Due To Software Difficulties, Tesla Has Withdrawn The Self-Administered Beta.

Key Sentence:

• After drivers complained about the issue, Tesla has pulled its latest “fully autonomous driving” car software update.
• Some drivers report recurring problems, such as a safety warning sounding when there is no danger.

The latest version was returned on Sunday afternoon, less than a day after it was released. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, said there were “some issues” with this release, but it was “to be expected with the beta software.” Hours earlier, Musk said the start would be delayed because the company’s quality assurance team noted: “regressions at some of the left turns at traffic lights.”

But it was released before being quickly recalled on Sunday after drivers reported the problem. It came when Tesla raised the price of four of its electric vehicles in the United States.

Thatcham Research, which runs safety tests for auto insurance companies in the UK, said it was concerned about Tesla’s transition to beta testing new software with real drivers. “Your challenge is to turn your customers into guinea pigs,” says Matthew Avery, director of research at Thatcham.

“There are apparent security challenges when a customer tries it and misunderstands or makes a mistake.

“There is a risk that the system is unsafe, which could lead to a possible crash.” Despite the name, Tesla’s semi-autonomous driving technology cannot be used as a driver substitute.

The company continues to advise users to keep their hands on the wheel at all times and warn if they don’t. Mr. Avery said that while there are risks with beta software in Tesla car. The cars are not genuinely autonomous is essential. “There is no such thing as complete self-government,” he said. “It’s a very marketing term. The vehicle is still supported while you are driving … effectively the car that supports you.

“This system does not take over on behalf of the driver.”

Separately, car rental giant Hertz has announced it will order 100,000 Tesla cars. This is the largest single EV purchase, according to Bloomberg. Tesla shares hit a new record high of over $970 (£705) due to the announcement. The deal came a year after Hertz filed for bankruptcy protection in the US as business declined due to the pandemic.