Tesla recalls about two million US EVs for Autopilot safeguards

Tesla is recalling about two million of its US EVs to install new safeguards in its Autopilot programme after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) outlined safety concerns.

Media suggest Tesla wants to ensure drivers pay better attention when using Autopilot.

The NHTSA has for more than two years been investigating whether Tesla EVs adequately ensure drivers pay attention when using the system.

Transport Canada says Tesla will recall 193,000 EVs there to address the Autopilot issue, but it isn’t immediately clear if China will demand a recall, Reuters reports, adding that Tesla did not respond to a question on the extent of the recall worldwide or give more precise details of the new safeguards.

Reuters says that while Tesla doesn’t agree with NHTSA’s analysis it will provide an over-the-air software update that will “incorporate additional controls and alerts to those already existing on affected vehicles to further encourage the driver to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility whenever Autosteer is engaged”.

The NHTSA says its Autopilot investigation will remain open.