Articles tagged with "automotive-safety"
China is leading the fight against hidden car door handles
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has introduced new safety regulations, effective January 1, 2027, that ban hidden, electronically actuated car door handles in favor of mechanical releases on all doors (except tailgates). This rule targets a design feature popularized by Tesla and now common among many electric vehicles (EVs) in China. The regulation requires both external and internal mechanical door releases to ensure occupants can exit vehicles safely in emergencies. The move follows several fatal incidents where occupants were trapped due to electronic door handles failing, often because of insufficient power to the locking mechanism. China is the first country to implement such a ban, prompted by safety concerns highlighted by crashes involving Tesla and other EVs, including a notable incident with a Xiaomi SU7 sedan. The Chinese government collaborated with over 40 domestic manufacturers, parts suppliers, and testing institutions, alongside more than 100 industry experts, to develop the new standard. Major automakers such as BYD, Geely, SAIC,
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-safetyChina-regulationsTeslaelectric-car-technologyvehicle-door-handlesAutoliv, Tensor debut foldable steering wheel for autonomous cars
Autoliv and Tensor have jointly developed the world’s first foldable steering wheel designed for a production-ready Level 4 autonomous vehicle, set to debut in the Tensor Robocar expected in volume production by the second half of 2026. This innovative steering wheel operates in two modes: it functions as a conventional steering wheel during manual driving and fully retracts during autonomous operation. The design addresses the challenge of traditional steering systems limiting interior space and comfort in autonomous vehicles, enabling a more flexible and lounge-like cabin environment when the vehicle drives itself. The foldable steering wheel integrates directly with the Tensor Robocar’s autonomous system, retracting to clear the driver’s area during Level 4 autonomous mode. Safety is maintained through adaptive airbag systems that switch between a steering wheel airbag in manual mode and a passenger airbag integrated into the instrument panel when the wheel is retracted. Autoliv emphasizes this adaptive safety approach as a shift from traditional one-size-fits-all designs to intelligent systems that respond dynamically
robotautonomous-vehiclesfoldable-steering-wheelautomotive-safetyLevel-4-autonomyvehicle-interior-designTensor-RobocarWorld’s first high-res terahertz sensor could make driving safer
Teradar has unveiled the world’s first high-resolution, long-range terahertz (THz) sensor, called the Teradar Summit, designed to enhance automotive safety and support advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving from levels L2 to L5. The solid-state sensor offers a 300-meter (984 feet) range with a native angular resolution of 0.13°, producing detailed 3D point clouds with Doppler data that capture range, direction, elevation, and relative speed. Unlike traditional radar and lidar, Teradar’s THz sensor reliably operates in all weather conditions—including fog, rain, snow, and sun glare—addressing a critical gap in vehicle perception technology. The company estimates that this breakthrough could help prevent up to 150,000 road deaths annually worldwide. Developed by a Boston-based startup founded by experts from MIT and Stanford, the Teradar Summit uses a proprietary Modular Terahertz Engine (MTE) chip system that integrates transmit, receive, and
terahertz-sensorautonomous-vehiclesadvanced-driver-assistance-systemsautomotive-safetysolid-state-sensorLIDAR-alternativevehicle-autonomyChina bans retractable car door handles after deadly crash concerns
China plans to ban electrically powered retractable car door handles starting January 1, 2027, following fatal crashes linked to these designs. The new safety regulation, proposed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, mandates that all passenger vehicles under 3.5 tons must have mechanical interior and exterior door handles with emergency release functions that operate even if the vehicle loses power or suffers severe crash damage. This move responds to incidents where rescuers struggled to access trapped occupants due to power failures disabling electronic handles, notably after fatal crashes involving the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and other vehicles. The ban challenges popular flush door handle designs favored for aerodynamic and aesthetic reasons, which critics argue offer minimal efficiency gains but pose significant safety risks. Consumer complaints about retractable handles, including failures in cold weather and injuries, have surged in 2024. Industry leaders, such as Great Wall Motors’ chairman Wei Jianjun, have voiced concerns that concealed handles neglect user safety without meaningful benefits. The regulation could influence global EV design,
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-safetymechanical-door-handlespower-failurevehicle-designChina-regulationsChina's Geely unveils world’s largest EV-focused safety testing lab
China’s Geely has unveiled the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV)-focused safety testing laboratory in Ningbo, designed to conduct 27 categories of vehicle safety and reliability tests. Spanning 45,000 square meters, the facility includes the longest indoor crash test track, the largest automotive safety lab, and an advanced altitude- and climate-adjustable wind tunnel. It supports Geely’s “Comprehensive Safety 2.0” initiative, which aims for zero casualties, health risks, property damage, and privacy breaches, expanding safety testing beyond crash protection to include cybersecurity, data privacy, and occupant health. This strategic investment reflects Geely’s ambition to lead global safety standards amid rising consumer concerns about battery safety and increasing regulatory scrutiny, especially as Chinese automakers expand overseas. Heightened regulatory oversight in China has accelerated intervention in safety risks, particularly in software-driven vehicle systems, exemplified by Xiaomi’s remote software update to fix an advanced driver assistance system issue. Geely’s enhanced in-house testing capabilities
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-safetybattery-technologyvehicle-testingintelligent-vehiclescybersecurityTesla "Full Self Driving" Peer Pressure in the Netherlands - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Tesla's ongoing efforts to introduce its "Full Self Driving" (FSD) Supervised technology in the Netherlands and the regulatory challenges it faces. Although Tesla has spent nearly a decade developing FSD and offers it as a supervised driving aid in the U.S., it is not yet approved for use in Europe. Tesla is eager to expand the technology’s availability and has been pushing for faster regulatory approval in the Netherlands, hoping that a green light there could lead to broader European acceptance. However, the Dutch safety regulator, RDW, is maintaining its standard review process and has explicitly asked Tesla fans to stop pressuring the agency, emphasizing that public input will not influence the timeline or safety evaluation. The RDW clarified that it has a schedule with Tesla, expecting a demonstration of compliance with safety requirements by February 2026, but stressed that safety remains the top priority before any approval is granted. Tesla’s call for supporters to contact the RDW was seen as an attempt to accelerate the process
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaself-driving-technologyautomotive-safetyFull-Self-DrivingEurope-regulationsFlorida Judge Sanctions Tesla For Discovery Violations In Wrongful Death Lawsuit - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a wrongful death lawsuit involving a fatal crash of a 2021 Tesla Model 3 near Coral Gables, Florida, on September 13, 2021. Nicholas Garcia and passenger Jazmin Alcala died after the Tesla sped through an intersection, hit a road hump, veered off the road, struck two trees, and caught fire. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported the vehicle was traveling up to 90 mph without braking before the crash. While initial impressions suggested driver error, the victims’ families allege the crash was caused by a suspension failure that led to the battery fire. They claim Garcia had reported steering and suspension issues at a Tesla service center days before the accident, and they hold Tesla responsible for negligent inspection, design flaws, and unsafe assembly. The lawsuit, filed in February 2022, coincides with a Tesla recall issued in October 2021 for certain Model 3 and Model Y vehicles due to improperly secured front suspension lateral links
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslabattery-fireautomotive-safetyvehicle-recallsuspension-systemTesla hit by object from sky, could be world-first meteorite car strike
A veterinarian in South Australia, Dr. Andrew Melville-Smith, experienced a rare incident when his Tesla Model Y was struck by an unidentified object while driving on the Augusta Highway. The impact caused a loud explosion, shattered glass inside the car, white smoke, and partial melting of the car’s windscreen. Despite the damage and injury from glass fragments, the Tesla, operating in self-driving mode, did not detect the impact or stop. The South Australian Museum has launched an investigation, considering the possibility that the object was a meteorite, which, if confirmed, could be the first recorded case of a meteorite hitting a moving vehicle. The museum’s mineralogist, Kieran Meaney, noted the unusual melting of the windscreen glass, indicating intense heat, and plans to analyze the glass for embedded particles to determine the object's origin. However, alternative explanations such as falling space debris or aircraft-related objects are also being considered. Several experts remain skeptical about the meteorite theory, citing the absence
Teslaself-driving-carmeteorite-impactautomotive-safetymaterials-analysisspace-debrisSouth-Australian-MuseumVehicles can get improved crash protection with adaptive metamaterials
Researchers from universities in Scotland and Italy have developed a novel 3D-printed twisting metamaterial designed to improve crash protection in vehicles. Unlike traditional static protective materials, this new material features a unique gyroid lattice structure that twists upon impact, allowing it to mechanically adapt its energy absorption properties. By adjusting boundary conditions, the material can provide either stiffer resistance for heavy collisions or softer cushioning for lighter impacts, all without the need for complex electronics or hydraulics. This adaptive behavior is achieved through mechanical control of rotation, converting compressive forces into torsional motion that dissipates energy efficiently. Manufactured using additive techniques with FE7131 steel, the material’s architecture enables nonlinear responses and geometry-induced torsional actuation, classifying it as a subclass of architected lattices governed by micropolar elasticity. Laboratory tests under both rapid impacts and quasi-static compression demonstrated that constraining the material’s twist maximizes stiffness and energy absorption, reaching up to 15.36 joules per gram. The research,
materialsmetamaterials3D-printingenergy-absorptionautomotive-safetyadaptive-materialsimpact-protectionThe Dangerous Door Handle Dilemma Leads To More Lawsuits Against Tesla - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights growing legal challenges Tesla faces due to the design of its electric door handles, which have been implicated in fatal accidents. A recent lawsuit filed by the family of Krysta Tsukahara centers on a Cybertruck crash in November 2024, where the vehicle struck a tree, caught fire, and trapped four passengers inside, resulting in three deaths. The suit alleges that the Cybertruck’s door handle design—specifically the reliance on electrically operated handles with a manual release cable hidden beneath a door panel—prevented escape when power was lost. Rescue workers also struggled to access the vehicle due to the flush, locked doors. Tesla’s chief designer has acknowledged the issue and is reportedly working on integrating electronic and manual door release mechanisms to improve emergency usability. Tesla’s electric door handles, a signature feature praised for their sleekness, have come under scrutiny for safety concerns, including investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Critics argue that Tesla was aware of the entrapment
robotenergyelectric-vehiclesTeslaautomotive-safetyelectric-door-handlesvehicle-designChina To Ban Hidden Door Handles - CleanTechnica
China is moving to ban hidden (flush) door handles on vehicles, a design popularized by Tesla and now common among electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide due to their aerodynamic benefits, which can add 5–10 kilometers of driving range. However, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has raised safety concerns, noting that these door handles can malfunction during accidents, fires, or power outages, potentially trapping occupants inside and hindering emergency rescues. In response, China has published a draft national standard requiring all car doors (except tailgates) to have exterior handles with a specified hand-operable space and a mechanical release function, aiming to improve vehicle safety and protect lives. The draft standard is open for public comment, with new vehicle models required to comply within seven months and existing approved models given 19 months to adapt. Major automakers, including Toyota, Geely, and Leapmotor, are already preparing technical solutions to meet the new rules, such as mechanical backups inside hidden handles.
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-safetyChina-regulationsdoor-handle-technologyvehicle-designelectric-mobilityTesla Now Recommends Sleepy Drivers Try FSD - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a recent Tesla software update (version 2025.32.3) that introduces new alerts recommending drivers who show signs of drowsiness or lane drifting to activate Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. These alerts appear when the vehicle is manually operated and detect driver fatigue or lane departure through cabin cameras and sensors. The messaging encourages drivers to "Let FSD assist so you can stay focused" or "Stay focused with FSD," suggesting the system as a safety net when driver alertness is compromised. This update raises a notable contradiction in Tesla’s positioning of FSD. While Tesla emphasizes that drivers must remain fully attentive and ready to take control at any moment, the new alerts imply that FSD can compensate for reduced driver alertness, such as fatigue or distraction. This dual messaging could represent a step toward proactive safety by offering assistance when human performance declines, but it also poses challenges in balancing marketing, regulatory scrutiny, and real-world driver behavior. The article notes
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-FSDdriver-assistanceautomotive-safetyAI-in-transportationvehicle-automationChina’s wild EV fire-safety test shows battery ejected at rocket speed
China has demonstrated a novel electric vehicle (EV) fire-safety technology that ejects the entire battery pack from the car at high speed during emergencies to prevent onboard fires or explosions. In a viral video from a controlled test, sensors detected thermal runaway in the battery, triggering a mechanism that launched the battery 3 to 6 meters away into a padded safety zone, where fire crews quickly contained the ensuing smoke and flames. The system aims to protect passengers by physically removing the fire hazard from the vehicle cabin, acting somewhat like an airbag deployment for battery fires. However, the concept has drawn significant criticism and safety concerns. Critics argue that in real-world traffic, an ejected battery—often weighing several hundred pounds—could become a dangerous projectile, potentially harming pedestrians, other vehicles, or causing additional accidents. Questions were also raised about the system’s reliability during severe crashes where vehicle deformation might prevent battery ejection, leaving occupants exposed to fire risks. The test was reportedly organized by the China Automotive Collision Repair
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-safetyEV-fire-preventionthermal-runawaybattery-ejection-systemautomotive-safetyTesla is redesigning its door handles following safety probe, Bloomberg investigation
Tesla is redesigning its door handles to reduce the risk of occupants being trapped inside its vehicles, following a safety probe initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Chief designer Franz von Holzhausen revealed the company is working on combining the electronic and manual door release mechanisms into a single, more accessible button. This redesign effort comes shortly after Bloomberg News published an investigation highlighting multiple incidents where Tesla owners or passengers were stuck inside their cars after crashes, and just one day after NHTSA opened an official investigation based on nine complaints about door handle failures. The main issues with Tesla’s current door handles stem from their reliance on electronic locks that can fail if the car’s battery system loses power, and the difficulty in locating and using the manual release mechanisms. Although Tesla’s owner manuals include instructions for using an external power source to unlock dead electronic locks, affected owners reportedly did not receive low-voltage battery warnings, leaving them unaware of the problem. The safety concerns have also drawn attention internationally, with
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslaautomotive-safetyelectronic-locksbattery-systemsvehicle-designTesla probed for potentially faulty door handles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla Model Y SUVs due to reports that the vehicles' door handles can become inoperable in certain situations, preventing owners from entering their cars. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received nine complaints, with the most common issue involving parents unable to open rear doors to remove children. In four instances, owners resorted to breaking windows to regain access. This probe follows a Bloomberg report highlighting cases where Tesla occupants were trapped inside vehicles after crashes. Preliminary findings suggest that the door handle failures may be linked to insufficient voltage from the vehicle’s battery system, although none of the affected owners reported low-voltage battery warnings. Tesla vehicles do feature manual door releases located inside the car, but these are reportedly difficult for children to reach and some owners are unaware of their existence. Restoring power to the electronic door locks requires a complex, multi-step process involving an external power source. Tesla has not yet commented on the
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslabattery-systemautomotive-safetyelectronic-door-locksvehicle-technologyBYD Dolphin Surf Gets 5 Stars from EURO NCAP and Will Start Production in Hungary This Year - CleanTechnica
The BYD Dolphin Surf (also known as the Seagull) has achieved a 5-star safety rating from EURO NCAP, joining other top performers like the Nio Firefly, Hyundai IONIQ 9, smart #5, and MINI Cooper. This rating is notable given the Dolphin Surf’s small size and short crumple zones, which typically present challenges in crash safety. In contrast, several other models, including the BMW 1 Series and Toyota Urban Cruiser, scored only 4 stars, underscoring the Dolphin Surf’s impressive safety performance. Additionally, BYD announced that the Dolphin Surf will be the first vehicle produced at its new manufacturing plant in Szeged, Hungary, starting later this year. This European production is aimed at serving the European market more efficiently by reducing delivery times and avoiding tariffs. The move also reflects BYD’s strategy to localize production and tailor vehicles for different global markets. While the Dolphin Surf’s compact design and safety features could appeal to urban
energyelectric-vehiclesBYDautomotive-safetyEURO-NCAPclean-technologymanufacturingCouple Sues Tesla Over Faulty Door Handles - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses a lawsuit filed by a couple, Venkateswara Pasumarti and Susmita Maddi, against Tesla over faulty door handles in their Model Y, which contributed to life-threatening difficulties during a 2023 crash. Tesla’s design features electrically operated door locks with obscure mechanical releases that become nearly unusable if the 12-volt power supply fails after an accident. In the couple’s case, first responders and bystanders struggled to open the doors to rescue them; the driver was pulled out through a broken window, while Maddi was trapped and severely injured by fire and smoke inhalation until hydraulic rescue tools arrived. The article criticizes Tesla’s design philosophy, calling the reliance on electric door mechanisms with hidden mechanical backups “stupid” and emblematic of a “move fast and break things” tech culture. The article further highlights that Tesla defends its door design by citing compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), but this offers little
robotelectric-vehiclesautomotive-safetyTeslaelectric-door-handlesemergency-responsevehicle-technologyTesla challenges $243 million verdict in Autopilot death trial
Tesla has filed a motion seeking to overturn or retry a $243 million verdict against the company in a lawsuit related to a fatal 2019 crash involving its Autopilot system. The case arose after driver George McGee, operating a Tesla Model S with Autopilot engaged, failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with a parked SUV, killing 20-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon and severely injuring her boyfriend. The jury assigned two-thirds of the blame to McGee and one-third to Tesla. Tesla’s lawyers argue that the verdict contradicts Florida tort law and due process, emphasizing that McGee’s reckless behavior—specifically, reaching for his phone at the time of the crash—was the primary cause. In their court filing, Tesla contends that product liability should only apply when a vehicle performs in ways that defy consumer expectations or are unreasonably dangerous, which they claim is not the case here. They warn that upholding the verdict could stifle innovation
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Autopilotdriver-assistance-systemsproduct-liabilitytransportation-technologyautomotive-safetyTesla FSD Is Deeply Unpopular, Survey Shows - CleanTechnica
A recent survey of over 8,000 U.S. consumers reveals significant skepticism and negativity toward Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. Nearly half of respondents believe FSD should be illegal, and twice as many consumers say FSD features make them less likely to buy a Tesla than those who say it makes them more likely. Support for stricter regulation and legal accountability of autonomous vehicle (AV) manufacturers is strong, with many consumers demanding that companies be held responsible for accidents and that advertising and safety standards be tightened. Additionally, 70% of Americans prefer AVs to use both LiDAR and cameras for navigation, contrasting sharply with Tesla’s camera-only approach, which only 3% support. Tesla’s brand perception has also declined, with trust and positivity hitting new lows amid growing safety concerns and a sense of “FSD and Musk fatigue.” Elon Musk’s optimistic claims about upcoming FSD versions being multiple times better than human drivers have been met with skepticism, especially given his history
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-FSDLiDARself-driving-technologyautomotive-safetyAI-driving-systemsHuawei's EV achieves 93.7% in crash test, becomes China's safest car
Huawei’s Aito M8, a hybrid electric vehicle (EREV) developed in partnership with Seres, has achieved a top score of 93.7% in China’s 2024 C-NCAP crash and safety evaluation, earning the highest “five stars +” rating and becoming the safest car in China under the new standards. The six-seat entry-level version excelled particularly in the Active Safety category with a score of 96.34%, outperforming the average by nearly 10%, thanks to nearly flawless Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) and lighting systems. The SUV also demonstrated strong occupant protection with a 96.26% score and solid performance in real collision tests, as well as superior protection for vulnerable road users, scoring 86.03%, well above the average. The Aito M8’s safety performance surpasses other leading new energy vehicles in China, including the Xiaomi SU7 and Zeekr Mix, which round out the top five in the 2024
energyelectric-vehiclenew-energy-vehiclebattery-technologyautomotive-safetyhybrid-EVcrash-testKodiak Robotics to use NXP processors in autonomous trucks - The Robot Report
Kodiak Robotics has announced the integration of NXP Semiconductors’ automotive processors and in-vehicle networking interfaces into its autonomous driving system, the Kodiak Driver. This integration aims to enhance the system’s performance, robustness, and reliability, particularly in safety-critical computing functions. Kodiak’s custom-designed Kodiak Actuation Control Engine (ACE) will incorporate NXP’s S32G3 vehicle network processor, S32K3 microcontroller, VR5510 power management IC, and PF53 regulator to manage vehicle actuation independently and enable safe fallback maneuvers if any critical component fails. The system evaluates over 1,000 safety-critical processes ten times per second, supporting real-time performance and self-diagnostic capabilities to improve vehicle uptime. NXP’s processors are compliant with the highest automotive safety standard, ISO 26262 ASIL-D, which corresponds to an extremely low failure rate, reinforcing Kodiak’s commitment to safety. The integration also provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness for adapting the Kodi
robotautonomous-trucksNXP-processorsautomotive-safetydriverless-technologyAI-in-transportationvehicle-networkingZeekr 7X Awarded 5-Star Euro NCAP Rating - CleanTechnica
The Zeekr 7X, an all-electric midsize SUV, has received the highest possible 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, scoring 91% for Adult Occupant Protection, 90% for Child Occupant Protection, and 83% for Safety Assist. This achievement follows similar 5-star ratings awarded to the Zeekr 001 and Zeekr X models in 2024, making every Zeekr vehicle offered in Europe Euro NCAP 5-star rated. The 7X benefits from the SEA modular vehicle architecture, which incorporates ultra-high strength steel and a unique large aluminum casting for the rear underbody to enhance body stiffness and occupant protection. In addition to its robust structural safety, the Zeekr 7X features an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automated Lane Change Assist, and Child Presence Detection. A notable safety innovation is its mechanical, electrically independent
energymaterialsadvanced-driver-assistance-systemselectric-vehiclesautomotive-safetyultra-high-strength-steelaluminium-castingMiami Jury Finds Tesla Liable For Deadly Crash — Awards $329 Million In Damages - CleanTechnica
A Miami jury found Tesla partially liable for a deadly 2019 crash involving a 2019 Tesla Model S driven by George McGee, who had activated the Autopilot system but was manually accelerating and distracted by searching for his phone when the vehicle ran a stop-controlled T intersection. The Tesla crashed into a Chevy Tahoe, which then struck two pedestrians, killing one and severely injuring the other. The estate of the deceased sued Tesla, arguing that the Autopilot system failed to slow or stop the car at the intersection. Tesla countered that once the driver manually accelerated, many of Autopilot’s safety features were overridden and placed full blame on the driver’s negligence. After a two-week trial, the jury apportioned fault as two-thirds to the driver and one-third to Tesla, awarding $129 million in actual damages plus $200 million in punitive damages, totaling $329 million. The punitive damages were intended to punish Tesla for allegedly misleading marketing and unsafe deployment of Autopilot beyond controlled
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Autopilotself-driving-technologyautomotive-safetyAI-in-transportationdriver-assistance-systemsTesla partly liable in Florida Autopilot trial, jury awards $200M in damages
A federal jury in Miami found Tesla partly liable for a fatal 2019 crash involving its Autopilot driver assistance system, assigning one-third of the blame to Tesla and two-thirds to the driver. The crash occurred when neither the driver nor Autopilot braked in time at an intersection, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon and severe injury to her boyfriend. The jury awarded approximately $242.5 million in total damages, including punitive damages solely against Tesla. This verdict marks one of the first major legal rulings against Tesla regarding its Autopilot technology, which the company has previously addressed through settlements. Plaintiffs' lead attorney criticized Tesla for marketing Autopilot as suitable beyond controlled-access highways without restricting its use, accusing the company and Elon Musk of fostering overconfidence in the system that endangered lives. Tesla announced plans to appeal, arguing the verdict was legally flawed and that no vehicle in 2019 could have prevented the crash, emphasizing that the
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Autopilotdriver-assistance-systemsautomotive-safetyself-driving-technologylegal-liabilityJury orders Tesla to pay $243M in deadly Autopilot crash case
A federal jury in Miami has found Tesla partly liable for a 2019 crash in Key Largo, Florida, that killed 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon and severely injured her boyfriend. The crash occurred when driver George McGee, distracted by a dropped cell phone, ran a stop sign at 62 mph while relying heavily on Tesla’s Autopilot system, which failed to warn or brake automatically. The jury ordered Tesla to pay $243 million in damages, marking a rare legal defeat for the company amid its efforts to launch a driverless taxi service. Tesla plans to appeal the verdict, maintaining that McGee’s reckless behavior was solely to blame and emphasizing its repeated warnings for drivers to stay attentive. Plaintiffs’ lawyers argued that Tesla enabled reckless use of Autopilot by not restricting its operation on unsuitable roads and failing to disengage the system when drivers were distracted. They also accused Tesla of misleading customers through branding and withholding or losing critical crash data, which was later recovered by
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Autopilotdriver-assist-systemsautomotive-safetysemi-autonomous-technologycrash-liabilityTesla partly liable in Florida Autopilot trial, jury awards $329M in damages
A Miami federal jury found Tesla partly liable for a fatal 2019 crash involving its Autopilot driver assistance system, awarding $329 million in punitive and compensatory damages to the plaintiffs. The crash occurred when neither the driver nor Autopilot braked in time at an intersection, resulting in a collision that killed 20-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon and severely injured her boyfriend. The jury assigned two-thirds of the blame to the driver and one-third to Tesla. This verdict marks one of the first major legal rulings against Tesla regarding Autopilot, a technology the company has previously defended or settled related lawsuits over. Plaintiffs’ lead attorney Brett Schreiber criticized Tesla for designing Autopilot primarily for controlled highways but allowing its use elsewhere, coupled with Elon Musk’s public claims that Autopilot outperforms human drivers. Schreiber argued Tesla’s misleading promotion of the system endangered users and contributed to the fatal crash. Tesla announced plans to appeal the verdict, calling it legally
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Autopilotdriver-assistance-systemsautomotive-safetyself-driving-technologylegal-liabilityTesla partly liable in Florida Autopilot trial, jury awards $200M punitive damages
A federal jury in Miami found Tesla partially liable for a fatal 2019 crash involving its Autopilot driver assistance system. The crash occurred when neither the driver nor the Autopilot system braked in time at an intersection, resulting in a collision with an SUV that killed pedestrian Naibel Benavides Leon and severely injured her boyfriend. The jury assigned two-thirds of the blame to the driver and one-third to Tesla, awarding the plaintiffs $200 million in punitive damages along with compensatory damages for pain and suffering. This verdict marks one of the first significant legal rulings against Tesla concerning its Autopilot technology. The trial lasted three weeks and highlights growing scrutiny over the safety and accountability of driver assistance systems. The driver involved was sued separately, and the case is ongoing, with further developments expected.
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Autopilotdriver-assistance-systemstransportation-technologylegal-issues-in-roboticsautomotive-safetyFlorida Judge Denies Tesla Motion For Summary Judgement In Wrongful Death Suit - CleanTechnica
On April 25, 2019, George McGee was driving his 2019 Tesla Model S near his home in Key Largo, Florida, when he failed to slow at a T intersection and crashed into a Chevy Tahoe, killing a bystander and severely injuring another. McGee had activated Tesla’s Autopilot and set Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC) to 45 mph but manually increased the speed to 62 mph before the crash. He admitted to searching for his dropped cell phone at the time of the accident and reported no visual or audible warnings from the car prior to the collision. The estate of the deceased contends that Tesla’s Autopilot malfunctioned and was a proximate cause of the crash, particularly focusing on the system’s behavior after McGee manually overrode the TACC speed. Tesla filed a motion for summary judgment arguing it was not legally responsible, claiming that certain Autopilot features, like forward emergency braking, are disabled when the driver accelerates
robotautonomous-vehiclesTesla-Autopilotself-driving-carsautomotive-safetytraffic-aware-cruise-controlvehicle-automationHyundai & Kia EVs Rack Up TSP+ Awards - CleanTechnica
Hyundai and Kia have achieved significant safety recognition for their electric vehicles (EVs), with three models—the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Hyundai IONIQ 6, and Kia EV9—earning the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) awards. This rating, given by the respected Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), indicates superior crash protection and safety features. The inherent design advantages of EVs, such as a lower center of gravity due to battery placement and larger crumple zones from the absence of a traditional engine, contribute to these strong safety performances. Beyond these three EVs, Hyundai and Kia have multiple other models that also received TSP+ ratings, including five additional Hyundai models and two more Kia models. However, the Kia EV6 did not receive a TSP or TSP+ rating this year, though it is expected to achieve a top safety rating in the future. Overall, the strong safety ratings across most of their EV lineup underscore
electric-vehiclesHyundaiKiabattery-technologyautomotive-safetyenergy-storagerenewable-energyVolvo Cars Introduces World First Multi-Adaptive Safety Belt in the Upcoming Volvo EX60 - CleanTechnica
Volvo Cars has introduced a world-first multi-adaptive safety belt, debuting in the fully electric Volvo EX60 in 2026. This innovative safety belt uses real-time data from the car’s advanced interior and exterior sensors to customize protection for each occupant based on factors such as height, weight, body shape, seating position, and crash characteristics like direction and speed. By expanding load-limiting profiles from three to eleven, the belt adjusts the force applied during a crash to optimize safety—applying higher force for larger occupants in severe crashes to reduce head injury risk, and lower force for smaller occupants in milder crashes to minimize rib fractures. The system continuously improves through over-the-air software updates, enhancing its response as more data is collected. This development builds on Volvo’s extensive safety research, leveraging a database of over 80,000 real-world accident cases and decades of innovation since the original three-point safety belt invention in 1959. The multi-adaptive safety belt integrates with Volvo’s broader safety ecosystem, including airbags, occupant detection, and driver assistance systems, to provide harmonized protection and reduce the risk of injury. Tested extensively at Volvo’s Safety Centre crash lab, this technology represents a significant advancement in automotive safety by tailoring protection to individual occupants and crash scenarios in real time.
IoTautomotive-safetyadaptive-technologyelectric-vehiclessensor-technologyover-the-air-updatesreal-time-data