Tesla pushes back against unfair reporting of accidents

Tesla is pushing back against unfair media reporting of a fatal crash in Katy, Texas, after the company's data showed the driver manually overrode Autopilot by pressing the accelerator pedal to 100%. Tesla executives Elon Musk and Ashok Elluswamy challenged initial reports that blamed the self-driving system, arguing that such inaccurate coverage harms public perception of safer autonomous technology.

News https://www.teslarati.com/category/news/ Tesla pushes back against unfair reporting of accidents Tesla is pushing back against the unfair reporting of accidents involving its vehicles. Many media outlets were quick to jump to conclusions about a fatal accident involving a Tesla in Katy, Texas, that happened recently. The driver of the vehicle, which slammed into a brick house and killed a woman inside, stated the car was operating on Autopilot. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Head of AI Ashok Elluswamy both challenged that claim https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-finally-clarifies-fatal-texas-crash-confirms-driver-manually-overrode-acceleration/ , with Elluswamy revealing last night that the system was overridden by the driver, who pressed the accelerator pedal “all the way to 100%.” Tesla finally clarifies fatal Texas crash, confirms driver manually overrode acceleration The car reached a speed of 73 MPH during the crash, Elluswamy detailed, and stated that the accelerator pedal was even pressed after the crash. The story has been spread throughout the media with either incomplete or incorrect reporting https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-finally-clarifies-fatal-texas-crash-confirms-driver-manually-overrode-acceleration/ , with some stories still not updated nearly 24 hours after Musk and Elluswamy posted answers about the crash on X. The reporting has been a thorn in the side of Tesla for several years. Vehicle accidents involving Teslas are usually reported with the manufacturer’s name in the headline, while other companies are free of criticism when their cars are involved in accidents. Here’s an example of that: So you don’t report the vehicle’s make when it isn’t a Tesla, but you do report it when it is a Tesla? The vehicle in your post above is a Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV. pic.twitter.com/4WT3sZ2DHm — Sawyer Merritt @SawyerMerritt February 17, 2026 Many media outlets stated the car was in “self-driving mode” or “Autopilot mode” when the car crashed. The truth is, now that Tesla has chimed in, that the driver had manually overriden the system by pressing the accelerator. Elluswamy commented on the unfair reporting: “This blatantly irresponsible reporting does more harm to people than they realize. Using Tesla self-driving is far safer than manual driving, and this was measured over 10B miles. Planting such FUD in the minds of general public, who might not know the all the facts, might prevent them from using this technology that makes them safer.” This blatantly irresponsible reporting does more harm to people than they realize. Using Tesla self-driving is far safer than manual driving, and this was measured over 10B miles. Planting such FUD in the minds of general public, who might not know the all the facts, might… — Ashok Elluswamy @aelluswamy June 22, 2026 The damage these headlines do to Tesla and the self-driving car movement is unexplainable. Most people do not realize the safeguards that are in place with Tesla’s self-driving functions; many people who have used it know the car would never travel at that speed in a residential area, not even on the most aggressive “Mad Max” setting https://www.teslarati.com/truth-about-tesla-mad-max-mode-from-an-actual-user/ . It is important to remember that Tesla Full Self-Driving is not autonomous, and the company never claimed it was. Drivers are still responsible for paying attention and remaining vigilant. They must be able to take over at all times. Joey has been a journalist covering electric mobility at TESLARATI since August 2019. In his spare time, Joey is playing golf, watching MMA, or cheering on any of his favorite sports teams, including the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, Miami Heat, Washington Capitals, and Penn State Nittany Lions. You can get in touch with joey at joey@teslarati.com mailto:joey@teslarati.com . He is also on X @KlenderJoey https://x.com/klenderjoey . If you're looking for great Tesla accessories, check out shop.teslarati.com https://shop.teslarati.com/ News https://www.teslarati.com/category/news/ Tesla looks keen to bring larger Model Y L to the U.S. Tesla launched the slightly larger Model Y L in China last year, and it became a hit in no time. The longer wheelbase, larger interior, and slightly more forgiving legroom area in the Model Y L became a sought-after possibility for U.S. buyers, who have been begging the company for a larger SUV. Now, Tesla needs it more than ever, especially considering the Model X was discontinued alongside its Model S sibling earlier this year. It looks to be more likely than ever, and based on recent reports, it will fall in line with CEO Elon Musk’s prediction that it would arrive in the United States in late 2026. Recent reports from Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookecrothers/2026/06/21/larger-tesla-model-y-l-due-for-us-debut/ and both have indicated Tesla plans to bring the Model Y L to the U.S. this year. The reports cite “credible sources,” and an analyst from AutoForecast Solutions named Sam Fiorani stated that the car would enter production later this year. https://www.notateslaapp.com/news/4326/exclusive-tesla-model-y-l-launching-this-fall-in-north-america Not a Tesla App Fiorani said: “China, Australia, and India are supplied by the factory in China, which will not supply vehicles to the U.S. Production of the Model Y L is expected to begin in the U.S. in September, which will lead to sales beginning before the end of 2026.” Production would take place at Gigafactory Texas. Additionally, a few Model Y L units have been spotted under wraps in the United States, giving more indication that Tesla plans to bring the vehicle to the U.S. When Tesla is close to launching a vehicle in the U.S., it is not uncommon to see these models with the exact car covers that you see below: Looks like another Tesla Model Y L was spotted in the U.S. pic.twitter.com/jhsdkcN5Go — TESLARATI @Teslarati June 26, 2026 It makes sense, especially considering Musk hinted the Model Y L would make it to the U.S. in late 2026 https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-y-l-biggest-hint-coming-to-u-s/ , but it was up in the air. The CEO said the advent of self-driving might not warrant a larger SUV coming to the U.S. market specifically. The problem is, consumers do not want to hear that. They love Tesla’s tech, FSD, and other features, but they need more space for growing families. The Model X is gone, and the most anyone can fit in a Tesla right now is seven people in the seven-seat Model Y. That back row is truly only large enough to fit small children comfortably. Tesla fans have requested a full-size SUV, and the company has made some hints https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-gives-big-hint-build-cyber-suv-smaller-cybertruck/ that it could be in the plans https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-appears-mulling-cyber-suv-design/ . The Model Y and Model Y L differ noticeably in size, with the Model Y L being a stretched, six-seat variant designed for great interior room. The Standard Model Y measures approximately 4,790mm in length, 1,982 mm in width with the mirrors folded, 1,624mm in height, and 2,890mm in wheel base. In contrast, the Model Y L extends to be about 4,969–4,976mm long https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-unveils-mysterious-prototype-at-giga-texas-model-y-l-coming-america/ roughly 179mm or 7 inches longer , stands 1,668mm tall +44mm , and features a significantly longer 3,040 mm wheelbase +150mm , while maintaining the same width. This elongation primarily benefits rear passenger space and enables a 2+2+2 seating layout with captain’s chairs, though it slightly reduces maximum cargo capacity behind the rearmost seats and adds a bit of overall mass and turning radius. The result is a more spacious family hauler that still shares the core footprint and agile character of the original Model Y. News https://www.teslarati.com/category/news/ One of Tesla’s biggest threats just got banned in the U.S. In a major development that will inevitably strengthen Tesla’s dominant position in the American EV market, Polestar has been effectively banned from selling new vehicles in the United States, starting with the 2027 model year. The U.S. Department of Commerce denied Polestar authorization under the Connected Vehicle Rule, which prohibits vehicles containing certain connected technologies Cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. linked to China or Russia due to national security risks, including potential data collection on American drivers. 🚨 A Tesla competitor goes down Polestar will no longer sell new vehicles in the United States starting with the 2027 model year. The U.S. Department of Commerce denied the brand authorization under the Connected Vehicle Rule, which restricts the sale of cars with software and… pic.twitter.com/TrwnQeoiES — TESLARATI @Teslarati June 25, 2026 Polestar, which is majority-owned by China’s Geely Holding, could not obtain the required exemption despite producing some models domestically. Polestar confirmed it will sell off any remaining inventory of the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 models, while continuing service and warranty support for existing customers. No new models or major refreshes will reach U.S. buyers, and the company is pivoting its growth strategy to Europe, where it already generates the vast majority of its sales. The outcome removes a direct premium EV competitor that had positioned itself as a stylish, performance-oriented alternative to Tesla’s lineup https://www.teslarati.com/polestar-poach-tesla-customers-promo/ . The Polestar 2 challenged the Model 3, while the Polestar 3 and 4 targeted segments overlapping with the Model Y and upcoming Tesla offerings. Polestar’s U.S. sales had already been sluggish amid intense competition and slower demand, representing just 6 percent of its global volume in the first quarter of 2026. While Polestar was not on Tesla’s level in the U.S., it still places a dent in the evergrowing field of Tesla competitors in the country, where it has long dominated EV sales. Tesla faces none of these hurdles. As a U.S.-founded and U.S.-headquartered company with major manufacturing in Fremont, Austin, and Nevada, Tesla’s vehicles are built with compliant domestic and allied supply chains. Its Full Self-Driving technology, over-the-air software updates, and vertically integrated ecosystem were developed entirely in-house without foreign ownership entanglements that trigger national security reviews, at least in the U.S. Of course, it did face a similar threat in China https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-china-ban-exterior-cameras/ a few years back: Elon Musk responds to reports of Tesla ban among China’s military over security concerns The Connected Vehicle Rule, first advanced under the prior administration and upheld under the current one, is part of a broader U.S. effort to protect the domestic auto industry and critical technology from Chinese influence. High tariffs on Chinese-made EVs and related restrictions have already reshaped the market. Tesla benefits directly: it avoids these barriers while continuing to lead in U.S. EV sales volume, Supercharger network expansion, and energy storage integration. By clearing Polestar from the new-vehicle playing field, the policy reduces competitive pressure in the premium and performance EV segments where Tesla has invested billions. American consumers seeking cutting-edge electric vehicles now have one fewer option tied to foreign adversaries — and one clearer path to the market leader that has driven the EV transition from the start. For Tesla, this is more than regulatory relief. It is a strategic tailwind that reinforces its position as America’s premier EV innovator at a time when domestic manufacturing and technological independence matter most. News https://www.teslarati.com/category/news/ Tesla Cybercab stands to gain from new Trump autonomy rules Tesla Cybercab stands to gain from new rules that the Trump Administration is aiming to enforce on autonomous vehicles. On Thursday, NHTSA, under the Trump Administration’s U.S. Department of Transportation, commenced rulemaking on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards FMVSS . This effort aims to eliminate the mandate for manual brake pedals in vehicles https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-confirms-cybercab-with-no-steering-wheel-enters-production/ that are designed to be driven exclusively by automated driving systems. This would impact the Tesla Cybercab, which the company has stated would operate without a steering wheel or pedals. Tesla Cybercab launch is imminent after latest sighting at Giga Texas The Trump Administration is looking to revise FMVSS No. 135 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-571/subpart-B/section-571.135 , which requires standard braking systems on light-duty vehicles. Currently, the regulation requires light-duty cars to use traditional manual braking systems that allow operators to slow the vehicle. With the advent of self-driving in the U.S., these regulations need updating, and these are the changes that could come to FMVSS No. 135: - Removes requirements for hand- or foot-operated brake controls for vehicles designed never to be operated by a human. Existing rules still apply to AVs that retain manual controls. - All subject vehicles must still meet the same stopping distance performance criteria via alternative testing procedures. - While this update ensures AVs can physically stop when commanded, NHTSA is separately developing safety performance requirements for AVs in real-world driving scenarios. - NHTSA will continue to use its broad defect enforcement authority to investigate unsafe ADS behavior and oversee recalls. As autonomy becomes a greater part of passenger travel, these types of rule adjustments will be more than reasonable. It will give manufacturers the ability to self-certify their vehicles https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-gives-biggest-signal-yet-that-cybercab-launch-imminent/ and avoid any red tape that could ultimately delay the deployment of these vehicles. Administrators are also incredibly excited about the opportunity to play a role in the advancement of self-driving vehicles. “We are at the cusp of the greatest technological revolution in vehicle technology since the innovation of the Model T,” NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/fmvss-updates-brake-pedal-requirements . “If we want America to lead the way, we have to reimagine our regulatory framework. That’s why under Secretary Sean Duffy’s AV Framework, NHTSA is tearing down pointless barriers to innovative designs while strengthening the fundamental safety requirements that matter and holding AV developers accountable for safe performance.” The Cybercab entered mass production at Gigafactory Texas in April https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-gives-biggest-signal-yet-that-cybercab-launch-imminent/ . Tesla ultimately plans to push the vehicle into its Robotaxi fleet, potentially when frameworks like these are established.