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Articles tagged with "driver-assistance"

  • Tesla now requires $99 subscription for Autosteer on Model 3 and Y

    Tesla has quietly altered its driver-assistance feature offerings for the Model 3 and Model Y in the U.S. by removing Autosteer from the final vehicle configurator. Previously included in the standard Autopilot package, Autosteer—which provides lane-centering on highways and marked roads—is no longer standard; instead, only Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC), which manages speed and braking but requires active steering, remains included. This change pushes buyers toward Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscription, priced at $99 per month, signaling a strategic shift toward recurring software revenue rather than bundling features with the vehicle purchase. The update first appeared alongside the launch of a lower-priced Standard trim in October without formal announcement, causing confusion as Tesla’s online feature comparisons still list Autosteer for most trims, but the final purchase screen omits it. Tesla offers a 30-day FSD trial to new buyers. This move narrows the gap between basic driver assistance and F

    robotautonomous-vehiclesTesladriver-assistanceFull-Self-Drivingautomotive-technologysubscription-model
  • Tesla will only offer subscriptions for Full Self-Driving (Supervised) going forward

    Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company will discontinue the option to purchase its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software with a one-time payment, shifting exclusively to a monthly subscription model starting February 14. This marks a significant change from Tesla’s previous sales approach, where the upfront price for FSD peaked at $15,000 in 2022 and was recently $8,000, alongside a subscription option that dropped from $199 to $99 per month in 2024. Musk did not specify if subscription pricing would change. The move aims to increase adoption rates, which have been lower than expected, with only 12% of Tesla customers having paid for FSD as of late 2025. Boosting subscriptions aligns with Musk’s goal of reaching 10 million active FSD subscribers by 2035, a key milestone tied to his $1 trillion compensation package. The subscription-only strategy may also serve as a legal safeguard. Tesla has faced criticism and lawsuits over unfulfilled promises that

    robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslafull-self-drivingdriver-assistancesubscription-modelautomotive-technology
  • Tesla 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-automation
  • Chinese firm's hybrid EV offers 1,250-mile range with blade battery

    Chinese automaker Chery is set to launch its flagship plug-in hybrid sedan, the Fulwin A9L, in China in early July 2025, with a global rollout planned for the first quarter of 2026. The Fulwin A9L, competing in the mid-to-large sedan segment against models like BYD’s Han DM-i, features Chery’s Kunpeng Super Hybrid Electric 6.0 system paired with a 1.5T turbocharged engine and a 33.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate Kunpeng Blade Battery. This setup delivers a pure electric range of up to 161 miles and a combined total range of approximately 1,243 miles, making it notable for its long-distance efficiency. The vehicle also incorporates advanced driver assistance technologies, including a suite of 27 sensors and the Orin Y 200T computing platform, enabling semi-autonomous features such as Navigate on Autopilot and intelligent obstacle avoidance. At the 2025 International Automotive and Supply

    energyhybrid-electric-vehiclelithium-iron-phosphate-batteryblade-batteryautonomous-drivingdriver-assistanceautomotive-technology
  • Of Course the New Volkswagen ID Model in China Is Its Best Looking! - CleanTechnica

    electric-vehiclesVolkswagenenergyAI-voice-assistantBEVdriver-assistancecollaboration
  • The One Big Robotaxi Benefit — Safe Driving

    robotrobotaxiautonomous-vehiclessafetytransportationWaymodriver-assistance