TALKING CARS WITH CONSUMER REPORTS #81: TESLA AUTOPILOT

EV Channels Review

Consumer Reports' "Talking Cars" episode #81 delves into Tesla's Autopilot system, driven in a Model S P85D. The review highlights Autopilot's capabilities, such as active cruise control and automatic steering, noting its advantages on highways and in stop-and-go traffic. However, the core message emphasizes that Autopilot is a beta-level system, not true self-driving technology. The hosts express concern over the temptation for drivers to become inattentive due to the system's features, particularly the ability to take hands off the wheel for extended periods and the availability of a full web browser. They caution that the system can be fooled by road conditions like disappearing lane markings or off-ramps, and it cannot handle unexpected obstacles like potholes. The review contrasts Tesla owners' willingness to adopt beta technology with the general public's difficulty understanding advanced safety features. Ultimately, the hosts stress that while Autopilot offers a "safety blanket" and is the best system they've seen, it requires constant driver attention and is not a substitute for human oversight, urging viewers to prioritize proven safety features available in less expensive vehicles.