Tag: Full Self-Driving

October 23, 2024
Tesla Pursues Robotaxi Launch with FSD Regulatory Approval
After receiving certification from Chinese officials as a safe handler of personal data, Tesla has been given the green light to set up data centers and offer online processing along with content distribution networks. This is crucial to meet the Chinese government’s demand that all data collected from citizens, including information from the future Full Self-Driving service analytics, remains within the country and is kept secure.
Pilot Testing in China
Currently, Tesla is conducting pilot Full Self-Driving (FSD) tests with Model Y cars in China. They must submit their findings to regulators in order to persuade them to approve FSD for use in the largest car market in the world. The Chinese government aims to demonstrate that it welcomes such services from foreign firms, and local officials have stated that Tesla’s driver-assistance features will enhance the autonomous driving landscape in the country, encouraging collaboration among companies and increasing public acceptance.
Competition and Local Developments
Local competitors like Xpeng have also expressed that the introduction of Tesla’s FSD in China would be beneficial for everyone involved. However, Xpeng has a significant advantage, as it will be the first domestic company to receive approval for a self-driving feature in major cities this quarter, due to its new P7+ sedan. In contrast, Tesla’s FSD approval in China is expected to occur no sooner than next year.
Despite the challenges, Tesla is making efforts to meet all regulatory demands in China and in the United States, where they are eager to roll out unsupervised FSD next year in both Texas and California, and aim to obtain a Robotaxi permit by 2026.
Testing Partnership with Palo Alto
Tesla is now seeking permission from the Palo Alto local government to use its streets as a test area for the Robotaxi launch. Meghan Horrigan-Taylor, a spokesperson for the city, reported that discussions are underway regarding a partnership for testing Robotaxi services with Tesla.
Tesla’s decision to approach regulators makes sense, especially since it opened its new global engineering and AI headquarters in Palo Alto last year. A permit to test driverless Robotaxis on city streets would be quite convenient for them.
Moreover, the city stands to gain, as its Palo Alto Link service, which offers low-cost or free rides to residents, is currently facing financial difficulties. During the Robotaxi reveal, Elon Musk mentioned that rides could cost as little as $0.30 per mile, factoring in all expenses, making a test fleet of Robotaxis appealing for the Palo Alto city council.
Regulatory Hurdles Ahead
However, the city’s spokesperson reminded that the ultimate decision rests with the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which will evaluate the safety and readiness of autonomous vehicles for public roads. Therefore, Tesla will still need to convince regulators to make its Robotaxi operation legal on the streets of Palo Alto.
China Daily, Palo Alto.
Tags: Full Self-Driving, Palo Alto, Tesla
October 16, 2024
P7+: First AI Car with Free Self-Driving, No Weather Limitations
With the aim to surpass Tesla in the realm of full self-driving, Xpeng has introduced a direct competitor to the Model 3, priced below $30,000, which includes complimentary full self-driving and autoparking features.
Competition Intensifies in China
Several of Tesla’s top rivals in China, such as BYD, Xpeng, and NIO, are rapidly advancing their driver assistance technologies, striving to differentiate themselves and draw in more consumers. This ongoing competition has led to significant innovations and enhancements in the automotive sector.
Introducing the Xpeng P7+
A notable example is the new Xpeng P7+ sedan, which directly challenges the Model 3 with its price being 10% lower than Tesla’s most affordable model. Xpeng refers to the P7+ as “the first AI car,” as it utilizes artificial intelligence to manage all aspects of the vehicle, including autonomous driving, energy efficiency, and thermal control for the first time ever.
This new vehicle showcases Xpeng’s commitment to AI; it’s their initial smart car that doesn’t rely on LiDAR for self-driving operations. Instead, they have adopted Tesla’s method, equipping the P7+ with Eagle Eye vision technology, which they claim provides greater accuracy than their prior LiDAR-based self-driving systems.
Advanced Technology and Capabilities
The innovative mix of AI software with camera and sensor technology allows the P7+ to map an area equivalent to two football fields in all weather and road conditions. With Eagle Eye, Xpeng is on track to potentially be the first automotive company to implement its self-driving technology in major cities and along highways by year-end.
The system supports seamless intelligent driving capabilities, allowing for door-to-door travel and parking space navigation. This stands in stark contrast to Tesla’s full self-driving, which has yet to receive approval in China.
Specifications That Standout
When it comes to specifications, the P7+ boasts a slightly longer range than the Tesla Model 3 and operates its self-driving software on two Nvidia Orin X chips, with the cabin entertainment system powered by a high-end Snapdragon 8295 processor.
The AI-driven powertrain also achieves an impressive efficiency of around 18 kWh per 100 miles, and the P7+ is constructed on a contemporary 800V architecture, enabling rapid charging capabilities.
Pre-orders have begun at a starting price of $29,610, which might be adjusted downwards before the official launch next month. Tesla is encountering significant rivalry in China, capturing only 6.4% of the new energy vehicle market there last month.
Xpeng (Weibo) via SCMP
Tags: Full Self-Driving, Tesla Model 3, Xpeng P7+
October 11, 2024
Elon Musk Highlights Test Driver Boredom Before Model Y FSD Launch
Tesla might soon submit the required paperwork to get regulatory approval for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature to be used without any driver oversight, meaning no warnings or restrictions for the driver.
Future Plans for Tesla Vehicles
Elon Musk believes that by next year, Tesla will get the go-ahead for unsupervised FSD, effectively transforming the Model 3 and Model Y into a type of robotaxi, along with the Cybertruck and its other models.
Challenges with the Robotaxi
The newly announced Robotaxi by Tesla won’t be able to operate by itself right away. This is because it won’t begin mass production until 2026 at the earliest. Additionally, it will be tougher for regulators to approve its use as a self-driving vehicle since it lacks a steering wheel or pedals.
Musk pointed out that one of the hurdles to gaining regulatory approval for unsupervised FSD is the boredom of test drivers. To get the necessary permits, Tesla needs to clearly show regulators that it has collected a significant amount of miles driven without any interventions or accidents.
Statistics and Driver Experience
He emphasized that the system is improving so much that gathering those statistics is becoming a challenge. Tesla aims to have more vehicles equipped with FSD on the roads, and is currently providing APR financing deals to help meet that goal.
When it gets to thousands of miles without needing an intervention, the requirement is 10,000 miles for just one intervention. The average driver typically covers about 10,000 miles in a year. In cities, the average speed is around 20 mph. Our professional test drivers often feel bored, honestly. They might say, "I drove all week and there was no intervention." The highlight for them is when they finally get an intervention!
Geographic Limitations
Elon did mention that unsupervised FSD will initially be limited to geofenced areas in Texas and California. This means regulators may only allow its use in specific regions and routes, resembling how Waymo’s self-driving cars function.
He also noted that Tesla is prepared to expand unsupervised FSD to any US area that grants approval, as well as internationally. However, Europe and China are expected to approve the current supervised FSD next year, and the unsupervised version may take longer.
Regulatory Hurdles Ahead
Currently, FSD is classified as a Level 2 driver-assist system, so moving to Level 4 or 5 next year could be quite ambitious unless Tesla agrees to adhere to many of the regulatory constraints that other autonomous public transit systems already follow. In summary, if unsupervised FSD does roll out in 2025, it will likely have a limited scope.
Tags: Full Self-Driving, Tesla Cybertruck, Tesla Model 3
October 6, 2024
Cheapest Cybertruck Features: Tesla Cuts Foundation Series Items
Tesla has begun to inform early reservation holders of the Cybertruck that they can now set up their vehicles with non-Foundation Series trims, which are $20,000 less expensive.
The entry-level dual-motor Cybertruck AWD is now priced at $79,990, while the tri-motor Cyberbeast is priced just below $100,000. Additionally, the least expensive Cybertruck is eligible for the government’s $7,500 tax credit for commercial vehicles, and it is likely to qualify for the regular private buyer tax credit at the point of sale too.
Features of the Basic Trim
Choosing the $79,990 AWD Cybertruck means that buyers will miss out on many features included in the Foundation Series package, which has a long list of extras and options that enhance the vehicle’s appeal.
For those who own the Foundation Series, all combinations of wheels and interior options are included in the pricing, along with the Cybertruck’s Full Self-Driving option. This feature, which is priced at $7,000 on its own, is still available at the promotional price for any Cybertruck owner, even for those opting for the less expensive AWD non-Foundation Series version.
What’s Missing from the Non-Foundation Series
A closer inspection of the first delivered Cybertruck reveals that Tesla has indeed cut out many aspects of the $20,000 Foundation Series package. They have removed the premium badging, along with other features like truck bed rings, which are now being sold separately as a $40 accessory. The vehicle also lacks the "all-weather" rubber floor mats and the silver tray found in the lower central console, and the steering wheel design has been altered.
Nonetheless, the owner of the most affordable Cybertruck shared the list of standard features for their base AWD model, which does include basic Autopilot. This means that even the sub-$80,000 Cybertruck has Tesla’s cruise control that adjusts its speed based on surrounding traffic, plus Autosteer to maintain lane position. For some drivers, this level of automation is sufficient. The Cybertruck’s FSD option remains available for an additional price, and initial reviews have been quite positive.
Tags: Cybertruck, Full Self-Driving, Tesla