Faulty Signalling: Tesla recalls over 54,000 Model X EVs
Toronto, Ontario — According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a problem has been identified with Tesla’s Model X, resulting in a recall of approximately 54, 676 vehicles so far. The problem is specifically the result of the vehicle’s controller, which does not detect low brake fluid levels, and consequently, does not show […]
Snitching for Safety: OEM whistleblowers protected, rewarded in new NHTSA rules proposal
Toronto, Ontario — In an effort to incentivize safety and good faith among automakers, the U.S.’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) put forth a set of rules last Wednesday that aim to protect and reward OEM whistleblowers. This proposed rulemaking on the part of the NHTSA intends to outline more concrete implementations of the […]
EV/AV Report: Norwegian prowess, future charging and Tesla critics
Toronto, Ontario — Norway sets an example to the world as a country where gas cars are growing obsolete, a prominent American lawmaker criticizes autopilot’s misleading name for still requiring a human pilot at the wheel, and Halifax rolls out eight new EV chargers this summer. This is the latest in electric and autonomous vehicles. […]
Human Cost: U.S. probes complaint following death of woman trapped in a burning Dodge Journey
Michigan, United States — U.S. safety regulators are conducting an investigation into potential electrical problems in Dodge Journey SUVs, after a woman was trapped and died when her vehicle caught fire in December. This may be related to inoperative door locks and windows that may prevent escape during emergencies, according to the National Highway Traffic […]
Stink Bugs: Takata airbags found in 4,400 Canadian Volkswagen Beetles, recall issued
Toronto, Ontario — About 4,400 Volkswagen Beetles from model years 2015 and 2016 have been recalled across Canada, citing the presence of Takata-branded driver-side airbag inflators, which have been proven to explode and send fragments flying into the cabin during a collision. According to Transport Canada, this defect stems from long term exposure to high […]
EV/AV Report: perplexing policies and ADAS laser attacks
Toronto, Ontario — In this week’s report, automakers criticize the push for electric vehicle adoption, scientists discover a dangerous exploit in autonomous vehicle (AV) sensors and American lawmakers approve integrating thermal cameras into AV sensor suites. This is the latest in electric and autonomous vehicles. Too many Cooks Representatives of Canada’s auto industry warn that […]
EV/AV Report: Full Self-Driving Beta remains uncertified for 2022, OEMs miss sustainability targets
Toronto, Ontario — In this week’s report, Tesla says Full Self Driving (FSD) will remain uncertified by the NHTSA for the foreseeable future, Lyft says that autonomous vehicles won’t replace humans for the distant future, and a think tank critiques OEMs for failing to meet sustainability targets. This is the latest in electric and autonomous […]
Hoods Up: Chevrolet Spark recalled for corroded hood latches
Toronto, Ontario – The Chevrolet Spark faces a second recall, after initial attempts to replace corroded hood latches in 2014 were found to be insufficient. In both cases, the secondary hoot latch lever in both the Spark and its EV variant faced a risk of premature corrosion. In cases of severe corrosion, the National Highway […]
Look, No Eyes: Ford and GM petition NHTSA for non-transparent glass in autonomous vehicles
Toronto, Ontario – Ford and General Motors are seeking to deploy experimental autonomous vehicles (AVs) on American roads in the next two years. These vehicles could potentially lack the usual manual controls present in consumer cars, omitting windshield wipers, rear-view mirrors and, in one case, transparent windshield glass. A petition by the two OEMs aims […]
Middle Ground: NHTSA limiting but not standardizing EV warning noises
Toronto, Ontario — The NHTSA is nixing a proposal allowing drivers to choose the warning sounds emitted by their electric vehicles (EVs), in a compromise between consumer choice and pedestrian safety concerns. This comes after negotiations between the NHTSA and automotive companies, who both agree that some kind of artificial noise output for electrified vehicles […]
