OTA updates, app changes, autopilot, and tech feature rollouts.
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Following Fisker Inc.'s Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2024, approximately 11,000 Fisker Ocean SUV owners faced the loss of software support and warranties for their vehicles. In response, these owners banded together to reverse-engineer their cars' software and establish an open-source car company, ensuring continued functionality and support for their vehicles.
The Nio Firefly has received a software update that enables Nintendo Switch casting, allowing users to play their games directly on the vehicle's display. This feature is unique to the Firefly and enhances the in-car entertainment experience for owners. However, details on the functionality and limitations of this feature remain sparse.
Tesla has unredacted all 17 of its autonomous driving crash narratives submitted to the NHTSA, providing insights into each incident for the first time. The findings indicate that most crashes were not the fault of the autonomous driving system, although some concerning incidents were reported. This transparency marks a significant shift in how Tesla shares information about its autonomous driving technology.
Tesla has made it mandatory for drivers to provide feedback whenever they intervene while using the 'Full Self-Driving' feature. This change, introduced with FSD version 14.3.2 as part of software update 2026.2.9.9, requires drivers to select a reason or send a voice note, as the feedback prompt now remains on screen indefinitely. Tesla did not formally announce this update but retroactively included it in the release notes.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered battery management system that can extend the lifespan of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, potentially adding thousands of extra miles. This advancement is significant for EV owners looking to maximize battery performance, but details on its implementation and availability remain unclear.
Android Auto has received a significant update that allows it to utilize the entire screen of a vehicle, providing edge-to-edge maps. This update enhances the user experience for drivers by offering HD video playback and uninterrupted media access. However, specific details regarding compatibility with various car models are not yet confirmed.
Rivian has launched its new AI-powered voice assistant, 'Hey Rivian,' for all Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1 owners through an over-the-air software update. This feature allows users to control core vehicle functions using voice commands but requires an active Connect+ subscription.
The 2026 Lexus ES will be the first model to integrate Toyota's Arene software platform, which includes a new EV route planning feature. This development aims to simplify long-distance travel for EV owners by optimizing charging stops along their routes. However, further details on the full capabilities of the software and its rollout remain limited.
Waymo has issued a voluntary recall for 3,791 of its robotaxis after a vehicle encountered a flooded road in San Antonio last month. The recall involves an over-the-air (OTA) software fix, meaning no vehicles need to be brought to service centers. Interim constraints have already been implemented while the full remedy is being finalized.
Rivian has begun rolling out its new AI voice assistant to R1S and R1T models through a software update, with plans to include the R2 series in the future. This update aims to enhance user experience but does not specify any additional features or capabilities at this time.
Lexus has announced that the upcoming 2026 ES electric vehicle will feature a native route planning system, aimed at simplifying long-distance travel for EV owners. This feature addresses a significant challenge for electric vehicle users, enhancing the usability of the ES for road trips. However, further details on how the system will function and its specific capabilities are still pending.
Elon Musk's claims about Tesla's plans to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) are being challenged in court. During a recent trial, Musk admitted under oath that Tesla has no concrete plans for AGI, contradicting his public statements. This revelation raises questions about the motivations behind Musk's AI initiatives and their implications for Tesla's future.
Rivian is exploring the possibility of manufacturing its own lidar sensors in the U.S., potentially partnering with Chinese firms. This initiative is part of Rivian's broader strategy to vertically integrate its autonomous driving technology, which already includes custom silicon chips and proprietary AI software.
European regulators have expressed significant skepticism regarding Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, citing concerns about speeding, icy road safety, and driver distraction. This skepticism comes as the Dutch regulator RDW is set to present Tesla's FSD approval to the EU's Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles, a crucial step for broader deployment in Europe.
While the Netherlands has approved Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, other European regulators are still seeking additional information before allowing a wider rollout. This uncertainty affects Tesla owners and potential buyers in Europe who are awaiting the full capabilities of the FSD feature.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) fleet has officially crossed the 10 billion mile mark, a significant milestone set by CEO Elon Musk earlier this year. Despite this achievement, experts caution that it does not indicate an imminent transition to Level 4 autonomy, as the company continues to collect data at an accelerated pace. The fleet's mileage has increased dramatically, reaching approximately 29 million miles per day by late April.
Bosch has released a software update called Performance Upgrade 2.0 for its Performance Line CX and CX-R drive units, increasing torque to 120 Nm and supporting assistance levels up to 600%. This update is aimed at e-bike riders seeking more power and torque. However, details on the eligibility of specific models for this upgrade are not yet fully clarified.
XPeng's VLA 2.0 has undergone its first real-world test with Western journalists, showcasing its capabilities compared to Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. While VLA 2.0 demonstrates strengths in certain areas, Tesla's FSD still outperforms in others. The results highlight the differing approaches to autonomous driving technology.
Hyundai has unveiled its new Pleos Connect infotainment system, designed to be more user-friendly and AI-driven, resembling smartphone interfaces. While it shares similarities with Tesla's system, it features a key difference that sets it apart. The specifics of this difference have not been fully detailed yet.
Hyundai's new Pleos Connect infotainment system will debut next month, featuring dual screens and an AI companion. This system aims to enhance user experience with a combination of physical buttons and advanced technology. Details on pricing and specific vehicle compatibility are still pending.
Xpeng's new VLA 2.0 autonomous driving system has demonstrated significant capabilities, successfully navigating Beijing's challenging traffic without the need for driver intervention during a 40-minute test drive. This advancement indicates that Xpeng is closing the gap with Tesla in the realm of advanced driver-assist systems, potentially altering the competitive landscape for EV buyers. However, specific details on the system's availability and pricing remain unclear.
Tesla has announced plans to roll out FSD V14 Lite for HW3 vehicles in international markets, following the completion of the US rollout. This decision comes amid dissatisfaction among HW3 owners in Europe and other regions, who have been excluded from FSD access after the feature was launched exclusively for HW4-equipped vehicles. No specific timeline for the international rollout has been provided.
General Motors (GM) has reached a significant milestone of 1 billion hands-free miles driven using its Super Cruise technology. The company is also set to integrate Google's Gemini AI into 4 million of its vehicles, enhancing the driving experience for users. This development is expected to impact a growing number of Super Cruise users, projected to exceed 850,000 by the end of the year.
General Motors (GM) is developing its next-generation Super Cruise technology, aiming for 'eyes-off' highway autonomy by 2028. This advancement will affect drivers of GM vehicles equipped with the technology, enhancing their driving experience. However, the full capabilities and availability of this feature remain uncertain until its official launch.
Tesla has officially launched its 'Robotaxi' app on the Google Play Store, making it available for Android users starting April 24, 2026. This release comes almost a year after the app was first introduced for iOS users in September 2025. The app's launch coincides with Tesla's recent expansion of its Robotaxi service to additional cities in Texas.
Western car manufacturers are facing significant challenges in the software race for electric vehicles (EVs), as they initially focused on subscription models for profit. This shift in focus has led to concerns about their competitiveness against companies that prioritize software innovation. The implications of this trend could affect the overall value and functionality of EVs for consumers.
Tesla has announced the HW4 Plus upgrade during its Q1 2026 earnings call, which will double the RAM in its self-driving computer from 16 GB to 32 GB per chip, totaling 64 GB system memory. This change raises concerns for current HW4 owners, especially as CEO Elon Musk reiterated that HW3 lacks the capability for unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD).
Tesla has revealed its agreement to acquire an unnamed AI hardware company for up to $2 billion in stock and equity awards, as disclosed in its Q1 2026 10-Q filing. This information was not mentioned in the company's shareholders' letter or during the recent earnings call, indicating a low-key approach to the announcement. The acquisition is noted in the financial statements under Subsequent Events, suggesting a significant strategic move for the company.
During Tesla's Q1 2026 earnings call, CEO Elon Musk announced that the unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature for consumer vehicles is now expected to be available no earlier than Q4 2026. This marks another delay in the rollout of a feature that has faced multiple postponements over the years, leaving many Tesla owners and potential buyers uncertain about its availability.
Waymo's robotaxis will now automatically report potholes, providing cities with valuable data to expedite road repairs. This initiative aims to improve urban infrastructure and enhance the driving experience for all road users, including electric vehicle (EV) owners. The data will be available to cities at no cost, although the specific implementation details remain to be clarified.
Hyundai has launched its new 'Pleos' operating system, debuting on the Ioniq 3. This software is set to be integrated into more Hyundai models in the near future, featuring a design that includes physical buttons, a departure from the trend of touch-only interfaces. Details on the full rollout and specific model compatibility are still forthcoming.
A Dutch Tesla owner who paid €6,400 for Full Self-Driving (FSD) in 2019 received a response from Tesla after seven years of waiting, advising him to 'just be patient.' This response highlights ongoing frustrations among HW3 owners regarding the delayed rollout of FSD features and may intensify legal challenges in Europe.
Tesla has completed the tape-out of its AI5 self-driving chip, a significant step in the chip's development process, according to CEO Elon Musk. However, this milestone comes nearly two years later than initially promised, and volume production is still more than a year away, indicating that the chip will not be available in vehicles for some time.
A Texas Tesla owner reported that his vehicle, operating on the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, drove through a lowered railroad crossing arm just seconds before a train approached. The owner, Joshua Brown, stated that he had to accelerate to avoid a collision, marking this as the first time he felt let down by the FSD system after logging over 40,000 miles with it. This incident raises concerns about the reliability of Tesla's autonomous driving technology.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature launch in Europe has sparked backlash among HW3 owners, who feel misled about the capabilities they paid for. A Dutch Model 3 owner has initiated a collective claim website to support affected customers across the EU. This situation mirrors a similar issue that arose in Australia last year.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software is now available in Europe, but drivers must pass a quiz to activate it. This requirement affects all Tesla owners in Europe who wish to use the FSD feature. The quiz aims to ensure that drivers understand the capabilities and limitations of the software before use.
Tesla has released its Spring Update 2026, introducing over a dozen new features including a redesigned Self-Driving subscription app and a voice-activated assistant named Grok. The update also includes a long-requested auto-install feature for software updates, enhancing user convenience. Additional fun elements like a 'Cyberhog' Pet Mode character and custom virtual wraps for Model S and X owners have been added.
Uber has begun early test rides of its Lucid Gravity robotaxis equipped with Nuro's Level 4 autonomous technology in California. A select group of riders will experience these autonomous rides, marking a significant step in Uber's partnership with Lucid Motors and Nuro. The program is still in its early stages, and details about wider availability remain unclear.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature has received regulatory approval in the Netherlands, marking a significant milestone for the company. However, this approval is limited to this single market, and further regulatory approvals will be necessary for broader availability across Europe.
The Dutch vehicle authority RDW has granted Tesla type approval for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised system, making the Netherlands the first European country to officially recognize this driver-assist technology. The approval follows over 18 months of testing but is currently limited to the Netherlands, with other EU countries needing to individually recognize it.
