Author: john@provenroi.com
Tesla has made a significant change to its vehicle lineup in the U.S. and Canada by discontinuing Autopilot as a standard feature. This move marks the end of an era where Autopilot was included in every Tesla vehicle purchase. Instead, new vehicles now come equipped with basic Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) as standard, with the option to subscribe to Full Self-Driving (FSD) for an additional cost. The removal of Autopilot was quietly implemented through Tesla’s online configurator. Customers no longer receive Autosteer, a key component of Autopilot that allowed for lane centering on highways. Instead, Tesla is emphasizing the importance…
With Autosteer removed, drivers will still be able to use Traffic Aware Cruise Control but will not have the lane centering feature that Autosteer provides. This means that drivers will have to manually steer the vehicle to keep it within the lane, rather than relying on the car to do so automatically. CEO Elon Musk has hinted that Tesla will eventually increase the cost of Full Self-Driving as the capabilities improve. This move to separate Autosteer from the Autopilot package may be a precursor to this eventual price increase, as Tesla shifts towards a subscription model for its more advanced…
Tesla FSD Pulls Off Another Hands-Free Coast-to-Coast Drive Across the U.S. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology has once again completed a coast-to-coast journey across the United States without a single human intervention—marking the second zero-disengagement FSD drive achieved this month. A 2024 Tesla Model S successfully navigated highways, city streets, and rural roads from California to New York, showcasing the advancements in autonomous driving technology. The journey began in Los Angeles, California, and concluded in New York City, covering over 3,000 miles. The Tesla Model S equipped with FSD hardware and software demonstrated its ability to handle various driving scenarios,…
Tesla is continuing to push boundaries with its purpose-built autonomous vehicle, the Cybercab, by subjecting it to extreme winter testing in Alaska. This marks the sixth U.S. state where Tesla is actively validating the vehicle ahead of production. The company recently shared updates on X, showcasing images of the Cybercab undergoing winter testing in Alaska. The photos depict the vehicle covered in snow and grime, highlighting Tesla’s commitment to testing the vehicle in real-world cold-weather scenarios rather than controlled environments. The Cybercab is Tesla’s dedicated, two-seat autonomous vehicle designed specifically for its Robotaxi network. Unlike existing Teslas that owners can…
This means that Volvo’s upcoming PHEVs will be able to travel around 100 miles on battery power alone, providing a seamless and smooth driving experience that rivals that of a full electric vehicle. The goal is to make these plug-in hybrids feel more like electric vehicles with a backup engine, rather than just modified gas cars. One of the main issues with current PHEVs is the reliance on the gas engine in certain driving conditions, which can lead to a less-than-ideal driving experience. Volvo aims to address this by ensuring that their next-generation plug-ins have enough electric power and range…
A groundbreaking achievement was recently accomplished by a Tesla vehicle, fulfilling a promise made by Elon Musk nearly ten years ago. The car successfully completed a fully autonomous journey from Los Angeles to New York City without any human intervention. Renowned automotive journalist and autonomy tester, Alex Roy, led the milestone event known as the “Tesla FSD Cannonball Run.” Covering a distance of 3,081 miles, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software managed all driving aspects, including highways, city streets, and challenging winter weather conditions, without any human interference. The journey lasted 58 hours and 22 minutes, with only necessary charging stops, using…
Elon Musk recently shared an exciting detail about the potential efficiency of the Tesla Cybercab, hinting that it could be one of the most cost-effective vehicles to operate on a per-mile basis. This revelation comes as no surprise, as Tesla has been known for its innovative approach to sustainable transportation. ARK Invest, in a recent report, provided some insight into the incremental cost per mile of various Robotaxis that will be hitting the market in the near future. The Cybercab, set for release in 2030, has been touted for its remarkably low cost of operation, a detail that was initially…
The long-wheelbase iX3 is 4.25 inches longer than the regular iX3, providing more space for rear passengers. This will cater to the preferences of Chinese consumers, who often prioritize rear passenger comfort in vehicles. The extended length of the SUV also gives it a more imposing presence on the road, making it stand out from its competitors. Trial production of the long-wheelbase iX3 began in China in December, with BMW aiming to start deliveries in the second half of the year. This demonstrates the German automaker’s commitment to the Chinese market, which is the world’s largest for electric vehicles. By…
Tesla’s Robotaxi fleets in Austin and the Bay Area have recently made headlines as they now offer completely unsupervised rides with no driver or safety monitor onboard. While these vehicles may resemble the familiar Model Ys seen on the roads, they have undergone some significant hardware upgrades specifically tailored for autonomous operation. According to Tesla watcher Sawyer Merritt, the newly built Model Y Robotaxis in Austin have been equipped with several enhancements not found on standard production Model Ys. These upgrades include a rear camera washer, dedicated side repeater camera washers, and a revised front camera housing. Videos shared by…
They have existing customer bases who might be resistant to change. They have dealerships to appease. And they have to balance tradition with innovation in a way that startups simply don’t. But that doesn’t mean they can’t learn from their mistakes and adapt. So, the ID. Tiguan might not be the most exciting name for an electric crossover. But it’s a step in the right direction. It’s familiar. It’s recognizable. And it’s a clear signal that Volkswagen is serious about electric vehicles and wants to make them as appealing and accessible as possible. And who knows, maybe in a few…