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Tesla Full Self-Driving Beta smear campaign

I just came back from driving about 200 miles (350 km) using Tesla’s (Supervised) Full Self-Driving, and the system is getting better, but it’s also getting more dangerous as it gets better.

The risk of complacency is scary.

Last weekend, I went on a road trip that covered about 200 miles from Shawinigan to Quebec City and back, and I used Tesla’s (Supervised) Full Self-Driving (FSD), v12.5.4.1 to be precise, on almost the entire trip.

Here’s the good and the bad, and the fact that the former is melting into the latter.

The Good

The system is increasingly starting to feel more natural. The way it handles merging, lane changes, and intersections feels less robotic and more like a human driver.

The new camera-based driver monitoring system is a massive upgrade from the steering wheel torque sensor that Tesla has used for years. I only had one issue with it where it kept giving me alerts to pay attention to the road even though I was doing just that, and it eventually shut FSD down for the drive because of it.

But this happened only once in the few weeks since I’ve used the latest update.

For the first time, I can get good chunks of city driving without any intervention or disengagement. It’s still far from perfect, but there’s a notable improvement.

It stopped to let pedestrians cross the street, it handled roundabouts fairly well, and it drives at more natural speeds on country roads (most of the time).

The system is getting good to the point that it can induce some dangerous complacency. More on that later.

As I have been saying for years, if Tesla was developing this technology in a vacuum and not selling it to the public as “about to become unsupervised self-driving”, most people would be impressed by it.

The Bad

Over those ~200 miles, I had five disengagements, including a few that were getting truly dangerous. It was seemingly about to run a red light once and a stop another time.

I say seemingly because it is getting hard to tell sometimes due to FSD often approaching intersections with stops and red traffic lights more aggressively.

It used to drive closer to how I’ve been driving my EVs forever, which consists of slowly decelerating using regenerative braking when approaching a stop. But this latest FSD update often maintains a higher speed, getting into those intersections and brakes more aggressively, often using mechanical brakes.

This is a strange behavior that I don’t like, but I started at least getting the feeling of it, which makes me somewhat confident that FSD would blow that red light and stop sign on those two occasions.

Another disengagement appeared to be due to sun glare in the front cameras. I am getting more of that this time of year as I drive more often during the sunsets, which happen earlier in the day.

It appears to be a real problem with Tesla’s current FSD configuration.

On top of the disengagement, I had an incalculable number of interventions. Interventions are when the driver has to input a command, but it’s not enough to disengage FSD. That’s mainly due to the fact that I keep having to activate my turn signal to tell the system to go back into the right lane after passing.

FSD only goes back into the right lane after passing if there’s a car coming close behind you in the left lane.

I’ve shared this finding on X, and I was disappointed by the response I got. I suspected that this could be due to American drivers being an important part of the training data, and no offense as this is an issue everywhere, but American drivers tend not to respect the guidelines (and law in some places) of the left lane being only for passing on average.

I feel like this could be an easy fix or at the very least, an option to add to the system for those who want to be good drivers even when FSD is active.

I also had an intervention where I had to press the accelerator pedal to tell FSD to turn left on a flashing green light, which it was hesitating to do as I was holding up traffic behind me.

Electrek’s Take

The scariest part for me is that FSD is getting good. If I take someone with no experience with FSD and take them on a short 10-15 mile drive, there’s a good chance I get no intervention, and they come out really impressed.

It is the same with a regular Tesla driver who consistently gets good FSD experiences.

This can build complacency with the drivers and result in paying less attention.

Fortunately, the new driver monitoring system can greatly help with that since it tracks driver attention, unlike Tesla’s previous system. However, it only takes a second of not paying attention to get into an accident, and the system allows you that second of inattention.

Furthermore, the system is getting so good at handling intersections that even if you are paying attention, you might end up blowing through a red light or stop sign, as I have mentioned above. You might feel confident that FSD is going to stop, but with its more aggressive approach to the intersection, you let it go even though it doesn’t start braking as soon as you would like it to, and then before you know it, it doesn’t brake at all.

There’s a four-way stop near my place on the south shore of Montreal that I’ve driven through many times with FSD without issue and yet, FSD v12.5.4 was seemingly about to blow right past it the other day.

Again, it’s possible that it was just braking late, but it was way too late for me to feel comfortable.

Also, while it is getting better, and better at a more noticeable pace lately, the crowdsource data, which is the only data available as Tesla refuses to release any, points to FSD being still years away from being capable of unsupervised self-driving:

Tesla would need about a 1,000x improvement in miles between disengagement.

I’ve lost a lot of faith in Tesla getting there due to things like the company’s recent claim that it completed its September goals for FSD, which included a “3x improvement in miles between critical disengagement” without any evidence that this happened.

In fact, the crowdsource data shows a regression on that front between v12.3 and v12.5.

I fear that Elon Musk’s attitude and repeated claim that FSD is incredible, combined with the fact that it actually getting better and his minions are raving about it, could lead to dangerous complacency.

Let’s be honest. Accidents with FSD are inevitable, but I think Tesla could do more to reduce the risk – mainly by being more realistic about what it is accomplishing here.

It is developing a really impressive vision-based ADAS system, but it is nowhere near on the verge of becoming unsupervised self-driving.

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Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 coolers + bundles $200 off, G-Force’s new DE-S cargo e-bike $1,399, EcoFlow DELTA 2 bundle flash sale, more

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May 5, 2025

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Anker SOLIX EverFrost 2 coolers + bundles 0 off, G-Force's new DE-S cargo e-bike ,399, EcoFlow DELTA 2 bundle flash sale, more

We’re starting off this week’s Green Deals with a spotlight on Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler discounts that are running as part of the brand’s ongoing Mother’s Day Sale, which start from $700. Next, we have G-Force’s extended e-bike savings, including its newest DE-S Premium All-Terrain Fat Tire Wide Cargo e-bike that is down at $1,399. Lastly, there’s EcoFlow’s latest flash sale that is offering a DELTA 2 bundle with an expansion battery and bag for $849, as well as an additional solar panel bundle offer. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals from last week are in the links at the bottom of the page, rounded together in our Electrified Weekly coverage, including the free extra battery preorder deal on Rad Power’s new RadRunner Max Cargo Utility e-bike and Lectric’s teasing of its upcoming XP 4 e-bike that will be revealed tomorrow, May 6, 2025.

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.

Save $200 on Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 40L and 58L electric coolers and bundles starting from $700

Looking back in on Anker’s SOLIX Mother’s Day Sale which is continuing through May 11, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the deals for brand’s latest release, the EverFrost 2 Portable Electric Coolers. You’ll find the 40L model discounted to $699.99 shipped here (matching at Amazon), while its 58L counterpart is down at $899.99 shipped (also matching at Amazon), as well as alternate bundles that give you a secondary removable battery below. These two models would normally run you $900 and $1,100 at full price, with these prices only having been beaten out by the February pre-sale launch discounts to $600 and $800 from Anker, while the 58L model saw a drop to $809 from Wellbots. We’ve been seeing these same discounts repeat in recent sales, bringing you another chance at $200 off the going rates for the best post-launch prices we have tracked. Head below for more information on these coolers and their bundle options, or you can get our hands-on take from our review here.

Currently only sporting the two mentioned model sizes (though there is a smaller 23L cooler slated to hit the market later in the year), Anker’s SOLIX EverFrost 2 Electric Coolers see to it that ice runs will no longer be needed during gatherings and other events. There’s currently the 40L model that provides a single compartment with dual functionality and the 58L model that has two compartments – each with dual functionality – that can cover simultaneous cooling and freezing. The big change from its predecessors is the trading of a direct cooling system for the new air-cooled system, providing compartment cooldowns at much faster speeds.

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Both the 40L and 58L models have been given dual battery ports (with the second battery either being sold separately or within bundles that you can find below), which provide up to 104 hours of continuous runtime when set to Eco Mode, according to Anker. Each of these batteries come with a 288Wh capacity and can also be repurposed as power banks when not running the coolers, giving you a little added versatility to keep personal devices juiced up with either the 60W USB-C or 12W USB-A ports. There are four ways to recharge the batteries – with a max 100W solar input, plugging the cooler into a wall outlet or 12V car port, or you can use a USB-C connection directly to the batteries. Both models sport IPX3 water-resistance ratings, as well as large 6-inch wheels for semi-rough terrain and a fold-down tray that is also used as a handle. You can get a full rundown on what to expect in our hands-on review here.

Anker’s SOLIX Mother’s Day EverFrost 2 deals:

If you’re looking to electrify your life with a backup power solution, be sure to browse the power station discounts while the Anker SOLIX Mother’s Day Sale continues through May 11, complete with free gifts that accompany select purchases. We also spotlighted the brand’s deals on its other latest release, the F3800 Plus Portable Power Station that start from $3,199.

G-Force DE-S e-bike

Get serious cargo-hauling power on G-Force’s DE-S premium all-terrain e-bike with 160-mile range for $1,399

Despite G-Force’s Spring Sale e-bike offers slated to end with April, it appears that the brand has extended the savings, giving folks a little more time to score them at these lower prices before rates are raised down the road due to tariffs. Among the continuing deals, the brand’s latest release, the DE-S Premium All-Terrain Fat Tire Wide Cargo e-bike is still being offered at $1,399 shipped. This new model normally carries a $1,799 price tag, with things uncertain as to how high it may rise in the future, with the brand’s previous Spring Sale bringing costs down to this same rate last month. It’s a solid $400 off the going rate while things last, with this being the lowest price we have tracked since the brand came onto our radar.

A serious model with equally serious cargo-hauling capabilities, G-Force’s DE-S e-bike comes with a 750W brushless geared hub motor alongside a waterproof and flame-retardant 45Ah removable battery in order to provide you with 28 MPH top speeds and up to 160 miles of pedal-assisted travel on a single charge. While this bike comes with a cadence sensor, the brand has also equipped it with an additional PAS sensor that allows the rider to control the e-bike’s output power, “eliminating the need for a torque sensor to achieve a smooth riding experience,” according to the brand.

It’s got a solid array of features that make the riding experience all the better, like the smoothed-out cruising thanks to the adjustable front fork suspension paired with the rear suspension system, further bolstered by the fat tires. Alongside these, there’s also hydraulic mineral oil brakes, a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, a 48V LED “ultra bright” headlight, an integrated taillight, an extended rear cargo rack that supports multiple load modes (cargo, passenger, child seat installation, more), hidden cable routing, removable pedals, a telescopic comfort saddle, and a backlit LCD display.

G-Force’s other e-bike deals:

EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station

EcoFlow offers flash sale on 2,048Wh LiFePO4 DELTA 2 bundle with an expansion battery and bag at $849 (Today only)

As part of its ongoing Spring-to-Summer sale, EcoFlow has launched another 24-hour flash sale with two offers – one to provide backup power support while the other provides solar support to your power stations. The first of these offers gives you a DELTA 2 Portable Power Station bundled alongside a Smart Extra Battery (expansion battery) and a bag for $849 shipped. The combination of the station and battery would normally cost you $1,798 at full price, which we’ve been seeing in the brand’s direct 2025 sales usually falling to $949. This means that you’re getting the additional travel bag with a further $100 markdown, one of the best prices we have tracked that is also currently matching on Amazon, though, without the bag.

This is quite a solid combination for short-term off-grid power needs, as well as at-home emergency backup. With the inclusion of the extra battery, EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 power station goes from a 1,024Wh to 2,048WH LiFePO4 capacity, which you can further expand to 3,072Wh with another battery connected. It delivers up to 1,800W of steady output through its 15 port options, which surges to 2,200W for larger needs. There’s the usual array of smart controls available through its companion app, as well as the unit coming with an IP68 waterproof construction, knowing that it’ll likely accompany you out into the wilds of the world.

The station’s battery can be recharged in a short time thanks to the fast-charging tech that the brand has given it, letting you refill 80% of its battery in just 50 minutes via a wall outlet, with things taking a little longer at 80 minutes to get it back to full. Of course, there’s also the solar charging capabilities if you have or plan to buy the appropriate panels, with a max 500W input that can recharge the battery in three to six hours, depending on weather conditions.

EcoFlow is also providing the opportunity to grab two of its 110W Solar Panels at $329 shipped while these flash savings last. Outside of this discount, the panels are currently going for $209 each (and regularly run $399), making this is a great chance to score both at about $165 each, giving you the means to recharge the above station’s – or any other model – battery with the sun’s rays.

Be sure to check out the full lineup of deals we’re seeing from EcoFlow’s Spring-to-Summer Sale while they last – which is only a few days longer. You’ll also find some additional coverage of the deals on the brand’s new WAVE 3 AC/Heater and GLACIER electric coolers that are starting from $807.

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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Rivian CEO posts image of the new Maximus drive unit that will power the upcoming R2 EVs

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2 hours ago

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May 5, 2025

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Rivian CEO posts image of the new Maximus drive unit that will power the upcoming R2 EVs

Rivian R2

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe just posted a fresh image of a Maximus drive unit—a vital component teased for some time now that will be a key piece in Rivian’s goal to reduce the cost per drive unit in its R2 EV builds.

Rivian continues to show strength during uncertain times in the automotive industry, particularly regarding legacy automakers’ electrification strategies. While threats to EV adoption linger, demand for Rivian’s American-made BEVs has stayed high despite a slight dip in deliveries last quarter.

The company is still riding the success of its first two flagship models—the R1S and R1T, which are now in the second generation. Better still, fans of the brand and EV enthusiasts alike are highly anticipating the arrival of Rivian’s encore to the R1 models, the R2, which will then be followed by a smaller R3 and a rally-like R3X.

As a young automaker, Rivian has overcome hurdles to establish itself in the EV industry, finally achieving scaled production at its Normal, Illinois, facility. Part of that strategy includes consistent innovation and improvement to improve vehicle function and performance for its customers and optimize manufacturing to reduce overall cost.

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An excellent example of that evolution is Rivian’s Enduro drive unit, which was implemented on dual-motor versions of the R1T and R1S. Since then, Rivian has been teasing a new drive unit called Maximus, which we thought may also make its way into R1 builds, but have since learned will debut in the upcoming R2 EVs.

Today, Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe offered a close-up look at Maximus being developed within the R2 design. Check it out:

Rivian R2
The Maximus drive unit / Source: @RJScaringe / Instagram

RJ teases the Maximus drive unit in the Rivian R2

According to RJ Scaringe, the image above is Rivian’s new Maximus drive unit configuration implemented in the R2. There’s not much else of the upcoming BEV to see here, but an exciting little tidbit nonetheless.

While most consumers have been attracted to the Rivian R2’s size and look, Maximus will play a key role in Normal as the American automaker works to reduce the per-unit cost of its drive units—a primary goal it has previously shared with the public.

One key improvement we already know about is Maximus’ stator windings—one of the key components of any electric motor. Previously, Rivian shared that Maximus uses a new continuous winding technique that reduces the total welds per stator and thus the total overall cost of building each one. For comparison, Rivian’s current Enduro drive unit requires 264 stator welds, while Maximus only needs 24.

Rivian has also integrated the front rotor shaft and gear into a single forged, CNC-milled component and reduced the number of required bearings. The result is a simpler, more compact drive unit that is cheaper to build and weighs less, which is excellent news for EV range and efficiency.

With Maximus development underway, Rivian appears to remain on track to officially launch the R2 next year as promised. Be sure to check back with Electrek often for the latest Rivian news about the R2 and beyond.

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Rivian (RIVN) gets $16 million for a new supplier park: A ‘key enabler’ to ramp EV production

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3 hours ago

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May 5, 2025

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Rivian (RIVN) gets million for a new supplier park: A 'key enabler' to ramp EV production

Rivian-$16,000-EV-supplier-park

Rivian (RIVN) is charging ahead with another major project. The EV maker is building a new 1.2 million-square-foot supplier park near its Normal, Illinois, manufacturing plant as part of a nearly $120 million investment. With a $16 million incentive package from the state, Rivian expects it to be “a key enabler” as it ramps up EV production.

Rivian to get $16 million for a new supplier park

Rivian and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced the new supplier park on Monday. The nearly $120 million investment will create about 100 direct jobs “while bolstering the supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem” in the state.

“In Illinois, we aren’t just making electric vehicles: we are creating an entire ecosystem,” Pritzker said in a statement.

A subset of Rivian’s suppliers will complete light assembly and manufacturing at the new 1.2 million-square-foot site. Then, to accelerate output, the parts will be moved to Rivian’s main plant through an underground tunnel connecting the two.

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Construction is slated to be completed in 2026. Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, said the new supplier park will be “a key enabler to increasing production” when the company launches its midsize R2.

The state of Illinois is offering Rivian a $16 incentive package to offset some of the upfront costs, including a $5 million Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV Illinois) tax incentive over 20 years.

Rivian-$16-million-EV-supplier-park
Production at Rivian’s Normal, IL plant (Source: Rivian)

Rivian said the new supplier park will also help boost production of its current EVs, the R1S, R1T, and Commercial Van, all built in Illinois.

In addition to the new supplier park, Rivian is upgrading its manufacturing plant with a 1.1 million-square-foot expansion to prepare for R2. Once the upgrades are complete, Rivian expects an annual production capacity of around 215,000 vehicles, up from 150,000.

Rivian-$16-million-supplier-park
Rivian EV production plans (Source: Rivian)

Rivian said R2 is still on track to launch in 2026. It will start at around $45,000, or nearly half its current R1S and R1T.

Rivian plans to open its new plant in Georgia in 2028. Once up and running, it’s expected to increase annual vehicle production capacity to around 400,000 units.

As it upgrades the facility, Rivian expects fewer vehicle deliveries. After delivering 8,640 vehicles in the first quarter, the company reaffirmed plans to deliver between 46,000 and 51,000 in 2025.

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