Electric Cars

A recent investigation in Brussels has brought Tesla's "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" system under intense scrutiny, revealing a concerning propensity for exceeding speed limits in designated low-speed zones. This study, highlighting instances where the system significantly surpassed the 30 km/h limit in over half of the tested areas, has ignited a debate about autonomous driving safety. The timing of these findings is particularly critical, as European Union member states are poised to cast their votes on whether to grant FSD widespread approval across the entire bloc, with several nations already expressing reservations about its speed control capabilities.

The “FSD30” study, spearheaded by Johanna.be, a non-profit organization based in Brussels dedicated to enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists, documented numerous instances of the FSD system failing to adhere to local speed regulations. Over three days in July, researchers traversed approximately 400 kilometers, focusing primarily on urban streets where vulnerable road users are most prevalent. A key issue identified was the system's inability to correctly interpret speed limits; often displaying a 50 km/h limit on the vehicle's screen when the actual regulatory speed was 30 km/h. This discrepancy resulted in an average speed of 44 km/h in these restricted zones, a rate that significantly elevates the risk of fatal injury to pedestrians, according to data from the World Health Organization.

Beyond the core issue of speeding in 30 km/h zones, the study also pinpointed problems within “woonerven,” or residential shared streets, where FSD vehicles exceeded the 20 km/h limit in 42% of cases. Additionally, the system was observed attempting to overtake cyclists in “fietsstraten” (cycle streets), a practice explicitly forbidden under Belgian traffic laws. While researchers noted FSD's commendable tendency to yield to pedestrians and cyclists at intersections, they concluded that such courtesies do not mitigate the systemic issue of excessive speed in environments designed for heightened safety. These findings have been submitted to relevant Dutch and Flemish authorities, urging them to re-evaluate their prior endorsements of the system ahead of the crucial EU vote.

Despite previous provisional approvals by certain countries, including Belgium, which greenlit FSD (Supervised) after 5,000 km of testing on Flemish roads, the recent study underscores the system's persistent challenges. A spokesperson for the Flemish government, when questioned about the study, reiterated that the system is still in a 'learning' phase and that drivers bear '100% responsibility.' However, critics argue that this stance shifts accountability from the software's design flaws to the end-user, posing a significant ethical and safety dilemma. The upcoming EU vote, scheduled to take place within the Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles (TCMV), will require a qualified majority for FSD to receive bloc-wide recognition, with speeding emerging as the primary contention point for several member states, including Sweden and France.

Tesla has attempted to counter these criticisms with its own data, asserting that FSD vehicles do not speed excessively and generally match the flow of surrounding traffic. This argument, however, appears to miss the mark in contexts like Brussels, where speed limits were intentionally reduced to address human drivers' historical tendency to drive too fast. Furthermore, past instances have revealed Tesla's reliance on self-published safety data that some have deemed misleading, potentially inflating FSD's safety performance through skewed comparisons. The ongoing debate highlights the complex challenges in integrating advanced autonomous driving technologies into diverse urban environments and regulatory frameworks.

The core message emerging from this research is that Tesla’s autonomous driving system struggles with a fundamental task: accurately identifying and adhering to posted speed limits. This deficiency is not merely an occasional glitch but a systemic flaw, particularly problematic in dense urban areas populated by pedestrians and cyclists. The notion that drivers are solely responsible for rectifying the software's errors when the system itself misinterprets crucial traffic regulations represents a significant challenge to the widespread acceptance and deployment of autonomous vehicles.

Volkswagen's much-anticipated electric minibus, the ID. Buzz, is experiencing additional delays, with its reintroduction to the US market now slated for the 2028 model year. This marks another postponement for the vehicle, which initially debuted in the US in 2024. Despite its iconic design and the initial excitement it generated, driven largely by nostalgia, the ID. Buzz has struggled to gain traction among American consumers due to factors such as its premium price point and a relatively modest electric range. These challenges led to an accumulation of unsold inventory at dealerships, prompting the manufacturer to reassess its strategy for the US market.

The ID. Buzz first launched in the United States in 2024, aiming to revive the spirit of Volkswagen's classic minibus with an all-electric powertrain. However, the initial enthusiasm surrounding its debut quickly waned. Priced at approximately $60,000, and offering a range of up to 234 miles, it faced stiff competition from larger electric SUVs like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 9, which provided over 300 miles of range and were more appealing to families planning longer journeys or weekend getaways. Consequently, Volkswagen sold only 6,140 units of the ID. Buzz in the US last year, leading to an excess of vehicles at dealerships.

In December of the previous year, Jeannine Ginivan, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Volkswagen Group of America, stated that the ID. Buzz would bypass the 2026 model year in the US and proceed directly to the 2027 model. Ginivan emphasized that Volkswagen had no plans to withdraw the ID. Buzz from the US market and asserted that there was sufficient inventory of 2026 models available for sale. This declaration aimed to allay concerns about the vehicle's future in the American market.

Earlier this year, Volkswagen had even unveiled prospective enhancements for the 2027 ID. Buzz, which included a new Tourer variant designed for extended stays and the integration of NACS charging compatibility. These planned upgrades demonstrated the company's ongoing commitment to developing the electric minibus. However, a recent report by Automotive News indicates that Volkswagen has now informed its dealers about a further delay, pushing the ID. Buzz's return to the US until the 2028 model year. This decision, conveyed to dealers on September 24, means that American consumers will have to wait even longer for the updated model.

As of now, only a limited number of new 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz models remain available across the US, with Cars.com listing just 38 units nationwide. This scarcity, combined with the delayed introduction of newer models, underscores the challenges Volkswagen is facing in establishing its electric minibus in the American market. Furthermore, Volkswagen's other electric vehicle, the ID.4, is also skipping the 2027 model year as the automaker reorganizes its product lineup. Volkswagen is expected to provide further details as the situation unfolds.

The repeated postponements of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz's availability in the United States highlight the complexities and hurdles involved in launching electric vehicles in a competitive market. Despite the initial excitement and the brand's heritage, the vehicle's pricing and range limitations have proven to be significant obstacles. Volkswagen's decision to bypass the 2027 model year and push the launch to 2028 suggests a strategic recalibration to address these issues and better align the ID. Buzz with the demands of American consumers.