News
U.S. agency proposes rules for self-driving vehicle incident reporting
The top U.S. automotive agency has detailed a proposal to create rules around reporting and transparency for vehicles with self-driving features, coming at a crucial moment as companies race to deploy commercial robotaxis.
On Friday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a press release detailing a proposal for rules on a voluntary national framework for automated driving systems (ADS), coming as the first such program to be proposed. The rules would also effectively accelerate the process of gaining exemptions from current limitations to allow companies to deploy ADS-equipped vehicles more quickly and at a greater volume.
Dubbed the ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP), the program would be open to any companies that operate or plan to operate compliant self-driving automobiles on public roads, and aiming to increase transparency into self-driving vehicles.
“AV STEP would provide a valuable national framework at a pivotal time in the development of ADS technology. Safe, transparent, and responsible development is critical for this technology to be trusted by the public and reach its full potential. This proposal lays the foundation for those goals and supports NHTSA’s safety mission,” NHTSA Chief Counsel Adam Raviv said. “We encourage everyone to comment on our proposed program.”
The agency formally issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for such a framework. If passed, the regulations would both increase the amount of publicly available info for self-driving vehicles in the U.S., and it would focus on offering vehicle manufacturers, operators, and municipalities more data on public awareness of the technology and incidents related to vehicles equipped with ADS systems.
READ MORE ON SELF-DRIVING VEHICLES: California regulators add new reporting requirements for self-driving cars
AV STEP would also create two new exemption processes for ADS systems to be deployed, offering increased regulatory flexibility for companies aiming to launch commercial services. The agency also says that it will provide a period for public comment upon the publication of the rules, under docket No. NHTSA-2024-0100.
You can see one version of the full NHTSA proposal below, which the agency says is not the official version but has been prepared for internet circulation.
President-elect Donald Trump plans for self-driving vehicles
President-elect Donald Trump was reportedly looking to eliminate existing rules surrounding automated driving crash reports, largely expected to help streamline automated vehicle development for Tesla—especially with CEO Elon Musk set to serve in Trump’s administration.
Last month, a report from Bloomberg said that Trump’s transition team was working on a federal framework for self-driving vehicles, and to make automated driving a top priority during his upcoming term. Under current NHTSA rules, self-driving vehicles without a steering wheel or accelerator pedals aren’t permitted to be deployed at volume, which would obviously need to be changed in order to accommodate Tesla’s Cybercab and other similar vehicle platforms.
What are your thoughts? Let me know at zach@teslarati.com, find me on X at @zacharyvisconti, or send us tips at tips@teslarati.com.
Tesla named ‘most-trusted’ brand developing fully-autonomous vehicles
Need accessories for your Tesla? Check out the Teslarati Marketplace:
Elon Musk
Elon Musk estimates Tesla Semi could reach Europe next year
“We’ve got the Tesla Semi coming out, the heavy truck, and that’ll be going to Europe hopefully next year,” Musk said.
Tesla is preparing to expand its all-electric Semi truck program to Europe, with CEO Elon Musk indicating that the Class 8 vehicle could arrive in the region 2027.
Musk shared his update during an interview about Giga Berlin with plant manager André Thierig, which was posted on X by the official Tesla Manufacturing account.
“We’ve got the Tesla Semi coming out, the heavy truck, and that’ll be going to Europe hopefully next year,” he said.
Tesla has already begun limited production and customer deployments of the Tesla Semi in the United States, with the company working to scale output through the Semi factory near Giga Nevada. Considering Musk’s comments, it appears that a European rollout would be the next phase of the vehicle’s expansion beyond North America.
Musk’s use of the word “hopefully” leaves room for flexibility, but the remark signals that Europe is next in Tesla’s commercial expansion plans.
Musk has consistently argued that electrification should extend beyond passenger vehicles. During the same interview, he reiterated his view that “all ground transport should be electric,” adding that ships, and eventually aircraft, would follow.
The Semi plays a central role in that strategy. Heavy-duty freight remains one of the most emissions-intensive segments of road transport, and European regulators have increasingly pushed for lower-emission commercial fleets.
Tesla recently 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, which should be more than ample for European routes.
Elon Musk
Tesla Cybercab coming next to Giga Berlin, Optimus possibly after
“From a next major product standpoint, I think most likely is the Tesla Cybercab,” Musk said.
Tesla could add the Cybercab and Optimus humanoid robot to the production lineup at Giga Berlin, as per recent comments from CEO Elon Musk.
During a recent interview with Giga Berlin plant manager André Thierig, Musk identified the Cybercab as the most likely next major product for the German factory, with Optimus potentially following after.
“From a next major product standpoint, I think most likely is the Tesla Cybercab,” Musk said. He added that there are also “possibilities of Tesla Optimus” being produced in the facility.
Tesla has already begun production of the Cybercab in Giga Texas, with volume production expected to ramp this year. Based on Musk’s comments, it appears that if conditions align in Europe, Giga Berlin could eventually join that effort.
The CEO’s comments about Optimus coming to Gigafactory Berlin are quite unsurprising too considering that Musk has mentioned in the past that the humanoid robot will likely be Tesla’s highest volume product in the long run.
Giga Berlin will likely be able to produce mass volumes of Optimus, as the Model S and Model X lines being converted to an Optimus line in the Fremont Factory are already expected to produce 1 million units of the humanoid robot annually.
Apart from his comments about the Cybercab and Optimus, Elon Musk also confirmed that Giga Berlin has started ramping battery cell production and will continue expanding Model Y output, particularly as supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) gains regulatory approvals in Europe.
Taken together, the remarks suggest Berlin’s role could evolve beyond vehicle assembly into a broader multi-product manufacturing hub, not just a regional Model Y plant.
Energy
Tesla Powerwall distribution expands in Australia
Inventory is expected to arrive in late February and official sales are expected to start mid-March 2026.
Supply Partners Group has secured a distribution agreement for the Tesla Powerwall in Australia, with inventory expected to arrive in late February and official sales beginning in mid-March 2026.
Under the new agreement, Supply Partners will distribute Tesla Powerwall units and related accessories across its national footprint, as noted in an ecogeneration report. The company said the addition strengthens its position as a distributor focused on premium, established brands.
“We are proud to officially welcome Tesla Powerwall into the Supply Partners portfolio,” Lliam Ricketts, Co-Founder and Director of Innovation at Supply Partners Group, stated.
“Tesla sets a high bar, and we’ve worked hard to earn the opportunity to represent a brand that customers actively ask for. This partnership reflects the strength of our logistics, technical services and customer experience, and it’s a win for installers who want premium options they can trust.”
Supply Partners noted that initial Tesla Powerwall stock will be warehoused locally before full commercial rollout in March. The distributor stated that the timing aligns with renewed growth momentum for the Powerwall, supported by competitive installer pricing, consumer rebates, and continued product and software updates.
“Powerwall is already a category-defining product, and what’s ahead makes it even more compelling,” Ricketts stated. “As pricing sharpens and capability expands, we see a clear runway for installers to confidently spec Powerwall for premium residential installs, backed by Supply Partners’ national distribution footprint and service model.”
Supply Partners noted that a joint go-to-market launch is planned, including Tesla-led training for its sales and technical teams to support installers during the home battery system’s domestic rollout.
Elon Musk estimates Tesla Semi could reach Europe next year
Tesla Cybercab coming next to Giga Berlin, Optimus possibly after
