The majority of electric vehicles have speed limiters (I.e. escooters and ebikes), but the moment somebody suggests putting speed limits on cars, the #2 killer of children (behind guns), everybody loses their minds.
Not entirely true. Speed limiters on cars sold in EU are mandatory now. It’s still possible to go above speed limits and the limiters are only required in brand new cars. But it’s the first step.
Manufacturers aren’t required to use speed limiter software, the law allows for cars to only play alert sounds when a driver is breaking speed limits. I rented a 2024 Mercedes in Europe recently that beeped when you were speeding, but otherwise didn’t do any active safety measures.
Also, while these speeding alerts are on by default, they can easily be disabled, so most people who understand how to configure their car will probably turn them off.
Plenty of articles online with drivers freaking out that they’re being punished for breaking speed limit laws, and explaining how to turn off the alerts.
Compare to ebikes in the EU, where all (legally-imported) ebikes will turn off their motors above 25-30 kmh, and firmware hacking the system to disable it is illegal unless you register it as a moped. Disabling the speed limiter is illegal even if you are riding it on 50 km/h streets where it is legal and safe to go faster.
that beeped when you were speeding, but otherwise didn’t do any active safety measures.
You didn’t read the link before typing that long ass incorrect reply 👎
Your car didn’t have a speed limiter. It just had a warning system. Older cars, pre 2024, have those too.
It will be an active limiter, that will stop the car from accelerating, and drivers will have to floor the gas pedal when they need extra speed overtaking cars.
“The system then limits the engine’s power and the vehicle’s speed to that limit.
…
You can override the system by pressing hard on the accelerator, but the system will reactivate every time the car is started.”
That’s not at all the same logic. Yes, cars can go way above speed limits. And there are use cases where cars need to have more power (driving uphill for example). But this is about an autopilot specifically programmed/instructed to actually go above speed limits, and going above speed limits is illegal. So the setting in itself is illegal. Having the technical ability to go above speed limits is not. If the driver chooses to use that ability and go above speed limits, it’s illegal again. This is not rocket science.
there are use cases where cars need to have more power (driving uphill for example).
More power does not equal more speed.
Tractors are way more powerful than most cars, but are also super slow. Cars can be made powerful but not fast.
Many drivers enjoy going on a day race track where they can go as fast as they want. My car (not a Tesla) even has a special warranty that allows me to disable certain road safety features when I’m on a race track.
If I pay for a 200mph car, why should I not be able to safely enjoy it? I’m a responsible adult.
If an idiot decides to drive 200mph on a public road it’s their mistake to own up to.
Well, all cars are made to go waaayy above any speed limits, unless you’re driving on a German autobahn.
I know what you mean, but by that logic we should only make cars that go up to 80mph.
The majority of electric vehicles have speed limiters (I.e. escooters and ebikes), but the moment somebody suggests putting speed limits on cars, the #2 killer of children (behind guns), everybody loses their minds.
Not entirely true. Speed limiters on cars sold in EU are mandatory now. It’s still possible to go above speed limits and the limiters are only required in brand new cars. But it’s the first step.
https://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/blog/mandatory-speed-limiters-on-eu-cars-from-2024-what-you-need-to-know
Manufacturers aren’t required to use speed limiter software, the law allows for cars to only play alert sounds when a driver is breaking speed limits. I rented a 2024 Mercedes in Europe recently that beeped when you were speeding, but otherwise didn’t do any active safety measures.
Also, while these speeding alerts are on by default, they can easily be disabled, so most people who understand how to configure their car will probably turn them off.
Plenty of articles online with drivers freaking out that they’re being punished for breaking speed limit laws, and explaining how to turn off the alerts.
Compare to ebikes in the EU, where all (legally-imported) ebikes will turn off their motors above 25-30 kmh, and firmware hacking the system to disable it is illegal unless you register it as a moped. Disabling the speed limiter is illegal even if you are riding it on 50 km/h streets where it is legal and safe to go faster.
You didn’t read the link before typing that long ass incorrect reply 👎
Your car didn’t have a speed limiter. It just had a warning system. Older cars, pre 2024, have those too.
It will be an active limiter, that will stop the car from accelerating, and drivers will have to floor the gas pedal when they need extra speed overtaking cars.
“The system then limits the engine’s power and the vehicle’s speed to that limit. … You can override the system by pressing hard on the accelerator, but the system will reactivate every time the car is started.”
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/content/news/mandatory-speed-limiters-on-eu-cars-from-2024?refresh=true
Also, re. mopeds and ebikes - no one goes on race tracks with those.
I go on a racetrack with my car, and wouldn’t be fun driving 80mph on a track.
That’s not at all the same logic. Yes, cars can go way above speed limits. And there are use cases where cars need to have more power (driving uphill for example). But this is about an autopilot specifically programmed/instructed to actually go above speed limits, and going above speed limits is illegal. So the setting in itself is illegal. Having the technical ability to go above speed limits is not. If the driver chooses to use that ability and go above speed limits, it’s illegal again. This is not rocket science.
More power does not equal more speed.
Tractors are way more powerful than most cars, but are also super slow. Cars can be made powerful but not fast.
Many drivers enjoy going on a day race track where they can go as fast as they want. My car (not a Tesla) even has a special warranty that allows me to disable certain road safety features when I’m on a race track.
If I pay for a 200mph car, why should I not be able to safely enjoy it? I’m a responsible adult.
If an idiot decides to drive 200mph on a public road it’s their mistake to own up to.
It’s like saying guns kill, not people.
So you agree with the rest of my statement then?
Not at all.
The same way I can disable road safety features on my car when I am on a racetrack, they can use their stupid autopilot on a racetrack.
Btw fuck Tesla. But it’s the people using Teslas that are fucking idiots.