Tesla's Autopilot was targeted by US authorities after accidents

An advanced version of Tesla's “Autopilot” assistance system, which can also be used in city traffic, is being tested by the US Highway Traffic Authority. Supervisors point to four incidents involving Tesla electric vehicles. In one of them, a pedestrian was killed.

In all four incidents, visibility was limited, for example due to fog, dust or blinding sunlight. Experts at NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) are now investigating whether the system recognized poor visibility and responded appropriately. About 2.4 million vehicles were affected by the investigation.

Self-propelled or not?

Tesla called this advanced version of the “Autopilot” system “full self-driving.” Among other things, they must observe traffic signals and right-of-way rules. However, the car manufacturer itself points out that the people behind the wheel remain responsible and must be ready to take control at any time. Tesla is now talking about a “supervised” version of the FSD system.

However, company president Elon Musk recently announced that Tesla wanted to bring software to roads in Texas and California next year that can drive without human supervision.

Bug reports continue

American drivers have been able to use FSD for several years, initially in a trial version. Drivers also recently reported that the software ignored red light signals or turned into the wrong lane. For Europe, Musk promised to introduce the FSD program next year.

Musk recently introduced a self-driving robotaxi without a steering wheel or pedals, and announced that Tesla wants to manufacture the vehicles starting in 2026. Many experts are skeptical because Musk wants to implement self-driving using only cameras, without more expensive sensor technology like laser radars, which Active robotics providers like Waymo are already using them. Waymo, a sister company to Google, takes more than 100,000 passenger trips a week without a human behind the wheel in four U.S. cities.

Musk actively supports former Republican President Donald Trump, who wants to return to the White House in the November elections. Trump had promised to assign Musk to control government spending. US authorities are also conducting further investigations into the “Autopilot” system.