Tesla is fielding tough questions from safety regulators about its Autopilot driver-assist system and a software update that allows at least some drivers to operate their vehicles hands-off for prolonged periods.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the system and has ordered Tesla to tell it how many vehicles got the software update, among other information, according to news reports.
CNBC reported that the update is referred to as “Elon mode” and disengages a reminder prompt for drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel that if ignored ultimately disables the driver-assist system.
The federal regulatory agency has been looking into about three dozen crashes involving Teslas believed to be operating in Autopilot mode, including a fatal collision last month with a tractor-trailer in Virginia.
