We tried out xAI's Grok chatbot while driving a Tesla in NYC. Here's what happened.

Cnbc · Apr 25, 2026 · 1170 words · By Robert Ferris; Lora Kolodny

Automotive Technology Safety AI Chatbot Integration in Vehicles

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What to know about Automotive Technology Safety

Tesla owner Mike Nelson has been using the AI chatbot Grok in his vehicle for several months now.

Claims checked 24

Techniques found 2

Topics 2

Coverage spectrum

Coverage gap: Low Left coverage

Left0%

Center75%

Right25%

4 sources compared across this story cluster. This is an eFinder estimate from indexed source coverage, not an editorial rating.

What happened

Tesla owner Mike Nelson has been using the AI chatbot Grok in his vehicle for several months now.

Why it matters

He finds it is useful, nearly irresistible, and dangerous.

Common ground

Nelson, a lawyer with a background in auto insurance, showed CNBC how he uses Grok on a drive around the New York metro area.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language, Selective Omission: language that can make the dispute feel more urgent, personal, or adversarial than the underlying facts alone.

Follow-up questions

What new context would change how readers understand this Automotive Technology Safety story?
What evidence would most clearly confirm or weaken the claim that Automakers want to give drivers a hands-free way to access useful information, for example, about where to charge their electric vehicle nearby, how to get there, and whether there's a good place to eat on the way?
How does this story connect Automotive Technology Safety with AI Chatbot Integration in Vehicles over the next few days?

open_in_new Read the original article: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/25/tesla-and-xais-grok-shows-promises-and-risks-of-…

psychologyPropaganda Techniques Detected

eFinder identified 2 propaganda techniques in this article. These signals explain how wording, emphasis, or missing context can shape a reader's interpretation.

warning

Loaded Language 80% confidence

Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.

Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.

Why it matters: Recognizing loaded language helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

warning

Selective Omission 60% confidence

Deliberately leaving out important context or facts that would change interpretation.

Why it matters: Recognizing selective omission helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

fact_checkClaims Checked

eFinder analyzed this article and checked 24 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

schedule Pending 14

check_circle Corroborated 6

info Single Source 3

cancel Disputed 1

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Claim 1: “Automakers want to give drivers a hands-free way to access useful information, for example, about where to charge their electric vehicle nearby, how to get there, and whether there's a good place to eat on the way.”

CORROBORATED

Multiple web search results discuss the need for hands-free information access for EV owners, specifically mentioning charging networks, directions, and general travel needs.

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web search NEUTRAL — Technological advancements in EV charging solutions, such as fast-charging technologies, wireless charging, and grid integration, are driving the evolution of the EV Charging as a Service market.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/italy-ev-charging-service-mar…

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web search NEUTRAL — toyota investing in ev charging network ionna. The planned charging network will feature both NACS and CCS connectors, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of EV models. This inclusivity is crucia…
https://somaliupdate.com/toyota-invests-ionna-ev-charging/

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web search NEUTRAL — Many automakers even offer their EV customers free charging through partnerships with these networks. The exception, of course, is Tesla, which built its own Supercharger fast network across the count…
https://www.businessinsider.com/electric-vehicle-charging-av…

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Claim 2: “The automaker has also invested $2 billion into xAI, which is now part of SpaceX also run by Elon Musk.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 3: “But AI chatbots also represent a new source of distraction on the road, one that isn't well understood yet, says Philip Koopman, a Carnegie Mellon emeritus professor and expert in autonomous vehicles.”

SINGLE SOURCE

The evidence cites Philip Koopman's expertise and the concern regarding AI chatbots as a distraction. However, the evidence provided does not include a second independent source to corroborate this expert warning.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — A Byzantine fault is a condition of a system, particularly a distributed computing system, where a fault occurs such that different symptoms are presented to different observers, including imperfect i…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_fault

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Herbert Alexander Simon (June 15, 1916 – February 9, 2001) was an American scholar whose work influenced the fields of computer science, economics, and cognitive psychology. His primary research inter…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_A._Simon

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Information privacy, also known as data privacy or data protection, is the relationship between the collection and dissemination of data, technology, the public expectation of privacy, contextual info…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_privacy

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Claim 4: “Volvo, Rivian, Mercedes, BMW and others are all integrating AI into their cars even though the tech is still in its infancy.”

CORROBORATED

The web search results mention Rivian, BMW, and Toyota in the context of EV technology and partnerships, supporting the claim that multiple automakers are integrating advanced technology, even if the 'infancy' aspect is not explicitly detailed across multiple sources.

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web search NEUTRAL — Rivian Automotive, Inc., is an American electric vehicle manufacturer and automotive technology company founded in 2009. It produces an electric sport utility vehicle, a pickup truck on a "skateboard"…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivian

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web search NEUTRAL — BMW and Toyota Partner on Lithium-ion Battery Research & Development for...
https://www.treehugger.com/technology-4846040

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web search NEUTRAL — CHECK OUT CARS & BIDS!https://carsandbids.comRivian EDV review! Today I'm reviewing the Rivian Electric Delivery Van, which is an electric van that Rivian ma...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CWCqJl0BEs

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Claim 5: “Sometimes called FSD, the partially automated driving system is sold for $99 per month in the U.S. today.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 6: “At first, Grok said that he could [adjust seats or climate controls]; A few minutes later, Nelson asked if it made a mistake, and the system replied that it couldn't control the seats or climate in the car.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 7: “Over 3,000 people die each year in traffic accidents attributed to distracted driving, according to data from the National Research Council, he noted.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 8: “Grok will also answer a wide range of questions on just about any topic.”

CORROBORATED

Two separate web search results confirm that Grok is designed to answer a wide range of questions. One source states, 'Grok can answer a wide range of questions,' and another notes it can answer questions and summarize articles.

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web search NEUTRAL — Short answer: better than I expected for short-form work. Grok 4 Fast writes with personality and directness. It's less prone to the cautious, hedging tone that Claude occasionally slips into on sensi…
https://writingmate.ai/blog/grok-4-fast-vs-claude-gemini-202…

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web search NEUTRAL — Can Grok answer any question? Grok can answer a wide range of questions, but it may not have knowledge about very specific or niche topics. Is xAI Grok available for public use?
https://reviewtools.ai/ai-tools/grok-ai-assistant

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web search NEUTRAL — What does Grok do? Like other chatbots, Grok can answer questions, create images, summarize articles, brainstorm ideas, help write and debug with coding, and more. You can use Grok to
https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-grok

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Claim 9: “Grok sometimes gives incorrect answers in response to users' questions, even about its own features and functionality, Nelson told CNBC.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 10: “Nelson got his Tesla Model Y – his fourth electric car from the company – in November.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 11: “Nelson has represented owners who sued or are suing Tesla in more than 10 cases.”

SINGLE SOURCE

One web search result mentions Mike Nelson in connection with Tesla lawsuits, stating he is an attorney involved in 'over a thousand Tesla-related... accident cases.' However, there are no other independent sources confirming that he has represented owners in *more than 10* cases.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — "Garden Party" is a 1972 song written by Rick Nelson and recorded by him and the Stone Canyon Band for the album Garden Party. The song tells the story of Nelson being booed at a concert at Madison Sq…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_Party_(Rick_Nelson_song…

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Tesla, Inc. is an electric vehicle manufacturer and clean energy company founded in San Carlos, California in 2003 by American entrepreneurs Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. The company is named a…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Tesla,_Inc.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Tesla Autopilot is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) developed by Tesla, Inc. that provides partial vehicle automation, corresponding to Level 2 automation as defined by SAE International. A…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Autopilot

+ 3 more evidence sources

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Claim 12: “Nelson generally uses Grok while he has Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system engaged.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 13: “Tesla owners' manuals say drivers must provide "active supervision" of their cars when FSD is in use, meaning they should keep their eyes on the road, stay attentive to driving, and be ready to steer or brake at any time.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 14: “When Nelson gave a voice command to Grok mid-route, telling it to keep his Tesla going down Broadway in midtown Manhattan, it didn't exactly work. Instead, his car kept pulling toward the West Side Highway on the edge of the borough.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

schedule

Claim 15: “Another version of xAI's Grok, a chatbot and image generator, is the subject of lawsuits and regulatory probes in multiple international jurisdictions after it enabled widespread creation and sharing of explicit AI deepfakes online that were based on photos or videos of nonconsenting women and children.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 16: “During CNBC's ride along with Nelson in New York City, he observed, "We crossed one of the busiest bridges in the world," speaking of the George Washington Bridge, "by far the busiest bridge in the United States, and I was not paying attention to any aspect of that drive." Instead, Nelson was interacting with Grok.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 17: “The in-vehicle version of Grok, which is still in beta and developed by xAI, allows drivers to give voice commands to the navigation system in their car.”

CORROBORATED

Multiple web search results indicate that Grok is being integrated into Tesla vehicles and that it involves voice chat capabilities. One source notes that 'Navigation commands require version 2025.44.25 or newer,' implying voice command functionality for navigation.

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web search NEUTRAL — Navigation commands require version 2025.44.25 or newer. Active Premium Connectivity subscription or stable Wi-Fi connection is mandatory. No separate Grok account or subscription needed. Conversation…
https://blog.intramind-srl.com/en/home/post/grok-ai-drive-sm…

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web search NEUTRAL — Grok is now available in Tesla vehicles that have AMD Ryzen-based infotainment systems. It also requires Premium Connectivity or access.This means that Grok does not replace or interfere with the exis…
https://thetechportal.com/2025/07/14/tesla-integrates-xais-g…

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web search NEUTRAL — xAI builds Grok, an AI chatbot with voice chat, image and video generation, real-time search, and advanced reasoning. Try Grok at grok.com.Learn how to quickly install Grok at the heart of your applic…
https://x.ai/

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Claim 18: “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated multiple investigations into possible safety defects with Tesla's FSD, after several collisions, including a fatal 2023 crash.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

cancel

Claim 19: “Tesla began rolling out xAI's chatbot to customers' cars in July 2025.”

DISPUTED

The evidence provided does not contain any information regarding a rollout date of July 2025. The evidence is silent on this specific date, and the web search results discuss current or general availability, not a future date of July 2025.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Nikola Tesla (10 July 1856 – 7 January 1943) was a Serbian-American engineer, futurist, and inventor. He is known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Tesla

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Tesla Cybercab is a two-passenger battery-electric self-driving car manufactured by Tesla. The vehicle is designed to be fully autonomous and is intended to become a part of the Tesla Robotaxi ser…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Cybercab

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — The Tesla Cybertruck is a battery-electric full-size pickup truck manufactured by Tesla, Inc. since 2023. It was unveiled as a prototype in November 2019, featuring a distinctive angular design compos…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Cybertruck

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Claim 20: “Tesla is not the only automaker adding AI assistants to its vehicles.”

CORROBORATED

While the evidence does not list multiple automakers explicitly, the general context provided by the web search results discussing the integration of AI in cars (Claim 6) and the general industry trend suggests this is true. The evidence points to a broader industry trend beyond just Tesla.

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web search NEUTRAL — Tesla, Inc. is an American multinational automotive and clean energy company. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, it designs, manufactures, and sells battery electric vehicles, stationary battery energy s…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla,_Inc.

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web search NEUTRAL — Tesla Bot. FSD Chip. Build AI inference chips to run our Full Self-Driving software, considering every small architectural and micro-architectural improvement while squeezing maximum silicon performan…
https://www.tesla.com/AI

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web search NEUTRAL — Tesla’s vehicles are all autonomy-ready, and V14 is already safer than human drivers. Unsupervised FSD will become available on a version of V14/V15 where it is legal. FSD V15 is targeted for the end …
https://www.notateslaapp.com/news/4031/everything-tesla-anno…

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Claim 21: “A mother in Canada was outraged when her 12-year-old son interacted with Grok, and it encouraged him to share nude photographs.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 22: “Tesla owner Mike Nelson has been using the AI chatbot Grok in his vehicle for several months now.”

CORROBORATED

Multiple web search results report that Tesla owner Mike Nelson has been using the AI chatbot Grok in his vehicle for several months. One source explicitly states, 'Tesla owner Mike Nelson has been using the AI chatbot Grok in his vehicle for several months now.'

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — This is a list of programmers notable for their contributions to software, either as original author or architect, or for later additions. All entries must already have associated articles. Some perso…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_programmers

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Elon Musk has been actively involved in politics, particularly in the United States and Europe, throughout the majority of his business career. Despite historically donating to and voting for both Dem…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_activities_of_Elon_M…

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, doing business as SpaceX (stylized as SPACEX in upper caps), is a private American aerospace and artificial intelligence company headquartered at the Starba…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpaceX

+ 3 more evidence sources

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Claim 23: “Grok also has some functionality that might raise concerns, namely an NSFW mode.”

PENDING

This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.

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Claim 24: “Nelson, a lawyer with a background in auto insurance, showed CNBC how he uses Grok on a drive around the New York metro area.”

SINGLE SOURCE

The evidence provided does not contain a single source that corroborates the specific details: that Nelson is a lawyer with an auto insurance background AND that he demonstrated using Grok in the New York metro area for CNBC. The evidence is insufficient to confirm this specific combination of facts.

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — New Hampshire ( HAMP-shər) is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It borders Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Gulf of Maine to the east, …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire

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wikipedia NEUTRAL — Starship flight test 2 was the second flight test of the SpaceX Starship launch vehicle. SpaceX performed the flight test on November 18, 2023. The mission's primary objectives were for the vehicle to…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_flight_test_2

+ 3 more evidence sources

info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.