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Tesla FSD is the answer to concerns about EVs’ possible “added” road risks

Credit: Nattanan Sirivadhanabhakdi/Facebook

Published

3 years ago

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A recent article from Slate has brought up a rather interesting concern about electric vehicles and their wide adoption. Since electric cars tend to be a lot heavier than their combustion-powered counterparts, there is a nonzero chance that they could actually be more dangerous to pedestrians in the event of a crash. Tesla FSD could be the answer to these concerns. 

There is an uncomfortable truth in the United States, and that is the fact that road fatalities are climbing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), for one, noted that American road deaths soared during Q1 2022, rising 7% to 9,560 fatalities, the highest quarterly toll since 2002. The numbers are sobering, as they suggest that compared to pedestrians in countries like France and Canada, Americans are more than twice as likely to die in a crash. 

There are quite a few factors behind these disturbing statistics, but one of them is believed to be the prevalence of overly large and heavy vehicles like full-size trucks and SUVs. While trucks are generally designed for work, full-sized pickups are now widely used by casual drivers to the point where some pickups barely see a day of legitimate work. SUVs are also all the rage. But while these vehicles could be quite safe for those inside them, they are a nightmare for the pedestrians that they might hit in the event of an accident. 

As noted by Slate, one study actually found that the shift to SUVs over the past couple of decades ended up leading to over 1,000 more pedestrian deaths. Now, it should be noted that these large vehicles are already overly heavy with an internal combustion engine. When they are powered by a giant battery pack and equipped with electric motors, they become even heavier and a whole lot faster. The over-9,000-pound Hummer EV is the poster child of this, as the behemoth is capable of hitting highway speeds in about 3.3 seconds. 

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But inasmuch as these concerns are valid, heavy electric vehicles are only really just as dangerous as their drivers and safety features. Tesla has been making overly-heavy and ridiculously-fast sedans and crossovers for many years, yet its vehicles constantly rank among the safest on the road. This is due in no small part to the company’s active and passive safety features, which are standard on every Tesla that gets built at each of the company’s vehicle factories, both in the United States and abroad. 

And coupled with Tesla’s FSD software, the risks for heavy electric vehicles are likely even less. Behind all the drama and smear campaigns targeted toward the advanced driver-assist system, after all, FSD is an incredibly cautious system that takes pedestrian safety as a top priority. Tests of Tesla FSD Beta releases have shown this time and time again — the system always keeps people around the car as safe as possible. 

The use of systems like FSD Beta would likely be more widespread as the adoption of electric vehicles becomes more prevalent. Teslas would likely continue to be among the safest vehicles on the road, despite the company likely producing one of the heaviest vehicles on the market in the Tesla Semi. Fortunately, Tesla does seem to be open to the idea of having its software, like Autopilot, licensed to other automakers. This means that Tesla’s stellar safety systems could be rolled out to more vehicles, including those beyond the reach of the company’s products. 

This, however, would require other automakers to admit that Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD are industry-leading solutions for pedestrian safety. Such an admission takes a lot of humility, and thus, is easier said than done. But the longer other automakers wait to roll out systems that are comparable to FSD or at least Autopilot, the longer pedestrians are exposed to an increasing number of electric vehicles that could indeed be too heavy and too fast in an accident. 

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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 hiring for Commercial Charging role hints at Semi push in Europe

The job opening was highlighted by David Forer, Senior Project Developer for Charging at Tesla, on LinkedIn.

Published

3 hours ago

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February 22, 2026

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Credit: @HinrichsZane/X

Tesla appears to be expanding its Commercial Charging efforts in Central Europe. The job opening was highlighted by David Forer, Senior Project Developer for Charging at Tesla, on LinkedIn.

In a post on LinkedIn, Forer stated that Tesla is looking for a “high-energy executer to own Commercial Charging Sales in Central Europe.” He added that the role will involve closing commercial deals across Tesla’s “entire product range (Supercharging & Megacharging).”

The job listing specifies that the hire will lead the sale of Tesla’s high-power charging products, including Supercharger and Heavy Duty Charging, to major partners such as charge point operators, real estate owners, and retail companies. The role requires fluency in German and English and is based onsite in Munich.

Tesla already operates more than 75,000 Superchargers globally, though the Semi’s Megacharger network is still in its early stages. The inclusion of Heavy Duty Charging in the job description is notable, then, as it aligns with Tesla’s Megacharger infrastructure, which is designed to support the Tesla Semi.

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently confirmed that the Tesla Semi is moving into high-volume production this 2026. In a post on X, Musk noted that “Tesla Semi starts high volume production this year.”

Aerial footage of the Tesla Semi Factory near Giga Nevada also shows that the facility looks nearly complete, with work now underway inside the facility. 

Tesla has also refreshed the Semi lineup on its official website, listing two variants: Standard and Long Range. The Standard trim offers up to 325 miles of range with an energy consumption rating of 1.7 kWh per mile, while the Long Range version provides up to 500 miles. 

Both variants support fast charging and can recover up to 60% of range in 30 minutes using compatible infrastructure such as the Megacharger Network.

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The presence of Heavy Duty Charging in a Central Europe-focused sales role could indicate that Tesla is preparing charging infrastructure ahead of wider Semi deployment in the region. While Tesla has not formally announced a European launch timeline for the Semi, the vehicle, particularly its range, makes it an ideal fit for the area.

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Elon Musk

Tesla Full Self-Driving set to get an awesome new feature, Elon Musk says

Published

2 days ago

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February 21, 2026

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Credit: Teslarati

Tesla Full Self-Driving is set to get an awesome new feature in the near future, CEO Elon Musk confirmed on X.

Full Self-Driving is the company’s semi-autonomous driving program, which is among the best available to the general public. It still relies on the driver to ultimately remain in control and pay attention, but it truly does make traveling less stressful and easier.

However, Tesla still continuously refines the software through Over-the-Air updates, which are meant to resolve shortcomings in the performance of the FSD suite. Generally, Tesla does a great job of this, but some updates are definitely regressions, at least with some of the features.

Tesla Cybertruck owner credits FSD for saving life after freeway medical emergency

Tesla and Musk are always trying to improve the suite’s performance by fixing features that are presently available, but they also try to add new things that would be beneficial to owners. One of those things, which is coming soon, is giving the driver the ability to prompt FSD with voice demands.

For example, asking the car to park close to the front door of your destination, or further away in an empty portion of the parking lot, would be an extremely beneficial feature. Adjusting navigation is possible through Grok integration, but it is not always effective.

Musk confirmed that voice prompts for FSD would be possible:

Tesla Full Self-Driving is a really great thing, but it definitely has its shortcomings. Navigation is among the biggest complaints that owners have, and it is easily my biggest frustration with using it. Some of the routes it chooses to take are truly mind-boggling.

Another thing it has had issues with is being situated in the correct lane at confusing intersections or even managing to properly navigate through local traffic signs. For example, in Pennsylvania, there are a lot of stop signs with “Except Right Turn” signs directly under.

This gives those turning right at a stop sign the opportunity to travel through it. FSD has had issues with this on several occasions.

Parking preferences would be highly beneficial and something that could be resolved with this voice prompt program. Grocery stores are full of carts not taken back by customers, and many people choose to park far away. Advising FSD of this preference would be a great advantage to owners.

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Cybertruck

Elon Musk clarifies Tesla Cybertruck ’10 day’ comment, fans respond

Some are arguing that the decision to confirm a price hike in ten days is sort of counterproductive, especially considering it is based on demand. Giving consumers a timeline of just ten days to make a big purchase like a pickup truck for $60,000, and basically stating the price will go up, will only push people to make a reservation.

Published

2 days ago

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February 21, 2026

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Credit: Tesla

Elon Musk has clarified what he meant by his comment on X yesterday that seemed to indicate that Tesla would either do away with the new All-Wheel-Drive configuration of the Cybertruck or adjust the price.

The response was cryptic as nobody truly knew what Musk’s plans were for the newest Tesla Cybertruck trim level. We now have that answer, and fans of the company are responding in a polarizing fashion.

On Thursday night, Tesla launched the Cybertruck All-Wheel-Drive, priced competitively at $59,990. It was a vast improvement from the Rear-Wheel-Drive configuration Tesla launched last year at a similar price point, which was eventually cancelled just a few months later due to low demand.

Tesla launches new Cybertruck trim with more features than ever for a low price

However, Musk said early on Friday, “just for 10 days,” the truck would either be available or priced at $59,990. We can now confirm Tesla will adjust the price based on more recent comments from the CEO.

Musk said the price will fluctuate, but it “depends on how much demand we see at this price level.”

Some are defending the decision, stating that it is simply logical to see how the Cybertruck sells at this price and adjust accordingly.

Others, not so much.

Some are arguing that the decision to confirm a price hike in ten days is sort of counterproductive, especially considering it is based on demand. Giving consumers a timeline of just ten days to make a big purchase like a pickup truck for $60,000, and basically stating the price will go up, will only push people to make a reservation.

Demand will look strong because people want to lock in this price. The price will inevitably go up, and demand for the trim will likely fall a bit because of the increased cost.

Many are arguing Musk should have kept this detail internal, but transparency is a good policy to have. It is a polarizing move to confirm a price increase in just a week-and-a-half, but the community is obviously split on how to feel.

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