has dropped significantly, now about $30,000 compared to $70,000 in 2022. Many owners, including celebrities, are trading their Teslas, with reports of increased trades at dealerships. Additionally, a study shows that 30% of Tesla owners are considering selling due to Musk’s reputation. Musk responded to critics on social media, while Trump suggested labeling violence against Tesla as terrorism. Future developments depend on Musk’s political role and influence.

Eggings, swastikas and dog poop: Tesla bears brunt of people’s ire against Musk

DARA KERR and NICK ROBINS-EARLY 3-15-2025

In recent months, Tesla dealerships, vehicles and charging stations across the U.S. have increasingly been targeted by vandals, with attacks including Molotov cocktails, spray-painted swastikas, and other defacements. This wave of destruction is largely seen as a reaction to CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in President Trump’s administration, particularly his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has enacted major federal spending cuts and deregulation efforts.

The destruction of Tesla vehicles has spread internationally, with vehicles and showrooms targeted in at least five other countries. In France, a dozen Tesla vehicles were set on fire, while a Netherlands showroom was graffitied with anti-Musk slogans. On X, Musk has condemned the vandalism, calling it a criminal act rather than free speech, while Trump stands beside Musk in vowing to classify the attacks on Tesla as domestic terrorism, arguing that “they’re harming a great American company.”

Tesla’s upcoming cheaper electric car is basically a stripped-down Model Y

FRED LAMBERT 3-13-2025

Tesla is set to introduce new, more affordable electric vehicles, with the first being a simplified Model Y. This initiative follows a strategic shift after CEO Elon Musk canceled previous plans for “the $25,000 Tesla” vehicles. Instead, Tesla aims to maximize underutilized production lines for existing Model 3 and Model Y platforms. The upcoming vehicle will be produced in Gigafactory Shanghai and described as a “lower-priced Model Y,” maintaining essential features while reducing extras, similar to a cost-effective Model 3launched in Mexico. Expected to start at around $35,000 USD, Tesla’s “decontent” strategy focuses on simplifying features for rapid product launch. The release of this vehicle in China, and potentially other markets, depends on the sales performance of the refreshed Model Y.

White House prepares high-profile purchase of Tesla auto

ADAM CANCRYN 3-11-2025

President Trump held a promotional event for Tesla on the White House South Lawn, showcasing Elon Musk’s cars to support a key campaign donor. Describing Musk as unfairly treated, Trump praised his contributions and reaffirmed his commitment to buying a Tesla. Musk, responsible for large federal workforce reductions, faces scrutiny from lawmakers and Trump’s Cabinet. His actions have pressured Tesla, impacting its stock value. Trump, alongside Musk, underscored the need to support “high IQ people” like Musk. Despite potential conflicts—Musk being a significant Trump donor and government employee making sweeping federal cuts—Trump’s event aimed to bolster Tesla’s sales. Critics, like Jordan Libowitz, view this as potentially misusing presidential power to benefit Musk, whose companies, including Tesla, vie for lucrative federal contracts.

DAVID SHEPARDSON and AKASH SRIRAM 1-7-2025

On Tuesday, NHTSA opened a probe into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles across the US after several reports of crashes involving Tesla vehicles using the Actually Smart Summon feature. According to the reports, the vehicles haven’t been detecting other parked cars and obstacles in parking lots, leaving the drivers with “too little reaction time to avoid a crash, either with the available line of sight or releasing the phone app button, which stops the vehicle’s movement,” according to the NHTSA report.

The driving assistance feature launched this past fall, and it allows drivers to remotely move their vehicle through a phone app. NHTSA intends to investigate the system’s maximum speed and line-of-sight requirements and will determine whether an engineering analysis is needed. NHTSA’s investigation will also cover the remote connection through the app, including connectivity delays, and the system’s performance in unexpected conditions. Tesla did respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

Is your car spying on you? What it means that Tesla shared data in the Las Vegas explosion

BERNARD CONDON 1-4-2025

Tesla’s detailed data tracking after a Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas highlights modern vehicles’ ability to collect and utilize extensive personal data. This event demonstrated Tesla’s capacity to swiftly analyze the driver’s movements and the incident’s cause, aiding police investigations. While law enforcement benefits from such data for public safety, privacy experts express concern over potential misuse by companies. Most contemporary vehicles, like Tesla’s, gather comprehensive data, including location, personal contacts, and communication logs, through smartphone synchronization. This raises ethical concerns about privacy rights and data usage, with some companies, such as General Motors, facing legal challenges for allegedly misusing customer data. Privacy advocates argue for new legislation to safeguard consumer data, given the cars’ increasingly digital nature. Amidst these debates, experts emphasize the need for consumer control over personal data in connected vehicles.

Beijing Introduces New Rules as China Pushes Self-Driving Tech

GRAHAM HOPE 1-6-2025

Beijing has announced new regulations to promote the use of autonomous vehicles (AVs), effective later this year. These rules aim to boost investment and innovation in the automotive sector and cover areas like infrastructure planning and traffic management. They also set safety standards for AV operation and inspections. The High-Level Automated Demonstration Area in Yizhuang has become a key site for AV testing, with positive feedback from operators. Additionally, four districts in southern China have signed an agreement to allow self-driving taxis to operate across different cities, enhancing connections in the Greater Bay Area.

Autonomous Vehicles: The Outlook for 2025

GRAHAM HOPE 12-27-2024

The AV industry remains unpredictable, characterized by missed deadlines, technological advancements, and strategic shifts, like General Motors’ decision to halt funding for Cruise. Entering 2025, this uncertainty persists, intensified by potential regulatory changes under Donald Trump’s presidency, possibly influenced by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. This environment could benefit Tesla as it advances its Cybercab for the self-driving taxi market. Meanwhile, Waymo leads with substantial growth, planning expansions in Miami and collaborations with Uber in Austin and Atlanta. Self-driving taxis are gaining traction on ride-hailing platforms, with companies like Lyft and Europe’s Bolt exploring this option. The public’s confidence in AVs remains low, but increased deployments may gradually change perceptions. Other players like May Mobility and Amazon-backed Zoox are progressing with innovative offerings. In the self-driving arena, AI integration is crucial, with companies like the UK’s Wayve pushing forward. Abroad, Chinese firms like Baidu and WeRide are expanding globally. Traditional automakers, including General Motors, face challenges and prioritize EVs over expensive AV projects. Mercedes, however, continues to enhance its Level 3 “hands-off” technology. In trucking, driverless testing progresses, signaling a potential commercial rollout in 2025.

Americans more likely to embrace driverless cars, but still skeptical: Survey

TARA SUTER 1-2-2025

A YouGov survey shows that while 35 percent of Americans are enthusiastic about driverless cars, 70 percent still have concerns about them. This is a slight decrease in concerns from a previous survey. Additionally, Uber is partnering with Cruise to introduce self-driving Chevy Bolt vehicles starting in 2025, with Uber CEO highlighting the potential benefits of this technology.  “As the largest mobility and delivery platform, we believe Uber can play an important role in helping to safely and reliably introduce autonomous technology to consumers and cities around the world,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi wrote in a statement. “We’re thrilled to partner with Cruise and look forward to launching next year.”

Tesla to fix software for 77,650 China-made vehicles, says market regulator

REUTERS 12-31-2024

Tesla is recalling over 77,000 vehicles in China over software issues that have reportedly been failing to display vehicle tire pressure. According to China’s market regulator, the product recall will cover China-made Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. It has not yet been clear whether drivers will be able to return the Tesla vehicles for refunds. In addition to the product recall, Tesla is also recalling 63 imported Tesla vehicles over driver-side airbag issues.