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Tesla Cybertruck’s biggest rival is poised for a delay, and GM’s stance against CA’s standards isn’t helping

(Credit: Tesla)

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The Tesla Cybertruck will meet several competitors when it enters the market. There’s the Rivian R1T pickup truck, a luxury vehicle designed for the outdoors. There’s the Ford F-150 Electric, the EV version of America’s most popular pickup truck. But perhaps the Cybertruck’s biggest rival, both in terms of literal size and specs, is GM’s Hummer EV, a vehicle that represents the antithesis of Tesla’s exoskeleton-clad monster. 

The GMC Hummer EV and the Tesla Cybertruck come from very different backgrounds. The Cybertruck is what happens when Tesla is unrestrained, and it is unashamedly different in its design and features. The Hummer EV, on the other hand, is a redemption of sorts for GM, as the emergence of the massive, gas-guzzling original Hummer marked one of the nails in the coffin of the veteran automaker’s controversial EV1 electric car. 

The Hummer EV has garnered a lot of attention, and it is set for a reveal this May 20. However, the coronavirus pandemic may put a damper on the upcoming vehicle’s official unveiling. With social distancing rules pretty much negating the possibility of a launch event for the truck, sources familiar with the matter have told motoring publication CarBuzz that the Hummer EV’s unveiling will be rescheduled. This is not surprising at all considering the circumstances that have arisen from the pandemic, but it is unfortunate, nonetheless. 

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This potential delay could cost the Hummer EV a lot of momentum. The vehicle is already entering the all-electric pickup market pretty late, with companies like Rivian and Tesla already poised to release their trucks in the next year or so. Furthermore, the Hummer EV is riding a wave of momentum that resulted from GM’s clever teasers in recent months. Any delays in the vehicle’s unveiling might then result in waning interest from the EV community. 

This is bitter pill to swallow for GM, especially since leaked production plans from the automaker have revealed that much of its commitments to electrification are not very serious at all. As indicated by production plans accessed by Reuters, both GM and Ford still intend to adopt a strategy that is heavily skewed towards the internal combustion engine for the next few years. This is despite CEO Mary Barra arguing that GM is dead serious about electrification. 

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But perhaps the biggest blow to the Hummer EV yet is coming from GM’s standing among car buyers. Earlier this year, GM, together with Toyota and Fiat Chrysler, decided to side with US President Donald Trump in his efforts to revoke California’s higher emissions standards. This promptly resulted in losses for GM, with CA banning the use of the company’s vehicles for its fleet. But it doesn’t end there. 

According to the findings of a poll conducted by Matt George Associates for the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), GM’s decision to stand against California’s emissions standards has adversely affected its standing among car buyers. Out of the 1,000 owners surveyed, 51% who initially stated that they would “definitely purchase” another GM vehicle in the future decided to change their minds after learning of the company’s anti-emissions standards stance. GM’s favorability among buyers also saw a steep drop from 93% to just 44%. 

These sentiments from the car buying public are the last thing that the Hummer EV needs to be a success. Using the Hummer, a vehicle that is traditionally perceived as the very representation of excess, as an entry into the electric truck market, is a bold move for GM. But successful bold moves usually involve a lot of delicate pieces lining up perfectly enough. Unfortunately for GM, the delays in the Hummer EV’s launch, coupled with negative sentiments against the company, may very well derail the all-electric truck even before its arrival.

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Tesla reiterates FSD’s biggest advantage, even if it’s still Supervised

Even in its current Supervised state, FSD is already pretty life-changing.

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Tesla FSD Unsupervised Giga Texas
Credit: Tesla AI/X

Tesla Full Self Driving (FSD) has a ton of potential. Once it is rolled out as an Unsupervised system, it could change the transportation sector. But even in its current Supervised state, FSD is already pretty life-changing.

This was highlighted recently by the electric vehicle maker through its official Tesla account on social media platform X.

Tesla FSD Unsupervised

Tesla’s self-driving aspirations are expected to come to fruition with the release of FSD Unsupervised, which is currently already being used in the Fremont Factory and Giga Texas. With FSD Unsupervised, Teslas are able to navigate from the end of their production lines to the facilities’ outbound lots without a human driver.

Tesla has previously noted that FSD Unsupervised should see its initial release in Texas and California this year. As noted by Tesla in a post on X, autonomy, when deployed at scale, does not just make cities more livable. It also gives back time to people. This is what makes autonomous driving systems potentially world-changing. 

Still Supervised, But Already Useful

FSD today, however, is still Supervised, which means that it still requires constant attention from the driver. This is one of the main points of criticism from Tesla skeptics, as FSD’s current Supervised nature is typically used to argue that it is no better than other adaptive cruise control systems that other carmakers offer. As per Tesla in a follow-up post, however, FSD Supervised already makes life easier. 

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This is because FSD Supervised works on inner city roads, and while the driver is still observing the car to ensure that it operates well, trips could easily become a lot less tiring. This is especially true for long trips, which could take a toll on the driver if vehicles are driven manually.

“You can get a glimpse of that today: although FSD Supervised currently does require your supervision, you will still notice that your commute or long drives are suddenly so much less taxing. No constant micro-adjustments in rush hour traffic. No frustration. Car does it all for you,” Tesla wrote in its post on X.

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Hyundai protects buyers from Trump’s tariffs with assurance program

Hyundai’s new Assurance Program will absorb Trump’s auto tariff costs, keeping prices flat for U.S. buyers. 

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(Credit: Hyundai USA)

Hyundai is protecting buyers from U.S. President Trump’s auto tariffs through its new Assurance Program.

The South Korean automaker’s U.S. COO Claudia Marquez launched the Assurance Program at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. The initiative addresses the impact of President Trump’s 25% tariffs on the auto sector, a dominant topic at the event.

Marquez emphasized Hyundai’s commitment to price stability during his announcement. The Assurance Program absorbs tariff-related costs, leveraging Hyundai’s robust U.S. production to mitigate impacts.

“When it comes to the customers, which again is tough and even for us just for planning purposes, what we wanted to make sure is that we have a plan, so we launched our Hyundai Assurance Program, which is confirming and assuring to customers that [prices] are not going to go up, at least this next couple of months,” she told Yahoo Finance.

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Hyundai of America produces 40% of its vehicles in the U.S. through its Alabama factory and the newly opened Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Savannah, Georgia. The Georgia plant began Ioniq 5 production in October 2024 and plans to start Ioniq 9 output by Q1 2025.

“We have a strong representation in the US. We have a factory in Alabama, and just recently, two weeks ago, we opened our new Metaplant in Savannah, Georgia, where we produce our EVs Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9,” Marquez said.

As President and CEO Jose Muñoz noted, Hyundai’s localization strategy strengthens its tariff resilience. Initially focused on EVs, HMGMA will also produce hybrids following a 2024 dip in EV sales.

“We are looking forward to officially opening Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia. Our localization strategy in the important U.S. market will help mitigate the impact of any potential policy change,” Muñoz said at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting.

While Hyundai’s U.S. plants provide a buffer, building such facilities is costly and time-intensive, with potential policy shifts looming by 2028. For now, the Assurance Program and localized production help Hyundai navigate Trump’s tariff, ensuring customer affordability amid trade uncertainties.

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Starlink executives meet with India’s Commerce Minister

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(Credit: Starlink)

Starlink is advancing its India entry plans, with senior executives meeting Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

Starlink senior executives and Minister Goyal discussed investments and partnerships in India. The talks are pivotal for Starlink’s entry into the Indian market. Starlink’s delegation, including Vice President Chad Gibbs and Senior Director Ryan Goodnight, met Goyal on Wednesday.

“Discussions covered Starlink’s cutting-edge technology platform, their existing partnerships & future investment plans in India,” Goyal posted on X.

The meeting with Starlink executives marked the first official engagement with an Indian Minister and underscores SpaceX’s commitment to the region, reported ET. As of this writing, Starlink has not announced future meetings with Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

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SpaceX has already started preparing to bring its satellite internet service to the Indian market. The aerospace company has secured deals with India’s top wireless carriers, Bharti Airtel and Jio Platforms, to distribute Starlink equipment and services through their outlets.

Bharti Airtel announced its partnership with Starlink first, followed by Jio Platforms. Both wireless carriers aim to leverage Starlink’s technology to expand internet access in India and their customer base. SpaceX is also in discussions with Vodafone Idea Ltd.

“We are in exploratory talks with various Satcom providers, including Starlink,” commented Vodafone.  

These partnerships position Starlink to tap India’s vast telecom market, with potential for further collaboration. Despite these strides, Starlink still awaits regulatory approval to operate in India.

As of November 2024, the company must fully comply with the government’s security regulations, particularly on data storage, to secure its license. The pending approval highlights the complexities of entering India’s tightly regulated telecom sector, where compliance is critical.

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Starlink’s push into India aligns with its global expansion strategy, leveraging its satellite constellation to deliver high-speed internet to underserved regions. The partnerships with Bharti Airtel and Jio Platforms, combined with ongoing talks with Vodafone Idea, signal strong local support for SpaceX’s technology.

However, regulatory hurdles remain a key challenge. As Starlink navigates India’s security requirements, its investments and carrier tie-ups could reshape the nation’s internet landscape, offering a new era of connectivity if approval is granted.

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