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priority current shimano

The Priority Current quickly became one of my favorite commuter electric bikes soon after its release, thanks in large part to its high-quality design and higher-end components all offered for a reasonable price. Now that I’ve tested the second version of the bike with a 5-speed drivetrain and other new add-ons, I’m even more sold on this comfortable commuter electric bike.

The Priority Current straddles the line between the fancier bike shop models like those from Specialized, Trek, and other high-end brands, and the more entry-level offerings from direct-to-consumer companies.

The NYC-based bicycle brand Priority got its start in pedal bikes, so it knows a thing or two about high-end bike shop models. But it’s still a direct-to-consumer brand that focuses on offering attractive prices for average riders.

That’s where the Priority Current lives, as a happy middle-ground e-bike that gives many riders a nicer setup than they’re used to, yet keeps it approachable for us normies that ride in jeans instead of a spandex cycling jersey.

Check the bike out in my video review below to see it in action. Then keep reading for more on this awesome model.

Priority Current 5-speed video review

Priority Current tech specs

  • Motor: 500W mid-drive motor with torque sensor
  • Torque: 140 Nm
  • Top speed: 28 mph (45 km/h) or 20 mph (32 km/h) user-selectable
  • Range: 20-50 miles (32-80 km)
  • Battery: 500 Wh frame-integrated and removable battery
  • Weight: 24 kg (53 lb)
  • Frame: 6061 aluminum mid-step
  • Brakes: Tektro dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes
  • Extras: Shimano Nexus 5 internally geared read hub & shifter, Gates Carbon Drive belt-drive system, composite fenders, braze-ons for mounting front and rear racks/accessories, bright center-mount display, automatic front and rear LED lights, USB charging for phone/accessories, adjustable stem, gel comfort saddle, touch-up paint included
priority current shimano

What sets it apart?

Originally, my first experience with the Priority Current was on the Enviolo version. Now, I’ve been able to test this 5-speed Shimano Nexus version, with the main difference being the transmission type.

Unlike the Enviolo’s CVT setup with stepless shifting across a range of gear ratios, the Shimano internally geared hub gives five gear ratios. It’s a bit like that old beach cruiser you had with the three-speed rear hub, except now you’ve got five speeds. Oh, and a belt drive.

That’s right, the bike features a Gates carbon drive system with a reinforced belt that lasts longer than a chain, is cleaner, and operates silently. I’m a huge fan of belt-drive e-bikes because they are just nicer to use.

priority current shimano

The only downside is that they are often single-speeds due to the inability to run a derailleur with a belt. If you want multiple gears, that means you need some type of alternative transmission. Usually, that’s going to be an internally geared hub, which is what the Shimano Nexus 5 offers. The transmission gives you five gears so that you can still downshift to climb a steep hill or upshift when you want to push the bike hard up to 28 mph (45 km/h), or even faster if you don’t mind the electric power tapering off above 28 mph.

The Shimano 5-speed transmission feels like a nice balance to me. While I appreciate the engineering that goes into the Enivolo CVT, the massive 380% range seemed more geared to the lower end, meaning if you live in a flat city like me then you don’t use a lot of the potential gear range. With the Shimano, the five gears all feel more usable, though to be honest I still find myself spending most of my time in higher gear.

Both have the handy benefit of being able to shift when you’re at a stop, unlike chain drives.

The design of the bike is a real winner for me. It’s a commuter, there’s no doubt about that. But it’s not as tucked and hunched as on some models. I’m a more relaxed rider, even in the city, and so I don’t like to be hunched over too far. Some bikes make me feel like I can steer with my teeth, and that’s not a desirable seating position for me.

Here with the Priority Current, the urban-oriented geometry still feels comfortable enough, though I do find myself letting go of the bars and leaning back to stretch sometimes on wide open paths. With an adjustable stem, riders can actually dial in that comfort level to match their desires. The bars can be raised up more for someone who wants a taller ride, or lowered back down for someone who wants a streamlined city tuck.

Extra touches like that adjustable stem speak to similar design choices around the bike. It doesn’t feel like any corners were cut here. The bike uses solid hardware, has a beautifully welded frame, includes powerful dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes, features a thru-axle wheel for rugged mounting, a bright headlight and visible tail light, and even mounts that tail light directly into the rear fender so you have fewer wires and obstructions junking up the aesthetics.

Then there’s that mid-drive motor, which is the real differentiator compared to cheaper budget bikes. The motor includes a torque sensor, which means it has some excellent, responsive pedal assist. There’s a bit more motor noise than some models – it’s not a fancy German-made Brose motor or anything like that – but it still works wonderfully and gives good power with intuitive-feeling pedal assist. For a bike without a throttle, good pedal assist is a must.

Plus there’s the fact that the Priority Current comes in three frame sizes (S, M, L). It’s another example of how the bike goes beyond the typical one-size-fits-most models from budget-priced e-bike brands. As folks who actually bike everywhere, the Priority team knows that being able to size a bike as closely as possible to your personal needs is going to give you a better cycling experience.

priority current shimano

Extra features and accessories

The Priority Current is an excellent bike, but it’s the extra stuff that can sometimes help set many different models of e-bikes apart.

For example, I tested out the add-on battery option that doubles the capacity of the bike to give riders twice as much range. From my experience, the single battery is probably enough for many people. I was often getting 40-ish miles (65 km) of range per charge when I kept the pedal assist in a reasonable level 2 or 3 out of 5. But when I put it in level 5 and crank the speed up to the limit of 28 mph (45, km/h), my range could easily cut in half. So for anyone who wants to ride quickly, that additional battery is a nice add-on.

The other advantage is that it gives you a rear rack. For riders who want to add a basket, panniers, or other cargo carriers on the rear of the bike, the battery does double duty by giving you the rack space you’ll need.

Another accessory I tested out was the Pinhead wheel and seat lock set. I recently had my bike stolen (unfortunately, not for the first time), and so I’ve been feeling the pain of theft all over again. The Pinhead wheel and seat lock set aren’t going to keep your bike where you left it, but they will protect certain easy-to-steal components like the wheels and seat.

They come with their own little driver tool that removes theft of opportunity. Sure, if a thief comes prepared with a Pinhead tool then they can snag your nice saddle. But most opportunity theft occurs in the moment, from a thief who just saw something nice and made quick work of a quick-release lever or happened to have a 5mm Allen wrench on them. So the Pinhead system gives you a slick-looking fastener and means that 99.9% of people aren’t going to be able to make off with your gear.

For a more secure full-bike lock, I still recommend something like a FoldyLock Forever as one of multiple locks used on a bike.

Sum it up

Basically, the Priority Current still lives up to exactly what I want in a higher-end commuter or metro e-bike. At US $3,299, it’s priced short of the $4-5k bike shop e-bikes, yet still has the quality parts and manufacturing to stand with those high-dollar rides.

On the flip side, you can get it shipped directly to your door and save a few g’s at the same time.

That makes it feel like the right balance to me, offering the quality that more serious riders desire to ensure the bike will last for many years, yet with pricing and convenience more in line with the upper end of the direct-to-consumer market.

While it’s pricier than many more cost-effective commuter e-bikes, the nicer parts like the torque sensor-equipped mid-drive motor and 5-speed Gates belt drivetrain are bound to entice riders looking for a step up. They sure did for me.

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RadExpand 5 Plus and RadWagon 5 e-bikes $200 off, exclusive $3,297 savings on three Anker SOLIX BP3800 expansion batteries, much more

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May 23, 2025

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RadExpand 5 Plus and RadWagon 5 e-bikes 0 off, exclusive ,297 savings on three Anker SOLIX BP3800 expansion batteries, much more

With Memorial Day on the horizon, we’re giving you a more jam-pack Green Deals to close out this week, with a spotlight being returned on Rad Power’s Memorial Day Sale that is seeing the first discounts on its newest models, this time focusing on the RadExpand 5 Plus Folding e-bike at $1,699 and the RadWagon 5 Cargo e-bike at $2,199. We’ve also secured a massive $3,297 in savings on three Anker SOLIX BP3800 Expansion Batteries at a new $4,200 low, while spotting Velotric increasing savings on its Nomad 1 Plus and Summit 1 All-Terrain e-bikes, starting from $1,399. There’s also a $1,300 discount on Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Combo Electric Ventless Heat Pump Washer/Dryer that starts from $1,900 through Memorial Day, as well as a one-day-only sale on Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 58L Dual-Zone Electric Cooler that is returning it to its $800 pre-sale low for the first time. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s full Rad Power Memorial Day Sale coverage, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Run errands and more on Rad’s new RadExpand 5 Plus and RadWagon 5 e-bikes with first discounts from $1,699

Yesterday, Rad Power Bikes launched its Memorial Day Sale that is offering up to $500 discounts on several e-bikes, some of which are the brand’s newer models that are getting their first discounts through Memorial Day weekend only. Alongside the Radster Road and Trail e-bikes, we’re also seeing two other new models getting these flash savings, starting with the RadExpand 5 Plus Folding e-bike for $1,699 shipped. It’s keeping down off its $1,899 tag for only a few more days, with the only savings we’ve seen on this model so far being a free accessory tacked on during select sales. The $200 markdown is setting the stage for what we can expect down the road in future sales, giving you the best opportunity yet to hop aboard the latest of the brand’s space-saving utility models, alongside the new RadRunner Cargo Utility options that recently launched.

Rad Power’s RadExpand 5 Plus e-bike arrives as the latest generation of the brand’s space-saving folding models, condensing down to 29 inches high by 25 inches wide by 41 inches long and weighing in at 72.5 pounds in full and 62.5 pounds with the battery removed. It’s been equipped with a 750W rear hub motor and a 720Wh battery that pair together in order to deliver 20 MPH top speeds for up to 60+ miles with its 5 pedal assist levels activated (which also offer a zero-assist option and are supported by a torque sensor). As an updated model, it comes with plenty of notable features like the hydraulic suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-resistant tires with fenders, the rear cargo rack, an LED headlight, an integrated taillight with brake lighting, a color display with a USB-C port to charge devices, and plenty more.

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And for folks looking for something with even more cargo-hauling power, you can grab the RadWagon 5 Cargo e-bike for $2,199 shipped, down from $2,399 while the flash savings last through the upcoming holiday. It comes with a similar 750W motor and 720Wh battery pairing that gives it an increased 60+ miles of travel over its predecessor, with the top speed also increased up to 28 MPH. This model has also traded in the cadence sensor for a superior torque sensor that lends towards its hauling capabilities, which can also take inclines much better. It shares many of the same stock features as the above model, with certain obvious differences like the increased rear cargo rack payload, among others.

Rad Power’s Memorial Day new e-bike deals (through May 26):

And to check out the full lineup of deals that include the three legacy models seeing discounts, while also getting the rundown on what makes up the Radster e-bikes, be sure to check out our original coverage of Rad Power’s Memorial Day Sale here. You can also find tons of other e-bike sales through the holiday from Lectric, Ride1Up, Aventon, Velotric, Heybike, Segway, and many more in our Ride to Work EV hub.

Anker SOLIX BP3800 expansion batteries

Expand your Anker SOLIX F3800 setup with exclusive $3,297 in savings on three expansion batteries at $4,200 low

We’ve secured a special exclusive, and expansive bundle discount from Wellbots on three Anker SOLIX BP3800 Expansion Batteries for $4,200 shipped, after using the code 9TO5BP600 at checkout. This bundle starts from a $5,697 price tag here, which is where Anker currently has this same package discounted to from a higher $7,497 MSRP. All-in-all, with our code, you’re getting $1,497 off the going rate at Wellbots and $3,297 in total savings from the direct MSRP. This is the lowest price we have tracked for this sizeable bundle, ultimately giving you each battery at $1,400 each.

Compatible with either the Anker SOLIX F3800 or F3800 Plus power stations, each of these BP3800 LiFePO4 expansion batteries carries and adds 3,840Wh to your existing setup while also boasting some backup power support for charging devices with its multiple AC, USB-A, and USB-C ports, should you ever choose to rely just on it and not the power station itself. All together, your F3800 setup will gain an additional 11,520Wh capacity, putting you in the higher-end range of serious home backup power capabilities, as long as you have the appropriate transfer switch or Smart Home Panel 2 to connect it to your circuit breaker. They each come rated for 3,000 life cycles and for a 10-year lifespan, though that can easily be extended were you to utilize them more sparingly than every single day.

We also still have another exclusive low price active on the Bluetti AC200PL 2,304Wh LiFePO4 Power Station for $899, with there being no sign as to just when it will end.

Velotric Nomad 1 Plus all-terrain e-bike

Travel any terrain with up to $500 savings on Velotric’s Nomad 1 Plus and Summit 1 e-bikes starting from $1,399

Velotric has increased savings on two e-bikes during the remaining time of its Bike Month/Memorial Day Sale through May 26, with the biggest of these savings being on the Nomad 1 Plus All-Terrain e-bike that is now down at $1,399 shipped. This model normally goes for $1,899 at full price, with it having started this sale at $1,499 and the additional $100 markdown landing it back at the second-lowest price we have tracked. All-in-all, you’ll be saving $500 off the going rate, which only sits $100 above the low that we last saw during Black Friday. Head below for more on this and the other model seeing increased savings.

Upgraded from its original variant last year, Velotric’s Nomad 1 Plus e-bike is the go-anywhere option from the brand, outfitted for off-road ventures with features like puncture-resistant fat tires, a hydraulic suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and an IPX6 waterproof build. It sports a 750W motor (peaking at 1,200W) paired with a removable 691Wh battery, which work together to provide 55 miles of travel with its five PAS levels at up to 28 MPH top speeds. You can also cruise on pure electric power via the throttle at a limited mileage. Alongside the other features already listed, you’ll find a Shimano 8-speed derailleur, fenders over both tires, an integrated LED headlight, a taillight with a braking indicator, and a 3.5-inch backlit LCD display with USB port to charge your devices as you ride. There’s also the on-page 30% discounts for other add-on accessories too.

The second of these savings is hitting the Summit 1 Multi-Terrain e-bike, bringing it down from its $1,999 full price to $1,899 shipped. A more advanced all-terrain counterpart to the above model, it sports many similar features like the 750W motor, though it does have a larger 705.6Wh battery, giving you the same top speeds with an increased range up to 70 miles. It has more pedal assist options, with three modes and five levels, while also sporting a dual torque/cadence sensor that you can switch between depending on just where you are and what kind of terrain you’ll be riding through. The rougher rides are smoothed out by the 120mm hydraulic front suspension fork that also gets added support from the hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-resistant tires, and IPX6 protection. There’s many similar features as the Nomad 1 Plus, but this model definitely takes a step further with smart features like Apple Find My.

Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Combo ventless heat pump washer/dryer

Samsung Bespoke AI Combo electric ventless washer/dryer $1,300 off, now $1,900 for Memorial Day

As part of Samsung’s Memorial Day Sale, the brand is offering its Bespoke AI Laundry Combo Electric Ventless Heat Pump Washer/Dryer for $1,999 shipped alongside up to $298 in additional savings you can score too. This eco-friendly unit normally goes for $3,299 at full price, with most of the discounts we usually see taking things down around $2,199, though we have seen it go as low as $1,899 from Samsung and $1,700 at other retailers – the latter pricing having only popped up during last year’s Christmas sales. You can also save a bit more going with the open-box option at $1,520 on the same page, or we also spotted it going for $1,900 from Best Buy right now too, though keep in mind you won’t be getting any chances at additional savings and the price will increase there based on installation, haul-away, and other needs/services. Head below for more on this model, the extra savings opportunities, and other discounted laundry appliances.

So what are these extra savings you can score? Well, to start, you can get up to $100 in instant trade-in credit. There’s also two Samsung Care+ plan options you can go with – the first being a 3-year plan ($200 value) at $1 or you can get a 5-year plan ($699 value) at $30. For all these savings, decisions can be made on the washer/dryer’s main landing page here.

Coming to you ENERGY STAR-certified, Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Combo puts both your washing and drying needs into one convenient unit that not only saves space or allows you to double up for faster laundry turn-around, but also comes supported by AI for easier systems management and increased energy efficiency. One such way it does so is by identifying fabrics placed inside and automatically adjusting its settings for the ideal washing and drying cycles. That AI can also calculate and estimate electricity costs to “reduce energy usage by up to 19%,” with a bunch of other eco-conscious performance features, as well as the obvious ventless design that allows for it to be placed virtually anywhere without needing a dedicated exhaust vent.

What I really love about these types of washer/dryers is the large capacity detergent tank that holds up to 47 loads worth so you don’t have to constantly have to add anything in between loads. On top of this there’s also the Flex One compartment that allows that capacity to be divided for 25 loads of detergent and 34 loads of softener. There’s also the self-cleaning and self-drying tech to ensure everything going in comes out fresh, as well as an auto-open door, smart controls through the SmartThings app, hands-free voice controls, the EPA’s seal of approval, and more.

During this sale, you’ll also find Samsung’s newest appliance release, the vented Bespoke AI Laundry Combo variant down at $2,499 shipped from its full $3,099 price tag. You’ll be getting all the same AI support, performance specs, and extra savings options here, minus the ventless design of the above model.

You can check out more of Samsung’s Memorial Day Sale appliance offers on the landing page here.

Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 58L electric cooler

For today only, grab Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 58L dual-zone electric cooler back at its $800 low

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is returning the best pricing on the new Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 58L Dual-Zone Electric Cooler through the rest of the day for $799.99 shipped. It’s been carrying a $1,100 price tag since it was released in March, with this being the first time we’ve seen the pre-sale pricing return post-launch. It’s undercutting Anker’s Memorial Sale by $50, but will only last for 13 hours more before its gone. Taking advantage of the savings puts $300 back in your pocket and gives you the latest ice-free cooling tech from the brand at the best price we have tracked. You can learn more about this model below or by checking out our hands-on review here.

The largest of Anker’s two available sizes for this new generation of coolers, the SOLIX EverFrost 2 58L model sports the dual-zone compartments that allow you to refrigerate and freeze your perishables at the same time, whereas the smaller-sized model only provides the option to choose one over the other. Cooldown times have been decreased thanks to the air-cooled system replacing the previous generation’s direct cooling. The unit comes with one 288Wh removable battery, with a second port to add another one should you purchase it separately elsewhere. With two batteries connected, Anker claims that you can get up to 104 hours of continuous runtime when its set to its eco mode for battery conservation.

These batteries can also provide additional backup power support for your devices when not running the cooler, as they have a 60W USB-C or a 12W USB-A port for versatility. You’ll have four ways to recharge them (AC outlet, solar charging, car port charging, USB-C charging), and they’ll be protected when inside the cooler by its IPX3 water-resistant construction. There’s other nice little features too, like the 6-inch wheels for semi-rough terrain, a built-in bottle opener, a fold-down tray that also functions as a pull-along handle, and mounting points for the brand’s add-on accessories. Get a full rundown in our hands-on review.

If you would prefer going with the smaller EverFrost 2 unit or want to go ahead and grab this dual-zone model with two batteries or more, be sure to check out our coverage of Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 Memorial Day Sale deals here.

Best Spring EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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BYD’s new Seal 06 EV leaks with 375 miles range

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2 hours ago

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May 23, 2025

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BYD's new Seal 06 EV leaks with 375 miles range

BYD-Seal-06-EV
BYD Seal 06 EV (Source: China MIIT)

BYD’s new electric SUV is about the size of a Tesla Model Y, but it’s expected to cost much less. The Seal 06 leaked in China this week, giving us a closer look at the new BYD EV, which is set to arrive later this year.

Meet the new BYD Seal 06 EV

Another day, another BYD electric car is surfacing. We knew it was coming soon after China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) revealed a regulatory filing last month.

Now, we are getting a better idea of what to expect when it arrives, with new information surfacing. China’s MIIT released key specs and a few new images of the Seal 06 this week.

BYD will offer the Seal 06 in both battery electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain options. The electric version will be available in three trims. A base model will draw power from a 65.28 kWh battery and 170 kW electric motor, providing up to 520 km (323 miles) CLTC range.

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The extended-range 78.72 kWh battery is rated with a CLTC range of up to 605 km (376 miles). Meanwhile, a more powerful AWD variant includes an additional 110 kW front motor but has slightly less range at 550 km (342 miles).

BYD’s electric SUV is 4,810 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,675 mm tall, or about the same size as the Tesla Model Y.

The new Model Y starts at 263,500 yuan ($36,500) in China. That’s for the base RWD model with a CLTC range of 593 km (368 miles). Upgrading to the Long Range AWD variant with a range of 719 km (447 miles) costs 313,500 yuan ($43,500).

BYD-Seal-06-EV
BYD Seal 06 (Source: BYD)

According to CarNewsChina, BYD is expected to officially launch the Seal 06 in the third quarter of 2025. Prices will be revealed closer to launch, but the new SUV will likely start at around 160,000 yuan ($22,000).

BYD is coming off its best sales week of the year with nearly 68,000 vehicles registered in China from May 5 to May 11. Tesla, on the other hand, had just over 3,000.

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Tesla Full Self-Driving veers off road, flips car in scary crash driver couldn’t prevent

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4 hours ago

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May 23, 2025

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Tesla Full Self-Driving veers off road, flips car in scary crash driver couldn't prevent

Tesla Full Self-Driving crash upside down hero

A Tesla vehicle on the latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised update suddenly veered off road and flipped the car upside down – creating a scary crash that the driver said he couldn’t prevent.

We have seen many crashes involving Tesla’s Supervised FSD over the years, but the vast majority of them have a major contributing factor in common: the driver is not paying attention or is not ready to take control.

A common crash scenario with Tesla FSD is that the vehicle doesn’t see an obstacle on the road, like a vehicle, and crashes into it, even though the driver would have had time to react if they were paying enough attention.

Despite its name, Full Self-Driving (FSD) is still considered a level 2 driver assist system and is not fully self-driving. It requires drivers to stay attentive at all times and for them to be ready to take control – hence while Tesla has more recently added ‘Supervised’ to the name.

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According to Tesla, the driver is always responsible in a crash, even if FSD is activated.

The automaker has implemented driver monitoring systems to ensure drivers’ attention, but it is gradually relaxing those.

Just today, Tesla released a post on X in which it said drivers just have to “lean back and watch the road” when using FSD:

Sitting back and watching the road was exactly what Wally, a Tesla driver in Alabama, was doing when his car suddenly veered off the road in Toney, Alabama, earlier this year.

Wally leased a brand new 2025 Tesla Model 3 with FSD and understood that he needed to pay attention. When talking with Electrek yesterday, he said that he would regularly use the feature:

I used FSD every chance I could get I actually watched YouTube videos to tailor my FSD settings and experience. I was happy it could drive me to Waffle House and I could just sit back and relax while it would drive me on my morning commute to work.

Two months ago, he was driving to work on Tesla Full Self-Driving when his car suddenly swerved off the road. He shared the Tesla camera video of the crash:

Wally told Electrek that he didn’t have time to react even though he was paying attention:

I was driving to work had Full Self-Driving on. The oncoming car passed, and the wheel started turning rapidly, driving into the ditch, and side-swiping the tree, and the car flipped over. I did not have any time to react.

The car ended up flipping upside down from the crash:

Fortunately, Wally only suffered a relatively small chin injury from the accident, but it was a scary experience:

My chin split open, and I had to get 7 stitches. After the impact, I was hanging upside down watching blood drip down to the glass sun roof, not knowing where I was bleeding from. I unbuckled my seatbelt and sat on the fabric interior in the middle of the two front seats, and saw that my phone’s crash detection went off and told me the first responders were on their way. My whole body was in shock from the incident.

The Tesla driver said that one of the neighbors came out of their house to make sure he was okay and the local Firefighters arrived to get him out of the upside-down Model 3.

Wally said he was on Tesla FSD v13.2.8 on Hardware 4, Tesla’s latest FSD technology. He requested that Tesla send him the data from his car to better understand what happened.

Electrek’s Take

This is where Tesla FSD gets really scary. I get that Tesla admits that FSD can make mistakes at the worst possible moment and that the driver needs to pay attention at all times.

The idea is that if you pay attention, you can correct those mistakes, which is true most of the time, but not always.

In this case, the driver had less than a second to react, and even if he had reacted, it might have made things worse, like correcting, but not enough to get back on the road and hit the tree head-on instead.

In cases like this one, it’s hard to put the blame on the driver. He was doing exactly what Tesla says you should do: “lean back and watch the road.”

A very similar thing happened to me last year when my Model 3 on FSD veered to the left, trying to take an emergency exit on the highway for no reason. I was able to take control in time, but it created a dangerous situation as I almost overcorrected into a vehicle in the right lane.

In Wally’s case, it’s unclear what happened. It’s possible that FSD believed it was about to hit something because of the shadows on the ground. Here’s the view from the front-facing camera, a fraction of a second before FSD veered to the left:

But it’s just speculation at this time.

Either way, I think Tesla has a problem with complacency with FSD where its drivers are starting to pay less attention on FSD – leading to some crashes, but there are also these even scarier crashes that appear to be 100% caused by FSD with very little to no opportunity for the drivers to prevent them.

That’s even scarier.

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