The DOJ first opened an investigation into Tesla in October 2022, but it was unclear what the agency was investigating. According to Reuters, the first reports have surfaced, indicating the DOJ is looking primarily at whether the company deceived investors and customers regarding FSD’s abilities.

Wire fraud comes into play if a company deceives customers across state lines, while securities fraud involves deceiving investors.

The DOJ is evidently reviewing data involving Tesla crashes when using FSD, as well as how the company marketed the technology. Tesla officials, especially CEO Elon Musk, have a history of making grandiose claims about FSD.

As Reuters points out, Musk told reports as early as 2016 that Autopilot was “probably better” than a human driver, and said in October 2022 that an upcoming FSD upgrade would let individuals travel “to your work, your friend’s house, to the grocery store without you touching the wheel.”

Tesla has already run into legal issues with its claims, with California ruling the company cannot use the Full Self-Driving name within the state, after deeming the use of the term false advertising.

The legislation specifically prohibited using terminology to imply fully autonomous capabilities when the technology only provides partial automation.

A manufacturer or dealer shall not name any partial driving automation feature, or describe any partial driving automation feature in marketing materials, using language that implies or would otherwise lead a reasonable person to believe, that the feature allows the vehicle to function as an autonomous vehicle, as defined in Section 38750, or otherwise has functionality not actually included in the feature.

As Reuters highlights, it’s too early in the investigation to have any idea what the outcome will be. It could be anything from criminal charges, to civil action, to nothing at all.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been famously opposed to the use of LiDAR, saying that “LiDAR is a fool’s errand,” and “anyone relying on LiDAR is doomed.” Despite Musk’s stated view on the tech, it appears Tesla may be changing its stance.

According to Luminar’s quarterly earnings report, Tesla was the company’s biggest LiDAR customer for the quarter.

Q1 Revenue of $21.0M increased 45% YoY, but fell 5% QoQ. This was consistent with our guidance for Q1’24 revenue to be in line to slightly lower than Q4’23 ($22.1M). The lower QoQ revenue was mainly driven by lower sensor sales to non-automotive customers. This was offset by sensor sales to Tesla, which was our largest LiDAR customer in Q1 and comprised more than 10% of our revenue in the quarter.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Tesla has tested out LiDAR. In May 2021, Teslas were spotted with LiDAR sensors and it was discovered that Tesla had purchased those sensors from Luminar. At the time, experts chalked it up to Tesla likely doing comparisons with its own camera-based tech.

“The more likely scenario is they are using the Luminar lidars to validate their camera-based FSD system,” Guidehouse analyst Sam Abuelsamid told Bloomberg at the time. “If they made that change, it would effectively deprecate their entire fleet of vehicles. They are not going to retrofit one million vehicles.”

While that take may have been accurate in 2021, the sheer size of Tesla’s recent order with Luminar is large enough that it would seem to indicate far bigger plans that merely comparing LiDAR to Tesla’s in-house camera-based FSD.

If Tesla is truly adding LiDAR to its FSD, it could help the company make a major leap forward in its self-driving tech, especially given how impressive FSD has been without LiDAR. Combining the two tech paths could help Tesla take a significant lead over its rivals on the road toward autonomous vehicles.

According to a report by DigiTimes, via AppleInsider, Apple may be looking to partner with a leading EV company, with Rivian tapped as the leading candidate.

Unfortunately, there is little evidence to back up the claims, with DigiTimes admitting that the Rivian speculation is just that—speculation.

Despite the speculative nature of the report, it is certainly within the realm of possibility. Early on in Apple’s efforts with Project Titan, there was discussion within the company about how far to take its autonomous efforts. It’s entirely possible that Apple take the researched and development it has already done, and create a system that can be plugged into partner vehicles.

The Apple AI Element

There’s much in the recent news about Apple that lends weight to the possibility of it working with a partner to develop an autonomous system.

Apple has been investing heavily in AI, buying up startups specializing in on-device AI processing, as well as rumors that it is developing its own line of AI server chips. What’s more, when Project Titan was abandoned, the majority of the personnel working on the project were transitioned to the company’s AI teams.

It’s believed that Apple could be on the verge of leapfrogging its AI rivals, which could make its tech—especially with an on-device processing focus—a hot commodity in exactly the field that Apple seemingly abandoned.

The NHTSA says the rule applies to all passenger cars, as well as light-duty trucks, and will go into effect by September 2029. The agency believes the new rule “will save at least 360 lives a year and prevent at least 24,000 injuries annually,” and significantly reduce collisions.

“The new vehicle safety standards we finalized today will save hundreds of lives and prevent tens of thousands of injuries every year,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is not only making historic investments in transportation, it’s also ushering in a new era of safer travel by ensuring new cars and light trucks are equipped with automatic emergency braking, making our roads safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.”

“Automatic emergency braking is proven to save lives and reduce serious injuries from frontal crashes, and this technology is now mature enough to require it in all new cars and light trucks. In fact, this technology is now so advanced that we’re requiring these systems to be even more effective at higher speeds and to detect pedestrians,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman. “Most new vehicles already come with AEB, and we expect that many cars and light trucks will be able to meet this standard ahead of the deadline, meaning even more lives will be saved thanks to this technology.”

The NHTSA says new vehicles will be required to completely stop to avoid an accident up to 62 mph, as well as detect pedestrians in light and dark conditions. The standard also requires that vehicles be able to brake up to 90 mph when a vehicle collision is imminent, and up to 45 mph when a pedestrian collision is imminent.

This blog post will provide the necessary information, as well as tips and tricks that you require to make wise decisions and guarantee a worry-free car rental journey during your next business trip.

Planning for Success: Pre-Trip Considerations

Assess Your Needs: The first step is to figure out what you need to rent. How many passengers you are traveling with? The luggage related to transportation is also a key consideration in long-distance travels, right? While you may be driving in cities, it is not to be forgotten that you will likely be confronted with other offroad conditions. Concentrate on those parameters while preferring the size and type of car (sedan, SUV, and so on.) For instant, if you are for a business meeting in Dubai, you might be interested to rent Rolls Royce Dubai for making a great professional impact.

Research Your Destination: When vacationing in Dubai, for example, familiarize yourself with the traffic flow, available parking spaces, and unwanted road closures where you’re going. Knowing the public transportation system can help you decide whether or not to take a car for the entire trip. You should also pay attention to the specifics of traffic rules, which may differ from the country of residence.

Compare Rental Companies: Surfing the net or speaking to friends and family about their experiences may be worthwhile. Nevertheless, don’t limit yourself to the first and only opportunity may be presentable. Compare whether you will save money, have plenty of cars available to choose from and find out how the rental policies do differ across these companies.

Book in Advance: Booking your car for rent in advance becomes even more important during high travel seasons or targeting certain vehicle models. Besides, in that way you can make sure that you will definitely find your desired car and have a chance of getting lower prices.

Understanding Rental Costs and Fees

The base rental price you see advertised is just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a breakdown of some additional costs to factor in:

Taxes and Fees: Keep in mind that the airport concession fees, local taxes, and any one-time charges that may come with the car rental need to be included as well.

Insurance: Car rental companies in Dubai provide their renters an array of insurance options to choose from. By the same token, check out your current insurance for your vehicle or your credit card provider if they put forward rental car insurance.

Fuel Costs: Most car rentals already provide for pre-paid fuel options, but information usually comes at a higher cost than stops made yourself. Take the mileage factor into consideration and get to know what package will offer you value for money.

One-Way Rentals: If your rental necessitates dropping this car in yet another district from the pickup point, you may be charged massively for the one-way rental fees.

Understanding Rental Policies: The Fine Print Matters

Rental agreements are packed with legalese, but familiarizing yourself with key policies can save you from unexpected charges and hassles:

Mileage Limits: Sometimes you can get the car rental with a daily or weekly mileage limit already included. Overtaking these boundary values can bring about additional surcharges.

Driver Age Restrictions: A majority of them have been setting the minimum driving age and could impose the extra charges for younger drivers (e.g. 25 yrs).

Fuel Policy: Rental companies therefore give different fuels choice as pre-paid, full-to-full etc. Make sure you read the policy and deliver the car with the agreed fuel condition, no more no less, so that you won’t incur extra refuel charge at the end.

Payment Methods: Keep in mind the fact they might have some credit card acceptance policies or any debit card restrictions. Others may demand a credit card that will be suspended to guarantee their security deposit.

Tips for a Smooth Rental Experience

Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly: Before leaving, pay close regards to the vehicle. Look at it carefully for any pre-existing dents, scratches, or mechanical issues. When taking photos with before and after damage, make them observable on the agreement to clarify that you’re not responsible for what was present when the rental was handed to you.

Familiarize Yourself with the Car: Allow a few minutes to learn the car’s operation system, especially if you are not of the model you’re using before. Start identifying the main elements starting with indicators of turn, headlamps and windshield wipers.

Download Offline Maps: When in the press of a rental car, you should not be one person who merely relies on GPS navigations, especially in regions where the network connection is not good. Download offline maps on your phone as a backup option but be careful that there may be changes on particular streets.

Be Mindful of Parking Regulations: Settings of parking rules may be totally different depending on which city you live in. Conduct a research about the availability and affordability of parking spaces nearby you destination and include it in your trip budget.

Return the Car on Time: This makes a return of the car late, an overcharge of exorbitant fees. Make sure you strictly adhere to the scheduled time to enable you to be on time in case you have a flight to catch afterwards.

Exploring Eco-Friendly Options

If the ecologically minded business owners travels by car in Dubai, several companies settle this kind of issue by offering electric or hybrid vehicle options. Although such accommodations are a bit overpriced, they will come in handy as houses that reduce the carbon footprint and are part of the sustainable travel experience.

Ending Note

Through your careful bearing in the case of renting a car, you could sail through your business trip without difficulty taking advantage of your precious time. You will be ready for this trip due to the little preparation and the proper equipment. Do not let the road carve during your observations, rather enjoy the journey by being successful in your business challenge. Likewise, put on the seatbelt, take this far, and drive past the next business challenge.

According to the NHTSA, there were two incidents involving the Ford Mustang Mach-E, both of which resulted in a fatality.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received notice of two (2) incidents involving Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles that collided with stationary vehicles, which were located within the travel lanes of controlled-access highways. Both collisions occurred during nighttime lighting conditions, and each incident resulted in at least one fatality. The incident reports received by NHTSA were submitted under Standing General Order 2021-01 (SGO). ODI’s initial investigation of both incidents confirmed that BlueCruise was engaged in each of the subject vehicles immediately prior to the collision.

The investigation is the latest evidence of the challenges automakers are facing in designing and deploying true self-driving automobiles.

Distributed Inference: The Next Frontier

Musk described a concept he refers to as “distributed inference,” a plan to utilize the computational power of Tesla’s fleet of electric vehicles. This involves using the advanced hardware designed for autonomous driving to perform data processing tasks when the cars are not in use. Musk explained that as Tesla vehicles are equipped with increasingly powerful computers necessary for self-driving capabilities, these computers often lie idle.

Harnessing this untapped resource could transform every Tesla vehicle into a node in a vast distributed network capable of processing complex AI tasks like those needed for generative AI applications like ChatGPT.

Technical Insights and Strategic Shifts

The idea is rooted in the technical capabilities of Tesla’s hardware. Current models are equipped with Hardware 3, and soon, all new vehicles will include Hardware 4, with Hardware 5 already in the design phase and expected in vehicles by next year. When idle, these systems provide substantial computational power that could be used to process AI workloads—from language processing to data analysis—distributed across millions of vehicles.

This approach mirrors the early days of AWS, which utilized Amazon’s excess server capacity to offer cloud services to other businesses. Musk drew parallels between Tesla’s potential service and AWS, suggesting that Tesla could monetize its distributed compute capacity similarly. This could be particularly effective given the sporadic use of personal vehicles, which sit unused most of the day.

Challenges and Opportunities

However, the implementation of such a system is not without its challenges. Concerns such as data security, the physical wear on vehicle systems, and user privacy must be addressed. Additionally, Tesla would need to ensure that such secondary usage of the vehicle’s systems does not interfere with their primary function—safe transportation.

This shift could significantly alter Tesla’s market positioning from a business perspective. By leveraging its fleet for dual purposes—transportation and computational work—Tesla is poised to tap into new revenue streams while reinforcing its role as a leader in technological innovation. This could especially appeal to investors who see the long-term potential of integrating AI and automotive technology.

Market Implications and Future Visions

If successful, Tesla’s strategy could set a new industry standard, turning passive vehicles into active participants in the data economy. This could spur similar initiatives across the automotive and technology sectors, with companies seeking to emulate Tesla’s integration of hardware capabilities and service offerings.

The move could also enhance Tesla’s reputation as an innovator at the intersection of AI and automotive technology, further distancing itself from traditional automakers. As Musk put it, repositioning Tesla as an AI company rather than just an automaker aligns with the broader technological trends shaping the future of transportation and beyond.

Looking Ahead

As Tesla continues to develop its technology and expand its fleet, the possibility of creating a global network of mobile, distributed computing resources represents a bold future vision. This promises to maximize the utility of Tesla’s fleet and positions the company at the forefront of a revolution in how computational power is harnessed and utilized across industries.

In conclusion, Elon Musk’s commentary during the earnings call reveals Tesla’s ambitious plans to innovate beyond manufacturing electric vehicles to pioneering advancements in AI and distributed computing. This strategy could potentially transform the landscape of both the automotive and tech industries, heralding a new era of integrated technology that leverages the full potential of AI and machine learning.

Musk tweeted the August 8 reveal date on April 5, providing no additional details regarding the company’s Robotaxi. Needless to say, it’s believed it will be powered by the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) tech, which has been making improvements in recent months.

With no other details available, many wondered the August 8 date could see the Robotaxi enter service, but there’s virtually no chance that will happen. According to NBC News, Tesla has yet to contact a single agency that regulates robotaxis. There has been no communication regarding the company’s plans, nor has there been any attempt to start the process of acquiring the necessary permits.

Tesla’s a long way away from getting that approval,” Brad Templeton, a consultant in the autonomous vehicle industry, told NBC.

There are also questions about the company’s FSD. Despite making improvements recently, Tesla’s tech is still not fully autonomous. The company has repeatedly been under fire for its use of the “Full Self-Driving” term, a term that leads customers to mistakenly believe the system is fully autonomous. In fact, California passed legislation that prohibits Tesla from using “Full Self-Driving” over concerns of false advertising.

In view of FSD’s limitations, as well as the complete lack of any regulatory approval for Tesla to begin operation, it seems its Robotaxi “unveil” will be just that—a proof-of-concept unveil, with the actual product slated for release at some point in the future.

Reddit user hellojaeden posted a message in the Waymo subreddit two days ago:

Waymo sent out an email today stating that they would start charging for rides in LA in just 2 days – which, as much as I enjoy the free rides, will definitely make it easier to hail a ride. It’s almost impossible at times to get a car.

Waymo began operating in LA in early 2024, receiving rave reviews from early users.

“I was a little nervous,” passenger Sara Welch admitted, recounting her apprehension. “But right away, it feels very calm.

“It really navigates the road well,” added Welch. “It’s incredible.”

Tesla has been on the forefront of the self-driving revolution, steadily improving its Full Self-Driving service. While still not fully autonomous, the tech has made impressive gains. The company is preparing to leverage its tech further with the release of its Robotaxi.

Elon Musk made the announce in an X post:

Tesla Robotaxi unveil on 8/8

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) | April 5, 2024

No other details were provided, but the revelation could be a game-changer for the EV automaker.

Tesla may be the top EV maker, but Ford has made no secret of its intention of passing up the younger company. If its latest results are any indication, the older company appears to be making headway. Ford says its sales increased 7%, outpacing the industry, driven by its best-ever quarter of hybrid sales.

The Ford Maverick was the best-selling hybrid truck in America in Q1, with sales of 19,660, an increase of 77% from the year-ago quarter. Meanwhile, overall hybrid sales came in at 38,421 units, an increase of 42 percent.

“With the new F-150 and all-new Ranger sales beginning in March along with the strong performance of our all-new Lincoln Nautilus and Nautilus Hybrid, we’re in a strong position to capitalize and grow as we move through 2024,” said Andrew Frick, president, Ford Blue. “And that’s before customers experience services like Pickup & Delivery and Mobile Service – now totaling 250,000 U.S. experiences a month – and technologies like BlueCruise.”

Outside of the hybrid market, Ford notched records in other markets. For example, the company sold 216,997 SUVs in the quarter, an increase of 15% over last year, and an all-time best quarter for the company.

Similarly, Lincoln sales were up 31%, coming in at 24,894. The unit’s SUV sales were up 68% from a year ago and was a new quarterly record.

To put this accomplishment in perspective, it took Tesla 12 years to produce its first million vehicles. However, production accelerated rapidly after that, with the second million vehicles rolling out in just 15 months and the third million in a mere 10 months. Currently, Tesla is producing approximately a million cars every six months, showcasing an exponential increase in output.

Tesla’s production capacity growth trajectory is undeniably impressive. The company aims for a monumental goal of 20 million vehicles per year by the end of the decade. While realizing this target remains uncertain, it underscores Tesla’s ambition and commitment to transforming the automotive industry.

The transition from FSD Beta to Full Self-Driving Supervised

Amidst the celebration of its production milestone, Tesla also made a notable transition in its autonomous driving technology. The company announced a renaming of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta to Full Self-Driving Supervised, reflecting a shift toward emphasizing the need for human supervision during the driving process.

This change in nomenclature comes at a pivotal moment. Tesla is initiating a wide release of the Full Self-Driving Supervised software, offering a one-month complimentary trial to all Tesla owners in the United States with capable hardware. Tesla’s clear messaging to users underscores the need for attentive and cautious oversight during operation.

Implications of Full Self-Driving Supervised

The release of Full Self-Driving Supervised marks a significant milestone in Tesla’s journey towards autonomous driving. By allowing customers to experience the software’s capabilities firsthand, Tesla aims to demonstrate the potential of their technology while emphasizing the importance of human oversight.

While some may view this move as a means to bolster short-term earnings, it is essential to recognize the broader implications. Tesla’s confidence in the safety and efficacy of its autonomous driving software is evident, as it opens up access to a broad audience of over 2 million Tesla customers in the US.

Celebrity Endorsements and Cultural Impact

The allure of Tesla’s vehicles extends beyond their technological innovations, as evidenced by the widespread appeal of their Cybertruck. Celebrity endorsements, such as the recent display by MMA fighter Nate Diaz with his Cybertruck, highlight the cultural significance and desirability of Tesla’s products.

The Cybertruck, hailed as the world’s first-tier celebrity, continues to captivate attention and generate excitement, further solidifying Tesla’s position as a trendsetter in the automotive industry. The intersection of technology and pop culture underscores the broader cultural impact of Tesla’s vehicles.

Market Analysis and Investor Sentiment

However, amidst the celebrations and endorsements, Tesla faces scrutiny from investors and analysts regarding its quarterly performance. Analysts project a potentially challenging first quarter, citing factors such as supply chain disruptions and increased pricing competition, and Tesla’s stock has experienced fluctuations.

While short-term challenges may impact quarterly results, Tesla’s long-term trajectory of growth remains compelling. Analysts acknowledge the company’s continued focus on cost optimization and expansion into new markets while also recognizing the transformative potential of its autonomous driving technology.

Looking Ahead

As Tesla navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead, it is clear that the company’s vision extends far beyond traditional automotive manufacturing. With a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, Tesla continues to redefine the boundaries of the automotive industry and shape the future of mobility.

As the world eagerly awaits Tesla’s next chapter, one thing remains certain: the impact of Tesla’s achievements extends far beyond the production numbers. They reflect a paradigm shift in transportation and pave the way for a future powered by sustainable technology.

At the heart of GM’s endeavor lies the promise of hydrogen fuel cells—a clean and efficient energy solution that converts hydrogen gas into electricity, emitting only heat and water vapor as byproducts. With a $26 million investment from the Department of Energy, GM aims to showcase the capabilities of its fuel cell technology in real-world fleet operations.

“We will design, engineer, and develop a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell medium-duty trucks to demonstrate how the capability and strength of our fuel cells can help real-world Fleet customers,” GM stated.

GM’s move comes as the automotive industry grapples with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the environmental impact of traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. While electric vehicles have garnered significant attention in recent years, hydrogen fuel cells offer a compelling alternative, particularly for heavy-duty and long-range applications where battery-electric solutions face limitations.

Scotty Kilmer, an American YouTuber, author, and auto mechanic with a popular YouTube channel with over 6 million subscribers, weighed in on the significance of GM’s initiative and highlighted the potential advantages of hydrogen fuel cells for commercial vehicles.

“If you’re going to do it with large trucks, it’s commercial. And if it’s commercial, they can have a hydrogen fuel station at their warehouse or wherever their office is,” Kilmer remarked. “So they can always fill them up; they’ve got a reasonable range too.”

Indeed, the commercial sector presents a unique opportunity for adopting hydrogen fuel cell technology, as fleet operators can establish dedicated refueling infrastructure tailored to their specific operational needs. Unlike the widespread deployment of charging stations required for electric vehicles, the targeted placement of hydrogen fueling stations can effectively serve commercial fleets operating within defined routes and regions.

However, GM’s venture into hydrogen-powered trucks is not without its challenges and competition. Toyota, a pioneer in hydrogen fuel cell technology, has already made significant strides with its Mirai sedan, demonstrating the viability of hydrogen as a fuel source for passenger vehicles. GM’s entry into the market seeks to surpass Toyota’s efforts by focusing on the lucrative commercial sector with its fleet of medium-duty trucks.

Yet, the success of GM’s endeavor hinges on technological advancements and the development of a robust hydrogen infrastructure. While hydrogen fueling stations are still relatively scarce compared to traditional gas stations, Goldberg believes that targeted deployment within the commercial sector could expedite the expansion of refueling infrastructure.

“With the Department of Energy, they can have their little areas where they have the hydrogen, and they’ll know how far they have to go,” Kilmer explained. “And they’ll know there’s a hydrogen fueler there. They fuel fast, just like putting gas in. It doesn’t take that much longer.”

As GM embarks on this ambitious journey toward a hydrogen-powered future, the automotive industry watches with keen interest, eager to witness the impact of this technological evolution on commercial transportation. With innovation driving progress and collaboration fueling momentum, the road ahead holds promise for a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future. GM’s hydrogen-powered trucks may be the first step towards realizing that vision.

The FCAI, a longstanding representative of the auto industry in Australia, has been a key player in advocating government policies and setting industry standards. However, Tesla alleges that the FCAI’s stance on emissions reduction does not align with its own mission to promote sustainable transportation.

The rift between Tesla and the FCAI came to a head following the government’s proposal of new vehicle efficiency standards, known as cleaner, cheaper-to-run cars. These standards aim to address the growing concern over vehicle emissions and their impact on the environment. Notably, the FCAI expressed disappointment with the aggressive targets and penalties outlined in the proposal, slated to take effect on January 1, 2025.

In response, Tesla penned a letter to FCAI chair Tony Weber, accusing the organization of spreading false information about the proposed standards. Tesla contends that the standards do not impose penalties on individual vehicles but rather set targets for car companies as a whole. According to Tesla, meeting these targets would result in zero penalties and no impact on prices for consumers.

However, Tesla raised concerns that the FCAI’s assertions could deter consumers from purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) by suggesting that prices would significantly drop in the near future. Conversely, Tesla argues that if high-emission vehicles face price increases, consumers might flock to purchase them instead, creating a complex market dynamic.

The dispute between Tesla and the FCAI underscores broader tensions within the auto industry regarding emissions standards, market competition, and the future of transportation. As the push for sustainability intensifies, automakers face mounting pressure to innovate and adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes.

The ramifications of Tesla’s withdrawal from the FCAI could reverberate across the industry, signaling a shift in power dynamics and potentially influencing future policy decisions. With the automotive landscape poised for transformation, the clash between Tesla and the FCAI represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over emissions, pricing, and consumer choice.

According to Wired, Apple nearly quadrupled the amount of self-driving miles it logged in 2023, compared to 2022. The difference was even more significant when compared to 2021, with 2023 representing a 30x increase.

Apple has been working on its autonomous vehicle project, often called Project Titan, for years. The project has seen a number of major changes, as well as reported shifts in direction. The increased pace of testing, however, seems to indicate that work is progressing nicely.

Amazon has partnered with Plug Power to install the Plug 1MW electrolyzer at the location. The Plug 1MW electrolyzer can support up to 400 hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklift trucks, using electricity and water to create hydrogen.

“In Amazon, we have a true partner that recognizes the essential role hydrogen plays in our collective energy future,” said Plug CEO Andy Marsh. “This project demonstrates Plug’s ability to execute across the full hydrogen value chain, and shows how we can design and implement end-to-end solutions for our customers.”

“Hydrogen is an important tool in our efforts to decarbonize our operations by 2040 in support of The Climate Pledge, and we’re excited about our ability to produce hydrogen at Amazon facilities through this partnership with Plug,” said Asad Jafry, the director of global hydrogen economy at Amazon. “On-site production will make the use of hydrogen even more energy efficient for certain locations and types of facilities.”

Hydrogen is emerging as an alternative to electric/battery vehicles in the race to develop fossil fuel alternatives. Toyota has famously been reluctant to convert to an all-electric lineup, touting hydrogen’s potential instead.

With the partnership between Plug Power and Amazon, hydrogen-powered vehicles may be getting the boost they need to gain widespread recognition and adoption.

Edmunds has been testing the Blazer EV, or at least trying to. The outlet encountered 23 software issues that resulted in their vehicle being completely “unusable.” Interestingly, GM halted sales shortly after Edmunds published its findings.

“We are aware that a limited number of Blazer EV owners have experienced some software quality issues,” Chevrolet said in a statement. “To ensure our customers have a great experience with their vehicle, we are temporarily pausing sales of Blazer EVs. Our team is working quickly to roll out a fix, and owners will be contacted with further information on how to schedule their update. We apologize for the inconvenience.”

Unfortunately, it seems GM’s problems go beyond just the Blazer EV. According to InsideEVs, MC Hummer and Cadillac Lyriq owners are reporting issues as well. The common denominator is that all of the impacted vehicles are built on GM’s Ultium EV platform. 

Given that GM has touted Ultium as the future of its EV development, the issues are an ignominious start for the company.

According to the company, a component in the passenger airbag system may have been improperly manufactured. As a result, the airbag may not deploy as intended.

The subject vehicles have Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat that could have been improperly manufactured, causing a short circuit. This would not allow the airbag system to properly classify the occupant’s weight, and the airbag may not deploy as designed in certain crashes, increasing the risk of injury.

The recall impacts approximately one million 2020-2022 Toyota and Lexus models in the US.

Customers can go to Toyota’s site or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to determine if their vehicle is covered by the recall.

To see if your vehicle is involved in a safety recall visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.

Cruise’s troubles began in late October when one of its vehicles hit a pedestrian that had already been struck by another hit-and-run driver. The incident caused California to suspend the company’s authorization to operate its self-driving cars in the state, citing “an unreasonable risk to public safety.” The company followed suit by pausing all driverless operations.

According to CNBC, Cruise has confirmed plans to lay off 900 of its employees, or roughly 24%.

“We shared the difficult news that we are reducing our workforce, primarily in commercial operations and related corporate functions,” a Cruise spokesman told the outlet in a statement. “These changes reflect our decision to focus on more deliberate commercialization plans with safety as our north star. We are supporting impacted Cruisers with strong severance and benefits packages and are grateful to the departing employees who played important roles in building Cruise and supporting our mission.”

Cruise’s issues illustrate the challenges automakers are having cracking the driverless market.

As automakers rush to adopt new technologies and trends — think electric vehicles, advanced infotainment systems, etc — many are choosing to monetize features that customers have already paid for, charging a subscription to unlock said features. Mercedes Benz plans to charge an additional $1,200 annually for customers to unlock faster performance profiles in the company’s Mercedes EQ electric vehicles. Similarly, BMW planned to charge customers $18 per month to unlock the heated seats their vehicles already came equipped with. Fortunately, the company backtracked on those plans after customer push back.

In an interview with The Verge’s Nilay Patel, Rowan made clear he is taking a more cautious approach, rather than blindly following suit in the automotive subscription madness. When Patel pointed out how much Volvo’s competitors are trying to monetize the inside of the car, Rowan had he following to say:

I don’t buy it, quite frankly. I think there’s maybe a bit of inside revenue if you want to go to the upper levels of certain performance or you want to release X amount of performance in the car in terms of acceleration.

When Patel pressed, asking if Rowan had any intention of following BMW’s approach of trying to charge for heated seats, the CEO likened it to updating an iPhone:

No, because I update my iPhone the whole time. I would be pretty peeved if every time I update my iPhone, they gave me a bill. So—

Instead, Rowan sees the outside of the vehicle — maintenance, tires, insurance, cleaning, etc — as a more viable option for automakers and dealers to generate more revenue. Rowan emphasized the need to provide the customer a tangible benefit, and software should only be delivered via a subscription if it can do the same:

Where I do think there is much more opportunity is in those external services, but it’s really clear, if you want your car cleaned once a week and you subscribe to a car cleaning service, you’re going to come back and say, “Wow, these guys have done a great job. Whatever it was, that was $20, I’m going to double down on that,” or, “I really like the fact that these guys come and change my tires or I get great insurance coverage or whatever.” Those are tangible benefits that I think people say that adds value to the relationship between us and our customers. If there are software subscription choices that does the same thing, we would of course go in that direction.

Rowan’s take on the industry is a refreshing one, and certainly one many subscription-weary customers can get on board with.