Tesla's new vehicles encounter major problems with the autopilot system, and Zeekr 7X lands in the European market | Overseas Daily
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Tesla's New Model Faces Major Autopilot System Issues, Affecting Safety Features
Key Points:
Recently, a significant malfunction has occurred in the autopilot computer system of Tesla's new vehicles, causing a series of problems for new car owners. According to Electrek, this issue has exerted tremendous pressure on Tesla's service network. In the past few weeks, Electrek has received multiple reports from new Tesla owners regarding the malfunction of the vehicle's computer system.
The problem is related to Tesla's latest version of the HW4 (sometimes referred to as AI4) autopilot computer system, which insiders call AI4.1. These systems have experienced short-circuit problems, and the specific cause is still under investigation. However, there are reports suggesting that a low-voltage battery may have caused a short circuit during the camera calibration process.
Tesla owners have reported that the computer system malfunctions after the new vehicle has been driven for only tens to hundreds of miles, resulting in the failure of multiple functions that rely on it, including active safety features, cameras, and even GPS navigation and range estimation.
Insiders reveal that this problem has a wide-ranging impact, involving vehicles produced in the past few months that are equipped with the new computer system. Currently, Tesla has not issued a service announcement regarding this issue, and there are reports that Tesla's service department has been instructed to downplay the safety concerns related to this problem to avoid consumers thinking that their new cars are undrivable.
This problem emerged at the end of the year when Tesla is attempting to deliver a record number of vehicles to avoid a decline in annual deliveries - this would be the first time in a decade. It is not yet clear whether Tesla has reported this problem to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as the malfunctioning rearview camera violates federal safety regulations and should trigger a recall. Tesla is seeking a solution, and the service department is currently overwhelmed by this problem, with service appointments postponed until next year.
Tesla HW4 Module (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
As a pioneer in autonomous driving technology, Tesla's technological progress and safety have always been the focus of the industry and consumers. This malfunction in the autopilot computer system not only affects the experience of new car owners but also potentially damages Tesla's brand image and market trust.
Firstly, this problem highlights the technical challenges that may be encountered in the rapid development of autonomous driving technology. Despite Tesla's significant investment in the autonomous driving field, the complexity of the technology and the integration of the system also mean higher risks. Tesla needs to find a balance between technological innovation and system stability, ensuring that consumer safety is always the top priority.
Secondly, Tesla's attitude in handling this problem is also worthy of attention. The approach of downplaying safety issues may cause dissatisfaction and distrust among consumers. In the automotive industry, especially when it comes to autonomous driving technology, transparency and integrity are the keys to building consumer trust. Tesla should communicate more actively with consumers, release service announcements in a timely manner, and clearly state the cause of the problem and the solution.
Finally, this incident also reminds regulatory agencies that the supervision of autonomous driving technology needs to be strengthened. With the development of technology, relevant safety standards and regulations also need to be continuously updated to ensure the safety and reliability of the technology. The potential recall pressure that Tesla may face from the NHTSA is a manifestation of the role of regulatory agencies in protecting consumer rights.
ZEEKR 7X Electric SUV Lands in the European Market with a Starting Price of Less Than €53,000
Key Points:
ZEEKR, after launching the 7X SUV in the Chinese market for three months, has now opened for sales in some European markets, making it the third model in the region. The starting price of the 7X SUV will be less than €53,000, and early European customers can enjoy a free upgrade package.
After achieving a production breakthrough in the Chinese market, ZEEKR continues to expand rapidly. The launch of its new model, the 7X SUV, is undoubtedly the best proof of ZEEKR's pace, as it has now landed in the European market for sales. ZEEKR claims that the dual-motor version of the 7X can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (0 to 62 miles per hour) in just four seconds. But soon we learned that the 7X is even faster than initially stated (0 - 62 miles per hour acceleration in just 3.8 seconds) and is planned to be delivered to Chinese customers by the end of September. When officially launched in China, ZEEKR stated that the 7X will enter the global market, such as Europe, within the next year. Today, ZEEKR has opened reservations for the 7X in three overseas markets and expects to deliver in Europe next year.
The 7X SUV is now on sale in three markets in Europe: the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. This new 7X joins the ZEEKR X SUV and the 001 shooting brake model in the European product line, offering a five-seat BEV with off-road capabilities and two power configurations, all based on the cutting-edge 800V platform. This SUV is designed and developed by ZEEKR's design and technology center in Gothenburg and is supported by its European marketing, sales, and service headquarters in Amsterdam. Like its 001 and X series siblings, it is based on the SEA modular vehicle architecture but offers a full-size SUV interior space.
ZEEKR 7X SUV (Source: Electrek)
Opinions:
The listing of the ZEEKR 7X SUV in Europe is not only an important step in ZEEKR's global brand strategy but also another breakthrough for Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers in the global market. This marks that Chinese electric vehicle brands are gradually changing the global electric vehicle market pattern with their unique competitiveness.
Firstly, the listing of the ZEEKR 7X showcases the strength of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers in technological innovation. The new LFP battery technology equipped in the 7X SUV can charge from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes, and this fast charging capability is competitive globally. At the same time, the acceleration performance of the 7X also reaches the supercar-level 0 - 100 kilometers per hour in 3.8 seconds. These technical highlights will undoubtedly attract the attention of European consumers.
Secondly, the pricing strategy of the ZEEKR 7X also reflects its market competitiveness. With a starting price of less than €53,000, it has a high cost performance for an electric SUV with high performance and advanced technology. This pricing strategy helps the ZEEKR 7X compete with other brands in the European market, especially with models of brands such as Tesla. Moreover, the listing of the ZEEKR 7X is also a test of the internationalization strategy of Chinese electric vehicle brands. With the global growth in demand for electric vehicles, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are seeking to expand their influence in the global market. The listing of the ZEEKR 7X in Europe is not only a display of the brand's own technical strength but also a showcase of the overall strength of the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturing industry.
Eight Major Automakers' Joint Venture IONNA Partners with Sheetz to Build 50 EV Charging Stations by 2026
Key Points:
IONNA, the charging network jointly founded by the world's eight top automakers - BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis, and Toyota, has announced a strategic partnership with Sheetz, a major restaurant and convenience store chain in the Mid - Atlantic region of the United States.
IONNA and Sheetz will adopt a "do more, talk less" approach to open up the nation's roads for electric vehicle (EV) drivers and provide them with charging services where customers want them. IONNA will open EV charging stations at three Sheetz locations in Springfield and Willoughby, Ohio, and Scranton, Pennsylvania in late December 2024. The IONNA / Sheetz charging stations will include multiple high - power charging areas and be covered by an iconic red canopy for weather protection. Like traditional gas stations, charging station users will have full access to Sheetz's amenities, including restrooms, food and beverage, Wi - Fi, and more.
Sheetz continues to expand its footprint with the goal of having 1,000 stores by 2028. IONNA will grow with them, and the two companies have committed to building 50 IONNA / Sheetz charging stations by the end of 2026.
The joint site selection is just the beginning, and an incentive and loyalty program will be launched for IONNA and Sheetz customers in 2025.
IONNA's CEO Seth Cutler said, "At IONNA, every decision we make is customer - driven. This customer - centric service philosophy is the DNA of our business and is the quality we see in Sheetz, making them our first partner."
Trevor Walter, Executive Vice President of Petroleum Supply Management at Sheetz, said, "Our mission is to make today's Sheetz obsolete. We achieve this by continuously evolving our business and introducing forward - thinking solutions. As the electric vehicle market expands, enhancing our charging infrastructure is a manifestation of this commitment. Our partnership with IONNA enables us to quickly provide customers with more advanced charging options, demonstrating the power of innovation in providing a seamless, future - oriented service."
Sheetz Charging Station (Source: ElectricCarsReport)
Opinions:
The partnership between IONNA and Sheetz marks an important step in the transformation of traditional gas stations into electric vehicle charging stations. This collaboration not only reflects the general trend of energy transition but also shows how enterprises can adapt to market changes and consumer needs through innovative cooperation.
Firstly, this cooperation model provides convenience for electric vehicle drivers by combining charging stations with the existing convenience store network, allowing drivers to enjoy food and beverage, rest, and other services while charging, improving the charging experience. This one - stop service model is expected to become the development trend of future charging stations. Secondly, by adding charging facilities to existing gas stations, the existing land and building resources can be effectively utilized, reducing the cost and time of building new charging stations.
This model helps to rapidly expand the charging network to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle charging. Furthermore, this cooperation also reflects the active exploration of new energy fields by automakers and traditional energy enterprises. With the continuous expansion of the electric vehicle market, traditional automakers and energy enterprises need to find new business growth points. By investing in charging infrastructure, they can better participate in the electric vehicle ecosystem and prepare for future market competition. Moreover, this cooperation is of positive significance for promoting the popularization of electric vehicles. With the expansion of the charging network and the improvement of the charging experience, more consumers may consider purchasing electric vehicles, thereby accelerating the substitution of electric vehicles for traditional fuel vehicles.
"Big Events"
Mercedes - Benz New CLA EV: 1,270 Kilometers on a Single Charge, Charging in Just 20 Minutes
Mercedes - Benz is about to unveil its expected most important electric vehicle - the 2026 CLA EV, which will "set new standards" in range, efficiency, and charging speed. According to engineers, this new electric vehicle can travel nearly 800 miles (about 1,270 kilometers) after two 10 - minute charging stops. Here are the expected features of this "one - liter" electric vehicle.
The CLA EV will open a "new chapter" for Mercedes - Benz's entry - level models, said CEO Ola Källenius. Källenius said that the electric CLA "aims to set new standards for range, efficiency, and charging speed in its segment." Based on its new MMA platform, this entry - level electric vehicle will be distinct from existing electric models such as the EQE and EQS.
The MMA platform is equipped with a powerful 800V high - voltage system. Mercedes - Benz claimed in 2023 that this system can achieve a range of up to 400 kilometers (248 miles WLTP) in just 15 minutes. According to the Mercedes - Benz engineers responsible for the new model, the new CLA EV can travel 789 miles (1,270 kilometers) with just two 10 - minute charging stops. Timo Stegmaier, the senior manager of the CLA electric drive system, told Auto Express that during the test, this electric vehicle traveled 2,309 miles in 24 hours, with 40 charging stops of 10 minutes each.
Mercedes - Benz CLA EV (Source: Electrek)
Mercedes - Benz promises that the new CLA EV will raise industry standards. The top model is expected to have a range of up to 466 miles (WLTP) when fully charged. Although the charging specifications have not been confirmed, engineers "often saw 320 kilowatts" of charging power during the record run of more than 2,300 miles. Stegmaier did not disclose other details but added that "obviously, the 320 - kilowatt peak will not last." At this point, the CLA EV may be comparable to Porsche's new Taycan, but at a much lower price point.
Before its official debut in early 2025, Mercedes - Benz has previewed the electric CLA multiple times, revealing key specifications and new design elements. Last month, Källenius revealed one of its most unique features, the integrated three - pointed star headlight design. This new electric vehicle not only looks beautiful but will also be equipped with Mercedes - Benz's most advanced software and connectivity technology.
The CLA EV will be the first to be equipped with the new MB.OS, which Mercedes - Benz calls the "brain" of its next - generation vehicles. All MMA - based models will also include a supercomputer with AI and machine learning. According to Mercedes - Benz, MB.OS is "ready" to be upgraded to the SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system, but it will initially be equipped with Level 2 functions.
Mercedes - Benz plans to officially launch the new CLA EV in spring 2025 and expects to start deliveries later in the same year. The price will be announced closer to the launch, but it is expected to start at around $50,000, potentially competing with the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 Electric SUV's New Design Exposed, with Obvious XRT Version Features
Hyundai's first three - row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, is expected to have an XRT version upgrade. Recently, the IONIQ 9 was found to be equipped with new XRT style design elements for the first time. The IONIQ 9 is scheduled to go on the market early next year, and we have seen what seems to be a new off - road XRT version. At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai finally unveiled the mystery of this three - row electric SUV. Hyundai said that the IONIQ 9 will "redefine electric vehicle mobility" with its spacious lounge - like interior and stylish new Aeroshetic design.
The IONIQ 9 measures 199.2 inches in length, 78 inches in width, and 70.5 inches in height, slightly smaller than the Rivian R1S