Week 35/25 Highlights: Model Y Performance Advancements, BYD Rivalry Escalates, Intensifying Lidar Conflict, Assessing Cybertruck Prospects

In the bustling world of electric vehicles, the competition between industry giants never ceases. July 2025 saw a significant shift in the European market, as BYD, a Chinese automaker led by CEO and chairman Wang Chuanfu, sold more electric cars than Tesla.

Meanwhile, Tesla's flagship product, the Cybertruck, has faced some challenges in Europe. The angular pickup's unique design has run afoul of EU regulations on pedestrian protection, preventing it from being type-approved within the union. This could potentially change with a customs union with the US under President Trump, but for now, sales remain limited.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the Cybertruck has found its way onto roads in South Korea. However, the vehicle's journey in the US has not been without its own hurdles. Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, had planned to start his own political party, but these plans have been put on hold.

In the realm of autonomous driving, Tesla has made strides. The company's approach, favouring cameras and AI over additional sensors like radar, has resulted in around a dozen Model Y vehicles operating as "robotaxis" in Austin, Texas, with a monitoring passenger. The service area for these autonomous vehicles has been expanded, and the number of vehicles is set to increase by 50%.

However, Tesla's approach pales in comparison to that of competitor Waymo. Already operating truly autonomously in Austin and other US cities, Waymo's vehicles use a combination of radar and lidar sensors. Musk, in a recent statement, criticised the use of multiple sensors, claiming that they create uncertainty and less safety.

The USA and EU have recently agreed to allow cars from the USA to enter the EU with 0% tariffs, and the reverse direction with 15% tariffs. This agreement opens up new opportunities for the Cybertruck, as the USA and EU want to mutually recognise their automotive certification standards. This could allow the Tesla pickup to drive on European roads without further ado.

Yet, the race for autonomous driving dominance continues. While Tesla and the Cybertruck face challenges in Europe, competitors like Waymo are already making significant strides in autonomous driving technology. The future of electric and autonomous vehicles remains an exciting and ever-evolving landscape.

Week 35/25 Highlights: Model Y Performance Advancements, BYD Rivalry Escalates, Intensifying Lidar Conflict, Assessing Cybertruck Prospects