News
Volkswagen's software issues with the ID.3 are worse than reported: 'It is an absolute disaster'
The software issues plaguing the Volkswagen ID.3 have been reported for some time, but new details from insiders at the German automaker have hinted that the all-electric hatchback’s problems may be worse than initially reported. The update comes amidst a confirmation of the ID.3’s software challenges by a VW spokesperson.
Local media reports have indicated that Volkswagen will likely only release a toned-down version of the ID.3 at first due to the ongoing problems with the vehicle’s software. Thus, Volkswagen will probably still stick with its long-communicated delivery schedule this summer, as noted by CEO Herbert Diess while presenting annual figures last week. To accomplish this, “one or the other planned function” of the ID.3 will reportedly be canceled, and later delivered through an update.
These details were confirmed by a Volkswagen spokesperson, who addressed the topic in a statement to news outlet sueddeutsche.de. “Things are not going great,” the spokesperson said. Insiders quoted by the publication painted a much graver picture. “It is no longer a laughing matter,” the insiders noted.
The publication’s sources indicated that the ID.3 is far from being ready for the market and that Volkswagen is “not even close to an industrial production process at ID.3.” As for the vehicles that will reportedly be delivered this coming summer, the insiders related that they would be tasked to “tinker them by hand so that something is there.” This does not have anything to do with series production, though.
An internal source from Volkswagen explained that ID.3’s software issues were mostly due to a lack of qualified personnel. But apart from the lack of programmers and vehicle software specialists, key individuals have also been departing from VW. Among these is Martin Hoffman, the CIO responsible for Volkswagen’s IT division, who will be leaving the automaker at the end of this month. “It’s an absolute disaster. We just can’t get the people,” the insiders said.
-->Amidst these issues, Volkswagen is reportedly tagging in an unlikely ally to help prepare the ID.3 for production. This ally would be Daimler, which is already in talks with BMW for joint software development. A small meeting between some of Volkswagen and Daimler’s key executives was reportedly held recently, and it was discussed how the two automakers could collaborate to develop an operating system for cars. Such a deal would likely put Daimler in a tricky situation, as cooperation among Germany’s three top automakers is very unlikely.
Overall, it appears that the importance of in-vehicle software is becoming more and more evident among Germany’s automakers, and it seems that Volkswagen would do what it can to make sure that it can at least reduce the lead currently enjoyed by Tesla. The American electric car maker had shunned existing supply chains when it was developing its electric cars’ software, developing its in-vehicle systems from scratch. Unlike traditional automakers, Tesla’s software runs on a central control unit, giving it a much more efficient structure that is optimized for software updates and maintenance.
News
Tesla’s new Holiday perk is timed perfectly to make FSD a household name
Tesla AI4 owners get FSD (Supervised) through Christmas, New Year’s Eve and well into the post-holiday travel season.
Tesla quietly rolled out a free Full Self-Driving (Supervised) trial for roughly 1.5 million HW4 owners in North America who never bought the package, and the timing could very well be genius.
As it turns out, the trial doesn’t end after 30 days. Instead, it expires January 8, 2026, meaning owners get FSD (Supervised) through Christmas, New Year’s Eve and well into the post-holiday travel season. This extended window positions the feature for maximum word-of-mouth exposure.
A clever holiday gift
Tesla watcher Sawyer Merritt first spotted the detail after multiple owners shared screenshots showing the trial expiring on January 8. He confirmed with affected users that none had active FSD subscriptions before the rollout. He also observed that Tesla never called the promotion a “30-day trial,” as the in-car message simply reads “You’re Getting FSD (Supervised) For the Holidays,” which technically runs until after the new year.
The roughly 40-day period covers peak family travel and gatherings, giving owners ample opportunity to showcase the latest FSD V14’s capabilities on highway trips, crowded parking lots and neighborhood drives. With relatives riding along, hands-off highway driving and automatic lane changes could become instant conversation starters.
Rave reviews for FSD V14 highlight demo potential
FSD has been receiving positive reviews from users as of late. Following the release of FSD v14.2.1, numerous owners praised the update for its smoothness and reliability. Tesla owner @LactoseLunatic called it a “huge leap forward from version 14.1.4,” praising extreme smoothness, snappy lane changes and assertive yet safe behavior that allows relaxed monitoring.
-->Another Tesla owner, @DevinOlsenn, drove 600 km without disengagements, noting his wife now defaults to FSD for daily use due to its refined feel. Sawyer Merritt also tested FSD V14.2.1 in snow on unplowed New Hampshire roads, and the system stayed extra cautious without hesitation. Longtime FSD tester Chuck Cook highlighted improved sign recognition in school zones, showing better dynamic awareness. These reports of fewer interventions and a more “sentient” drive could turn family passengers into advocates, fueling subscriptions come January.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk predicts AI and robotics could make work “optional” within 20 years
Speaking on entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, Musk predicted that machines will soon handle most forms of labor, leaving humans to work only if they choose to.
Elon Musk stated that rapid advances in artificial intelligence and robotics could make traditional work unnecessary within two decades.
Speaking on entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath’s podcast, Musk predicted that machines will soon handle most forms of labor, leaving humans to work only if they choose to.
Work as a “hobby”
During the discussion, Musk said the accelerating capability of AI systems and general-purpose robots will eventually cover all essential tasks, making human labor a choice rather than an economic requirement. “In less than 20 years, working will be optional. Working at all will be optional. Like a hobby,” Musk said.
When Kamath asked whether this future is driven by massive productivity growth, Musk agreed, noting that people will still be free to work if they enjoy the routine or the challenge. He compared future employment to home gardening, as it is something people can still do for personal satisfaction even if buying food from a store is far easier.
“Optional” work in the future
Elon Musk acknowledged the boldness of his claim and joked that people might look back in 20 years and say he was wrong. That being said, the CEO noted that such a scenario could even happen sooner than his prediction, at least if one were to consider the pace of the advancements in AI and robotics.
-->“Obviously people can play this back in 20 years and say, ‘Look, Elon made this ridiculous prediction and it’s not true,’ but I think it will turn out to be true, that in less than 20 years, maybe even as little as ten or 15 years, the advancements in AI and robotics will bring us to the point where working is optional,” Musk said.
Elon Musk’s comments echo his previous sentiments at Tesla’s 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting, where he noted that Optimus could ultimately eliminate poverty. He also noted that robots like Optimus could eventually provide people worldwide with the best medical care.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk reiterates why Tesla will never make an electric motorcycle
Tesla CEO Elon Musk preemptively shut down speculations about a Tesla road bike once more.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk preemptively shut down speculations about a Tesla road bike once more, highlighting that the electric vehicle maker has no plans to enter the electric motorcycle market.
Musk posted his clarification in a post on X.
Musk’s reply to a fun AI video
X user @Moandbhr posted an AI video featuring the Tesla CEO on the social media platform, captioning it with “Mr. Elon Musk Just Revealed the Game-Changing Tesla Motorcycle.” The short clip depicted Musk approaching a sleek, single-wheeled vehicle, stepping onto it, and gliding off into the distance amid cheers. The fun video received a lot of traction on X, gaining 3.1 million views as of writing.
Musk replied to the post, stating that a Tesla motorcycle is not going to happen. “Never happening, as we can’t make motorcycles safe. For Community Notes, my near death experience was on a road bike. Dirt bikes are safe if you ride carefully, as you can’t be smashed by a truck,” Musk wrote in his reply.
Musk’s Past Comments on Two-Wheelers
Musk also detailed his reservations about motorcycles in a December 2019 X post while responding to questions about Tesla’s potential ATV. At the time, he responded positively to an electric ATV, though he also opposed the idea of a Tesla road-going motorcycle. Musk did state that electric dirt bikes might be cool, since they do not operate in areas where large vehicles like Class 8 trucks are present.
-->“Electric dirt bikes would be cool too. We won’t do road bikes, as too dangerous. I was hit by a truck & almost died on one when I was 17,” Musk wrote in his post.
Considering Musk’s comments about dirt bikes, however, perhaps Tesla would eventually offer a road bike as a recreational vehicle. Such a two-wheeler would be a good fit for the Cybertruck, as well as future products like the Robovan, which could be converted into an RV.
Tesla’s new Holiday perk is timed perfectly to make FSD a household name
Elon Musk predicts AI and robotics could make work “optional” within 20 years
