Toronto, Ontario -- In this week's EV/AV report: Congressional figures open up the national conversation on autonomous vehicles; Ontario's premier laments a new trade deal bringing Chinese EVs into Canada; and the Royal Navy launches an autonomous helicopter.
Hill Bill
U.S. House lawmakers revived federal autonomous vehicle legislation in Washington in January through a discussion draft of a new SELF DRIVE Act. The effort is led by Gus Bilirakis, a Republican representing Florida’s 12th Congressional District, with support from Bob Latta, a Republican from Ohio’s 5th District, and Debbie Dingell, a Democrat representing Michigan’s 6th District.
Latta said the discussion draft is intended to “provide certainty for innovators while keeping safety at the forefront,” pointing to the lack of a national framework for automated vehicles. Dingell said in public remarks that Congress needs to “update outdated vehicle safety laws” and ensure the U.S. does not fall behind in autonomous technology development.
The discussion draft has not yet been formally introduced for markup or a full House vote. Both lawmakers have described the draft as a starting point rather than finished legislation.
Tariff Quota
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government announced mid-January that Canada would allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles into the country each year under reduced tariff rates as part of a broader trade arrangement with Beijing. The policy change followed negotiations tied to agricultural exports, including canola.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the decision publicly, calling it a “terrible deal” and saying it would “put Ontario auto jobs at risk.” Unifor national president Lana Payne said the move was “a self-inflicted wound to an already injured Canadian auto industry.”
Proteus Debuts
The UK Royal Navy confirmed that a full-size autonomous helicopter completed its first flight on Jan. 16 at Predannack airfield in Cornwall. The aircraft, known as Proteus, flew without an onboard crew under ground-based supervision.
Nigel Colman, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, said the flight showed how autonomy could be applied to larger aircraft. “Proteus represents a step-change in how maritime aviation can deliver persistence, adaptability and reach,” Colman said. The aircraft is part of a defence research program exploring future uncrewed and hybrid air operations.
trade deal bringing Chinese EVs into Canada; and the Royal Navy launches an autonomous helicopter.
Hill Bill
U.S. House lawmakers revived federal autonomous vehicle legislation in Washington in January through a discussion draft of a new SELF DRIVE Act. The effort is led by Gus Bilirakis, a Republican representing Florida’s 12th Congressional District, with support from Bob Latta, a Republican from Ohio’s 5th District, and Debbie Dingell, a Democrat representing Michigan’s 6th District.
Latta said the discussion draft is intended to “provide certainty for innovators while keeping safety at the forefront,” pointing to the lack of a national framework for automated vehicles. Dingell said in public remarks that Congress needs to “update outdated vehicle safety laws” and ensure the U.S. does not fall behind in autonomous technology development.
The discussion draft has not yet been formally introduced for markup or a full House vote. Both lawmakers have described the draft as a starting point rather than finished legislation.
Tariff Quota
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government announced mid-January that Canada would allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles into the country each year under reduced tariff rates as part of a broader trade arrangement with Beijing. The policy change followed negotiations tied to agricultural exports, including canola.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the decision publicly, calling it a “terrible deal” and saying it would “put Ontario auto jobs at risk.” Unifor national president Lana Payne said the move was “a self-inflicted wound to an already injured Canadian auto industry.”
Proteus Debuts
The UK Royal Navy confirmed that a full-size autonomous helicopter completed its first flight on Jan. 16 at Predannack airfield in Cornwall. The aircraft, known as Proteus, flew without an onboard crew under ground-based supervision.
Nigel Colman, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, said the flight showed how autonomy could be applied to larger aircraft. “Proteus represents a step-change in how maritime aviation can deliver persistence, adaptability and reach,” Colman said. The aircraft is part of a defence research program exploring future uncrewed and hybrid air operations.
