Regulatory Bodies:

• NHTSA
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is responsible for keeping people safe on America’s roadways.
  • Through enforcing vehicle performance standards and partnerships with state and local governments, NHTSA reduces deaths, injuries and economic losses from motor vehicle crashes.
    • Website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/
• DOE
  • The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is an executive department of the U.S. federal government that oversees U.S. national energy policy and energy production, the research and development of nuclear power, the military’s nuclear weapons program, nuclear reactor production for the United States Navy, energy-related research, and energy conservation.
    • Website: https://www.energy.gov/
• FHWA
  • The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that supports State and local governments in the design, construction, and maintenance of the Nation’s highway system (Federal Aid Highway Program) and various federally and tribal owned lands (Federal Lands Highway Program). Through financial and technical assistance to State and local governments, the Federal Highway Administration is responsible for ensuring that America’s roads and highways continue to be among the safest and most technologically sound in the world.
    • Website: https://highways.dot.gov/
• NSTB
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent U.S. government investigative agency responsible for civil transportation accident investigation. In this role, the NTSB investigates and reports on aviation accidents and incidents, certain types of highway crashes, ship and marine accidents, pipeline incidents, bridge failures, and railroad accidents. The NTSB is also in charge of investigating cases of hazardous materials releases that occur during transportation.
    • Website: https://www.ntsb.gov/Pages/home.aspx

Trade Organizations:

• AVIA
  • The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association’s (AVIA) mission is to advocate for the safe and timely deployment of autonomous driving technology. We are the unified voice of the diverse companies working toward a world where safe and trusted AVs increase road safety, boost supply chains and improve mobility opportunities for all.
    • Website: https://theavindustry.org/
• PAVE
  • PAVE’s goal is purely educational—we don’t advocate for a particular technology or specific public policies. Our members believe that we can only achieve the potential benefits of driverless technology if the public and policymakers know the honest facts. PAVE wants to raise public awareness of both what is on the roads today and what is possible for the future.
    • Website: https://pavecampaign.org/
• IIHS
  • The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through research and evaluation and through education of consumers, policymakers and safety professionals.
    • Website: https://www.iihs.org/about
• SAE
  • SAE International is a global professional association and standards organization based in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, United States. Formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers, the organization adopted its current name in 2006 to reflect both its international membership and the increased scope of its activities beyond automotive engineering and the automotive industry to include aerospace and other transport industries, as well as commercial vehicles including autonomous vehicles such as self-driving cars, trucks, surface vessels, drones, and related technologies.
    • Website: https://www.sae.org/

Nelson Law’s latest Data Privacy Resource provides an in-depth look at critical legal considerations, regulatory developments, and industry implications. This document explores:

• Federal and state privacy laws shaping business practices
• The legal impact of data collection, storage, and usage
• Emerging trends in biometric data, vehicle telematics, and consumer privacy
• Regulatory enforcement actions and what they mean for companies

Staying informed on these issues is essential for navigating today’s legal landscape.

Download the Resource

For continued updates on data privacy law and compliance strategies, subscribe to our newsletter or contact Nelson Law for tailored legal guidance.

Glossary:

AC: Alternate Current: This type of charging is useful for charging electric vehicles at different speeds through an alternating current. Electric vehicle charging always comes out as AC. With an AC charger, the power is converted to DC by the vehicle itself. This type of charging is economical but takes longer. Learn more

ACC: Adaptive Cruise Control: Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a type of advanced driver-assistance system for road vehicles that automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead (Wikipedia). Learn more

ACN: Automatic Crash Notification: An automatic crash notification system is designed to notify emergency responders that a crash has occurred and provide its location. In most cases, when the system detects that an air bag has deployed or that there’s been a dramatic and sudden deceleration, the system automatically connects to an operator, who will then be able to communicate with the driver. The operator is also able to collect basic information from the vehicle, without driver input, to provide to emergency responders so they can easily locate the crash scene. Learn more

ADS: Automated Driving System: An automated driving system (ADS) is a vehicle system that uses hardware and software to control a vehicle without human intervention. ADSs use artificial intelligence (AI) to make decisions and control the vehicle’s movements based on real-time data from sensors and geographic information systems. Learn more

ADAS: Advanced Driver Assistance System: Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are designed to help drivers with certain driving tasks, such as staying in the lane, parking, avoiding crashes, reducing blind spots, and maintaining a safe headway. ADAS is generally designed to improve safety or reduce the workload on the driver. Learn more

AEB: Autonomous/Automatic Emergency Braking: AEB is a system that continuously monitors the road ahead and will autonomously apply the brakes if it detects any obstacle and doesn’t receive input from the driver. Learn more

ALM: Accessory Load Management: A smart-charging feature designed for an older home that can’t handle all the electrical loads being powered, such as range, air conditioner, or dryer, in addition to an EV. This utilizes an amperage device installed on the circuit box that monitors the demand and will prevent overloading from occurring when trying to charge an EV. Learn more

AV: Autonomous Vehicle: An autonomous vehicle is a vehicle capable of sensing its environment and operating without human involvement. A human passenger is not required to take control of the vehicle at any time, nor is a human passenger required to be present in the vehicle at all. An autonomous vehicle can go anywhere a traditional car goes and do everything that an experienced human driver does. Learn more

AVAS: Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems: Acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS) are sound generators used in EVs to alert pedestrians, cyclists, children, and other road users that a car is present. Played via loudspeakers located beneath the bodywork, these sounds are coordinated with the vehicle’s real-time data to provide external auditory information on the vehicle’s speed, direction, and distance. Learn more

BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle: Also known as “Electric Vehicle” (See “Electric Vehicle” – EV). Learn more

BMS: Battery Management System: A system that manages the charging and discharging of batteries to ensure safe and efficient operation. Learn more

BSI: Blind Spot Intervention: Blind spot intervention helps prevent a collision with a vehicle in the driver’s blind spot. If the driver ignores the blind spot warning and starts to change to a lane where there’s a vehicle, the system activates and automatically applies light braking pressure or provides steering input to guide the vehicle back into the original lane. The system monitors for vehicles in the driver’s blind spot using rear-facing cameras or proximity sensors. Learn more

BSW: Blind Spot Warning: Uses a symbol, sound, or vibration to let the driver know there are vehicles located in their blind spots. Learn more

CAN: Controller Area Network: A vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other. Learn more

CIB: Crash Imminent Braking (part of AEB): Crash imminent braking automatically applies the vehicle’s braking to slow or stop the car if the driver fails to brake on time. Learn more

CCS: Combined Charging System: It offers both AC and DC charging on the same port and provides power of up to 350kW. This is the industry-standard method for public charging stations and also home charging setups in Europe and America. It may also be called a “combo plug”. Learn more

CDR: Crash Data Retrieval (part of EDR): Crash Data Retrieval is a term used by those who use specialized equipment to “retrieve” the vehicle’s EDR (event data recorder) data. Learn more

CHAdeMO: A DC fast-charging standard developed in Japan. Learn more

CPM: Charging Point Manager: This refers to a type of software responsible for smart charging, i.e., allocating power to different electric vehicles to make sure that each one charges as quickly as possible. It relies on customizable algorithms to work efficiently. Learn more

CPO: Charging Point Owner: A CPO is an operator who owns and oversees the operation of electric vehicle smart charging points. Learn more

DBS: Dynamic Brake Support (part of AEB): Dynamic brake support automatically supplements the driver’s braking if the driver doesn’t brake hard enough to avoid a crash. Learn more

DC: Direct Current: DC is one of the two types of ‘fuel’ that can be used to power electric vehicles. Unlike AC charging, which is converted into DC power by the car, DC charging can convert the AC power into DC right in the plug itself. DC chargers are larger, more expensive, but faster. It is more common at public charging stations, such as at a rest stop charge point. Learn more

DDT: Dynamic Driving Task: The dynamic driving task means all of the real-time operational and tactical functions required to operate a vehicle in on-road traffic, excluding strategic functions such as trip scheduling and selection of destinations and waypoints. Learn more

DLB: Dynamic Load Balancing: Where multiple charging stations are located, a way that level 2 and 3 chargers can be set up to dispense the available voltage. The term “First Come First Served” is used when setting up a string of EVSE that is set to DLB parameters. This means the first vehicle to attach to a charger will receive the highest output that the charger can deliver and that the vehicle will take. The other vehicles that plug into subsequent chargers will share the remaining power output available from the site. Learn more

DLM: Dynamic Load Management: Dynamic Load Management (or DLM) refers to an EV charging technology that makes it possible to evenly distribute electricity to all vehicles that might be plugged in simultaneously. In other words, DLM optimizes charging speed and prevents grid congestion episodes. Learn more

DoD: Depth of Discharge: The percentage of the battery capacity that has been used. Learn more

DSO: Distribution System Operator: These are the operating managers and/or owners of energy distribution networks. Learn more

DSSAD: Data Storage for Automated Driving: The DSSAD is a device or a function that records and stores a set of data from any vehicle equipped with Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 Automated Driving Systems (ADS). Whenever a significant safety-related event occurs, it provides a clear picture of the interactions between the driver and the system before and after the event. Learn more

EDR: Event Data Recorder: An Event Data Recorder (EDR) is a function or device installed in a motor vehicle to record technical vehicle and occupant information for a very brief period of time before, during, and after a crash, solely for the purpose of monitoring and assessing vehicle safety system performance. Learn more

EMP: Electro-Mobility Provider: An EMP is a company that provides customers access to an electric vehicle charging network. They often offer tracking services, such as apps, for evaluating the availability of charging stations. EMPs are also responsible for determining the price of electric vehicle charging. Also known as EMSP (Electro-Mobility Service Provider). Learn more

EMV: Electromagnetic Compatibility: The ability of electronic devices to operate without interfering with each other. Learn more

EREV: Extended Range Electric Vehicle: A vehicle powered by electricity that can additionally be produced from a small internal combustion engine. Learn more

EV: Electric Vehicle: An EV is defined as a vehicle powered by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery and is capable of being charged from an external source. EVs include both vehicles powered solely by an electric motor and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Learn more

EVSE: Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment: Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) supplies electricity to an electric vehicle (EV). Commonly called charging stations or charging docks, they provide electric power to the vehicle and use it to recharge the vehicle’s batteries. Learn more

FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) are technologically advanced electric vehicles equipped with a fuel cell that converts hydrogen into electricity. The only by-product is condensed water vapor. FCEVs are emission-free. Learn more

FCW: Forward Collision Warning: Forward collision warning systems warn of an impending collision by detecting stopped or slow-moving vehicles ahead. The system uses radar, lasers, or cameras to scan the road and provides warnings using lights, beeps, or seat vibrations. Learn more

GHG: Greenhouse Gas: Greenhouse gases trap the sun’s heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Common greenhouse gases include ozone, nitrous oxide, water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide. Cars with internal combustion engines emit greenhouse gases through their tailpipes. Learn more

HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. These motors recover energy during braking and store it in batteries, supporting the drivetrain. Learn more

ICE: Internal Combustion Engine: Internal combustion engines use liquid fuel (gasoline) to generate energy to power traditional vehicles. ICE cars are the most common vehicles on the road, though EVs are becoming more accessible. Learn more

LCA: Lane Centering Assistance: Lane centering assistance uses a camera-based vision system to monitor the vehicle’s lane position and automatically apply steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered within its lane. Learn more

LiFePO4: Lithium Iron Phosphate: A type of lithium-ion battery chemistry known for its safety and long cycle life. Learn more

Li-ion: Lithium Ion: A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in electric vehicles. Learn more

LKA: Lane Keeping Assistance: Lane keeping assistance prevents the vehicle from unintentionally drifting out of its lane. The system uses sensors to detect lane markings and corrects steering, braking, or acceleration to keep the vehicle in its lane. Learn more

LDW: Lane Departure Warning: A lane departure warning system monitors lane markings and alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane. This system provides warnings but does not take action to avoid a crash. Learn more

MHEV: Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle: A mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) has an internal combustion engine supported by a small battery. These vehicles cannot run on electricity alone but use the battery to enhance efficiency and meet emissions standards. Learn more

NCA: Nickel Cobalt Aluminum: A type of lithium-ion battery chemistry known for its high-energy density. Learn more

NMC: Nickel Manganese Cobalt: A type of lithium-ion battery chemistry known for its high-power density and long cycle life. Learn more

NiMH: Nickel Metal Hydride: A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in hybrid electric vehicles. Learn more

NEV: New Energy Vehicle: This term refers to vehicles partially or fully powered by electricity, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Learn more

OCPP: Open Charge Point Protocol: A communication protocol used by electric vehicle charging stations to communicate with central management systems. Learn more

OCV: Open Circuit Voltage: The voltage of a battery when it is not connected to a load or a charging source. Learn more

ODD: Operating Design Domain: In the automotive industry, operational design domains (ODDs) define the operating conditions under which a vehicle’s automated driving systems can be safely engaged. Each ODD is specific to the vehicle model and its features. Learn more

OEDR: Object and Event Detection and Response: Object and Event Detection and Response (OEDR) involves monitoring the driving environment, detecting, recognizing, and classifying objects and events, and executing appropriate responses to them. Learn more

PAEB: Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking: A pedestrian automatic emergency braking system uses forward sensors to detect a pedestrian in the vehicle’s path. The system will provide automatic braking if the driver does not act to avoid a crash. Learn more

PEV: Plug-in Electric Vehicle: A plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) is any road vehicle that can use an external source of electricity to charge its onboard rechargeable battery packs, powering an electric motor. PEVs include battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Learn more

PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are hybrids that can be plugged into an external power source. They combine battery-powered electric driving with a traditional internal combustion engine. Learn more

PID: Proportional Integral Derivative: A type of control algorithm used in charging systems to regulate voltage and current. Learn more

PIV: Plug-In Vehicle: This is a general term for any car with a plug socket for charging lithium-ion batteries, including battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles. Learn more

PWS: Pedestrian Warning Systems: The Pedestrian Warning System emits sound when driving below a certain speed or while reversing. This sound alerts pedestrians to the presence of the electric vehicle, which operates quietly. Learn more

RAB: Rear Automatic Braking: Rear automatic braking uses sensors, like parking sensors and the backup camera, to detect objects behind the vehicle. If the system detects a potential collision while in reverse, it automatically applies the brakes to prevent a crash. Learn more

RCTA: Rear Cross-Traffic Assist/Alert: Rear Cross Traffic Alert helps drivers back out of spaces where approaching traffic may not be visible. It monitors two areas behind the vehicle for traffic approaching from either side. Learn more

RCTW: Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning: A Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning system alerts the driver to vehicles approaching from the left or right while the vehicle is in reverse. Warnings can include icons on the mirrors, audible alerts, or dashboard notifications. Learn more

RFID: Radio-Frequency Identification: RFID technology links a card to an account and is commonly used in electric vehicle charging to conveniently start a charge through tapping. Learn more

RPH: Range Per Hour: Range per Hour (RPH) measures the distance an Electric Vehicle (EV) can travel in one hour on a single charge. It helps compare EV efficiency and aids in planning trips. Learn more

SDV: Software Defined Vehicles: A Software-Defined Vehicle manages its operations, adds functionality, and enables new features primarily or entirely through software. Learn more

SOC: State of Charge: The percentage of battery capacity currently available for use. Learn more

SOH: State of Health: A measure of the overall health and performance of a battery. Learn more

TOU: Time of Use Tariffs (Utility Rate): Time of Use tariffs encourage energy usage during off-peak times. Applied to EV charging, the rate is based on the time of day energy is drawn rather than total electricity used. Learn more

TSO: Transmission System Operator: A Transmission System Operator (TSO) is responsible for transporting energy and maintaining the infrastructure for energy distribution. Learn more

TSR: Traffic-Sign Recognition: The Traffic-Sign Recognition (TSR) system provides the driver with information about recently detected speed limits. It uses a front camera to capture road sign data and displays it on the vehicle’s dashboard. Learn more

ULEV: Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle: Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) emit significantly fewer pollutants compared to traditional vehicles. In Europe, a ULEV emits less than 75g/km of carbon dioxide (CO2) and meets Euro 6 standards for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. Learn more

VPD: Vehicle Performance Data: Vehicle Performance Data includes information collected by a vehicle’s sensors and systems about its operation, performance, and usage. This data can optimize vehicle safety, performance, and maintenance. Learn more

V2B: Vehicle-to-Building: Vehicle-to-Building (V2B) technology allows energy stored in a vehicle’s battery to be used to power a building. It can provide backup energy for homes during power outages. Learn more

V2C: Vehicle-to-Cloud: Vehicle-to-Cloud (V2C) communication enables vehicles to exchange data with the cloud using cellular networks. Learn more

V2D: Vehicle-to-Device: Vehicle-to-Device (V2D) communication enables vehicles to exchange information with smart devices, usually via Bluetooth. Examples include Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto, which integrate smartphones with the vehicle’s infotainment system. Learn mo

V2G: Vehicle-to-Grid: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology allows energy to flow from an electric vehicle’s battery back to the power grid. This technology supports grid stability by balancing energy supply and demand. Learn more

V2H: Vehicle-to-Home: Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology enables electric vehicles to transfer energy back to the house. This bidirectional charging process allows the vehicle to serve as a backup energy source. Learn more

V2I: Vehicle-to-Infrastructure: Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication involves bidirectional data exchange between a vehicle and road infrastructure, including traffic lights, cameras, and sensors. It supports intelligent transportation systems. Learn more

V2L: Vehicle-to-Load: Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology enables electric appliances to be powered using energy from an EV’s battery. Examples include charging a laptop or running a small appliance. Learn more

V2N: Vehicle-to-Network: Vehicle-to-Network (V2N) communication allows vehicles to use cellular networks to interact with the V2X management system, other vehicles, and road infrastructure. This enables seamless data exchange for smart transportation. Learn more

V2P: Vehicle-to-Pedestrian: Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) communication establishes a direct connection between a vehicle and pedestrians or other vulnerable road users like cyclists. Signals warn drivers and pedestrians about each other’s presence, enhancing safety. Learn more

V2V: Vehicle-to-Vehicle: Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication enables vehicles to continuously exchange information about their status. For example, a car braking suddenly can send a warning to other vehicles nearby, helping prevent collisions. Learn more

V2X: Vehicle-to-Everything: Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) encompasses multiple communication technologies, such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), Vehicle-to-Building (V2B), and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L). These enable vehicles to interact with their surroundings, improving functionality and energy use. Learn more

ZEV: Zero Emission Vehicles: Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) emit no tailpipe pollutants. These vehicles are powered by renewable or clean energy sources, contributing to reduced air pollution and environmental sustainability. Learn more

Understanding the terminology behind mobility and automotive technology is vital for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. As the field continues to evolve, these terms will serve as the foundation for navigating discussions around the future of mobility, safety, and innovation.

• Lyft partners with May Mobility, Mobileye to bring autonomous vehicles to the app (Tech Crunch, November 6, 2024)

  Lyft is making a big push into the autonomous vehicle market, partnering with several companies to build a network of self-driving cars. They’ve signed a deal with May Mobility to launch autonomous vehicles on the Lyft app in Atlanta starting in 2025. Lyft is also partnering with Mobileye, allowing vehicles equipped with Mobileye’s self-driving technology to be integrated into the Lyft platform. Additionally, Lyft has partnered with Nexar to use dashcam data to improve autonomous vehicle technology development. These partnerships build on Lyft’s previous experiences with autonomous vehicles, including its collaboration with Motional and Argo AI. This strategy aims to help Lyft catch up with Uber, which has already partnered with several companies in the autonomous vehicle industry.

• Elon Musk says its ‘pointless’ to build a human-driven $25,000 Tesla (Fast Company, November 5, 2024)

  During an earnings call last month, Elon Musk indicated that Tesla has backed out of its plans for the long-promised $25,000 electric vehicle, stating that building an affording electric vehicle is “pointless” without fully autonomous technology. As recently as January of 2024, Musk confirmed rumors of Tesla’s new affordable EV arriving in 2025, and called it the beginning of a “growth wave” for the company.

  However, Tesla appears to be shifting focus to autonomous technology and producing its robotaxi, the “Cybercab.” “It is my understanding that the original plan was to make the more-affordable vehicle on a new platform. I think Tesla realized they were late to making an affordable vehicle versus their Chinese-EV peers. . . So, they changed their strategy rather than make a large investment to produce a new vehicle,” stated Seth Goldstein, a Morningstar Research Services analyst.

• Waymo is now valued at a staggering $45 billion (Electrek, November 1, 2024)

  Alphabet’s Waymo received $5. 6 billion in funding, now valued at $45 billion. With investors like Google, it plans to expand robotaxi service in major cities. Despite setbacks, financial support from Alphabet fuels Waymo’s success. The company is growing rapidly, with plans to enter new markets and expand autonomous operations. Existing investors include Andreessen Horowitz and T. Rowe Price. Tesla poses potential competition in the self-driving sector.  Currently, Tesla offers ride-hailing services with safety drivers for its Bay Area employees.

• Toyota pushes back electric vehicle production plans in America (Detroit Free Press, October 7, 2024)

  Toyota has long been cautious about the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, and the current EV market slowdown seems to validate its skepticism. However, despite the slump, the global auto industry continues to shift toward electrification, and all manufacturers, including Toyota, will ultimately need to adjust – albeit at a slower pace than originally anticipated.

  Though there were reports of Toyota’s three-row EV SUV launching by the end of 2025, production has been delayed until at least 2026. Meanwhile, Lexus has canceled its plans for a new electric vehicle as EV sales continue to decline in the U.S. Despite the downturn, Toyota remains committed to producing 1.5 million EVs annually by the end of 2026, with plans to introduce seven new EV models to the U.S. market.

• Google’s Waymo Chooses Hyundai Ioniq 5 for Autonomous Driving Fleet (MSN, October 6, 2024)

  Hyundai and Waymo partner to integrate autonomous driving technology into Hyundai vehicles, starting with the sixth generation Waymo Driver in the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Vehicles will be produced at Hyundai’s Georgia factory with autonomous pre-installation, ensuring they are ready for self-driving technology. Waymo plans to add the Ioniq 5 to its Waymo One fleet by 2025, expanding its operations in select U. S. regions. This collaboration allows Hyundai to enter the autonomous vehicle sector while growing Waymo’s fleet, previously supplied by Chrysler and Jaguar. The latest Waymo Driver features advanced hardware and software for enhanced detection capabilities in various conditions.

•  Autonomous vehicles could render personal auto insurance obsolete by 2044, new report finds (CBT News, October 4, 2024)

  A new Morningstar report suggests that self-driving cars might significantly diminish the need for personal auto insurance within 20 years. By 2044, if AVs are widely adopted, liability could shift from drivers to manufacturers, transitioning insurance to product liability. Full adoption of Level 4 or 5 autonomy, where cars drive without human intervention, could make personal insurance obsolete by 2060. Currently, most vehicles have Level 2 automation requiring driver assistance. Companies like Waymo and Cruise are pioneering Level 4 capabilities with region-specific robotaxis. Morningstar projects that AVs could reach 80% market penetration within 7 to 18 years, depending on adoption speed. Insurance may remain unaffected until Level 4 autonomy prevails, but a 10% AV penetration rate by 2035 could begin reshaping the industry, potentially eliminating some insurers by 2043 as AV penetration grows.

In this edition of Thoughts from the Drivers Seat, Mike Nelson shares some of the pitfalls he experienced when trying to charge his Rivian at a Supercharging station while traveling to an out of state wedding.

Copyright Nelson Law LLC

The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Firm, its clients, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This blog post is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice.

• Some Cybertrucks Are Finally Getting FSD (AutoWeek, October 1, 2024)

  Tesla’s Cybertruck has been the only Tesla vehicle that has not been equipped with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving since it was introduced to the market in 2023. However, with Tesla’s most recent software update, Full Self-Driving (Supervised), Tesla has activated the driving assistance feature to some Cybertrucks. The Tesla update, v12.5.5, which many believe to be one of Tesla’s most advanced updates, claims to enhance the driving experience with “more natural lane change decisions” and incorporates the use of AI. Tesla stated, “This is an early access build. You and anyone you authorize must use additional caution and remain attentive. It does not make your vehicle autonomous. Do not become complacent.” FSD (Supervised) has remained an SAE Level 2 driving system, but it appears that Tesla may be trying to move into a “Level 2.5,” as it incorporates advanced features while maintaining the necessary driver attention requirements.

• Tesla, Musk beat shareholder lawsuit over self-driving promises (Reuters, September 30, 2024)

  On Monday, U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin ruled in favor of Tesla and Elon Musk over Tesla shareholders who claimed that the carmaker was overstating the safety and effectiveness of Autopilot and Full Self-Driving in order to increase its stock price. Judge Martinez-Olguin stated that the shareholders were not able to show that Tesla and Musk should be liable for the false promises, but that many of Musk’s statements were addressing future expectations. The judge dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice, but Tesla is still facing investigations from the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission, and a lawsuit filed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, regarding its self-driving claims.

• Safest Electric Cars of 2024 (Kelley Blue Book, September 26, 2024)

  The selection of the safest electric cars of 2024 emphasizes not just critical factors like range and charging time but the paramount importance of safety for family vehicles. The list includes vehicles awarded a Top Safety Pick (TSP) or Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Prioritizing extensive IIHS testing, models awaiting NHTSA evaluation are included based on their anticipated high safety standards. Highlighted models feature a range of advanced safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking systems, with top picks being the 2024 Audi Q4 e-tron, Genesis Electrified G80, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Rivian R1T, among others. As IIHS continues to assess more models, the roster of recognized safe electric vehicles is expected to expand, underscoring evolving safety benchmarks in the electric vehicle market. The full list can be viewed here.

• Biden administration seeks to ban Chinese, Russian tech in US autonomous vehicles (The Associated Press, September 23, 2024)

  The US Department of Commerce announced on Monday that it is seeking to ban all connected vehicles that have Chinese or Russian technology or software installed beginning in model year 2027 vehicles in an effort to protect national security. The government raised its concerns over microphones, cameras, GPS, and Bluetooth technology that could put American personal information in the hands of a foreign adversary. This concern is more complicated for hardware, which is more laborious to replace, while a vehicle’s software can be changed much quicker.

  “This is not about trade or economic advantage. This is strictly national security action. The good news is right now, we don’t have many Chinese or Russian cars on our road,” stated U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. 

• Tesla Model Y Inches Closer to Dethroning Ford F-150 As U.S.’ Best-Selling Vehicle (Inside EVs, September 23, 2024)

  The Tesla Model Y is on the verge of becoming America’s top-selling vehicle, building on its global success from last year. Recent data shows the Model Y challenging the Toyota Rav4 and the longstanding leader, the Ford F-150, in new U.S. registrations. Last year, the Model Y ranked fifth in sales, behind the Toyota Rav4, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ford F-series. Mid-year, it climbed to fourth but now holds nearly 2.6% of new registrations, just shy of the Rav4’s 2.8%. The Model Y’s appeal lies in its ability to meet core consumer needs, reflecting a broader acceptance of EVs among Americans. Despite challenges such as CEO controversies and potential depreciation, Tesla’s reputation for desirable vehicles remains strong. If the Model Y surpasses the Ford F-series, it would mark a significant shift in U.S. automotive preferences, emphasizing SUVs, electrification, and high truck prices influencing buyer decisions.

•  Texas Lawmakers Working on Rules for Autonomous Vehicles (Government Technology, September 19, 2024)

  Texas lawmakers are proposing new regulations for companies operating driverless cars and trucks, such as Waymo, Cruise, and Aurora. State Sen. Robert Nichols emphasized the need for rules to ensure safe use of Texas roads while not stifling innovation. The legislation in the upcoming session will require companies to inform the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles when drivers are removed from vehicles for solo trips. These rules will apply to fleets of driverless cars and trucks, not privately owned vehicles. Lawmakers want to integrate driverless vehicles into existing regulations without disrupting the industry’s progress. The goal is to strike a balance between innovation and public safety, as seen in previous issues with driverless cars causing gridlock in cities like Houston and Austin.

• IIHS study shows drivers more distracted with partial automation systems (CBT News, September 17, 2024)

  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has highlighted a worrying trend of increased driver distractions, such as phone use and eating, when using partial automation systems like Tesla’s Autopilot and Volvo’s Pilot Assist. These systems, designed to aid with routine driving through technologies such as sensors and cameras, can inadvertently lead to driver complacency. The IIHS study reveals that drivers often meet only minimal requirements to keep these systems engaged, leading to risky behavior. Despite the potential of these systems to enhance safety, the ease of use may cause excessive reliance on automation. The rise of these technologies has sparked concerns about driver distraction, prompting investigations into related accidents. The IIHS advocates for stronger safeguards and driver engagement to prevent misuse and ensure safety. As the push for automated driving technology intensifies, manufacturers must balance innovation with safety to truly enhance road safety without providing a false sense of security.

• Tesla Semi Crash Required 50000 Gallons of Water, Fire-Fighting Aircraft to Put Out Blaze (Road & Track, September 13, 2024)

  Last month, a Tesla Semi truck crash in California resulted in a significant fire, requiring firefighters to use 50,000 gallons of water to extinguish it. The NTSB announced that air support was called in to drop flame retardant to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby forest areas. The crash involved a Tesla employee driving the truck to a facility in Sparks, Nevada. At the time of the incident, ADAS were purportedly inactive. The crash occurred on Interstate 80 near Lake Tahoe, closing the highway for 14 hours. The truck was monitored for 24 hours post-fire to prevent re-ignition, a risk in lithium-ion fires due to their chemical composition providing all necessary fire elements.

• Tesla Model 3 Prices Dropping Like A ‘Lead Balloon,’ Says Study (Inside EVs, September 10, 2024)

  As the demand for electric vehicles has dropped over the past year in the US, electric cars are depreciating much faster than traditional gas and hybrid vehicles. Resale prices of used electric vehicles dropped 25% over the past year, which means consumers can purchase a high-tech electric vehicle for less than the average price of a used ICE vehicle. In a study published last week by automotive research firm, iSeeCars, the prices of the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV have been dropping six times faster than ICE vehicles over the past year.

  “The substantial drop in EV prices over the past year appears to have brought them in line with demand, with used EV days-on-market much lower today, reflecting a faster selling rate compared to a year ago,” stated iSeeCars analyst Karl Brauer.