Tesla’s Cybertruck has gotten off to a rocky start since it finally started deliveries last November, two years late. And now, a new problem with its huge windshield wipers has forced the automaker to put deliveries of the all-electric truck on hold until it can figure out a solution.
Government
Americans Say They’re Ready to be Slowed Down
A new study revealed 60% of Americans were in favor of technology alerting them when they were speeding, and about half were in favor of more proactive technologies to slow them down. These findings come weeks after California asks automakers to install speed limiters in vehicles. Headlight.News has the story.
Kia Issues “Park Outside” Recall for 462,869 Telluride SUVs
Kia recalled more than 462,000 Telluride SUVs from the 2020-2024 model years. As part of the action, the South Korean automaker issued a “park outside” order due to the potential for fire. Get details at Headlight.News.
New York Abruptly Cancels Plans For Congestion Charge, Cites Economic Challenges
New York pivots on controversial congestion charge plan. Cites changing economic climate as the cause.
Virginia Quits “Misguided” California EV Mandate
Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday that Virginia is walking away from the California electric vehicle mandate which he termed “misguided” and “fundamentally wrong.” Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have adopted the rules which set strict targets for the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, primarily EVs. The move by Youngkin, a Republican, faces legal challenges, however.
Toyota, 3 Other Japanese Automakers, Acknowledge Cheating on Safety and Emissions Tests
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda “sincerely” apologized Monday for the automaker’s role in a cheating scandal that has swept through the Japanese auto industry. The industry giant, along with Honda, Mazda and Suzuki have pleaded after a government investigation in their home market revealed they rigged emissions and safety tests. Production of some of the vehicles have been halted, as a result.
U.S. Department of Labor Sues Hyundai for Child Labor Violation, Highlights Broader Problem
Hyundai faces big legal trouble after it was discovered that one of its suppliers in Alabama was illegally using child labor to produce components for the South Korean auto giant
Drivers in California May Soon Pay By the Mile
States have long relied on gas taxes to cover the cost of building and maintaining their highway infrastructure. That approach falls apart as more and more EVs take to the road. California is exploring another option: tracking the mileage motorists log and charging them according to how far they drive. That could help prevent a gas tax shortfall of more than $4 billion over the next decade.
Musk Appears to Reverse Course on Tesla Supercharger Cuts
Just days after firing the head of Tesla’s Supercharger operations – and dismissing her entire 500-person staff – CEO Elon Musk appeared to reverse course, announcing on his social media site X that the automaker still will invest “well over” $500 million on “new sites and expansions” of the public charging system. The apparent turnaround comes as Tesla comes under increasing pressure from Tesla investors, analysts, owners and other automakers who have done deals to gain access to the Supercharger network for their own EV customers.
Feds Raise “Significant Safety Concerns” Over Ford Fuel Leak Recall
A recall ordered by Ford to address gasoline leaks involving 43,000 Ford Bronco Sport And Escape SUVs has come under scrutiny. Federal regulators say they have “significant safety concerns” about whether the repairs will fix the problem and prevent possible vehicle fires.
Trump Vows to Reverse Biden EV, Auto Emissions Rules – for $1 Billion
President Donald Trump outlined a series of changes he’ll make to the Biden administration’s policies on EVs and other environmental rules if he wins reelection next November. But the changes he promised during a meeting with oil industry CEOs carries a $1 billion quid pro quo in campaign funds.
VP Harris Announces $100 Million in Aid for EV Manufacturing During Detroit Visit
Vice President Kamala Harris made a trip to Detroit bearing some big gifts on Monday, $100 million to help the Motor City’s automotive parts manufacturers upgrade operations to support the shift to battery-electric vehicles.