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U.S. agency examines Tesla's advanced Autopilot version

(dpa/fn) Tesla's "Autopilot" software is prompting another review by US authorities. This time it's about driving in poor visibility conditions.

The Tesla logo is seen on a car. US authorities are currently examining Tesla's advanced "Autopilot" version. (Photo: Sebastian Gollnow/dpa)
The Tesla logo is seen on a car. US authorities are currently examining Tesla's advanced "Autopilot" version. (Photo: Sebastian Gollnow/dpa)
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von Franziska Neuner

The advanced version of Tesla's assistance system "Autopilot," which can also be used in city traffic, is being reviewed by the U.S. road traffic authority. The regulators point to four accidents involving Tesla's electric cars. In one of these, a pedestrian was killed.

Millions of vehicles affected

In the four accidents, visibility was limited, for example by fog, dust, or glaring sunlight. Experts from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) are now investigating whether the system recognized the poor visibility conditions and responded appropriately. Around 2.4 million vehicles are affected by the investigation.

“Fully self-driving” - but only with supervision

Tesla named this advanced version of the “Autopilot” system “Full Self-Driving.” It is intended to observe traffic lights and right-of-way rules, among other things. However, the car manufacturer itself points out that the people at the wheel retain responsibility and must be ready to take control at any time. Tesla now refers to a “supervised” version of the FSD system. 

Company CEO Elon Musk recently announced that Tesla plans to introduce software next year in Texas and California that can drive without human supervision.

U.S. drivers have been able to use FSD for several years, initially in a test version. Recently, drivers reported that the software ignored red traffic signals or turned onto the wrong lane. Musk has hinted at a potential introduction of the FSD software in Europe next year.

Setback for Musk's Robotaxi Plans?

Musk recently presented a self-driving robotaxi without a steering wheel and pedals and announced that Tesla intends to build the vehicles from 2026. Many experts are skeptical because Musk wants to implement autonomous driving solely with cameras, without more expensive sensor technology like laser radars, which active robotaxi providers like Waymo already use. Waymo, a sister company of Google, already makes more than 100,000 rides weekly with passengers without a human driver in four US cities.

Musk actively supports the Republican ex-president Donald Trump, who intends to return to the White House in the November election. Trump had suggested entrusting Musk with the control of state expenditures. Other investigations into the "Autopilot" system are also underway with US authorities.

Translated automatically from German.
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