Latest news with #TeslaModelY
CNBC
an hour ago
- Automotive
- CNBC
Everything we know about Tesla's robotaxi launch in Austin
Tesla's long-overdue robotaxi is finally hitting the streets this weekend, but the rollout may face some roadblocks. The Elon Musk-led electric vehicle company is expected to roll out robotaxis in Austin, Texas, on June 22, with the first driverless trip from the factory to a customer house expected on his birthday, June 28. Musk shared news of the tentative debut in a post to social media platform X last week. Here's what we know about the Tesla event so far. The launch will include a limited number of Tesla vehicles debuting in Austin on June 22. The initial rides will be in the Model Y and not the CyberCab that was unveiled in October. Access to the vehicles and rides is by invitation only. Some influencers on social media have reported receiving early access invites to test out the new service starting Sunday. The rides will also occur in a geofenced area of the city. Musk has long touted a driverless robotaxi, and the pressure is on the billionaire to deliver on his promises. As early as 2019, Musk said he was "very confident" that robotaxis would launch in 2020. In May, Musk confirmed plans to debut the service in Austin this month, with launches later set for Los Angeles and San Francisco. At the time, Musk said the service would launch with 10 vehicles circulating Austin. "It's prudent for us to start with a small number, confirm that things are going well and then scale it up," he told CNBC's David Faber. Wall Street analysts such as Wedbush's Dan Ives believe robotaxis will usher in the "golden era of autonomous for Tesla" that could power its market capitalization to more than $2 trillion by the end of next year. That's about double its market value from Wednesday's close. "There will be many setbacks ... but given its unmatched scale and scope globally we believe Tesla has the opportunity to own the autonomous market and down the road license its technology to other auto players both in the U.S. and around the globe," he wrote in a note. Tesla faces a bumpy road ahead, littered with federal regulatory hurdles and pushback from lawmakers. On Wednesday, a group of Democratic lawmakers in Texas called on Tesla to push off its robotaxi launch until Sept. 1, when Texas rolls out a new slate of self-driving laws. "We believe this is in the best interest of both public safety and building public transit operation," the group said in a letter addressed to Tesla's field quality director Eddie Gates. They also asked for "detailed information demonstrating that Tesla will be compliant with the new law" if it goes ahead with the launch. Public safety advocates protested the launch in Austin earlier this month. A group known as The Dawn Project, a tech safety organization that is critical of Tesla's autonomous capabilities, demonstrated a Tesla Model Y with currently available "Full Self Driving" software running past a stopped school bus and hitting a child-sized mannequin. The group said it was a situation where the software misread the elements in the road. Dawn Project founder Dan O'Dowd also runs Green Hills Software, a company that sells technology to Tesla competitors. Tesla's FSD capabilities, which feature a standard FSD or FSD supervised, include automatic steering and parking, but have been connected to accidents and fatalities, according to data tracked by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Miami Herald
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Auto review: 2025 Cadillac Optiq is the optimal luxury electric SUV
There's a perception that everything is bigger in America, and it's hard to dispute. Generous proportions have always been an American automotive hallmark. Large size is certainly embedded in Cadillac's DNA, and that's how its devotees like it - mostly. There are those abhor massiveness yet still desire the luxury, options and agility that comes with Cadillac's living-large persona. Oh, and make it an EV while you're at it. Enter the 2025 Cadillac Optiq, which is about the same size as a Cadillac XT5 or a Tesla Model Y, but with a longer wheelbase and powered by volts. This allows for a roomy interior as well as a radically sloped windshield and backlight, lending the 190-inch long Optiq a low, sleek, sporty appearance that renders it among the best looking of the breed. The Optiq's striated rear window nicely picks up the Vegas-style front end's lighting detail. Well done. The inside story is just as impressive, with a sizable 33-inch LED display resting atop the instrument panel. Unlike other automakers that piece together multiple screens under a single piece of glass to mimic a single display, Cadillac gives the Optiq a screen that actually is a single display, one where the graphics traverse the entire screen. It's used for both driver instrumentation and infotainment duties. A head-up display is optional on upper trim levels. Thoughtfully, Cadillac designers use physical buttons for the climate control, rather than having drivers hunt and peck onscreen for them. Bravo. Less enthralling is the total absence of support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Cadillac does build-in other software, however, including Google Built-In, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to Spotify and Amazon Music. A 5G Wi-Fi hotspot and a superb 19-speaker AKG Audio System with Dolby Atmos comes standard. But the 2025 Cadillac Optiq does boast an impressive amount of interior volume, with 101 cubic feet of passenger volume and 26 cubic feet of cargo volume. That said, there is no front trunk, as there are in other EVs. Given their typically meager size, you won't miss it. Headroom and legroom are substantial in both rows, something you'd expect in a Cadillac. Trim quality is fairly good, although the presence of hard plastic trim on the lower door panels is abysmal for a Cadillac. And while the seats are not leather, they prove to be a comfortable alternative. And the mid-century modern door handles are an absolutely fabulous design touch. An 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack powers two motors that deliver all-wheel drive. Rated at 300 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, this powertrain provides an EPA-rated 302 miles of range. GM supplies a dual-level charging cord for recharging using an appliance-style four-pronged outlet or a standard three-pronged outlet for recharging at home at a 19.2-kW rate, supplying 55 miles of range per hour. You can use a DC fast charger, which will recharge the Optiq at rates up to 150 kW, providing 79 miles of range in 10 minutes. Yet the Optiq's motors perform differently. The front permanent-magnet synchronous motor constantly supplies power, while the rear induction motor works when needed, most importantly when accelerating. There's more than enough power for the task at hand. The vehicle's 5,500-pound curb weight and low-mounted battery pack ensure that it has a plated feel. Ride quality seems expertly balanced between sporty athleticism and ride comfort. The old-school Cadillac bob and weave is absent here. And as is the case with every EV, it's mercifully quiet, with even the worst road surface not feeling too intrusive. Best of all, GM's excellent SuperCruise semi-autonomous self-driving system is standard, and it works very well. While the 20925 Cadillac Optiq shares its underpinnings a with the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Honda Prologue, both of which are built alongside it in Mexico, the Optiq is clearly a notch above, offering value - now there's a word rarely heard about a luxury vehicle - that makes it a must-drive if you're looking in its $54,390-$57,090 base price range. The 2025 Cadillac Optiq proves the excellence of GM's EV lineup and makes for a worthy entry-level Cadillac EV. How good is it? Consider the Cadillac Optiq the optimal compact luxury SUV. 2025 Cadillac Optiq Base price: $54,390-$57,090 Powertrain: Dual-motor all-wheel drive Horsepower/Torque: 300/354 pound-feet EPA range: 302 miles Recharge time (240-volt): 33 miles/hour Length/Width/Height: 190/84/65 inches Ground clearance: 6 inches Payload: Not listed Cargo capacity: 26-57 cubic feet Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Business Insider
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Insider
Local lawmakers are trying to delay Tesla's robotaxi launch in Austin
Tesla's highly anticipated June 22 Austin rollout of its highly anticipated robotaxi could have hit a roadblock. On Wednesday, seven lawmakers in the Texas House of Representatives and Senate signed a letter requesting Tesla to delay its robotaxi launch until new autonomous driving regulations are scheduled to go into effect on September 1. The new regulations would require autonomous cars to be registered under Texas law, meet certain safety and vehicle standards, and also be "capable of achieving a minimal risk condition if the automated driving system is rendered inoperable." Business Insider reached out to Tesla for comment. The regulations would also require companies operating autonomous vehicles to provide a First Responder Interaction Plan to the Department of Public Safety detailing how emergency personnel should interact with driverless vehicles. However, Tesla can still proceed with the June 22 launch if it "respond(s) to this letter with detailed information demonstrating that Tesla will be compliant with the new law upon the launch of driverless operations in Austin," the lawmakers wrote. Representative Vikki Goodwin, one of the letter's authors, expressed concern about Tesla's self-driving safety measures. "I don't know that it is ready to be launched," Goodwin said of Tesla robotaxis on CBS Austin on Wednesday. There is more work that needs to be done before they let them loose on the streets," Goodwin added. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the company has been testing its full self-driving cars on the streets of Austin over the last month. On June 10, a driverless Tesla Model Y was spotted on public roads in Austin. In May, Musk announced plans to launch thousands of Tesla robotaxis in Austin, with future plans to expand to cities like San Francisco. However, in a safety test conducted by The Dawn Project, a group that has been historically critical of Tesla's self-driving tech, a Tesla Model Y with Full Self-Driving engaged failed to stop in the presence of a school bus stop sign and child-sized dummy, raising concerns about the technology's safety. Musk himself did anticipate potential delays in the Tesla robotaxi launch. "We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift," Musk wrote on X on June 10. But the robotaxi launch is an especially important event that could boost investor confidence in Tesla's ability to compete in the crowded autonomous vehicle space. Texas has few existing regulations surrounding autonomous vehicles, making it an attractive hub for self-driving technology. If the launch moves forward, Tesla's robotaxi will be traveling on Austin 's streets along with Google's Waymo, Amazon's Zoox, and ventures funded by automakers VW and Hyundai. Waymo has been offering autonomous ride-hailing services in the city since March in partnership with Uber.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Musk's AI chatbot weighs in on Tesla stock and Robotaxi
Well, at least he passed the drug test. Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk took to X, the social media site he owns, to post the results of a recent drug test, which show he tested negative for ketamine, ecstasy, cocaine, amphetamines and other drugs a few days earlier. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter The action was in response to a New York Times article published 12 days prior that alleged the SpaceX owner and President Donald Trump megadonor had been a near-daily user of ketamine while campaigning for Trump last year. Until recently Musk had headed up the controversial Department of Government Efficiency, before his very public breakup with Trump, which included accusations involving convicted child offender Jeffrey Epstein that the world's richest man later deleted. Picking up on another poster's suggestion, Musk declared "I hereby challenge the NYT and WSJ to take drug tests and publish the results!" "They won't, because those hypocrites are guilty as sin," he added. In a statement to People, a Times spokesperson said nothing Musk "said or presented since our article about his drug use during the presidential campaign was published contradicts what we uncovered." Then there were those who made some observations about Musk's drug tests, including Grok, the chatbot developed by Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI. Image source: Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images "The drug test Musk shared likely accurately reflects no drug use within the days prior to June 11, 2025, given the detection limits of urine tests," Grok said in response to a question. "However, it does not disprove allegations of drug use in 2024, as the test's timing and method limit its scope." Without independent verification of the document's authenticity or additional testing (e.g., hair follicle), the chatbot said, "the results are inconclusive regarding the broader claims." More Tesla: Tesla robotaxi launch hits major speed bumpTesla claims rival startup is built on stolen trade secrets10,000 people join Tesla class action lawsuit over key issue "The public nature of the post and Musk's casual caption suggest it was more a rebuttal to critics than a definitive proof of long-term sobriety," Grok concluded. Tesla is scheduled to debut its Robotaxi autonomous EV ride-hailing service on June 22, but there are some safety. Consumers are skeptical of the Full-Self-Driving technology that undergirds the Robotaxi proposition, according to the May 2025 edition of the Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report. The report said that 60% of respondents considered Tesla's FSD "unsafe," 77% are unwilling to use Full-Self-Driving technology, and 48% believe FSD should be illegal. "Tesla's Robotaxi program is facing significant challenges as it approaches its tentative launch date," Grok said. The chatbot said that a live demonstration in Austin by the Dawn Project highlighted serious flaws in Tesla's FSD software, showing a Tesla Model Y failing to stop for a child mannequin behind a school bus. "Critics argue that Tesla's camera-based FSD system struggles in adverse conditions like fog or sun glare, and recent incidents, such as a Cybertruck driving in the wrong lane and a Model 3 getting stuck on railroad tracks, have intensified scrutiny," Grok said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Tesla's FSD software following four crashes, including a fatal pedestrian incident, the chatbot said. "Tesla's stock has been volatile, dropping 4% on June 17, 2025, after news of a production halt at its Austin Gigafactory and amid Musk's public feud with President Donald Trump," Grok said. "Some analysts worry that Trump could push for stricter federal oversight of Tesla's Robotaxi program, especially given Musk's political activities." Related: Tesla robotaxi launch hits major speed bump However, the chatbot said Tesla's ability to produce one million FSD-capable Model Ys - its midsize SUV - annually could enable rapid scaling compared with competitors like Alphabet's (GOOGL) Waymo, which plans to manufacture only 2,000 vehicles over the next year. "Musk has stated that the Robotaxis will operate in geofenced safe zones with remote supervision, potentially mitigating some risks," Grok said. "Tesla's vertical integration, controlling hardware, software, and charging infrastructure, is also seen as a competitive edge." The electric vehicle maker's shares are up 75% from 2024 and down 20% this year. "Tesla's golden age - marked by explosive growth, market dominance, and unchallenged EV leadership - appears to be waning, but the company still has paths to remain a major player," Grok said. Tesla faces competition from Chinese EV maker (BYDDY) , General Motors (GM) and Ford (F) , the AI assistant said. And "Musk's political involvement, including his Trump administration role, has sparked consumer backlash, with boycotts in key markets like Norway and Germany." Tesla's era of unchallenged supremacy is likely over, due to intensified competition, declining sales, and self-inflicted brand damage, the chatbot said. "However, its financial strength, energy business, and potential in AI/autonomy mean it could forge a new chapter of success if it navigates current headwinds effectively," Grok said. "The golden age may be past, but Tesla's story isn't finished." Related: Fund-management veteran skips emotion in investment strategy The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Stuff.tv
a day ago
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
The deliberately quirky DS No8 impressed me, both inside and out
Stuff Verdict The DS No8 looks cracking on the outside and is a feast of innovation and comfort on the inside, with enough room to keep most family-focused buyers happy. Pros Very impressive range on all models Elegant looks both inside and out All-wheel-drive version drives super nicely Cons Interiors might be seen as a little garish to some It's quite a big old bus when in small spaces The weight is easy to feel when you're driving Introduction DS Automobiles always offers something a little bit different, and that's maybe never been more true with the DS No8. This is a very individual SUV-coupe that oozes class and also packs plenty of innovation, especially when it comes to using lots of unusual materials for the interior. It's been designed to take on the likes of the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q6 e-tron and, interestingly, the Polestar 4, which in itself is a bit of a curio. The unmistakably French model starts at a sniff over £50,000 for the No8 Pallas trim and climbs to nearly £55,000 for the No8 Etoile. You can have a front-driven version with 230bhp, a long-range variant with 245bhp, or a three-motor, 350bhp range-topper if additional grunt is required. The DS No8 is therefore going to be ideally suited to anyone who likes a little bit of individuality, lots of comfort and needs to munch miles on a regular basis. The biggest bonus with driving a DS is that it stands out from the crowd, and there's no better example of that than the new No.8. Here's how I've been getting on with it… How we test cars Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. The styling I was expecting the DS No8 to be different and, seeing it in the metal for the first time, the coupe-style exterior is a bit of a head turner. There was a lot to take in as I worked my way around the outside of this large car – it's 4.8 metres long, although that sloping rearward roofline helps keep the profile surprisingly svelte. The acute styling looks quite dramatic, but despite its bulk the No8 has been designed with aerodynamics in mind. Case in point is at the front end, where the carefully honed edges have been worked to cut through the air as efficiently as possible. There's also a distinctive illuminated grille here. My only worry with this is just how much that front end would be to repair should it be damaged in an accident. Standing back for a wider look at the DS No8, it could almost be something from the Rolls Royce stable. The use of colour is quite clever; the Crystal Pearl of my Etoile trim test car works brilliantly against the contrasting black roof, trim highlights and bonnet. The latter, incidentally, is painted using a specially developed new technique that's similar to screen printing, eliminating overspray and thereby wastage. Another bit of innovation. As for the deliciously minimal back-end, I think there are whiffs of the Lexus LC 500 about those taillights – no bad thing in my book. Lift the tailgate and there's 620 litres of storage space, although there's no frunk under the bonnet. The DS designers have gone to town with the cockpit of this car. Although there's quite a lot of plastic, it is balanced by the clever use of new and sustainable materials. The pictures, I think, speak for themselves. The drive Prior to driving the all-wheel drive No8, I spent a little time in the front-driven No8 Pallas. The latter sounded like it was being quite hard on the front tyres, even when it was being driven sedately. As a result, I found the four-wheel drive Etoile car a much more likeable thing to spend time in, even if the extra power isn't really needed unless you're a fan of pushing EVs to their max. The DS No8 isn't really that kind of car. I found it delicious to drive when taking things easy. Sure, there's a lot of weight in evidence, which is more noticeable when it's taking on tight bends. Overall, though, the DS No8 offers no trouble and can be handled with the minimum of effort. I was surprised how good the turning circle was too, especially given its size, and parking turns into a breeze thanks to the excellent on-screen reversing camera views. It's interesting to see how the square steering wheel has made a comeback and the one in the DS No8 was, I thought, surprisingly spindly. It felt good in my hands though, and elsewhere the drive mode controls are all effortless, with a range of options that, naturally, make Comfort the most obvious selection. Sport delivers a boost of fizz, and this large car will still make zero to sixty in 5.4 seconds in the AWD format. That's fine. The Active Scan Suspension will be mighty handy on UK roads too as it uses cameras to spot irregularities in the road ahead and adjust the setup accordingly. Ideal. The technology A big part of the DS No8 experience revolves around the in-car entertainment. Oh sure, there's the novelty value of Chat GPT if you want to find something out, but the sound system is where this car felt decidedly high-end. DS has collaborated with French audio specialists Focal to develop the audio setup, with no less than 14 speakers festooned around the cabin to provide a full-on sensory experience. I was mightily impressed with the way it looked and even more blown away by how it sounded. That works in tandem with a host of other options, all designed to make any type of journey that little more soothing and stress-free. I got so much benefit from the 'Cat paw' massage seat mode that I was surprised I didn't burn the electric motors out. However, it is noticeable that under the posh DS software skin, this looks to be the self-same system found in the Peugeot all-electric range, like the Peugeot E-3008 for example. The infotainment system is centred around a 16in screen that sits nicely along the dash. There was some occasional lag from this during use, but nothing that put me off dipping in altogether. DS has kept things minimalistic when it comes to physical controls, mind, so expect to spend quite a lot of time delving into the screen's innermost workings. Even more so if you want to peruse the delights of those massage seat settings. It's all in there though. Somewhere. DS No8 verdict I was quite taken aback as to how quirky the DS No8 was. The exterior shape and novel design grew on me, and the interior – whilst being a bit wild in places – works when it's enjoyed as a whole. Fair play to DS for keeping up with the innovation and unusual ideas, which in the main work to great effect. I'm not quite sure how well it'll age over time, but people probably said that about the original DS when it appeared all those years ago. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 The DS No8 looks cracking on the outside and is a feast of innovation and comfort on the inside, with enough room to keep most family-focused buyers happy. Pros Very impressive range on all models Elegant looks both inside and out All-wheel-drive version drives super nicely Cons Interiors might be seen as a little garish to some It's quite a big old bus when in small spaces The weight is easy to feel when you're driving DS No8 technical specifications Powertrain Permanent magnet synchronous electric motor Battery 98kWh Power 350bhp Torque 377lb-ft 0-62mph 5.4sec Top speed 118mph Range 469 miles Charge rate 160kW Cargo volume 620 litres
