MOBILITY ON THE GO 3-12-2025
ZACHARY VISCONTI 3-10-2025
Tesla’s rollout of its FSD in the UK faces significant delays due to new regulatory challenges. The UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has proposed stricter rules that limit FSD capabilities to highway maneuvers, requiring drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel, contrary to earlier drafts that allowed hands-free driving in more complex situations. These changes arise from safety concerns regarding the impact of autonomous systems on driver behavior and situational awareness. Tesla has successfully launched FSD features in China and Mexico but is hindered by regulatory barriers in Europe, potentially delaying full deployment until 2028. Experts, including former Tesla officials, urge for reforms in type-approval frameworks to better accommodate emerging technologies. Meanwhile, CEO Elon Musk continues to advocate for FSD approval in upcoming EU sessions.
YURI KAGEYAMA 3-10-2025
Nissan’s driverless technology, utilizing 14 cameras, nine radars, and six LiDar sensors, showcases Japan’s effort to catch up in the autonomous driving race, led by companies like Waymo in the U.S. Despite being home to top automakers, Japan has lagged behind China and the U.S. in autonomous vehicle development. In a recent demonstration in Yokohama, Nissan’s vehicle operated at a maximum speed of 25 mph, with remote monitoring to ensure safety. The technology, currently rated Level 2, aims for Level 4 autonomy by 2029 or 2030, requiring no human oversight. With a shrinking population creating driver shortages, Japanese companies are exploring autonomous solutions, though challenges remain, including public expectations for high safety standards and the complexities of urban deployment.
KARAN SINGH 3-8-2025
Tesla has begun rolling out an update for recent Model Ys, activating cabin radar and introducing first-row occupant sensing, replacing traditional seat sensors. This technology improves passenger size detection, crucial during accidents, and will extend to other recent models. A key feature, Child Presence Detection, aims to reduce fatalities caused by leaving children in parked vehicles. The radar can differentiate between adults and kids, adjusting airbag deployment, detecting heart rates, and notifying owners via the Tesla app if a child is left inside. Emergency services can also be alerted automatically. While current updates focus on Model Ys, plans to extend cabin radar features to Model 3s and Cybertrucks are underway. Rear-seat sensing is expected to launch in late 2025, with potential updates for Model S and X also on the horizon.
JAMES TITCOMB 3-7-2025
British drivers are selling Tesla’s at record rates, with 4,822 second-hand models listed in February, up 36% from December. This increase follows growing competition among electric car makers and political controversies involving Elon Musk. Second-hand Tesla prices have fallen, and new sales in the UK rose by 21%. Interest in Tesla’s has declined, partially due to Musk's politics and competition from other brands. Some customers have canceled orders because of his views, while others cite a lack of new models.
KIRSTEN KOROSEC 3-5-2025
Hyundai Motor Company and autonomous vehicle startup Avride have formed a partnership to develop autonomous vehicle technology specifically for robotaxis. Avride will enhance its fleet with Hyundai IONIQ 5 vehicles, assembled at Hyundai’s new Metaplant America in Georgia and integrated with Avride’s technology. These vehicles will launch later this year in Dallas as part of an Uber-accessible robotaxi service. This collaboration adds to Avride’s recent partnerships and signifies Hyundai’s strategy to expand beyond in-house efforts, complementing its existing relationship with Motional, an autonomous vehicle startup backed by Hyundai. Despite challenges faced by Motional, Hyundai remains committed to advancing Level 4 autonomy and aims to scale up to 100 autonomous IONIQ 5 vehicles by 2025, promoting innovations in mobility technology.
KIRSTEN KOROSEC 3-5-2025
Volkswagen has introduced the ID EVERY1, a small four-door hatchback EV set to launch in 2027 with a starting price of 20,000 euros ($21,500). It will feature software and architecture from Rivian as part of a $5. 8 billion joint venture. Another model, the ID. 2all, will be priced at 25,000 euros and available in 2026. Both cars will target the European market. The ID EVERY1 will use a new software architecture for ongoing updates. The partnership aims to reduce development costs and improve technology scaling. The ID EVERY1 is a concept with a top speed of 130 km/h and a range of at least 250 kilometers.