Tesla finds itself at the center of controversy once more, this time due to its self-driving technology.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into accidents allegedly caused by Tesla's "Actually Smart Summon" feature, OE24 reports.
Approximately 2.6 million Tesla vehicles are now under scrutiny.
The NHTSA claims Tesla's driverless system failed to detect obstacles such as parked cars and poles. The "Actually Smart Summon" feature, which allows owners to remotely summon their vehicles using a smartphone, is the primary focus of the investigation.
The agency plans to examine several aspects of the technology, including:
The maximum permitted speed of the system.
Its usage on public roads.
Requirements for maintaining a clear line of sight.
Controversy Since Launch
"Actually Smart Summon" was introduced just a few months ago amid significant fanfare, with Tesla promoting it as a groundbreaking innovation. However, the feature has faced criticism since its debut, with skeptics questioning its reliability and calling for stricter regulations.
Tesla has not yet commented on the allegations, and a formal statement is still awaited.
The controversy has also affected Tesla's stock market performance. The company's shares dropped 1.6% in pre-market trading, marking another setback for CEO Elon Musk during an already challenging period.
