Tesla is recalling nearly 380,000 vehicles in the US due to a power steering assist fault. The recall affects Model S and X vehicles from 2017-2023, specifically those equipped with full self-driving (FSD) Beta software or pending installation. The issue can cause the power steering to intermittently fail, especially at low speeds or after hitting a bump, requiring increased steering effort and potentially increasing the risk of a crash. An over-the-air software update will address the problem.
Struggling electric truck manufacturer Nikola has filed for bankruptcy after years of financial difficulties and broken promises. The company, once touted as a Tesla rival, faced numerous setbacks including production delays, fraud allegations against its founder, and dwindling investor confidence. This bankruptcy filing marks the end of the road for the troubled startup, which was unable to overcome its challenges and deliver on its ambitious vision for zero-emission trucking.
Hacker News commenters on Nikola's bankruptcy expressed little surprise, with many citing the company's history of dubious claims and questionable leadership as the root cause. Several pointed to Trevor Milton's fraud conviction as a pivotal moment, highlighting the erosion of trust and investor confidence. Some discussed the challenges of the electric vehicle market, particularly for startups attempting to compete with established players. A few commenters questioned the viability of hydrogen fuel cells in the trucking industry, suggesting that battery-electric technology is the more practical path. Overall, the sentiment reflects skepticism towards Nikola's long-term prospects, even before the bankruptcy filing.
Electric truck maker Nikola has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after struggling for years to meet production targets and facing financial difficulties. The company, once touted as a Tesla rival, has seen its stock price plummet and faced numerous setbacks, including fraud allegations against its founder. Nikola's bankruptcy filing signals a significant downturn for the once-promising electric vehicle startup.
Hacker News commenters on Nikola's bankruptcy filing express little surprise, with many citing the company's history of misleading claims and lack of viable product as the root cause. Several point to the founder, Trevor Milton's, fraud conviction as a pivotal moment, highlighting the damage done to the company's credibility. Some discuss the broader implications for the EV truck market, suggesting that Nikola's failure doesn't necessarily reflect poorly on the sector as a whole, but rather on companies built on hype rather than substance. A few commenters express skepticism about hydrogen fuel cell technology's viability in the trucking industry, while others suggest Nikola's existing assets might be valuable to other players in the market. There's a general sense of disappointment and a belief that Nikola's downfall was predictable.
BYD plans to incorporate its advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), comparable to Tesla's Autopilot, into all its vehicle models. This technology, developed in-house and not reliant on third-party systems like Nvidia's, will be offered free of charge to customers. BYD emphasizes its self-sufficiency in developing this system, claiming it offers better integration and cost-effectiveness. The rollout will begin with the upcoming Seagull model, followed by other vehicles in the lineup throughout the year.
Hacker News commenters are skeptical of BYD's claim to offer "Tesla-like" self-driving tech for free. Several point out that "free" likely means bundled into the car price, not actually gratis. Others question the capabilities of the system, doubting it's truly comparable to Tesla's Autopilot or Full Self-Driving, citing the lack of detail provided by BYD. Some express concern over the potential safety implications of offering advanced driver-assistance systems without proper explanation and consumer education. A few commenters note BYD's vertical integration, suggesting they might be able to offer the technology at a lower cost than competitors. Overall, the sentiment is one of cautious disbelief, awaiting more concrete information from BYD.
Proposed changes to the National Electrical Code (NEC) could significantly impact the prevalence of Level 2 EV charging, the most common type used at home. The revisions mandate expensive ground-fault protection devices for all EV chargers, adding hundreds of dollars to installation costs. This requirement, intended to enhance safety, may deter homeowners from installing chargers, hindering broader EV adoption. While some argue this added cost is justified for safety, especially with longer charging durations, others worry it presents an unnecessary barrier to entry, particularly for budget-conscious consumers. This could disproportionately affect apartment dwellers and those without dedicated parking, further complicating the transition to electric vehicles.
HN users largely discussed the practicality and safety implications of the proposed NEC changes to EV charging. Some commenters questioned the article's interpretation of the code, arguing that the requirements for GFCIs and disconnects already exist and simply apply differently with higher-powered Level 2 chargers. Others pointed out that load management solutions exist and are already being used, mitigating some concerns about grid overload. Several users highlighted the fire risks associated with high-current charging, supporting the need for increased safety measures. The overall sentiment was one of cautious optimism, with many acknowledging the need for evolving safety standards alongside EV adoption, while also expressing skepticism about the article's alarmist tone. A few comments also touched on the potential financial burden of upgrading electrical infrastructure to meet the new code.
Dhruv Vidyut offers a conversion kit to electrify any bicycle. The kit includes a hub motor wheel, a battery pack, a controller, and all necessary accessories for installation. Their website highlights its ease of installation, affordability compared to buying a new e-bike, and customizability with different motor power and battery capacity options. It's marketed as a sustainable and practical solution for urban commuting and leisure riding, transforming a regular bicycle into a versatile electric vehicle.
Hacker News users generally praised the simplicity and ingenuity of the electric bicycle conversion kit shown on the linked website. Several commenters appreciated the clear instructions and readily available parts, making it a seemingly accessible project for DIY enthusiasts. Some questioned the long-term durability, particularly regarding water resistance and the strength of the 3D-printed components. Others discussed potential improvements, like adding regenerative braking or using a different motor. A few pointed out the legality of such conversions, depending on local regulations regarding e-bikes. There was also discussion about the overall efficiency compared to purpose-built e-bikes and whether the added weight impacted the riding experience.
Summary of Comments ( 139 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43128987
HN commenters discuss the vagueness of the recall notice, questioning whether it's a software or hardware issue, and how a software update could resolve a "loss of power steering assist." Some express skepticism about Tesla's reliance on over-the-air updates for safety-critical systems, noting the potential for unforeseen software bugs. Others point out the increasing frequency of Tesla recalls and question the robustness of their initial quality control. A few commenters share personal anecdotes of similar issues with their Teslas, highlighting concerns about safety and the inconvenience of these recurring problems. Some also mention the potential impact on Tesla's reputation and the broader implications for the autonomous driving industry.
The Hacker News post discussing the Tesla recall of 380,000 vehicles due to a power steering issue generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a mix of skepticism, technical analysis, and comparisons to other automakers.
Several commenters questioned the framing of the issue as a "recall," pointing out that it's an over-the-air software update rather than a physical repair. They argued this highlights the difference between Tesla's software-centric approach and traditional automakers, where such an issue might necessitate a trip to a dealership. This sparked a debate about the semantics of "recall" in the context of software updates, with some arguing that the term is still appropriate due to the safety implications, while others viewed it as unnecessarily alarmist.
Some users delved into the technical aspects, speculating about the potential root cause of the problem. One commenter with apparent software engineering experience suggested that the issue might stem from Tesla prioritizing power efficiency in their steering assist algorithm, leading to premature wear on the electric motor. This theory tied into a broader discussion about Tesla's engineering choices, with some praising their innovative approach while others criticized a perceived focus on cost-cutting over robustness.
Comparisons to other automakers were also prevalent. Some commenters pointed out that all manufacturers experience recalls, arguing that the Tesla situation isn't unique or particularly alarming. Others contrasted Tesla's over-the-air update solution with the more cumbersome processes required by traditional automakers, highlighting the potential benefits of Tesla's software-driven approach.
A few comments focused on the user experience aspect. One commenter shared their personal experience with the issue, describing the steering as becoming progressively heavier, particularly at low speeds. This anecdotal evidence added a real-world perspective to the technical discussions.
Finally, there was some discussion regarding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s involvement, with some speculation about the agency's potential influence on Tesla's decision to issue the update. However, this aspect of the conversation remained largely speculative.
Overall, the comments reflect a nuanced perspective on the recall, acknowledging the seriousness of the safety issue while also considering the specific context of Tesla's software-centric approach and comparing it to traditional automotive practices. The discussion demonstrates a keen interest in the technical details of the issue, the broader implications for the automotive industry, and the real-world impact on Tesla owners.