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.

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.

Texas is suing GM for tracking drivers’ data – but these other car companies do the same thing (Fast Company, August 20, 2024)

The battle for data privacy is extending into vehicles, as highlighted by a lawsuit from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against General Motors for allegedly selling driver data without consent. GM reportedly gathered data from 1.8 million Texan drivers since 2015 via services like OnStar Smart Driver, which it recently discontinued. However, this data was allegedly sold to third parties, influencing insurance rates negatively. GM states it is reviewing the complaint and aims to protect consumer privacy. Mozilla and a New York Times investigation have criticized the auto industry’s widespread data-sharing practices, with 84% of surveyed brands engaging in such activities. Similar concerns prompted senators Ron Wyden and Ed Markey to investigate auto data practices, finding companies like Honda and Hyundai shared driver data for minimal compensation. This growing scrutiny suggests a shift in consumer treatment, as carmakers increasingly monetize collected data, raising ethical concerns over privacy violations.

Former Tesla Supercharging head to help Uber with EV transition (Teslarati, August 20, 2024)

Former Tesla Senior Director of the Supercharger program, Rebecca Tinucci, has joined the Uber team as Uber’s Global Head of Sustainability in an effort to help the company in its shift to electric vehicles. “After many conversations with great people about my next steps, I was still struggling on where to land and how to be truly impactful,” stated Tinucci on LinkedIn.

Tinucci was let go from Tesla, along with a large part of the Supercharger team, as a part of the Tesla layoffs this spring. Last year Tinucci pushed for the auto industry’s mass adoption of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), and she oversaw the development of the V4 Supercharging software. Despite the inclusion on the Time Magazine 100 Climate List last year, Tinucci was not re-hired by Tesla. Instead, she is now focusing on helping Uber “advance clean energy efforts” with the development of its EVs and robotaxis.

Sen. Dave Cortese looks to reintroduce legislation allowing cities to regulate robotaxis (Mountain View Voice, August 16, 2024)

Waymo recently expanded its service ride area in the bay area to include Daly City, Broadmoor, and Colma.  As local governments do not have any say in how or where robotaxis operate, this expansion is causing concern among some city officials.

California Senator Dave Cortese from San Jose is trying to pass legislation to allow larger cities and counties to limit the number of robotaxis on the road, set maximum fare amounts, and introduce fines for moving violations and traffic obstructions.  The bill, SB 915 received strong opposition from the autonomous vehicle industry as well as local chamber of commerce organizations.  Cortese pulled the bill from consideration after it has passed in the Senate due to proposed amendments that would take away the original intent of the bill, stripping all parts about local regulations.  He plans to reintroduce similar legislation in 2025.

Zeekr tackles EV range anxiety with 10-minute battery charge (Automotive News Europe, August 14, 2024)

Chinese carmaker Zeekr may have just solved range anxiety with its new lithium iron phosphate vehicle battery that is able to charge from 10% to 80% in under 11 minutes. Range anxiety, the fear that your vehicle’s battery will be depleted before reaching a charging station or your destination, has been a major concern for consumers who have been skeptical about the adoption of electric vehicles, which has resulted in the rise in popularity of hybrid vehicles. Zeekr’s new batteries will be available in the Zeekr 007 sedan, which will begin delivery in China as early as next week. 

Zeekr, an EV-only carmaker, is a part of Geely Auto, the automobile manufacturer that also owns Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. Zeekr currently has plans to begin sales of its vehicles in Europe, Latin America and other Asian markets in the near future.

You’ve heard of carjacking – but what about carhacking? (Yahoo! Tech, August 10, 2024)

In today’s digital age, smart devices permeate everyday life, including vehicles, which are now facing unique cybersecurity threats. Hackers exploit car systems using various techniques, often aided by AI. For example, AI can manipulate autonomous vehicle systems, as demonstrated by a hack that misread a speed limit, causing a Tesla Model S to dangerously accelerate.

Connected vehicles present hackers with new avenues of attack, especially through Vehicle to Grid (V2G) communication, where man-in-the-middle attacks can intercept communications. EV charging stations also pose risks, potentially distributing malware for unintended purposes like bitcoin mining. Moreover, hackers can steal login information, bypassing two-factor authentication. Bluetooth systems are another vulnerability, enabling attacks like BLE relay to intercept vehicle communications. Despite these threats, car manufacturers invest in enhanced security measures, working with government and agencies to fortify cybersecurity, ensuring safer connected cars.

DOD Needs Solutions for the Proliferation of Autonomous Vehicles, Defense Official Says (U.S. Department of Defense, August 9, 2024)

On August 9th, Heidi Shyu, the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, was a panelist at the National Defense Industrial Association’s 2024 Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C.  At the conference, she spoke about the Defense Departments need to combat the growing number of autonomous systems, including aircraft, ground vehicles, and watercraft.  There are rules and limitations in the U.S. for how the military can engage with these systems if they should become a threat. “Shyu said while there are solutions being worked now, the Defense Department is interested in having industry proffer even more options for it and the military services to consider”.  The Defense Department is looking for ideas in contested logistics, where adversaries attempt to disrupt, destroy, or defeat friendly force logistics operations. 

Mercedes-Benz gets the OK to begin testing its Level 4 autonomous driving tech in China (Electrek, August 6, 2024)

Mercedes-Benz has become the first international automaker to be approved by local regulators in Shanghai to begin testing its SAE Level 4 autonomous driving system. Mercedes has been a leader in the advancement of autonomous driving technology, with its Level 3 “Drive Pilot” system as the only Level 3 non-robotaxi vehicle offered in the United States. Unlike Level 2 driving systems, like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving and Autopilot systems, Mercedes’ Level 3 system takes full control of driving situations, and also accepts full liability when the technology is enabled.

In Shanghai, Mercedes has been approved to begin testing its Level 4 driving system on limited local roads and highways. With a L4 system, the vehicle is essentially doing all of the work, including parking and reversing. Carmakers XPeng and Tesla have plans to introduce Level 4 driving systems to China’s roads shortly, but for now, it seems Mercedes-Benz is getting a head start. 

US to Call for Limits on Chinese Vehicle Software Over Data Security Concerns (BNN Bloomberg, August 6, 2024)

The US is escalating its tech confrontation with China by planning to restrict sales of Chinese vehicle software, targeting autonomous and internet-connected vehicles due to security concerns. The Biden administration, responding to a cybersecurity review initiated in March, aims to limit the use and testing of Chinese technology in these vehicles. This move addresses risks from devices in modern cars, which connect to the internet and are vulnerable to hacking. The restrictions will hinder Chinese companies from collecting data on US drivers and prevent Chinese suppliers from dominating the US market. The Commerce Department will enforce these measures, allowing a phase-in period for automakers to adjust. US officials are coordinating with international partners and have engaged in discussions with China. The measures will initially focus on software and systems that collect vehicle data, with potential future restrictions on hardware. The aim is to secure US automotive supply chains and mitigate national security risks.

Tesla sued by family of motorcyclist killed in Autopilot crash (Yahoo News, August 2, 2024)

Tesla is in the news again as another wrongful death lawsuit was filed against the automaker.  The parents of Landon Embery are suing after their son was hit on his motorcycle by a Model 3 on a Utah highway in 2022.  The Tesla’s driver had Autopilot engaged at 75-80 mph.

The complaint states, “A reasonably prudent driver, or adequate auto braking system, would have, and could have slowed or stopped without colliding with the motorcycle”.  This lawsuit continues to add to the scrutiny of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving and Autopilot capabilities.

California needs a million EV charging stations – but that’s ‘unlikely’ and ‘unrealistic’ (KPBS, July 16, 2024)

With state projections expecting to reach 7 million electric vehicles on California roads by the end of 2030 – 10 times more electric vehicles than at the end of last year – California will have to build an unprecedented number of public charging stations to meet demands. To reach a target of 2.1 million chargers in 2035, the state will have to create 129,000 new stations every year for the next seven years, which is more than 7 times the current pace.

“It is very unlikely that we hit our goals, and to be completely frank, the EV goals are a noble aspiration, but unrealistic,” stated Bruce Cain, a Stanford professor and co-author of a policy briefing on California’s electric vehicle charging issues. California will need billions of dollars for power grid upgrades to connect the chargers, as well as ensuring public chargers are available in rural and less-affluent areas of the state.

“The infrastructure is continuing to be rolled out at a rapid pace,” said Liane Randolph, board chair of the California Air Resources Board. “It doesn’t all have to be perfect instantly. It’s a process. And it’s a process that’s continuing to move.”

Musk signals delays to robotaxi unveiling for key design change (Reuters, July 15, 2024)

Elon Musk announced earlier this year that Tesla would be unveiling its fully autonomous robotaxi on August 8th, but a recent response to a post about the event signals otherwise.  “Requested what I think is an important design change to the front, and extra time allows us to show off a few other things,” Musk said on X. No date has been announced by the automaker as to when we can expect a launch.  Musk has given minimal details about the robotaxis other than some would be owned and operated by Tesla and some would be owned by individuals and rented out on Tesla’s network.  Time will tell if Musk debuts his robotaxi this year or if it will be delayed like many of his other promised releases.

Autonomous Vehicles Face Real-World Challenges: A Look at Baidu’s Recent Incident in China (Power Nation, July 9, 2024)

In Wuhan, China, a Baidu-operated autonomous vehicle recently hit a pedestrian crossing against a red light. When the light turned green, the car moved and only made minor contact with the pedestrian, who was hospitalized but not seriously injured. Social media reactions in China mainly blamed the pedestrian for crossing against the signal, with news outlets echoing this sentiment. The incident underscores a key challenge for autonomous vehicles: dealing with unpredictable human actions. Despite extensive research and testing, autonomous cars still struggle in such scenarios. Baidu’s Apollo Go service, with a significant fleet in Wuhan, continues to refine this technology. On a broader scale, there are consumer concerns about the safety of self-driving cars. A Forbes Advisor survey revealed that 93% of Americans are wary of these vehicles, primarily due to safety and technology malfunction worries.

Chinese self-driving cars have quietly traveled 1.8 million miles on U.S. roads, collecting detailed data with cameras and lasers (Fortune, July 8, 2024)

Since 2017, self-driving cars owned by Chinese companies have traveled 1.8 million miles in California alone.  The cars are part of a state program that allows companies who are developing self-driving technology to test on their roadways. The self-driving vehicles are equipped with cameras and LIDAR which map roadways within 2 centimeters of precision.  Many people are concerned about what kind of data is being collected by these Chinese cars and where the data is sent once it is collected, since there is no federal or state oversight.  It is raising security concerns because the data can be used for war strategy and can track movements, such as where individuals go to worship, schools, and other places. 

Currently there appears to be no government agency that monitors the data that Chinese self-driving cars collect and their national security implications. “The U.S. federal government is just [so] wholly inundated with looking at a raft of other China-related challenges that unfortunately, this particular issue is probably number 18 or 19 on the priority list,” said Singleton from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.  There is still hope, though.  If the government makes moves now in regulating, they won’t have to play catch up.

Chinese EVs posing threat to U.S. automakers despite increase in tariffs (CBT News, July 5, 2024)

Despite the recent announcement from the White House that tariffs on Chinese EVs are increasing from 25% to 100%, Chinese automakers are expected to achieve 33% market share globally by 2030, according to a study from global consulting firm AlixPartners. China has dominated in battery production and the battery supply chain, and Chinese automakers, such as BYD, continue to dominate the global market (see above). AlixPartners has described an “overtime culture” in China that allows for Chinese companies to release new vehicles and products much quicker than many overseas rivals. While the U.S. has imposed tariffs against Chinese EVs, it appears to be only a “short-term band aid” to protect American legacy automakers. China continues to “out-innovate” the U.S. in terms of battery production and technology, and it seems to only be a matter of time before China takes its seat as the global leader in electric vehicles.

Mercedes Exec Blasts Tesla For Reckless “Full Self-Driving” Rollout (The Byte., July 3, 2024)

According to Mercedes exec Jochen Haab, Elon Musk’s Tesla has utilized its customers as beta testers for its expensive Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, leading to numerous crashes and fatalities, prompting regulatory investigations. Haab advocates for a cautious, step-by-step approach to build trust in autonomous driving technology. He criticizes Tesla’s aggressive marketing, suggesting it misleads drivers into overestimating the software’s capabilities, thereby increasing road dangers. Haab believes the perceived overpromise and underperformance of Tesla’s FSD have eroded public confidence in self-driving technology. Mercedes contrasts its strategy by limiting beta testing to trained professionals and recently getting approval for its Level 3 autonomous driving system in California and Nevada, which surpasses Tesla’s Level 2 FSD.