NHTSA Probes Tesla's Robotaxi FSD Ahead of 2025 Launch Amid Sensor Tech Concerns

May 12, 2025
NHTSA Probes Tesla's Robotaxi FSD Ahead of 2025 Launch Amid Sensor Tech Concerns
  • As part of this investigation, regulators are requesting detailed technical specifications regarding the sensors and cameras used in the robotaxi system, including their performance in challenging environments such as fog, rain, and snow.

  • Recent aerial footage from Giga Texas has shown a test vehicle resembling a Model Y, stripped of body panels, suggesting it could be an early prototype for this upcoming affordable model.

  • Analysts remain divided on Tesla's stock, with Piper Sandler's Alexander Potter maintaining a 'Buy' rating and a price target of $400, citing FSD as a key driver for optimism, despite its current limitations.

  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating Tesla's plans for its Robotaxi service, with a particular focus on the Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities under adverse weather conditions.

  • Tesla's stock has shown resilience, trading at $318.38, reflecting investor optimism about the company's innovations in electric vehicles and future plans.

  • The recent announcement of a temporary rollback of tariffs between the U.S. and China is expected to positively impact Tesla's market performance.

  • Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been invited to an investment forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, coinciding with President Trump's visit, highlighting improving relations between Musk and Saudi officials.

  • However, skepticism remains regarding Tesla's reliance on a vision-only approach for its FSD system, as competitors utilize more comprehensive sensor technologies.

  • Additionally, the operational design domain (ODD) for the robotaxi system must be clearly defined, outlining operational restrictions and monitoring strategies.

  • Despite these regulatory challenges, Tesla's plans for more affordable vehicle models remain on track for production in the first half of 2025, as confirmed in their recent quarterly update.

  • In December 2023, Tesla recalled over 2 million vehicles to enhance safety features in its Autopilot system, but the NHTSA is still evaluating whether this recall sufficiently addresses driver attention concerns.

  • This scrutiny has intensified following a recent fatal crash involving a Cybertruck in California, raising further concerns about the FSD system's detection capabilities.

Summary based on 34 sources


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