Everyone’s missing the point of the Tesla Vision vs. LiDAR Wile E Coyote video
A video came out last week comparing two approaches to autonomous vehicles: cameras and LiDAR. The video was fun, as YouTube videos are wont to be, but the fallout from it has been anything but fun, with pretty much everyone missing the point of the video in the first place.
The video was posted by YouTuber Mark Rober, who typically does science & engineering related stunts. It was essentially a comparison test between Tesla’s camera-only autopilot/FSD system and LiDAR systems, with the LiDAR vehicle running Luminar’s system.
The experiment tested whether the cars could react to seeing a child in the road in six circumstances: standing, running into the road by surprise, fog, rain, bright lights, and standing behind a comical Wile E. Coyote style wall with a picture of a road painted on it.
Clearly, one of these things is not like the others. Five of the tests gave us potentially meaningful results about the world around us, and the sixth was just for fun.
The test results showed the LiDAR doing better overall, primarily due to its better performance in fog and rain. But each vehicle produced impressive results on some of the tests – like the child jumping out in front of the car and the bright lights tests, both of which seemed quite difficult (the latter especially for a vision system).
But even in the rain and fog tests, these were quite biblical levels of rain and fog. For more realistic light fog or lighter rain, the cameras likely would have fared better.
There are a few other downsides of vision-only, such as that it can have trouble looking into lights (though it did well in the bright light test), and Tesla has in the past had a hard time with crossing trucks or overpasses being hard to distinguish from billboards, both of which can be solved with the ranging functions of LiDAR or radar.
So all told, these results track with the technical limitations of cameras when compared to LiDAR. Since cameras are passive and LiDAR is active (sending out laser pulses to reflect off of objects), LiDAR is able to “see through” certain things that cameras can’t.
And this is a debate which EV fans have heard plenty about – it’s the fundamental difference between Tesla’s approach and the approach of just about everyone else. Tesla is going vision-only, but most other companies are using a hybrid approach with some mix of vision, LiDAR, radar, ultrasonics, etc.
Tesla actually did used to have sensors other than vision, as early Tesla cars had radar in addition to cameras. But CEO Elon Musk directed the company to remove radar (over the objection of engineers) because he figures if humans can drive with two eyes and no lasers, cameras should be able to do the same. (He isn’t alone, though – Andrej Karpathy, Tesla’s former head of AI and a well respected person in the field, agrees that vision-only is the right approach).
So the tests showed us that LiDAR has some capability that vision doesn’t, but we already knew that. What are the benefits of vision-only?
First, there are clear advantages on cost and complexity, because you need less sensing equipment. LiDAR has been expensive, though costs are dropping rapidly, so this may be less of a factor going forward.
Also, LiDAR sensors used to be huge spinning rigs attached to vehicles, but now they often take the form of a “taxi bump” that looks a bit like a taxi light on the top of the car, just above the windshield – but this still does restrict the design of a vehicle and a lot of people don’t like the look.
Second, vision-only could potentially make for a simpler software solution because you don’t have to reconcile the input from multiple sensing methods to figure out the reality in front of you.
This is something that held Tesla back in the early days of vision + radar, because there were a lot of false positives and negatives from weird situations (e.g. curved metal objects like soda cans could look bigger than they should, stationary vehicles were hard to distinguish, etc.). While the data was more robust because there were multiple sensing methods, it was proving itself harder to interpret.
And, while it’s not an inherent benefit of vision-only, the specific benefit for Tesla is that the company has a LOT of vision data it can use for training. This is a big advantage that it has over every other company by several orders of magnitude, since millions of Teslas have been driving around collecting data for years now, whereas companies like Waymo only have a few hundred cars.
So, we know a bit about the differences in technology, their strengths and weaknesses, and the long-time industry debate that motivated this test. Nothing seems all that unreasonable about what we’ve heard so far, and the test turned out about as expected. There’s still an open question over what the best path forward is, though the general consensus is that more sensing data is better than less, and that Tesla is making a risky move with its vision-only system.
So, why so much drama?
Okay, well, it’s the internet. So that’s reason number one. Everyone else here is chasing the same thing Rober chases: views. And so that’s probably the only thing we need to say, alright, article over, moving on.
…. But no, really. The actual drama is over the differentiation between “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving,” and over the behavior of Teslas when activating or deactivating the system, specifically on the headline “Wile E. Coyote” test.
Most discussion has focused on this particular test, because, well, it’s the most fun one. Rober is one of the most popular YouTubers on the planet, after all, so he should know a thing or two about how to make a compelling video (and the intro sentence of the video is quite a doozy):
As Rober said in the very first line of the video, he had his Tesla on Autopilot, not Full Self-Driving, during this test.
Some criticism has focused on the title of the video, which is “Can You Fool A Self Driving Car?”, suggesting that the test would use Tesla’s “Self-Driving” system.
These are two separate systems, and FSD is more sophisticated than Autopilot. However, Autopilot has long colloquially been referred to as self-driving (often to the chagrin of Tesla defenders), and while Tesla does refer to FSD as “self-driving,” it very much isn’t. Both of the systems are classed as “level 2,” which means the driver is still responsible for the vehicle at all times, even though FSD can be activated in more situations than Autopilot. And many more Teslas have Autopilot than FSD, so it makes sense to test the more common one.
Luminar’s LiDAR can be “self-driving,” insofar as there are level 3+ systems that use Luminar’s sensing technology (such as Mercedes’ DRIVE PILOT).
So the title is not technically incorrect, does use similar colloquialisms in both cases, and is, after all, a youtube video, and we’re all hopefully aware of how YouTube titles need to be crafted to fit Google’s algorithm and hopefully can get beyond the title and into the literal first frame of the video for the more accurate description of what’s happening here.
And we’ve covered a final criticism before, which is a screenshot showing that Rober didn’t have the system active in the video. This is previously-documented as “normal” Autopilot behavior, where the system turns itself off about a second before a definite crash. The screenshots were taken during this second. Rober also responded mentioning that the video used different takes to keep it compelling, and posted the full uncut footage on Twitter.
Another criticism focuses on the subsequent stock surge seen by Luminar (LAZR). The company’s stock went up from 5.05 to 8.35 over the course of the week after the video, a rise of 65%. This has raised some eyebrows, but I expect that the main explanation here is that prior to the video, only pretty dedicated EV/self-driving folks knew about Luminar, and now it’s been exposed to people associated with the most traded stock on the planet for several years running, TSLA. This is naturally going to drive a ton of volume to a small stock (with ~0.03% of TSLA’s market cap).
We’ve also seen others trying to recreate the video, with more success for the Tesla.
But these criticisms focus mainly on the Wile E. Coyote test, which everyone acknowledges is not a realistic situation. That test was for the youtube video – the real meat of it was the other 5 tests that actually could happen in the real world.
And even on those 5 tests, people are getting overexcited about the differences shown. The fog and water were both significantly heavier than what would most often be experienced in real life. In more “real world” weather circumstances, a camera may have worked plenty well enough (assuming the cameras aren’t obscured by water or condensation – which is certainly an issue). And if the inclement weather is as bad as shown in the video – maybe it’s time to stay home (or, uh, head straight to the hurricane evacuation center).
All in all, it felt like a fun test for a YouTube video, which described technology in a simple way to a crowd that hadn’t heard about it, was generally accurate about the strengths and weaknesses of the compared systems, but just overstated a lot of things “for content.”
There’s a discussion to be had there about content requiring more and more extreme stunts these days to be compelling, but the level of the reaction has gone well overboard. But then, that’s to be expected for anything on the internet, especially about Tesla.
And the discussion over which approach is correct will continue – companies like Luminar think that LiDAR is superior, and Tesla thinks cameras are enough. Time will tell who’s right, but most professionals in the field tend to place their bets on the former, rather than the latter.
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![All the EVs (and PHEVs) you can buy with 0% financing in March 2025 [update]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/zero-percent-financing_MARCH.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Lease deals get all the hype, but most people still want to own the car after they’re done making all those payments on it. If that sounds like you, and you’ve been waiting for the interest rates on auto loans to drop, you’re in luck: there are a bunch of great plug-in cars you can buy with 0% financing this March … and that includes a zero percent Tesla deal!
UPDATE: a fancy crossover and popular off-road SUV make the list!
I’ve done a couple of these now, so you probably already know that there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. “Best EVs ..?” Too opinion based. “Cheapest EVs ..?” Too much research. In the end, I went with alphabetical order, by make. And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to read the article. Enjoy!
Acura ZDX
The 2024 Acura ZDX uses a GM Ultium battery and drive motors, but the styling, interior, and infotainment software are all Honda. That means you’ll get a solidly-built EV with GM levels of parts support and Honda levels of fit, finish, and quality control. All that plus Apple CarPlay and 0% financing for up to 72 months makes the ZDX one the best sporty crossover deals in the business.
All the electric Chevy EVs (again)
For the second month in a row, Chevrolet is offering 0% financing for up to 60 months on all three of its Ultium-based EVs – and they’re all winners. The Silverado is an incredibly capable pickup that can be spec’ed up to a 10,500 lb. GVWR, making it eligible for Class 3 incentives up to $30,000 in some markets and capable enough to tow whatever horse, boat, or RV you put behind it.
On the crossover side, both the Chevy Blazer EV and Equinox EV each offer their own takes on the five-passenger family SUV, with the cost of base model Equinox LT FWD models with 319 miles of EPA-rated range dropping to just $27,500 after you apply the $7,500 Federal tax credit (which, for now, is still a thing).
Dodge Charger EV
As the auto industry transitions to electric, Dodge is hoping that at least a few muscle car enthusiasts with extra cash, will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest thing on the lot.
These days, that’s the new electric Charger – and you still owed money on the Hemi you just totaled, Dodge will help get the deal done on its latest retrotastic ride with a $3,000 rebate plus 0% financing for up to 72 months!
Ford Mustang Mach-E
This month, you can get a killer deal on a new 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E (shown, above). Through March 31st, you can get $2,500 in bonus cash, a free L2 home charger installed, plus 0% financing for up to 72 months. Tesla owners can also get an additional $1,000 in conquest cash, bringing the hood money total to $3,500.
Ford also announced a 0% financing deal plus $4,000 in bonus cash on the F-150 Lightning pickup, while Ford Pro customers buying an F-150 Lightning for their commercial or public fleet can get even better deals on the OG electric trucks.
GMC Hummer and Sierra Denali EV
The biggest Ultium-based EVs from GM’s commercial truck brand are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick acceleration and on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory of 2024s, so if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV and Sierra Denali EV a test drive.
Honda Prologue
Despite the Honda Prologue was one of the top-selling electric crossovers last year by combining GM’s excellent Ultium platform with Honda sensibilities and Apple CarPlay, Honda upgraded the 2025 model with slightly more EPA range. Even so, there’s still some remaining 2024 inventory out there and dealers are ready to deal (that’s what they do, after all). To make room for the 2025 models, Honda is offering 0% APR for up to 72 months on the remaining 2024s.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai is still offering 0% financing for 60 months on all versions of the hot-selling 2024 IONIQ 5 crossover, making it hard to overlook in the five-passenger segment. It’s worth noting that Hyundai is also offering the 5 with $7,500 bonus cash in select markets, but that offer can’t be stacked with the 0%, so do some math before deciding which way you want to go.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
I have, admittedly, never spent a lot of time in the latest iteration of Jeep’s Grad Cherokee. Once upon a time, I drove a ZJ GC with the immortal and buttery-smooth 4.0L inline six and every iteration since has, in my opinion, been a step in the wrong direction. I’d still prefer a ZJ, sure, but after a week spent behind the wheel of a white-on-black 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, I have come around. That interior is a nice place to be, whether that’s because of Mercedes’ influence or Fiat’s or Peugeot’s is less clear – but shouldn’t take away from the experience.
If you haven’t given the latest JGC a chance, yet, know that its 17.3 kWh 400 V lithium-ion is big enough to go 26 miles on pure electric power, with “just” two hours needed on a L2 port to get you back to 100% charge and US News is reporting 0% financing deals on the popular SUV for up to 72 months all month long.
All the Kia EVs
Kia’s EV6 and EV9 have been grabbing headlines and setting sales records sine the Kia EV6 shocked the world, making its global debut on a drag strip where the car ran against a Lamborghini, a Porsche, and an AMG Mercedes (and won). This month, however, it’s the Kia Niro EV’s turn to shine thanks to 0% financing on the fun, compact urban runabout for up to 60 months.
The Niro’s bigger siblings are getting the 0% treatment, too, for a longer 72 month term.
Lexus RZ
The Lexus RZ got more range and more power in its top-of-the-line F Sport trim for 2025, but even with the range bump it only offers 266 miles of EPA estimated range in the RZ 300e version with 18″ wheels. That number drops to just 224 miles on the same model with 20″ wheels. (!?)
That said, 200 miles of range is probably more than enough for 360 of any given year’s 365 days. If you can live with making an extra stop or two on the other five, you’ll be rewarded with Toyota quality, Lexus levels of fit and finish, and Lexus’ legendary customer service and dealership experience. Combine that with 0% financing for up to 72 months, and the RZ might be a winner after all.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
One of the first three-row plugin cars to hit the market (and a frequent addition to these 0% lists), Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV offers up to 38 miles of electric range from its 20 kWh li-ion battery, making it a great “lily pad” vehicle for suburban families who want to drive electric but still worry about being able to find a charging station when they need one.
Nissan Ariya
I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With great discounts available at participating dealers, Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months, Nissan dealers should have no trouble finding homes for their remaining 2024 Ariya crossovers.
Subaru Soltera
Despite being something of a slow seller, this mechanical twin of the Toyota bZ4X EV seems like a solid mid-size electric crossover with some outdoorsy vibes and granola style that offers more than enough utility to carry your mountain bikes to the trail or your kayaks to the river. The company is hoping to help clear out its remaining 2024 models with big discounts and 0% financing for up to 72 months.
Tesla Model 3
Say what you will about Elon Musk – and I say plenty over on the Quick Charge podcast – the fact remains that we wouldn’t be here talking about EVs at all if it wasn’t for his marketing brilliance, bravado, and sheer force of will. Beyond that, Tesla simply offers as superior ownership experience through total software integration, unfettered access to the Supercharger network, and the best EV route-planning software this side of Chargeway.
If you can stomach being associated with Elon (or have an inside line on some spare Honda badges), you can get a new Model 3 for 0% interest or 0.99% with $0 down if you apply the $7,500 Federal tax incentive at the point of purchase.
Volkswagen ID.4
One of the most popular legacy EVs, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and (for 2024) a Chat-GPT enabled interface. To keep ID.4 sales rolling, VW dealers are getting aggressive with discounts, making this fast-charging, 291 mile EPA-rated range, 5-star safety rated EV a value proposition that’s tough to beat.
This month, get a Volkswagen ID.4 with 0% financing for up to 72 months plus a $5,000 customer cash bonus to stack with it.
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, USNews, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 24MAR2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
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Peugeot UK says its new E-EXPERT SPORT electric cargo van was inspired by the brand’s rich motorsport pedigree, and the desire to bring that racing heritage to the everyday working professional. And let’s face it, kids – if a fat-tired and bespoilered European cargo van doesn’t excite you, I don’t know what will!
Built on the Peugeot LCV cargo van, the new E-EXPERT SPORT adds a unique body kit that, “reflects its sporty nature,” with a front lip spoiler and side skirts that provide the sporty van with an athletic and aggressive stance.
The E-EXPERT SPORT also adds a special “Kryptonite” livery applied to the van’s sides, grille, upholstery, and unique badging on both the inside and outside of the van. That part’s essential, since your plumber may have forgotten he paid a bunch of extra money for the go-fast version of the van he depends on to provide for his family.
The company says the livery matches the color palette of the electrified Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar (below), which is currently competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) series and the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans later this summer.
Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar
Other key differences between the E-EXPERT SPORT and the more pedestrian Peugeot LCV include equipment options over and above the LCV’s ASPHALT trim, including dual-zone electronic climate control, keyless entry and start, and wireless smartphone charging. The sporty van also includes the LCV’s Winter Pack, which includes a heated leather steering wheel, heated driver’s seat, and side-impact airbags for enhanced front row safety.
The all-electric E-EXPERT SPORT van ships with a 75 kWh battery paired to a 136 hp (100 kW) electric motor producing 270 Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque for a range of up to 209 miles on the WLTP Combined Cycle. The boxy Peugeot can be charged at speeds of up to 100 kW from a DC rapid charger, enabling a 10%-80% charge in under 40 minutes.
Pricing starts at about £51,800 in the UK for either the crew or panel versions. Order books open April 1st, which would be suspicious if Brits were funny.
Electrek’s Take
Vehicles that operate on a more-or-less fixed route with predictable stops are a no-brainer for electrification – that, along with better insulation against oil costs, superior uptime, and reduced maintenance keep the commercial EV market growing, regardless of politics.
If it makes cents, it makes sense.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Stellantis.
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