Tesla Inc TSLA is the subject of a criminal investigation in the US over claims that its electric vehicles can drive themselves, according to a Reuters report citing three people with knowledge of the situation.
What happened: After more than a dozen mishaps involving Tesla’s Autopilot driving assistance system, which was activated during crashes, the US Justice Department opened a previously unreported investigation last year, Reuters said, again citing the sources.
Autopilot vs. Human drivers: CEO of Tesla Elon Musk has often stated that Tesla’s automated driving software is not only safe, but safer than anything a human driver is capable of.
“There have been no accidents or injuries since the launch of the FSD beta,” Ross Gerber tweeted in January. “None. Not a single one.”
Musk he answered to this saying, “Correct.”
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In a 2016 conference call, Musk said Tesla’s self-driving capabilities are “probably better” than a human driver.
Reuters said its sources suggest Justice Department prosecutors are looking into whether Tesla misled buyers, investors and regulators by making unsubstantiated claims about the capabilities of its driver assistance technology.
Tesla will soon launch an updated version of its “Full Self-Driving” software that will allow users to drive essentially without touching the wheel at all, according to Musk.
Sources told Reuters that the DOJ may find it difficult to build its case against Tesla, as the company regularly warns on its website – and in the vehicle – that the driver must keep their hands on the wheel at all times, even when in itself. – driving mode, to maintain control of the vehicle.
Investigators may decide to file formal charges, seek civil penalties or end the investigation without taking any further action, the report said.
Photo courtesy of Tesla.
