The deadly Tesla crash in China last November, which sparked rumors of Autopilot or brake failure, has been revealed to be an example of pedal confusion. Data from the car’s Event Data Recorder, posted to the internet by a Tesla owner in China, shows that the accelerator pedal was held at 100%, with no brakes applied in the seconds before the crash. The driver, who survived the crash and was wearing his seatbelt, was not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The video of the crash, which showed the Model Y traveling 2.6 kilometers at up to 164km/h (101mph), weaving through traffic and sideswiping other vehicles before crashing into a storefront, received a lot of attention. After the crash, the driver stated that he had never touched the accelerator and was pressing the brake the whole time.
This led to social media rumors suggesting brake failure, which has been a topic of discussion on Chinese social media for some time. Other theories included Autopilot gone rogue during an attempt to autopark the car, or that Tesla’s motor is too powerful and can overcome the brakes. However, the video showed that the brake lights never turned on and the vehicle was not behaving in a manner consistent with Autopilot usage.
At the time, it was predicted that this was just another example of pedal confusion, which it turns out to have been. Pedal confusion is where a driver presses the accelerator thinking it’s the brake and then, while panicking, continues to press the accelerator harder and harder, only contributing to the problem. The NHTSA has found that incidents of sudden unintended acceleration in Teslas were a result of driver error, and not due to any design flaw in the vehicle. The NHTSA reminds drivers to be aware of this problem, regardless of what make and model of car they drive.
FAQ
Q1. When will electric cars be available in the UK?
A1. Electric cars are already available in the UK and can be purchased from a variety of dealerships.
Q2. Where can I find electric car charging stations near me?
A2. You can find electric car charging stations near you by using online maps or apps such as PlugShare or ChargePoint.
Q3. Which electric car is the best?
A3. The best electric car depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some popular models include the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt EV.
