NHTSA and SAE Launch ASCEND to Set Federal Self-Driving Safety Standards
NHTSA and SAE launch ASCEND to build federal AV safety tests as May Mobility pursues a $1.4 billion listing and robotaxi fleets expand across America.
Summary
As of September 20, 2026, the US had no standardized real-world test for automated driving systems, leaving developers largely to judge safety. NHTSA and SAE launched ASCEND, a government-industry consortium to accelerate data-driven AV performance standards. Administrator Jonathan Morrison said an ADS competency standard will inform a federal motor vehicle safety standard, replacing inconsistent state and local rules without constraining innovation. Current FMVSS requirements assume controls and mirrors absent from the Tesla Cybercab and Zoox robotaxi. No timeline was set.
May Mobility plans to merge with SPAC ACP Holdings Acquisition Corp., potentially raising more than $300 million at a $1.4 billion valuation. Operating autonomous Toyota Siennas in three locations, it aims to become the first US public company devoted entirely to autonomous ride-hailing. Other listed AV plays include Aurora, Kodiak, Rivian, Tesla, Alphabet-owned Waymo and Amazon-owned Zoox. Beep merged with Miami transit company Freebee under the Beep name; Kevin Reid becomes chair and CEO, Kris Kimball COO, and Jason Spiegel president and chief growth officer. Lucid Motors and Bolt plan at least 25,000 autonomous vehicles using Lucid’s smaller, cheaper midsize EV architecture. Georgia recycler R3 Lithium raised $15 million from TDK Ventures, Integral GlobalTech Partners and Axial Partners.
Coast Guard and FBI teams boarded two US-bound oil tankers after hackers reportedly seized key systems on at least one. ShinyHunters published hundreds of thousands of Florida vehicle and driver records. Joby Aviation flew more than 3,100 autonomous miles without pilot intervention. GM updated Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra interfaces; Volkswagen showed a record-efficiency EV prototype. The House advanced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Waymo resumed San Antonio five months after a robotaxi was swept away, launched Las Vegas and plans Singapore testing. Wayve named Elisa de Martel CFO. Zoox’s 100-vehicle Las Vegas cap expires September 25.
Positives
- NHTSA and SAE launched ASCEND to accelerate data-driven national performance standards for automated driving systems.
- May Mobility’s proposed SPAC merger could raise more than $300 million at a $1.4 billion valuation.
- Lucid Motors and Bolt plan to deploy at least 25,000 autonomous vehicles on Lucid’s upcoming midsize EV architecture.
- Joby Aviation’s autonomy technology completed more than 3,100 miles without a human pilot taking control.
- Waymo resumed San Antonio operations, launched in Las Vegas and plans mapping followed by autonomous testing in Singapore.
- Zoox can expand beyond its 100-vehicle Las Vegas commercial fleet cap after September 25.
Risks & concerns
- No standardized real-world AV driving test or timeline for ASCEND standards existed as of September 20, 2026.
- Current federal rules require controls and mirrors omitted from purpose-built vehicles including the Tesla Cybercab and Zoox robotaxi.
- Hackers reportedly controlled navigation, propulsion and cargo systems aboard at least one US-bound oil tanker.
- ShinyHunters published hundreds of thousands of files containing Florida vehicle and driver information.
- Waymo’s San Antonio service was suspended for five months after a robotaxi was swept away during a flash flood.