Tesla Tops 36-Car Autopilot Test, Affordable Model Y Spotted, and a $5,000 EV

Tesla's Autopilot ADAS tops a 32-car multinational independent test, the new affordable Tesla is a corner-cutting Model Y, and one of the company's founders compares the Cybertruck to a dumpster. Additionally, Retrospec e-bike reviews and a new, affordable Chinese EV with 150 miles of range for under $5,000 are discussed.

Tesla (TSLA) is currently under scrutiny in a high-stakes legal battle over a fatal crash involving its Autopilot driver assistance system. The company is defending itself against a lawsuit brought by the family of Naibel Benavides, who was killed in a 2019 crash in Key Largo, Florida. The incident occurred when a Tesla Model S, driven by George Brian McGee, sped through a T intersection at 62 miles per hour and T-boned an empty parked car.

Tesla has argued that McGee was entirely at fault because their data showed that his foot was on the accelerator just before the moment of impact. However, an accident reconstruction expert, James Walker, testified that McGee was fully in control of his Tesla Model S at the time of the crash, even though he had Autopilot engaged. Walker concluded that McGee's foot was on the accelerator for the last 1.2 miles before the crash [1].

The plaintiffs argue that Tesla is at least partially responsible for the crash because it overpromised on what "Autopilot" is capable of while underdelivering on what it could actually do. McGee testified that he was not alerted that a crash was imminent and only realized something was amiss when he felt the road turn from pavement to gravel once he reached the end of the street. However, Walker contradicted that testimony, stating that data showed McGee's car sent an alert 1.65 seconds before impact and brakes were applied 1 second before impact [1].

Meanwhile, Tesla's Cybertruck has been the subject of another set of concerns. Owners have reported various injuries sustained due to the truck's sharp edges. A Cybertruck owner from South Carolina, Adoni, recently had to visit the emergency room after accidentally injuring his fingers on the truck's sharp corners. Similar incidents have been reported by other Cybertruck owners, with injuries ranging from deep cuts to peeled-off fingernails and even cut nipples [2].

Despite these incidents, some Cybertruck owners have defended the truck, arguing that the blame lies with the individuals who were injured. Others have warned about the potential for blood to cause rust on the truck's stainless steel body [2].

References:
[1] https://www.thestreet.com/electric-vehicles/expert-witness-backs-tesla-fatal-autopilot-crash-case
[2] https://www.torquenews.com/11826/tesla-cybertruck-owners-share-various-injuries-they-sustained-due-trucks-sharp-edges-warn