Full Self-Driving

NHTSA has launched an engineering analysis into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software due to safety concerns. The investigation focuses on FSD’s performance and potential defects in degraded visibility conditions, such as fog or glare. This expanded probe covers approximately 3.2 million Tesla vehicles and follows an increase in collision complaints where FSD was active. The agency is examining whether the system adequately detects and warns drivers in such scenarios.

Tesla is suing California’s DMV to overturn a ruling on deceptive marketing of “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving.” The DMV found Tesla’s marketing misleading, though opted against license suspension. Tesla argues its disclaimers clarified system limitations, asserting consumers weren’t misled. This lawsuit is crucial for Tesla’s robotaxi vision and valuation, amidst ongoing regulatory scrutiny and past legal challenges concerning its autonomous driving technology.

Elon Musk believes Nvidia’s new autonomous driving AI, Alpamayo, won’t threaten Tesla’s FSD for years, citing hardware integration challenges for traditional automakers and the difficulty of solving edge cases. Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, praised Tesla’s FSD but emphasized Nvidia’s role as a platform provider for the broader industry. Developing truly autonomous driving, especially handling rare scenarios, remains a complex, long-term endeavor for all.

A California administrative law judge ruled Tesla’s marketing for “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving” was deceptive. The DMV initially sought to suspend Tesla’s licenses, but now offers a 60-day window to correct misleading claims. Failure to do so could result in a 30-day sales license suspension, though manufacturing will continue. The judge noted a reasonable consumer would believe the systems allow autonomous driving, which is inaccurate. Tesla stated sales will continue uninterrupted, while acknowledging the ruling focuses on consumer protection and the use of the term “Autopilot.”

The NHTSA is investigating Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system after reports of safety defects. The investigation covers roughly 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD (Supervised) or FSD (Beta). At least 44 incidents involve Tesla drivers using FSD reporting the system caused traffic violations resulting in collisions. The agency will evaluate the clarity of warnings, driver reaction time, and FSD’s ability to respond to traffic signals. The probe comes as Tesla continues to develop and test its FSD technology, including Robotaxi services.

Tesla unveiled a new FSD iteration, met with cautious Wall Street optimism despite cryptic teasers that boosted the stock. Analysts speculate on a potentially new, lower-cost vehicle or the next-gen Roadster. While the Cybertruck faces challenges, Tesla shifts focus to robotics and autonomous driving amid slower auto sales and increased competition. The Cybercab remains in development, while past promises like the Roadster and robotaxi fleets remain unfulfilled. Tesla is also developing Optimus, a humanoid robot.

Elon Musk announced on X that Tesla may enable in-car gaming while driving within 3-6 months, pending regulatory approval. This follows a video of a Tesla owner playing Grand Theft Auto using Full Self-Driving (FSD). While presenting a potential revenue stream via subscriptions, the plan faces significant regulatory hurdles due to safety concerns and driver distraction, even with FSD engaged. Tesla emphasizes that drivers must remain vigilant and ready to take control despite FSD.