Modern solar panels are vastly more efficient than those 20 or 30 years ago, but they’re still prevented from operating at peak performance 24/7 by bad weather and nighttime darkness. Just imagine if you could collect all that solar energy uninterrupted from space. Well, China thinks it can.

Chinese scientists plan to build a huge solar power station that will sit more than 20,000 miles (32,000 km) above the surface of the Earth, measuring around 0.6 miles (1 km) across when fully built. In addition to getting access to constant sunlight, space-based solar stations enjoy energy density that’s 10 times greater than what you might get from the roof-mounted solar panels on your house because the sunlight in space is that much more intense.

More: Electric Fiat 500 Drives At Highway Speeds Without Running Down The Battery Thanks to Inductive Charging

Wondering how all those lovely clean Watts are pumped back to Earth? It’s done by converting the electricity into microwave radiation, which is then beamed to a fixed antenna on terra firma, Popular Mechanics explains. And the man behind the technology says it’s no, er, flight of fancy.

“We are working on this project now,” Long Lehao, a rocket scientist and member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), told SMCP. “It is as significant as moving the Three Gorges Dam to a geostationary orbit 36,000km (22,370 miles) above the Earth.”

Three Gorges Dam on Yangtze River (credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Big Ambitions, Even Bigger Engineering

China’s Three Gorges Dam (pictured above) is a hydroelectric power station that opened in 2012 and whose 100 billion kWh annual power generation capacity makes the Hoover Dam look like a dripping tap. Long claims the energy collected in one year from the space station would be “equivalent to the total amount of oil that can be extracted from the Earth.”

More: World’s First Permanently Electrified Road For EV Charging On The Move

The Three Gorges was such a mammoth project that it took 18 years to complete, and there would be no quick turnaround on the solar space station project, either. The massively complex build process required to get all of the solar station’s parts into orbit – including developing a heavy-lift rocket for the job – means it’ll be years before it’s powering our lights and electric cars.

But if it works? It could light up cities, power EVs, and quietly reshape how we think about renewable energy—without ever casting a shadow.

Opening image is a rendering

Remember the good old days when radio head units were a one-size-fits-all affair, and dealers or aftermarket suppliers could quickly and easily upgrade your car’s stereo with a screwdriver and a bit of elbow grease? The gradual replacement of single and double-DIN head units for proprietary layouts, screens, and software was heralded as progress. But when car manufacturers decide they no longer want to include a feature, it leaves frustrated owners without an option.

That’s what happened when General Motors decided to drop Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for its Ultium EV platform. Naturally, customers were a little miffed, but one dealer came to the rescue, offering to install an aftermarket solution that allows screen mirroring.

Read: Why GM’s Software Boss Thinks Ultifi Can Beat Apple CarPlay

But now GM has stopped it, according to The Drive. The dealer claims GM instructed them to stop offering the kit. Additionally, the manufacturer of the kit pulled the product from its website, claiming it was no longer viable to keep selling it.

Mirroring Dreams

Back in 2023, General Motors made the controversial decision to drop Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support from its new-generation EVs. Instead, it would offer its own smartphone-compatible software solution: Ultifi.

At the time, GM defended the move, saying that it helped the company offer a more “deeply integrated experience that you can create with the vehicle” by building a system from the ground up. The future of autonomy, as well as other features such as battery preconditioning, were all listed as reasons why GM’s own tech was the way forward.

As is often the case, the aftermarket seemingly came to the rescue when White Automotive and Media Services (WAMS) developed a kit that allowed OEM-like integration of the two most popular screen mirroring apps.

The only catch was that the WAMS kit wasn’t something a hobbyist or casual user could install. Instead, it required a specialist touch. A single dealership, LaFontaine Chevrolet in Plymouth, Michigan, was tapped to offer the professional install.

The Unsurprising Block

As you can easily guess, GM wasn’t very pleased with the situation. The company launched an investigation into the kit, and a company spokesperson said: “Aftermarket services that introduce features not originally designed, thoroughly tested, and approved by GM may cause unintended issues for customers. These issues could affect critical safety features and may also void portions of the vehicle’s warranty.”

It all sounds like this was a specialist piece of kit that, at best, modified and, at worst, wholly bypassed GM’s proprietary software. And with the amount of data that cars can collect nowadays, there’s also a question mark over just how protected one’s personal info is after the installation of a third-party device. As we’ve reported many times, though, that’s also a big issue for automakers themselves and how they use owners’ data, so it’s kinda the kettle calling the pot black.

Are We At The Mercy Of Automakers?

With the WAMS system only offered by one dealership and the complexity of the kit precluding DIY installers, it can be assumed that with the only distribution channel shut down, WAMS couldn’t see a future in the product.

However, it’s another stark reminder that as cars become more tech-laden, we’re increasingly at the behest of the manufacturers who can decide to end support for key selling points at any time. Not to mention putting already installed features behind a paywall despite the hardware already being there. Sure, they might call them subscriptions, but milking their customers trying to cash in for a software update by any other name still smells fishy.

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Just a month after leading Chinese EV maker BYD announced its new ‘God’s Eye’ suite of driver-assistance systems, the Geely-owned Zeekr has launched its intelligent driving program. Zeekr’s solution, available in several different tiers, will be added to existing models via an over-the-air update over the coming months.

All versions of the system, dubbed G-Pilot, include a General Automated Evasion System (G-AES) and Full-Capacity Vehicle-to-Parking (V2P) intelligent drive capabilities. The G-AES system uses a large AI training model and allows for “continuous evasive maneuvers for unexpected obstacles” at speeds of up to 81 mph (130 km/h).

Read: Zeekr 9X Grand PHEV Is Geely’s $140k BMW And Range Rover Rival

Meanwhile, Zeekr’s V2P intelligent drive system allows their EVs to automatically search for empty parking spaces and park autonomously. The upcoming Zeekr 9X Grand will build on these systems with even greater capabilities.

The G-Pilot system will come standard in the company’s upcoming flagship luxury SUV and will be Level 3-capable self-driving and is powered by dual Nvidia Drive AGX Thor chips. Much like Tesla’s assisted-driving systems, Zeekr says its G-Pilot suite will evolve and improve throughout the lifespan of its EVs. This Level 3 system will also allow the car to drive itself from one destination to another, without driver input.

Zeekr 9X

While many details about the 9X remain a mystery, recent teasers show it will be a large SUV similar in size to the Range Rover and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Not only will it be the brand’s largest and most luxurious model, but it will also be the first to use a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Little is known about this powertrain, but it’ll likely include a spritely gasoline engine and at least two electric motors and could be identical to the mechanically related Lynk & Co 900.

In the base Lynk & Co 900, a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is paired with a 215 hp front motor and a 308 hp rear motor, making for a combined 710 hp. A pair of 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder PHEVs are also offered, with one offering a combined 724 hp and the second an even more impressive 845 hp.

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The all-electric Xpeng G6 has only been available in certain markets for a couple of years now, and already, a heavily updated version has been launched in China. The 2025 G6 looks very similar to the model it replaces, but it brings several important upgrades that make it an even more compelling Tesla Model Y rival.

This year, all three versions of the G6 come equipped with new 5C ultra-fast charging batteries and an 800-volt electrical architecture. Xpeng says the batteries only need 12 minutes to be charged from 10-80% and that after being plugged in for just 10 minutes, the EV can get an impressive 280 miles (450 km) of charge.

Read: Xpeng’s G7 Is The Latest Flashy Electric SUV From China

Xpeng’s new batteries also perform better in cold conditions, taking a touch over 15 minutes to charge them from 10-80%, when it’s -30 degrees Celsius. New armor is wrapped around the battery pack and is reportedly capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 1000°C and can withstand up to 80 tons of pressure during side impacts.

While the Chinese brand hasn’t published details about the capacity of the available batteries, data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology indicates the 625 Long-Range Max Technology Edition and 625 Long-Range Max Ultimate Edition have a 68.5 kWh pack, while the flagship 725 Ultra-Long-Range Max Ultimate Edition has a 80.8 kWh pack. As you may have guessed, the ‘625’ models have 388 miles (625 km) of range, while the ‘725’ can travel 450 miles (725 km) on a single charge.

Powering all three models is a single electric motor at the rear wheels, producing 292 hp and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. The 2025 Xpeng G6 can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in a respectable 6.3 seconds and tops out at 125 mph (202 km/h).

All G6 models come with the Turing AI intelligent driving system that features several cameras, millimeter-wave radars, and ultrasonic radars. Two new colors have also been added to the range – Starry Purple and Cloud Beige.

Updates made to the cabin of the G6 include a 9-inch digital rearview mirror, and new front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

Chinese prices start at 176,800 yuan (~$24,400) for the base model, rise to 186,800 yuan (~$25,800) for the mid-range version, and top out at 198,800 yuan (~$27,500) for the flagship 725 model.

Last month, BMW introduced the Neue Klasse Vision vehicle to us — a preview of what to expect tech-wise from the German brand’s upcoming range of new-generation EVs. One of the headlining features of the Vision vehicle’s tech was the “Heart of Joy” superbrain that controlled how its future EVs drive and feel.

Fast forward to now, and BMW has unveiled three additional control units for the upcoming iX3, which was confirmed today for a September debut. These will all be part of a whole new “digital nervous system” set to power every Neue Klasse model. Along with the Heart of Joy, one superbrain will be dedicated to autonomous driving, another will manage BMW’s Panoramic iDrive (aka, infotainment), and a third will manage the remaining ancillary functions, such as lighting and climate control.

See: 2026 BMW iX3 Neue Klasse Renders Patents Into Reality

To make this happen, BMW has crammed an insanely powerful central computing system into their next-gen cars, claiming it’s 20 times more powerful than what’s in their current lineup. They’ve also put considerable thought into the wiring that connects these digital masterminds.

Enter their “zonal wiring harness architecture”, essentially a fancy way of saying they’ve simplified the car’s internal wiring by dividing it into four zones: front, center, rear, and roof. The result? A reduction of 600 meters of wiring and a 30% savings in weight. Less bulk, more efficiency.

Smarter Power Management

In addition to beefed-up computing, BMW is also replacing 150 traditional fuses with something called digital ‘smart e-fuses.’ These aren’t just fancy circuit breakers; they actively manage power distribution to improve energy use by 20%. In other words, your BMW will be smarter about when and where it uses power — whether it’s driving, parked, or charging. Welcome to the world of intelligent energy management.

On top of that, BMW is going all-in on over-the-air software updates. With more than 1,000 software modules, 20GB of software, and a staggering 500 million lines of code, future BMWs will essentially be software-defined vehicles. That means no more waiting for the dealership to install the latest updates; your car will simply upgrade itself.

Looking ahead, BMW’s long-term strategy is to keep developing in-house where it matters — like driving dynamics and infotainment — but partner with top-tier software companies for less brand-defining tech. They’ve also built an in-house software development powerhouse with over 10,000 engineers, ensuring they stay ahead of the game.

We’re just a few years away from the next-generation VW Golf, and it’s been confirmed that it will use the trick software architecture VW is co-developing with Rivian. The new Golf is expected to launch in 2029 and as always, it will be a very important model for the brand, offered exclusively as an EV and sold alongside the current Mk8 Golf.

The VW Group has committed $5.8 billion to its partnership with Rivian, co-developing a new electric architecture to be used by future models from both automakers. The new architecture will consolidate the complexity of current VW systems and dramatically reduce the number of control units needed. It also uses a zonal architecture, providing VW with added flexibility.

Read: Rivian And VW Are Teaming Up To Reinvent The New Electric Golf Mk9

The first VW model to use the new architecture will be the electric ID.1, and the Mk9 Golf will follow, potentially dubbed the ID. Golf. According to VW technical chief Kai Grünitz, starting with the ID.1 “reduces the risk for the Golf,” because the brand’s base EV will have less functionality than the Golf, allowing VW to iron out any kinks. Over-the-air updates will serve as an important feature of the architecture.

“The benefit of the zonal architecture is that I can put one, two or three zones in a vehicle,” Grünitz told Autocar. “Vehicles in lower price segments will just need one zone, while a premium vehicle might need three or four, depending on functions. I can use a dedicated system-on-chip [SoC] family for each model. So for the ID 1, I can use an SoC with a lower price point and complexity, but if I take the same architecture over to the Golf, I can use a different SoC that costs more money but gives additional functions. But it’s still the same software.”

Underpinning the next-generation VW Golf will be the group’s flexible SSP platform with an 800-volt architecture. It will also use a new cell-to-pack battery design.

VW will build the new Golf at its factory in Wolfsburg, Germany, while moving production of the current Mk8 Golf away from its homeland and to a plant in Puebla, Mexico.

Are you ready to transform your school transportation system? In “From Chaos to Control: Simplifying School Transportation with a Unified Software Solution,” presented by Busology Tech in collaboration with School Transportation News, we delve into how a single, integrated platform can tackle today’s most pressing challenges — from driver shortages and budget constraints to safety concerns and inefficient routing. Discover how unifying these key functions not only streamlines your operations but also creates a more secure and responsive transportation network.

This webinar is designed specifically for transportation directors and school district administrators who often wear multiple hats. Learn how a unified, innovative platform can help consolidate essential tasks like routing, scheduling, safety management, optimization, and parent communication while simultaneously meeting the rising pressures of demanding parental expectations and different student requirements. With actionable strategies and real-world insights from our customers, you will learn how to overcome the challenges that have traditionally held back K-12 school transportation efficiency and safety — helping you move from fragmentation to complete control.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge and transform the way your school district handles K-12 student transportation. Plus, we are presenting an exclusive, exciting opportunity at the webinar—something you wouldn’t want to miss.

Sign up for our webinar and discover how turning chaos into control is not just a dream — it’s a practical, achievable reality with one powerful, unified software solution.

Brought to you by Busology Tech

RGEISTER BELOW:

 

Featuring:

Robert Young
Director of Transportation
Thomas County School District

With over 25 years in the industry, Robert Young leads the transportation department at Thomas County Schools, ensuring students travel safely and efficiently across the district. He oversees fleet operations, route planning, driver training, and regulatory compliance while driving innovation and cost-effective solutions.

Committed to excellence, safety, and efficiency, Young leads a dedicated team and collaborates with school administrators, parents, and community stakeholders to keep transportation running smoothly. He also plays a key role in emergency preparedness, staff training, and integrating technology to optimize routes and communication. Young is dedicated to fostering a positive work environment while prioritizing student safety and service excellence.

Busology Tech Speaker Bios:

Abu Batasi

Our Director of Sales and Marketing has a substantial experience of over 15 years and specializes in helping clients leverage technology to solve complex challenges. He has extensive expertise in leading sales and marketing teams, creating informative content for buyers, and using consultative selling to drive real outcomes. At Busology Tech, Batasi leads the sales and marketing team, connecting with K-12 schools across North America to deliver impactful solutions.

Here’s a fun fact about Batasi: During the pandemic, he put his storytelling skills to the test and wrote a screenplay!

Melissa Beveridge

Our Director of Client Services has extensive experience in SaaS deployment, training, and support. Beveridge excels in continuous improvement, Lean Six Sigma, and workflow management, particularly in the automotive and transportation industries. A workflow leader of the year awardee, she leads Busology Tech’s client services team, driving innovation and excellence.

Here’s a fun fact about Beveridge: She tied the knot in a shopping mall.

Diego Crespo

Diego Crespo brings a wealth of experience from multiple startups and digital businesses, with over five years in B2E SaaS sales, product development, and implementation. He specializes in growing, consolidating, and leading multidisciplinary teams, establishing solid processes, and leveraging work management systems to drive efficiency. As Busology Tech’s Director of Onboard Technology, Crespo is dedicated to delivering seamless technology solutions for student transportation.

Here’s a fun fact about Crespo: He manages his own four-paw workforce — he has four dogs!

The post (Free Webinar) From Chaos to Control: Simplifying School Transportation with a Unified Software Solution appeared first on School Transportation News.

Lexus has been developing a steer-by-wire system for several years now, but rather than rushing it to the market, has taken its sweet time to perfect it. It appears that’s exactly what it’s done with the facelifted 2026 Lexus RZ, confirming it will launch with steer-by-wire. The updated model also premieres with simulated gear shifts, that promise to make the driving experience a little more engaging.

Read: 2025 Lexus RZ Price Drops $11k, Now Cheaper Than A Toyota bZ4X

So far, the Japanese brand has only released European specifications for the 2026 RZ, with details for the North American model still pending.The base model is known as the RZ 350e and features a single electric motor at the front axle with 224 hp (167 kW) and 198 lb-ft (269 Nm) of torque. A 77 kWh battery pack comes standard across the range, with Lexus estimating a driving range of up to 357 miles (575 km) for the RZ 350e.

Performance Variants

A pair of more performance-focused variants have also been announced. The first is badged the RZ 500e and packs two electric motors that combine to deliver 375 hp (280 kW), propelling it to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds. This model has an estimated range of 311 miles (500 km).

New to the range for the 2026 model year is the RZ 550e F Sport, which produces 402 hp (300 kW) and accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. As expected, the increased performance comes at the expense of range, which drops to 280 miles (450 km).

Steer-by-Wire

Perhaps the biggest headline of the 2026 RZ is that it now comes with a complete steer-by-wire system. We tested a prototype of this system back in 2023, and it’s now ready for prime time. The system is paired with a yoke steering wheel and features variable steering ratios, with no physical connection between the yoke and the front wheels.

Simulated Gears

Lexus also appears to have taken inspiration from Hyundai and Kia by implementing a synthetic shifting system into the new RZ. Lexus calls this system the Interactive Manual Drive, and it has been paired with simulated engine sounds. According to the brand, this setup “delivers a sportier, more responsive driving feel, offering greater engagement and driving pleasure.” We’ll have to see about that when we get a chance to drive the new RZ.

Market-specific pricing details for the 2026 RZ have not been confirmed. The US version should be announced in the not-too-distant future.

While one could easily confuse the 2026 Tesla Model Y as simply being a cosmetic facelift, the changes made to the world’s best-selling EV are much more than skin deep. Not only has Tesla overhauled the SUV’s interior, but it’ also implemented important hardware and software updates, and as the model gets closer to landing in American garages, the brand has detailed one of the biggest changes.

Read: We Compare The 2026 Tesla Model Y Side-By-Side With Its Predecessor

One of the most notable updates is the introduction of a new braking system that blends regenerative and hydraulic braking. As reported by Driveteslacanada, the system incorporates two independent hydraulic brake circuits: one controlled electronically by the vehicle’s onboard driving system, and another for direct driver input.

Tesla claims that the transition between regenerative and hydraulic braking is now seamless, which could change the driving experience—if they’re right.

The Return of Flexible Regenerative Braking

Like most other EVs, the Model Y’s regenerative braking activates the moment the driver lifts off the accelerator. Previously, Tesla offered two settings for this function, called Normal and Low. However, the Low setting was eventually dropped, as it had a negative impact on range and accelerated tire wear.

With the 2026 Model Y, Tesla is reintroducing more flexibility. Now, drivers can choose between Reduced and Standard regenerative braking modes, which adjust the speed at which the car decelerates once you release the accelerator. But it’s not just about offering more options.

A Smarter Approach to Braking

Unlike other Tesla models, which immediately engage mechanical brakes when the pedal is pressed, the new Model Y takes a more nuanced approach. When you press the brake pedal, the car decides whether to keep using regenerative braking or engage the physical brakes, depending on how firmly you push down. This approach aims to maximize efficiency and improve the overall stability of the vehicle’s braking performance.

Brake system in New Model Y has the freedom to use either electric motor or mechanical brake when you push the brake pedal

This brings you maximum efficiency, consistency in pedal behavior & improved stability pic.twitter.com/rIwOUxwpXU

— Tesla (@Tesla) March 3, 2025

For drivers not accustomed to “one-pedal driving” or who just prefer gentler regenerative braking, the Reduced mode should feel more comfortable. Interestingly, in this setting, Tesla says the Model Y still captures as much energy as it would in the Standard mode when the brake pedal is applied.

Autopilot and the No-Pedal Brake

Another added benefit is how the braking system interacts with Tesla’s Autopilot. When Autopilot is engaged and the car needs to slow down, the brake pedal will now remain stationary. Many other cars on the market work in the same way, but this is the first time a Tesla has done this. Is it revolutionary? No, but it is an update that should be welcomed by customers, even though the carmaker seems to have fewer and fewer of them nowadays.

Chinese automaker BYD has just released a new feature that feels ripped from the pages of a sci-fi movie: a roof-mounted drone docking station. It’s called the Ling Yuan system, and it promises to turn your ordinary drive into an episode of “National Geographic” — or maybe “Top Gun” if you’re feeling dramatic.

The system will cost you ¥16,000 ($2,200), but that price tag buys you a 4K drone, a sleek docking station, and the ability to capture stunning aerial footage of your daily commute.

More: Existing BYD Owners Furious After Car Prices Drop And Features Get Better

This tech was first teased on the Yangwang U8 SUV in 2023, but the Bao 8 SUV from the Fang Cheng Bao brand is the first to actually offer it. And don’t worry, BYD isn’t just aiming this at tech geeks or those with more money than sense—they want to make this high-flying gadget accessible to a broader range of buyers. So, expect to see it rolled out across more BYD brands down the road.

A 4K Drone That Takes Off While You’re Still Driving

The Ling Yuan system was developed in collaboration with Chinese drone maker DJI. It includes a 4K drone and a docking station, covering an area of 0.29 m² (3.1 square feet) on the roof of the vehicle. This drone hangar has an aerodynamic shape and measures 215 mm (8.5 inches) tall.

Once you press that magic button, the roof opens, and the platform lifts, letting the drone soar to the skies. And here’s where it gets really cool: You can deploy and control the drone while the car is in motion—up to 25 km/h (16 mph). Then, the drone can follow the vehicle at speeds of up to 54 km/h (34 mph) to capture the perfect footage, whether you’re cruising down a highway or navigating off-road trails.

When the filming is over, the drone returns to the roof-mounted hangar, where it automatically charges. According to the company, a 20-80% charge takes just 30 minutes, so occupants won’t have to wait long before the next flight.

The drone can be controlled directly from the vehicle’s infotainment display or via the Ling Yuan app, available for smartphones. Additionally, AI software helps organize and edit the footage, making it easier to share on your favorite social media platform.

In addition to the Yangwang U8 and Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8, other models already shown with the system on their roofs include the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5, Titanium 3, Denza N9, BYD Tang L, and BYD Sealion 07 DM-i. This list is expected to grow in the future as more models are added.

At this point, it’s unclear whether the Ling Yuan system will make its way outside of China. But hey, if you’ve been dreaming of filming your next road trip from the air in your BYD SUV, you might just have to pack your bags for a little international adventure.

Photos and Videos: BYD / Weibo

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Rivian is making good on a promise it told Carscoops about several months ago. During a fireside chat in California, the company hinted that unlockable features were on the way. Now, we know that the first of those features, which is extra power, is coming in the 2025.06 update. Later this year, owners of the Large+ battery pack will also get the option to unlock extra range.

More Power for a Price

First and foremost, Rivian says these unlockable features will only be available to second-gen R1 owners. Right now, buyers of these newer EVs can add the Performance Pack to their Dual Motor trim for a cool $5,000. It includes a bump from 533 horsepower (397 kW) and 610 lb-ft (826 Nm) of torque to 665 horsepower (495 kW) and 829 lb-ft (1122 Nm) of torque. Furthermore, it adds two new drive modes, Sport and Soft Sand, to the mix.

Read: EV Crash Claims Jump 38%, And Repairs Are Pricier Than Ever

The automaker will soon make this addition the first available unlock with version 2025.06 of its software. It doesn’t say how much the upgrade will cost within the ecosystem, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Rivian offer multiple options including a one-time fee, a subscription, or even a trial period of the software.

More Range on the Horizon

That’s likely the same situation buyers who chose the Large+ Battery Pack will face later this year. In a post to his personal X account, Wassym Bensaid said the extra range will be the next unlockable feature after the Performance Pack upgrade is live. Rivian’s Large+ battery pack is the same as its Max pack but software-limited for less range.

Per your feedback, Dual Performance upgrade for your Rivian will be available through OTA.

Coming soon with the 2025.06 update. And you can use Rivian Rewards, too! pic.twitter.com/f3C6xO9Bdp

— Wassym Bensaid (@WassymBensaid) February 28, 2025

Next on the roadmap! 😉

— Wassym Bensaid (@WassymBensaid) March 1, 2025

A Growing Trend in the Industry

Rivian isn’t the first automaker to experiment with paid software unlocks. Tesla and Mercedes have already rolled out similar models, allowing customers to pay for performance boosts or additional features that are technically already built into the car.

In theory, such unlocks allow automakers to streamline production. Building one vehicle with two settings can be cheaper than two separate types. At the same time, some believe that if the car is capable of something, it should be available to the end buyer no matter what.

Where do you stand on the debate? Let us know in the comments.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system has officially launched in China, and if its track record in North America is anything to go by, no one should be shocked that it’s running into problems adapting to a new market. During a recent test, a Chinese car blogger managed to rack up no less than seven traffic violations while using FSD, many of them caught on camera, showcasing some of the system’s more questionable driving decisions.

A video shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo by car blogger Chen Zhen shows the EV repeatedly veering into lanes designated for bicycles, motorbikes, and scooters. In one instance, the system mistakenly treated a bike lane as a right-turn lane, and unfortunately for the driver, a police car was waiting at the very same intersection.

Read: Tesla’s Sales In China Fall As BYD Soars In January

During the same test, the Tesla also made illegal lane changes, crossing over solid lines when it shouldn’t have.

As Tesla crowdsources data from its drivers to develop and improve the Full-Self Driving system, it’s reasonable to assume that, like in the US, the system will steadily improve over time as it becomes accustomed to the driving rules of China and is more familiar with things like lane markings and road signs. However, improvements will likely be quite slow.

According to local media outlet Shine, a Chinese car review team recently put FSD to the test in a Tesla Model Y, comparing it against advanced driver-assistance systems from domestic automakers Li Auto and Aito. The results weren’t exactly confidence-inspiring. In the test, Tesla’s FSD racked up 34 traffic violations and required 24 driver interventions.

By comparison, the Li Auto L7 had just 9 interventions and 14 violations while the Aito M9 had 12 interventions and 14 violations. While those two locally-made vehicles performed better than the Tesla, none of the results instill much confidence about the abilities of these systems.

For now, it seems like Tesla’s FSD in China has a long road ahead, hopefully, one without any more bike lanes mistaken for turn lanes.

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Bergen, Norway February 17th, 2025 — Since going into service in 2015, the MF Ampere has now sailed an astonishing distance equivalent to 17 times around the equator on batteries alone, solidifying its place as a groundbreaking achievement in sustainable maritime transport. A decade on and the Ampere continues to showcase the transformative potential of electric …

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WASHINGTON — The Engine Technology Forum (ETF) welcomes Roush Enterprises, Inc. (Roush) as its newest member. The not-for-profit ETF organization is dedicated to promoting understanding of the benefits of advanced engines, fuels, and technologies. Engine Technology Forum members are leaders in those industries.

Founded in 1976 by motorsports legend Jack Roush, the company has established itself as a premier global provider of automotive performance products and clean fuel technology solutions. With a workforce of over 4,500 employees worldwide, Roush also provides creative solutions for advanced mobility, aerospace, defense, and theme park industries. Roush CleanTech is an advanced clean transportation solutions provider for the commercial truck industry.

Roush CleanTech Executive VP Todd Mouw states that “Since our inception, we have focused on developing innovative and reliable technologies for the medium-duty market. Roush CleanTech designs, manufactures, and installs clean technology fuel systems, including propane Autogas, for commercial vehicles and school buses across North America. Our people take ideas and make them real for clients in some of the world’s most dynamic industries. “

“We see a bright future for internal combustion engine technology in new and conversion applications. More than 45,000 vehicles school and shuttle buses, work trucks, and other vehicles are on the roads with Roush technology. Our commitment to being a leader in advanced engine technology includes helping to educate and inform people about the policies that drive our customers’ needs. Our work aligns well with the Engine Technology Forum, which is dedicated to educating others about the tremendous value of advanced engines to economies around the world. We’re pleased to join other industry leaders by supporting this important effort,” says Mouw.

ETF Executive Director Allen Schaeffer says, “Our Forum members are excited to welcome the Roush team. We’re looking forward to the insights they’ll share and their contributions to our constantly evolving scope of work. Advanced engines and fuels help our world evolve, and progress, to meet new challenges. And Roush’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation will help the Forum share this story with others around the world.”

The Forum brings together a broad range of stakeholders including advanced engine users, public and environmental interest groups, as well as government officials, to encourage the exchange of information and ideas about the use of advanced engine technology. ETF is also the only organization dedicated to promoting and defending a viable future for internal combustion engines in all applications.

The Engine Technology Forum was established in October 2023. It evolved from the widely known Diesel Technology Forum which was founded in 2000. ETF is based in metropolitan Washington, DC.

Roush’s US operations are based in Livonia, Michigan.

About Roush
Roush is a full-service product development supplier headquartered in Livonia, Michigan. Since 1976, the company has grown to more than 4,500 employees in facilities located throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Named a Crain’s Detroit Fast 50 in 2018, Roush is widely recognized for providing engineering, testing, prototyping, and manufacturing services to the mobility, aerospace, defense, and theme park industries. Corporate subsidiaries include Roush Performance, a developer and manufacturer of performance vehicles and products for the automotive aftermarket; and Roush CleanTech, a developer, and manufacturer of alternative fuel systems for the fleet vehicle market. For more information, visit www.roush.com.

About the Engine Technology Forum
Founded on the principles of fact-based education, science, outreach and collaboration, the Engine Technology Forum is dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of the benefits of advanced engines and the fuels that they use, as well as how these contribute to a sustainable future. Please join us. We also invite you to connect with us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Sign up for our digital newsletter, too.

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