Tech & Autonomous

The Tech & Autonomous category focuses on automotive technology, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving features, vehicle software and connectivity. Here you will find news about over-the-air updates, sensor and camera systems, AI-based driving functions and how software is changing the modern car.

Tesla Sets February 2026 Date for FSD Approval in Europe
EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla Sets February 2026 Date for FSD Approval in Europe

Tesla has finally set a concrete timeline for Full Self-Driving (FSD) approval in Europe. According to recent updates from Tesla’s official account, the Dutch vehicle authority (RDW) plans to grant national approval by next February, marking significant progress after years of regulatory hurdles.While this news is certainly exciting for European Tesla enthusiasts who have been waiting eagerly for enhanced driver assistance features, there are still some uncertainties. The RDW has clarified that while they and Tesla have established a schedule with the goal of reaching a decision in February 2026, approval is not guaranteed at this stage.One of the key challenges Tesla faces is adapting FSD to comply with European regulations which can be stringent and outdated compared to those in North Am...
Rlaarlo XTS-S10 Review: A Rally Car for Scale Hobbyists
News, Reviews, Tech & Autonomous

Rlaarlo XTS-S10 Review: A Rally Car for Scale Hobbyists

Rally racing is a thrilling motorsport that pushes drivers to their limits, and capturing its essence in scale models is no small feat. Rlaarlo's latest entry into the fray, the XTS-S10 rally car, aims to bring that adrenaline rush home in your hands. This new model promises to be more than just another toy; it’s an uncompromising machine designed to challenge existing standards.The XTS-S10 is packed with features aimed at enthusiasts who appreciate both form and function. It boasts a transparent body shell, detailed interior, and even includes a co-driver figure reading pace notes—a detail that adds an extra layer of realism. The car's aggressive design, coupled with its 80A sensored brushless ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) and support for 2-3S LiPo batteries, suggests Rlaarlo is serio...
Elon Musk Warns Auto Rivals About Full Self-Driving
News, Tech & Autonomous

Elon Musk Warns Auto Rivals About Full Self-Driving

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently took to social media platform X to warn traditional automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis about the dangers of ignoring Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. According to Musk, these companies are reluctant to license FSD due to their own stringent requirements that make such collaboration unfeasible.In a recent post, Musk highlighted the lack of enthusiasm from legacy automakers regarding FSD licensing. "I've tried to warn them and even offered to license Tesla's Full Self-Driving suite, but they don't want it! Crazy," he declared. Analyst Rob Wertheimer of Melius Research echoed this sentiment earlier in a note that suggested Tesla stands to gain significantly from its technological prowess.As we reported in our previous analysis on the s...
Tesla Reverses Controversial Navigation Update After Backlash
EV & Electric Cars, News, Tech & Autonomous

Tesla Reverses Controversial Navigation Update After Backlash

Tesla, always at the forefront of automotive technology, has once again found itself in a situation where it had to make a quick U-turn. A recent update to its onboard navigation system drew significant criticism from owners who felt that the changes made their trips more complicated than necessary. The issue centered on Tesla's decision to obscure city and state information for Supercharger stops during long-distance journeys, replacing these details with only the names of businesses where the charging stations were located.Owners quickly took notice of this change and voiced their concerns across multiple forums and social media platforms. Some drivers pointed out that without knowing which city they would be entering next, planning stops at familiar landmarks or specific amenities becam...
BYD Yuan Plus Gets Major Update with Up to 650 km Range and New Motor
News, SUV & Crossovers, Tech & Autonomous

BYD Yuan Plus Gets Major Update with Up to 650 km Range and New Motor

The BYD Yuan Plus, known in Brazil as the Atto 3, is set for a significant update. According to recent reports from Car News China, the SUV will feature an upgraded Blade battery, increasing its capacity to 74.88 kWh. This enhancement promises a CLTC range of up to 650 km, which is a substantial improvement over the current model's 510 km range with a 60.48 kWh battery.BYD has also updated the electric motor, replacing it with a permanent magnet TZ200XYC unit that delivers an impressive 230 kW (312 hp), up from the existing 150 kW (204 hp). This change will boost the SUV's top speed from 160 km/h to 180 km/h, enhancing its performance credentials. The updated Yuan Plus is expected to weigh around 1,880 kg, a noticeable increase of approximately 180 kg due to the larger battery.Visually, th...
Toyota Aims for Nine-Year Vehicle Lifespan to Combat Planned Obsolescence
EV & Electric Cars, News, Tech & Autonomous

Toyota Aims for Nine-Year Vehicle Lifespan to Combat Planned Obsolescence

Japanese automaker Toyota is setting a new industry benchmark by aiming to extend the lifecycle of its popular models from seven years to nine. This move reflects Toyota's commitment to reducing software obsolescence and preserving vehicle value, as detailed in our previous analysis on GAC Toyota Launches Pre-orders for bZ7 Electric Sedan.The decision to extend model lifecycles is driven by the increasing complexity of automotive software. Modern vehicles, equipped with advanced infotainment systems and ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems), require continuous updates that many manufacturers struggle to maintain over long periods. Toyota's new policy promises extensive software support and regular updates for its best-selling models, ensuring they remain relevant even as newer technolo...
2026 Mazda 6e Review: A Bold Leap into Electrification
News, Reviews, Tech & Autonomous

2026 Mazda 6e Review: A Bold Leap into Electrification

Mazda's return to the sedan segment with the all-new 2026 Mazda 6e marks a significant moment for the brand, not just as an electric vehicle but also in terms of its strategic direction. The new model is positioned to challenge the status quo by offering a stylish and functional alternative to popular SUVs, such as the Toyota Camry.The 2026 Mazda 6e features a distinctive five-door hatchback design that promises both aesthetics and practicality. Equipped with an advanced electric drivetrain, it aims to attract discerning customers who are open to experiencing their first EV. The sedan is powered by a single motor delivering 190 kW (around 255 hp) with rear-wheel drive (RWD), supported by a robust 78 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack.According to Mazda's internal research, the return o...
BYD Launches Atto 2 DM-i Hybrid SUV in Europe, Skips Chinese Market
EV & Electric Cars, News, Tech & Autonomous

BYD Launches Atto 2 DM-i Hybrid SUV in Europe, Skips Chinese Market

Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled its latest offering, the Atto 2 DM-i hybrid SUV, in Barcelona, Spain. The vehicle is rebranded from its original name, Yuan Up DM-i, as it enters the European market. This marks a strategic shift for BYD, as this model is not available in China.The Atto 2 DM-i, equipped with BYD's proprietary DM-i super hybrid technology, offers an impressive range of up to 90 kilometers on battery alone and extends to approximately 1,000 kilometers when both the electric and fuel systems are utilized. In contrast, its BEV sibling, the Yuan Up (referred to as Atto 2 Comfort in Europe), boasts a WLTP range of 430 kilometers.BYD's move reflects the company’s commitment to adapting its product lineup according to regional preferences. The launch coincides with increased cons...
BYD Dominates Electric Vehicle Market Growth in Latin America
EV & Electric Cars, News, Tech & Autonomous

BYD Dominates Electric Vehicle Market Growth in Latin America

Chinese automaker BYD is leading an unprecedented surge in electric vehicle adoption across Central and South America, according to recent reports from JATO Dynamics. With the Chinese automotive industry facing intense price competition at home, many manufacturers are exporting their vehicles to international markets, particularly targeting regions like Latin America where demand for affordable EVs is on the rise. "The Chinese have carved out a significant presence in both electric and conventional car segments," stated Martin Bresciani, president of Chile’s automotive business chamber CAVEM. In the first quarter of 2025, Chinese brands accounted for an impressive 29.6% of new passenger vehicle sales in Chile alone. While the overall penetration of EVs remains modest at just 4% across the ...
Electric Vehicles Without Wall Chargers: How Do They Work?
EV & Electric Cars, News, Tech & Autonomous

Electric Vehicles Without Wall Chargers: How Do They Work?

Are there electric vehicles (EVs) that do not rely on wall chargers for recharging their batteries? The answer is yes, and one such example is Nissan's Serena e-Power. This vehicle uses an internal combustion engine to generate electricity rather than using a plug-in charging method. The e-Power system works by having the onboard generator driven solely by the engine to produce electrical energy that charges the battery. The electric motor then powers the wheels, similar to any other EV on the market. However, unlike traditional hybrids where both engines and motors can drive the car directly, Nissan’s e-Power relies entirely on electricity generated from its gasoline-powered engine. Besides the Nissan Serena, another notable example is the BMW i3 with range extender. This model uses an un...