Latest news with #FullSelf-Driving
Mint
a day ago
- Automotive
- Mint
Xiaomi YU7 SUV, company's second EV, receives 240000 orders in 18 hours; challenges Tesla in China
Xiaomi's latest electric SUV, the YU7, has triggered a buying frenzy in China, racking up around 240,000 orders within just 18 hours of launch, a performance that sent the company's shares soaring to a record high on Friday. The orders, considered firm by Xiaomi, include both large deposits for vehicles ready for delivery and smaller sums for those yet to be produced. The overwhelming demand underlines the smartphone giant's growing foothold in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, as it intensifies competition with established players like Tesla. This marks Xiaomi's second foray into the EV market, following the successful debut of its SU7 sedan in March last year. Priced from 253,500 yuan (approximately $35360), the YU7 undercuts Tesla's Model Y by nearly four per cent, further fuelling speculation that the US automaker may need to respond with price cuts or new incentives to maintain its market share. 'Tesla may be forced to reduce prices further or consider bundling its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system for free to stay competitive,' said Citi analysts in a client note. The YU7's specifications are also attracting attention. Its standard model includes a substantial 96.3 kWh battery pack offering a claimed range of up to 835 kilometres (519 miles) on a single charge, significantly more than the 719-kilometre range of the redesigned Tesla Model Y, which has a smaller 78.4 kWh battery. The YU7 also offers rapid charging capabilities and a number of consumer-focused features, including under-seat storage drawers and free driver-assistance software, a feature that costs an additional 64,000 yuan on Tesla's models. While acknowledging Tesla's superiority in autonomous driving, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun argued that the YU7 surpasses the Model Y in several other areas. 'We are offering more value where it counts for Chinese drivers,' he said at the launch event. The company claimed 289,000 YU7 orders were logged within the first hour of sales on Thursday night, over three times the figure achieved by the SU7 at its debut. However, Lei cautioned that some of these may come from scalpers attempting to resell their early positions in the queue. Hundreds of listings offering order slots were spotted on the secondhand trading platform Xianyu. In response, Xiaomi has implemented a two-vehicle purchase cap per customer to deter scalping and ensure fairer distribution. (With inputs from Reuters)
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Tesla Robotaxis go rogue? Elon Musk's venture hits road bumps as BYD zooms past
Tesla launched its highly anticipated Robotaxi service on 22 June in Austin, Texas—quietly, and for a chosen few. Only a handful of Tesla Model Y vehicles (between 10 and 20) were unleashed in a geofenced patch of South Austin. Zones include South Lamar, East Riverside, and the quirky Rainey Street Historic District. The service is invite-only, limited to Tesla enthusiasts and influencers who livestreamed their rides and posted footage online. Each ride costs a flat $4.20 and is hailed through an Uber-like app. The backseat passengers get a real-time map on a rear screen and can even access their Tesla account playlists. The cars log users out after each ride for privacy. It's clever. It's futuristic. And, at times, it's a little weird. Caught on Camera: The Good, the bad, the odd No sooner had the Robotaxis hit the road than Redditors began compiling clips of their misadventures. So far, at least 11 videos have surfaced showing Tesla's AI making questionable decisions. The footage includes: A Robotaxi swerving briefly into the wrong lane with its blinker on, skipping a turn and driving directly into oncoming traffic lanes. Cars that suddenly brake mid-street with no visible obstacle. A ride that pulled into a handicapped parking space to collect its passenger. A Tesla stopping dead in the middle of the road after a rider pressed the 'pull over' button on the screen. One early tester, Rob Maurer, saw his ride cross a double yellow line into the opposite lane before course-correcting. "It signalled left, then it changed its mind. The car behind honked, but luckily, there was no oncoming traffic," he said in his video. Other clips show the vehicles bumping over kerbs or hesitating at intersections. At least one user reported belongings being tossed forward during a sudden brake. The videos are real. The reactions, mixed. Live Events Vision-only: Tesla bets on cameras, not lasers Unlike its rivals, Tesla's system doesn't use LiDAR or radar. It relies only on cameras and Elon Musk's long-touted Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. The version used in the Robotaxi doesn't need a human behind the wheel, but for now, each vehicle includes a human 'safety monitor' in the front seat. In one video, a monitor was seen pressing the emergency stop button when a delivery truck began reversing toward the Robotaxi. In another, the AI successfully pulled over to let an ambulance pass, outperforming even a human-driven Cybertruck nearby. But camera-only navigation comes with trade-offs. Sunlight glare reportedly caused a car to brake unexpectedly. Critics argue this reveals the limits of Tesla's approach. As one Redditor put it: 'If the sun can confuse it, what happens in fog or at night?' The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed it is 'aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer.' A spokesperson added, 'NHTSA does not pre-approve new technologies or vehicle systems — rather, manufacturers certify that each vehicle meets standards, and we investigate incidents involving safety defects.' The City of Austin said it was 'actively collaborating with Tesla' after reports of erratic stops and awkward pickups circulated online. Local police are also being briefed to safely interact with the cars. University of Texas professor Kara Kockelman didn't mince words, 'Dropping off people in the middle of a six-lane road or edge of a busy intersection when traffic is going in the opposite direction is pretty dangerous,' she told Business Insider. Philip Koopman, an autonomous tech expert at Carnegie Mellon, was surprised by the sheer volume of footage. 'I was not expecting as many videos of problematic driving on the very first day,' he said. Still, not everyone's panicking. Alain Kornhauser of Princeton University took a more optimistic view: 'So far so good. It handled the situations very well and likely better than even good drivers.' Tesla's bumpy ride on the markets On the day of the Robotaxi pilot launch, Tesla shares briefly surged by 11%, closing up 8%. But the rally fizzled out the next day. The enthusiasm may have reflected hope in the company's long-term vision, but investors appear cautious about the realities of the rollout. Meanwhile, Tesla's sales in Europe continue to slide. Despite a new Model Y and a dedicated Gigafactory in Germany, May saw a significant year-over-year drop in sales. If June numbers don't rebound, Tesla risks losing ground in one of its most strategic markets. While the Robotaxi was only released in Austin, Texas, these are the sales figures from Europe. In China, BYD is outperforming nearly all rivals. Despite price wars, it has retained healthy profit margins and now controls over half the country's EV market. In May alone, plug-in vehicles made up 53% of all new vehicle sales in China—with battery electric vehicles accounting for 31%. Back in the U.S., Tesla faces stiff competition from Waymo, whose Robotaxis in Austin operate in twice the coverage area and do so without human monitors onboard. Waymo recently expanded to Atlanta via Uber, while Tesla's own rollout remains cautious and limited. Tech test or public Beta? Tesla says this is still an early-access programme, not a full public launch. It avoids tricky intersections, bad weather, and kids under 18. No serious crashes have occurred yet. And many testers described the rides as smooth, even impressive. One YouTuber, Bearded Tesla Guy, showed how the vehicle navigated a packed grocery car park—first hesitating, then asserting itself and finding a way out. But the footage also reveals the service's fragility. A ride that stops in an active intersection? A vehicle picking up in a handicapped spot? These are not errors that Tesla wants going viral. And that's the catch. This is a test conducted in full public view, where every minor glitch is filmed, analysed, and reposted. It's a bold move. And a risky one. Elon Musk has promised that this pilot will lead to a national rollout—eventually 'millions' of Teslas operating as fully autonomous taxis by mid-2026. A new model, the Cybercab, will ditch the steering wheel and pedals entirely. But so far, all that's visible is a handful of Model Ys trundling through a few square miles of South Austin. That's the tension. Tesla wants to race toward the future. But every clipped kerb, botched stop and swerved lane is a reminder: autonomy is hard. The world is messy. And even the smartest robots still have a lot to learn.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Elon Musk's Tesla robotaxis face federal investigation after dangerous driving videos go viral
In a major setback to Tesla's self-driving ambitions, federal regulators have launched an investigation into the company's newly debuted robotaxis following the circulation of alarming videos online. The footage, captured during the early rollout in Austin, Texas, shows Tesla's autonomous vehicles veering into opposing lanes, ignoring traffic signals, and braking without reason. These incidents have prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to begin an inquiry. Tesla had just begun offering paid robotaxi rides using its updated Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, but the troubling footage now casts doubt on the safety and reliability of the technology. Viral clips of Tesla robotaxis trigger regulatory response Videos posted on social media show multiple Tesla vehicles behaving erratically. In one case, a robotaxi is seen making an illegal maneuver from a left-turn-only lane, gliding into oncoming traffic before swerving back. Another clip shows a car braking twice in the middle of the road with no obstacles in sight. These viral incidents prompted NHTSA to issue a statement confirming it is in contact with Tesla and reviewing the events. Tesla's rollout collides with public safety concerns Tesla began offering its first commercial robotaxi rides in Austin using modified Model Y vehicles. The launch was met with enthusiasm from investors and Tesla loyalists, who hailed it as a major milestone. However, safety experts were quick to raise red flags. Critics argue that despite Tesla's claims, the FSD software still lacks the consistency and judgment required for public road use. Experts warn of unpredictable AI behavior Automotive technology specialist Sam Abuelsamid voiced strong concerns over the system's performance. 'This is not a system that should be carrying members of the public,' he said, citing its tendency to alternate between smooth operation and dangerous unpredictability. While some passengers reported flawless rides, experts stress that even rare errors can have catastrophic consequences. Tesla's regulatory history raises red flags The investigation comes amid a history of regulatory clashes between Tesla and the NHTSA. The agency previously forced the company to recall over 2.4 million vehicles due to safety concerns tied to its FSD technology. This new probe raises further questions about Tesla's readiness to deploy fully autonomous vehicles without a safety driver onboard. Musk's bold ambitions face growing pressure CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly promised that Tesla's robotaxis will revolutionize transportation, even suggesting mass deployment as early as next year. However, with competitors like Waymo already operating safer and more controlled autonomous fleets, Tesla's margin for error is shrinking. The scrutiny now threatens to slow Tesla's roadmap and put Musk's aggressive timelines at risk. What's next for Tesla's robotaxi program? While Tesla has yet to release an official statement in response to the investigation, NHTSA's involvement signals increased oversight going forward. If the agency determines that the software poses a serious risk, further recalls or restrictions could follow. For now, the future of Tesla's autonomous driving program may hinge on whether it can convince regulators—and the public—that its vehicles are truly road-ready. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
US following up on possible Tesla robotaxi infractions
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is following up on videos posted online of Sunday's launch in Texas showed questionable driving. — AP Photo/Eric Gay NEW YORK: US safety regulators contacted Tesla after its self-driving cars stopped abruptly, sped or swerved into the wrong lane as the company began limited robotaxi service, US officials said Tuesday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is following up on videos posted online of Sunday's launch in Texas showed questionable driving. "NHTSA is aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information," the agency said. NHTSA said it does not "pre-approve" new technologies, but does certify that vehicles meet standards and investigates possible defects. "Following an assessment of those reports and other relevant information, NHTSA will take any necessary actions to protect road safety," the agency said. On Sunday near its corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas, Tesla began its long-awaited robotaxi service, an initial startup that Elon Musk's backers believe could lead to the company's next growth wave. The long-awaited launch followed the dramatic meltdown this month in relations between the Musk and US President Donald Trump. Musk, however, has most recently expressed regrets about some remarks he said upon his departure from Washington. NHTSA said an investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving software begun in October 2024 "remains open." The agency said it is in the process of reviewing Tesla's input on the probe, but that the company has labeled the response "confidential business information" under the Vehicle Safety Act. "Given this requirement, Tesla's response has been redacted accordingly," NHTSA said. "Following an assessment of these responses and other relevant information, NHTSA will take any necessary actions to protect road safety." – AFP
The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Tesla robotaxi incidents draw scrutiny from US safety agency
A driverless Tesla robotaxi moves through traffic on June 22, 2025, in Austin, Texas. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is aware of the incidents that were captured in videos posted on social media and is gathering additional information from the company, the agency said. — AP US auto safety regulators are looking into incidents where Tesla Inc's self-driving robotaxis appeared to violate traffic laws during the company's first day offering paid rides in Austin. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is aware of the incidents that were captured in videos posted on social media and is gathering additional information from the company, the agency said in a statement to Bloomberg. NHTSA officials regularly interact with automakers on safety matters, and it's common for those discussions to stop short of a formal investigation. "Following an assessment of those reports and other relevant information, NHTSA will take any necessary actions to protect road safety,' the agency said on Monday. Tesla's shares fell as much as 1.4% in postmarket trading after Bloomberg reported NHTSA's discussions with the company. The stock was little changed at 5:33 p.m. in New York. In one video taken by investor Rob Maurer, who used to host a Tesla podcast, a Model Y he's riding in enters an Austin intersection in a left-turn-only lane. The Tesla hesitates to make the turn, swerves right and proceeds into an unoccupied lane meant for traffic moving in the opposite direction. A honking horn can be heard as the Tesla re-enters the correct lane over a double-yellow line, which drivers aren't supposed to cross. In two other posts on X, initial riders in driverless Model Ys shared footage of Teslas speeding. A vehicle carrying Sawyer Merritt, a Tesla investor, reached 35 miles per hour shortly after passing a 30 miles per hour speed limit sign, a video he posted shows. In a separate live stream from Herbert Ong, a YouTuber with more than 123,000 subscribers, he commented that the vehicle was going faster than the posted limit of 35 miles per hour. "It's going at 39 right now, which is perfect, right, because I don't want to drive at 35, and it's driving at the same flow of traffic,' Ong said. "If everyone else is driving at this speed, you want to be at the same speed.' Representatives for Tesla and the Austin Police Department didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on the videos. The automaker recalled more than 362,000 vehicles in February 2023 after NHTSA said its driver-assistance system may allow cars to infringe on local traffic laws. A spokesman for the city of Austin said it hadn't received any safety incident reports regarding Tesla's robotaxis over the weekend. NHTSA continues to investigate the performance of Tesla's Full Self-Driving suite of automated driver-assist features. The agency is examining how the system performs at times when visibility is limited by glare, dust or fog. Chief executive officer Elon Musk celebrated the start of Tesla's robotaxi operations on Sunday, congratulating employees for what he said was a successful launch. Wall Street analysts also published broadly positive reports, with Barclays analyst Dan Levy writing that the first day of service was "largely uneventful.' Another video posted Sunday captured two riders in a driverless Model Y having trouble after pressing a button on the rear screen of the vehicle to indicate that they wanted the vehicle to pull over. After the YouTuber who goes by Bearded Tesla Guy pressed the button, a message popped up on the screen indicating that the Model Y would find a safe location to pull over. But rather than execute a pull-over manoeuvre, the vehicle came to a stop in the middle of the road. After the riders have a brief discussion with a remote customer-support worker who gets the Tesla going again, it took a second conversation with remote support to get the Model Y to route to the riders' desired drop-off destination. – Bloomberg
