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Tesla Self-Driving

Tesla’s head of self-driving has admitted that the automaker’s autonomous program is lagging “a couple years” behind Waymo, but he believes the cost advantage will enable it to scale faster.

In a rare candid interview, Tesla’s head of AI and self-driving, Ashok Elluswamy, has admitted that Tesla is a couple of years behind Waymo on the autonomous driving front.

The interview can be hard to follow for English speakers as both Elluswamy and the host switch from English to Tamil frequently, but you can clearly hear the Tesla VP says that Tesla is lagging behind Waymo when talking about Waymo’s different approach:

When asked about the difference between Tesla and Waymo on self-driving, Elluswamy says that Tesla’s approach is much cheaper. The host asked if he means it is less expensive but “equal quality” and the Tesla VP answers:

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Equal quality. Technically, Waymo is already performing. We are maybe lagging by a couple years.

This should be obvious to anyone following closely since Tesla has yet to be able to do what Waymo has been doing for years: provide customers with level 4 autonomous driving rides.

Tesla has been limited to a level 2 advanced driver assist system (ADAS), which requires constant supervision from the driver.

Nonetheless, it is a rare admission from Tesla as its CEO, Elon Musk, has been minimizing Waymo’s achievements for years and claimed that he doesn’t see anyone close to Tesla on autonomy.

That’s even though Tesla only plans to finally start offering level 4 autonomous rides to customers next month in Austin, while Waymo has been doing that for years, including in Austin specifically, since earlier this year.

It’s true that Tesla’s vehicles are much cheaper than Waymo’s, but there are many reasons for that.

The cost of lidar sensors has been one of the top suspects. Costs have come down quite a bit, and it is not really a problem anymore, but they are more power hungry than Tesla’s sensors, which are just cameras.

The real difference in the cost of the vehicles is the fact that Tesla produces over a million cars a year, versus Waymo producing a few hundred units now and a few thousand units soon. Waymo also buys the vehicles from other manufacturers and simply integrates its sensor suite and hardware.

Tesla benefits from economies of scale, but that’s because it sells those vehicles to customers who, in the vast majority, do not buy Tesla’s Full Self-Driving package since it doesn’t do what the name implies.

In the upcoming pilot program in Austin, Tesla plans to use the same vehicles it delivers to customers. It will use different software that has been optimized to work in a geo-fenced area of Austin and it will also be supported by teleoperation, but the hardware is going to be the same, which does reduce costs.

Electrek’s Take

Right now, I think the cost of operating limited autonomous ride-hailing fleets like Waymo’s has little to do with the vehicles’ cost.

I think it is more related to the training and the support, specifically the level of teleoperation. If you have a 1:10 ratio of one teleoperator to 10 cars, it is going to be much cheaper than a 1:1 ratio of teleoperator to car.

We know that Waymo uses some levels of teleoperation and that Tesla plans to use a “high level” of teleoperation, but we don’t know the specifics of each program.

These, along with the training of specific regions and regulatory approvals in some jurisdictions, will be the main limiting factors.

Considering Waymo has a system that already works, it is currently completing over 250,000 paid rides per week, it already is operating in 5 markets, and it is both expanding the geo-fencing areas of those markets and expanding into other markets with more vehicles, I think it’s clear that it is ahead of Tesla in autonomous driving.

Tesla is now going to start catching up to Waymo next month with its first market and its first 10-12 vehicles.

For now, I haven’t seen serious evidence that Tesla can scale faster than Waymo. The only real advantage is the availability of the vehicles to deploy in the fleet. Tesla has plenty of those lying around, but that’s hardly a major bottleneck for Waymo.

The only way Tesla could leapfrog Waymo is by deploying level 4 autonomy in its customer fleet as promised for years, but I don’ see that happening anytime soon.

I think that the only way Tesla can safely deploy level 4 in an internal fleet in Austin next month is through mapping, geofencing, and high level of teleoperations, maybe even 1:1 teleoperation. I’d be happy to be proven wrong though.

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Environment

Rad Power offers $200 discount and up to $210 in FREE bundled gear on e-bikes from $1,399, Exclusive Anker S340 solar cam low, more

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October 3, 2025

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Rad Power offers 0 discount and up to 0 in FREE bundled gear on e-bikes from ,399, Exclusive Anker S340 solar cam low, more

It’s another EV-heavy day of Green Deals, headlined by Rad Power’s newly launched Haul-o-ween Sale that is taking $200 off one e-bike, while offering up to $210 in FREE bundled gear with several other new and legacy models, like the Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike and the Radster Road Commuter e-bike getting a $199 free cargo kit for $1,999, while other deals start from $1,399. We also secured up to $280 in exclusive savings on nine Anker eufy security devices, like the SoloCam S340 Solar Security Camera at a new $110 low. We also have new low prices on Heybike’s Hero Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bikes starting from $2,099, an Autel 40A level 2 smart EV charger discount, and more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about all the hangover deals collected at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s exclusive new Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 (HomePower 3000) low price, 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.

Tested: Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 portable power station brings ample support in a smaller and lighter unit

Anker is hands-down one of the most well-known tech accessory brands with an extensive lineup of consumer electronics, and its SOLIX sub-brand has making waves in the  portable backup power solution space. Its C1000 power station made big waves when it first hit the market in 2023, quickly becoming a popular charging solution for camping and other outdoor activities, in particular. Now, two years later, the Anker has introduced its SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station, which I was lucky enough to snag and test out, and which I believe will outshine its predecessor in the long run. Head below to get my hands-on impressions of this all-new solar generator.

To get our full hands-on impression of this new portable backup power solution, be sure to check out our review here.

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man and woman riding Rad Power Radster Trail e-bikes through forest

Rad Power’s Haul-o-ween Sale offers up to $210 in FREE cargo or starter gear with new and legacy e-bikes starting from $1,399

Rad Power Bikes has launched its Haul-o-ween Sale, with a $200 discount on its RadRover 6 Plus e-bike, as well as several other models (new and legacy) getting up to $210 in FREE bundle kits and accessories. Amongst the models seeing bundles attached, you’ll find the Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike getting a free $199 cargo kit at $1,999 shipped, with its Radster Road Commuter e-bike sibling getting the same kit for $1,999 shipped too. Just be sure to add the e-bikes and the cargo kits (all from the same landing pages) to your cart for the discount to automatically be applied. Originally going for $2,199 at full price since their release in March, we saw the brand officially drop prices to these rates mid-August, with the deals here giving you the continued lowest tracked prices alongside the free gear. Head below to learn more and browse the full lineup of deals while the sale lasts.

The stylish new Radster Trail and Radster Road e-bikes are very similar in their overall designs, with slight differences based on where you plan to spend most of your time riding – down streets or through trails and other off-road areas. They both come boasting 100Nm torque-producing 750W rear hub motors with 720Wh Safe Shield semi-integrated batteries powering them. This combination provides you with up to 65+ miles of pedal-assisted travel (supported by a torque sensor) at up to 20/28 MPH top speeds, depending on state-specific laws. Among the other shared features, you’ll be gaining hydraulic disc brakes, hydraulic suspension forks, auto-on headlights, brake-activated taillights, turn signaling functionality, rear cargo racks, a color display with a Type-C port, and more.

There are also the shared smart features here, which include passcode locking, an included security fob, and more. Where these models differ, as you may already be able to guess, is mainly in their tires. The Trail model bringing along 27.5-inch by 3-inch Kenda Havoc puncture-resistant tires for your off-roading fun, while the Road model has been equipped with 29-inch by 2.2-inch Kenda Kwik puncture-resistant tires, as well as some differing fender/handlebar designs too.

Rad Power Bikes Haul-o-ween discounts:

Rad Power Bikes Haul-o-ween bundle/accessory deals:

  • RadRunner Cargo Utility e-bike: $1,499 (No price cut)
    • 20 MPH for up to 55+ miles
    • gets FREE $210 starter kit (added on landing page)
  • RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike: $1,799 (No price cut)
  • RadRunner Plus Cargo Utility e-bike: $1,799 (No price cut)
    • 20 MPH for up to 55+ miles
    • gets FREE $210 starter kit (added on landing page)
  • Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike: $1,999 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 65+ miles
    • comes with FREE $199 cargo kit (added on landing page)
  • Radster Road Commuter e-bike: $1,999 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 65+ miles
    • comes with FREE $199 cargo kit (added on landing page)
  • RadRunner Max Cargo Utility e-bike: $2,299 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 60+ miles
    • gets FREE $210 starter kit (added on landing page)
  • RadWagon 5 Cargo e-bike: $2,399 (No price cut)
Anker eufy SoloCam S340 solar security camera with solar panel attached to house

Upgrade your security with up to $280 in exclusive savings on Anker eufy cameras and smart locks at new lows from $70

We’ve secured quite the lineup of exclusive deals for our readers from Wellbots on Anker eufy security devices, with most at new low prices, like the SoloCam S340 Solar Security Camera at $109.99 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5EUF90 at checkout. Normally, this model runs for $200 at full price, which we’ve seen drop as low as $123 this year, while last year saw things fall lower to $120 during Cyber Monday sales. While these exclusive savings last, you’ll be getting $90 taken off the tag, landing it at a new all-time low price. Head below to learn more about this device and the others benefiting from exclusive discounts.

If you want to learn more about this camera, as well as browse the full lineup of deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of all the exclusive security savings here.

man on Heybike Hero e-bike atop mountainous terrain

Heybike’s premium Hero carbon fiber mid-drive and rear hub all-terrain e-bikes at new lows from $2,099

As part of its ongoing Prime Fall e-bike Sale, which has given us new low prices on the ALPHA all-terrain and Hauler cargo e-bikes, Heybike has also dropped the price lower-than-ever on its Hero Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bikes too. You can find the 1,000W rear hub model down at $2,099 shipped, while its upgraded 750W mid-drive model is sitting at $2,299 shipped. These are some of the brand’s higher-end EVs, which normally go for $2,599 and $3,099 at full price, and which have mostly received $100 to $300 discounts over the year, save for select events, like its anniversary sale, where we saw things go lower to $2,199 and $2,499. Now the savings are bigger and better than ever, as the $500 and $800 markdowns here land the costs at new all-time low prices.

If you want to learn more about these two e-bikes, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

man charging vehicle with Autel EV charger

Bring home Autel’s 40A MaxiCharger AC Lite level 2 EV charging station with an AI voice assistant for $379

Through its official Amazon storefront, Autel is dropping costs on its MaxiCharger AC Lite Home 40A Smart AI Level 2 EV Charger to $379 shipped in both colorway options. This is an at-home charging solution that normally runs for $470 at full price, with regular discounts to $399 over the year, and only one-time falls to $376 and the $352 low, which appeared back during Memorial Day sales. You can pick it up here at only $3 more than July’s Prime Day rate, saving you $91 off the going rate for the third-lowest price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this EV charging station, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here, while its 50A counterpart can be found at $455 here.

Review: Ride1Up’s Revv1 DRT e-bike is a rugged off-roader with plenty of suspension and hidden punch

When it comes to e-bikes, most people’s immediate thought is a commuter model designed to get you through streets to your various destinations, but with Ride1Up’s Revv1 DRT e-bike, the fun is extended (and primarily focused) to off-road adventures, and boy, does this baby have some go in it. It’s been over two years since we reviewed the Revv1 FS counterpart, which we came away quite impressed with its SUPER73-like design. Now we’re heading off the beaten path with this newer off-road variant, which boasts improved specs that outshine its predecessors in the series.

To get our full hands-on impression of this e-bike, be sure to check out our review here.

anker solix early prime day power station sale
ecoflow early prime day power station sale
jackery Early Prime Day Power Station Sale

Best Fall 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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Nissan LEAF hit with a big recall, more than 19,000 vehicles affected

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2 hours ago

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October 3, 2025

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Nissan LEAF hit with a big recall, more than 19,000 vehicles affected

Nissan-LEAF-Recall-19,000

It’s a good thing the new 2026 LEAF should be here any day. The recall affects over 19,000 Nissan LEAF vehicles, model years 2021-2022, because the battery may overheat during fast charging. Here’s the fix.

Nissan LEAF recall impacts 19,000+ vehicles

Nissan’s OG, the LEAF, has been hit with yet another recall. In a letter sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on October 2, Nissan announced a recall of 19,077 LEAF models from 2021 to 2022.

The recall only affects models that are equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. Nissan said the battery may overheat during fast charging.

After an investigation, Nissan found that LEAF models built between November 3, 2020, and May 23, 2022, at its Smyrna Assembly plant, may have an issue with excessive lithium deposits within the battery cells. If that happens, the increased electrical resistance can cause the battery to overheat or catch fire during Level 3 charging.

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Nissan is preparing a software update to fix the issue. Once it’s ready, Nissan said owners of affected vehicles will be notified with an “Invitation to Repair Owner” letter, which will include further instructions.

Nissan-LEAF-recall-19,000
2025 Nissan LEAF (Source Nissan)

The letters are expected to be mailed out, starting on October 24, 2025. Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Until it’s ready, Nissan is urging owners not to use Level 3 quick charging.

For those with LEAF models that are no longer under warranty, Nissan will include instructions in the owner notification letters concerning reimbursement.

Nissan-LEAF-recall-19,000
2025 Nissan LEAF (Source Nissan)

Owners can contact Nissan’s customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan’s recall number is R25C8. You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the nhtsa.gov website for more information.

Nissan-new-LEAF-EV
2026 Nissan LEAF (Source: Nissan

The outgoing LEAF has had several major recalls now, but the third-generation model, set to hit dealerships any day now, promises to fix some of its biggest issues.

Nissan claims the 2026 LEAF has “the lowest starting MSRP for any new EV currently on sale in the US” at just $29,990. It also has a fresh, new crossover SUV-like design, over 300 miles of driving range, and an NACS port (finally) to access Tesla Superchargers.

While Nissan focuses on the new LEAF, its electric SUV, the Ariya, will not be offered in the US for the 2026 model year.


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Environment

Tesla launches Cybertruck in Saudi Arabia and Qatar

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2 hours ago

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October 3, 2025

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Tesla launches Cybertruck in Saudi Arabia and Qatar

2024 Tesla Prices
Source: Tesla

Tesla has officially launched the Cybertruck in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as the automaker seeks to expand the electric pickup truck’s availability in new markets following disappointing demand in the US.

For its first year of production, Cybertruck was limited to the North American market, and it has been a commercial flop.

Tesla had accumulated over 1 million reservations for the vehicle and planned for a production capacity of 250,000 units per year, with CEO Elon Musk saying that it could be increased to 500,000 units.

After Tesla unveiled the production version with a much higher price than initially announced and a significantly shorter range, demand plummeted, and now Tesla is struggling to sell the truck at a rate of 25,000 units per year – a tenth of the production capacity.

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Over the past few months, the automaker has been expanding Cybertruck availability to select overseas markets in an effort to utilize a portion of its unused production capacity.

In August, Tesla announced that Cybertruck is coming to South Korea, with reservations being converted to orders.

Last month, the automaker also announced the planned launch of the Cybertruck in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Now, Tesla has announced that it is starting to take orders in the UAE, but also in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

In Saudi Arabia, the Cybertruck starts at 435,000 Saudi Riyal, which is the equivalent of about $116,000 USD:

Tesla says that deliveries are planned for March 2026.

Electrek’s Take

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are both heavily invested in Elon’s ventures, and there’s a significant amount of money involved.

However, there’s so much money that many people who already wanted a Cybertruck were able to import them themselves already.

I believe these overseas markets can help Tesla boost Cybertruck volumes by 20% over the next 12 months.

That’s not enough to save the program.

The only thing that could be a next-gen vehicle that brings the capabilities and price closer to what Tesla originally announced in 2019.


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