Category: EV vehicles

  • Tesla Model 3: America’s Cheapest Car to Own by Just $43

    Tesla Model 3: America’s Cheapest Car to Own by Just $43

    Automotive industry experts have been signaling for quite some time that while electric vehicles could be less expensive to manufacture and maintain, increasing repair expenses and insurance rates might negate those benefits.

    Study Findings

    A recent study highlights that the Tesla Model 3 ranks as the most economical car to own among the top-selling mass market vehicles in the United States, with the Model Y also making it into the top ten of this list.

    The total yearly ownership cost of the Model 3 sits at $5,061, which is just $43 less than the next vehicle on the list, a gasoline-powered Hyundai Elantra. Following closely is the Toyota Corolla, which has annual expenses of $5,182, not much above that of the Model 3.

    Cost Breakdown

    The small difference in yearly ownership costs between Tesla’s least expensive electric model and others is largely because its low fuel and upkeep expenses are outweighed by its elevated premiums, fees, and taxes.

    For instance, the typical cost to insure a Tesla Model 3 in the U.S. is $2,241, compared to $1,511 for a Corolla. Moreover, Model 3 owners shell out an average of $1,041 for fees and taxes, double what Hyundai owners generally pay.

    Tesla Model Y Comparison

    Similarly, the Tesla Model Y, which ranks as the seventh most cost-effective vehicle to operate in the U.S., has its low charging costs of $708 and maintenance fees of $1,339 overshadowed by its hefty insurance premiums of $2,399 annually, second only to the Model S.

    Indeed, Tesla vehicles are the priciest to insure among mass-market cars in America, and the study does not even take into account the Cybertruck, which is not classified as a best-selling mass-market vehicle.

    Insurance Challenges

    The high insurance costs are attributed to the scarcity of parts, the complex gigacast components that are hard to repair, and the expensive battery replacements that often lead insurers to declare an EV a total loss after a serious accident instead of repairing it.

    Rental company Hertz faced this reality when it ordered 100,000 Model 3 cars from Tesla and quickly flooded the second-hand market with them just two years later, citing price declines, slow repair processes, and soaring insurance expenses.

    Rising Taxes

    Moreover, many states have begun to increase road taxes on electric vehicles, arguing that their heavier weight causes more wear and tear on public roads, contributing to the growing expenses of EV ownership.

    Nonetheless, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y do have one clear advantage over gasoline-powered vehicles: their yearly fuel and maintenance costs are significantly lower than those of internal combustion engine cars.

    Source:
    Link

  • Xiaomi CEO: SU7 Deliveries Exceed 150,000 Units

    Xiaomi CEO: SU7 Deliveries Exceed 150,000 Units

    New electric vehicle manufacturer Xiaomi has successfully delivered 150,000 units of its first SU7 sedan in under a year, according to the company’s founder, chairman, and CEO, Lei Jun.

    Recent Sales Update

    In a video where Lei showcased the Xiaomi SU7’s self-driving capabilities, he revealed this latest sales milestone. Previously, he mentioned that around 135,000 units were sold in 2024, implying that approximately 15,000 units have been sold this year, 2025.

    Launch Details

    The Xiaomi SU7 made its debut on March 28, 2024, offering three different trims right from the start, with deliveries commencing in April. The Standard model is priced at RMB 215,900 ($29,800), while the Pro and Max trims are priced at RMB 245,900 ($33,900) and RMB 299,900 ($41,400), respectively.

    Future Plans

    Xiaomi is increasing its production efforts, aiming for 300,000 SU7 deliveries throughout this year. During the same presentation, Lei unveiled a limited-edition red version to celebrate the company’s 15th anniversary, which will be available for RMB 9,000 ($1,230). This special color is set to start deliveries in March.

    Additionally, Xiaomi has announced the Ultra version of the SU7, scheduled for launch in March. Pre-orders are now open for Chinese customers at a starting price of RMB 814,900 ($112,400). The company also revealed plans for its next EV, the Xiaomi YU7 SUV, which is expected to hit the market in June or July 2025.

    Source:
    Link

  • Tesla Model Y FSD Camera Cleaning System Demoed in 2025 Refresh

    Tesla Model Y FSD Camera Cleaning System Demoed in 2025 Refresh

    Dirty HW3 or HW4 cameras have long been a frustration for many Tesla drivers using Autopilot, FSD, or parking in tough weather.

    The cameras on Tesla vehicles often face issues like fogging, freezing, or getting covered with dirt, sleet, or snow. This affects all the driver-assist features, leading some drivers to wish Tesla would reconsider their choice to ditch LiDAR in favor of a camera-based Vision system. One Reddit user pointed out:

    “This is a major issue for ALL their vehicles. Autopilot doesn’t function well when the cameras are dirty, and I’ve been saying for years now that they need to implement weather solutions for all the cameras if they want FSD to meet people’s needs. Other manufacturers have added washers to their cameras; why hasn’t Tesla done the same?”

    Addressing the Issue

    Tesla has taken steps to tackle the problem of dirty FSD cameras, but not for the rear camera, which tends to get dirtier than the others. Drivers often found themselves needing to use a camera cleaning kit. The Cybertruck was designed with a cleaning and heating system for the front bumper camera, which was previously a unique feature of Tesla’s first electric pickup.

    Fortunately, this camera washing feature is now being introduced to the Model Y Juniper facelift set to launch in March. Early reviews of the 2025 Model Y have begun testing the front bumper camera washer, and it’s hopeful that the lens will also include a heating element like in the Cybertruck, helping to clear ice or snow during winter without requiring drivers to step outside their Model Y Juniper.

    Future Developments

    Regarding the rear cameras that often gather dirt, Tesla recently announced that they are working on a “comprehensive cleaning solution,” but they haven’t shared any specifics yet.

    Source:
    Link

  • New Long-Lasting NaS Battery Made with Lavender Oil

    New Long-Lasting NaS Battery Made with Lavender Oil

    There’s a lot of research happening on sodium-sulfur batteries, and we’ve shared insights about this exciting technology several times. Although their expected energy density is a bit lower than that of lithium-ion batteries, the benefits greatly outshine this small drawback.

    Cost-Effectiveness

    Switching from lithium and cobalt to sodium and sulfur can significantly lower battery production costs. These materials are abundant and won’t run out, even if the technology scales up massively. This is a big difference from cobalt, which is rare and will eventually deplete on our planet.

    Challenges with Sulfur

    Yet, the highly reactive sulfur, which is a crucial part of corrosive acids, brings its own set of challenges. Battery cells can fail after a few hundred charging cycles, or even sooner, due to short circuits.

    Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces are currently working on this problem using a solid structure made of linalool and sulfur. In this setup, sulfur ions are kept in position while sodium ions can move through a mesh that is about 100,000 times thinner than a human hair, as stated in the research.

    Performance and Sustainability

    This design allows for electron exchange without changing or harming the battery’s structure. Another benefit is that linalool is a common fragrance used in cosmetics and is cultivated on a large scale, especially from lavender.

    As a result, the new NaS battery is primarily constructed from cheap and easily sourced materials. Its performance is impressive too; after 1,000 charge cycles, it maintained 87% of its original capacity. It hit the 80% mark after 1,500 cycles, which typically signals the end of the battery’s useful life.

    The cell voltage of about 1.0 volts and an energy density of approximately 500 watt-hours per kilogram are also noteworthy. It’s still unclear if large-scale production of this battery can be sustainable. Nonetheless, this could be a thrilling new battery tech for electric vehicle manufacturers and fans, as well as lavender growers.

    Source:
    Link

  • 2025 Model Y Light Show, Trunk Safety, and ASMR with Texas Plates

    2025 Model Y Light Show, Trunk Safety, and ASMR with Texas Plates

    The 2025 Model Y refresh is set to launch in March, marking five years since the first version, and preorders in the United States are already underway, with plenty of reviews coming in from Juniper.

    Reviews on Design and Features

    The initial reviews for the 2025 Model Y focused on its exterior aesthetics, driving experience, and interior design. Reviewers also went over a list of new features and specifications shared by Tesla. These updates include a 0.2-inch reduction in ground clearance and a remarkable “51% decrease in vibration on rough roads.” Additionally, the glass roof has been upgraded with a new silver coating, which improves heat refraction by seven times, enhancing the efficiency of the HVAC system.

    ASMR Videos and Light Bars

    What should future reviewers do next? Well, creating an ASMR video to showcase the visuals and sounds that the new 2025 Tesla Model Y features provides is a perfect choice. They also delve into the meticulous details, such as the new Juniper light show programmed with the updated light bar and colorful ambient lighting.

    The ASMR video highlights the reason behind Tesla’s decision to include a segmented light bar at the front of the 2025 Model Y. Reviewers illustrate the satisfying click sound that the stalk and turn signals produce when activated. Notably, the turn signals are part of the light bar’s sides, distinct from the central hood section, allowing for easier identification amidst the bright LEDs.

    Unique Rear Light Feature

    On the back, the cross-car light bar stands out as a reflective element, emitting light that reflects off the material below for a softer, more diffused illumination. A Model Y Juniper seen in Saratoga, sporting Texas plates, showcased this light bar, which not only lit up the car but also illuminated the road behind it, creating a strikingly modern appearance.

    The ASMR video for the Model Y Juniper facelift captures various sounds the vehicle produces, from the automated folding of seats and mirrors to the thud of the trunk lining and the sound of the powered trunk closing. The reviewer even placed their hand in the gap to illustrate the safety feature of the trunk gate, which bounces back if it detects an obstruction in its path.

    Source:
    Link

  • Record-Breaking Plastic Supercapacitor for Capacity and Lifespan

    Record-Breaking Plastic Supercapacitor for Capacity and Lifespan

    The impressive conductivity and capacity of PEDOT, which is made up of hydrocarbon rings, are significantly restricted due to its small surface area. This aspect plays a crucial role in defining the electrical features of any capacitor.

    Innovations in Structure

    Researchers from the University of California have transformed this structure to resemble fur or a pelt. By incorporating carbon nanotubes and graphene as the carrier materials, the surface area has been substantially enlarged. This modification boosts the capacity to an outstanding 4,600 millifarads per square centimeter, which is ten times greater than traditional PEDOT. Furthermore, this enhancement results in remarkable durability: even after 70,000 charging cycles, about 70% of the initial capacity remains intact. Overall, nearly 100,000 charging cycles can be achieved.

    Benefits Over Traditional Batteries

    Another benefit of this new design, when compared to standard battery cells, is that it does not rely on chemical processes for energy storage. This allows for extremely high charging and discharging rates. If scaled up, these capacitors could be used in power grids to store surplus energy and quickly release it when required.

    Potential Applications

    With an exceptionally long lifespan (nearly 10 years even if charged every hour), along with high storage and charging capabilities, various applications become possible. For instance, solar cells are already being paired with these capacitors to help manage fluctuations in energy production.

    Source:
    Link

  • Xiaomi Recalls 30,000 SU7 Sedans for Faulty Parking System

    Xiaomi Recalls 30,000 SU7 Sedans for Faulty Parking System

    Xiaomi is recalling 30,931 of its SU7 electric sedans in China due to a software glitch that affects the autonomous parking feature. The company is providing a free over-the-air (OTA) update to fix the issue, which means that owners won’t need to go to a service center for repairs.

    Details of the Software Issue

    The problem originates from a bug that can disrupt the autonomous parking system. Xiaomi reported that the issue first came to light on November 14, 2024, when a customer noted abnormal behavior while using the parking feature. This malfunction compromised the car’s detection system, resulting in scratches and minor collisions during parking attempts.

    Recall Specifics

    The recall affects 30,931 units of the SU7 Standard model built between February 6, 2024, and November 26, 2024. The affected vehicles are those with internal identifiers BJ7000MBEVR2, XMA7000MBEVR2, and XMA7000MBEVR5.

    Xiaomi has identified the malfunction’s root cause as a timing synchronization problem in the cloud service that manages the autonomous parking system. To address this, the company has made necessary changes on the cloud side and has implemented extra protections within the smart parking assistance system. According to Xiaomi, these measures should effectively prevent the problem from happening again.

    Easy Update for Owners

    After two months of testing to verify the effectiveness of the solution, Xiaomi is now rolling out an OTA software update. This allows SU7 owners to fix their vehicles without the inconvenience of having to book service appointments or visit a dealership. Owners will receive notifications about the update and can conveniently install it via their car’s internet connection.

    Source:
    Link

  • 2025 Model Y Reviews: Ride Comfort & Smart Seat Folding Features

    2025 Model Y Reviews: Ride Comfort & Smart Seat Folding Features

    Tesla recently confirmed the much-anticipated announcement regarding the new 2025 Model Y facelift’s pricing and availability in the US market, aligning with recent speculation.

    Pricing and Features

    The Model Y Juniper facelift is set at a price of $59,990 prior to any tax credit deductions. This version is offered as an AWD trim, which includes Full Self-Driving (FSD) valued at $8,000, a Mobile Charger worth $275, premium interior materials, and special Launch Series badging and lighting throughout. Whether this added cost of $12,000 over the previous Long Range trim—which Tesla will still sell—will be justified is yet to be determined based on the initial video reviews for the 2025 Model Y that have emerged.

    Enhanced Comfort and Design

    The reviews for the Juniper model highlight a significant boost in ride comfort, thanks to the enhanced suspension system and new vented seating, along with an impressive 16-speaker audio setup. The seating has been slightly elongated for better comfort, and Tesla has motorized the rear split bench, allowing it to recline or fold down with a simple button press to maximize cargo space.

    Attention to Detail

    At first glance, the 2025 Model Y may seem merely a design refresh with its modern light bars, ambient lighting, and concealed speakers. However, reviewers of the Juniper refresh note that Tesla has meticulously focused on subtle details, transforming the vehicle into something that feels entirely new. For instance, the front seats adjust forward when the rear bench folds to optimize cargo space for headrests, before sliding back to restore front passenger space after the adjustment is done.

    Upgrades and Features

    Sawyer Merritt, a well-known figure who ordered the 2025 Model Y trim, has compiled an extensive list of the new features from various reviewer and buyer guides, illustrating the significant upgrades incorporated into the new Model Y. Although Tesla hasn’t made changes to the battery or charging speeds for the 2025 model, the long list of new features in the Juniper refresh is likely to maintain strong interest in their best-selling vehicle throughout the year.

    Source:
    Link

  • Tesla Announces 2025 Model Y Release with $599 Lease and FSD

    Tesla Announces 2025 Model Y Release with $599 Lease and FSD

    Tesla has officially opened orders for the 2025 Model Y in the US, just as many were expecting. The price for the Juniper refresh starts at $59,990 before tax credits or any other incentives, but it does come with Full Self-Driving (FSD) included.

    Release Date and Special Edition

    The 2025 Model Y is scheduled to be released in the US in March, aligning with its launch in China and Europe. The Juniper facelift is available as the Launch Series Long Range AWD edition, featuring unique badging and complimentary FSD, which contributes to the higher cost.

    Impressive Range Figures

    Tesla claims that the new Model Y can achieve a range of up to 320 miles when equipped with the smaller, 19-inch Crossflow wheels. If you opt for the premium 20-inch Helix wheels, the range drops to 303 miles. These figures come from Tesla’s own testing, which tends to be stricter than EPA standards, so there might be a chance for the range to be adjusted upward by over ten miles.

    The anticipated EPA range for the 2025 Model Y AWD could be quite similar to the 337 miles offered by the current RWD version in the US. In China, Tesla has indicated a 3% improvement in range for the facelift compared to the earlier model, according to local CLTC tests.

    Design Enhancements for Better Efficiency

    Tesla attributes the enhanced Juniper range to a “redesigned exterior with improved aerodynamics that unlocks better range, performance & longevity,” instead of introducing a new or larger battery. It remains unclear if the US Model Y Juniper will utilize Tesla’s own 4680 cells.

    The 2025 Model Y is priced at $4,000 more than the current AWD version, even without considering the bundled FSD option. Although the Launch Series edition includes “exclusive badging on the rear liftgate, puddle lights, doorsill plates, and more,” along with upgraded materials in the seats and interior, it’s still pricier than the existing top-tier Performance trim.

    Tax Credit and Leasing Options

    Tesla still lists the Model Y Juniper as eligible for the federal tax credit, which likely explains the hurried announcement of a single trim that won’t be available until March. Early adopters of the 2025 Model Y can seize the $7,500 tax credit if they act quickly, as the new Trump administration has put a halt to any EV subsidy distributions until further notice, possibly eliminating the tax credit entirely.

    Tesla might be prepared to make up for the potential loss of the tax credit for Model Y Juniper refresh buyers. Currently, they’re offering a lease option at $599 per month for the 2025 Model Y, factoring in a $100 “gas savings” and a mysterious “Tesla incentive” that is suspiciously equal to the $7,500 federal tax credit. Additionally, there’s a purchase option available for leased Model Y Juniper refresh vehicles.

    Additional Benefits of the 2025 Model Y

    Aside from the higher price of the Juniper facelift, the new 2025 Model Y brings various exterior, interior, and specification enhancements compared to the older Model Y, including the extended range on a single charge. Tesla has detailed all these improvements.

    Tesla has also introduced the 2025 Model Y in Europe, featuring an exciting new AWD Launch Series Maximum Range version, which offers a longer range than the current RWD champion there—568 km (352 miles) compared to 565 km on the local WLTP cycle.

    It’s possible this version could have the rumored larger 95 kWh battery for the 2025 Model Y, but its range can only be accurately compared to the US model once the official EPA estimates are released.

    Source:
    Link


  • Model Y Prices Surge Ahead of Juniper Release Due to Tariffs

    Model Y Prices Surge Ahead of Juniper Release Due to Tariffs

    While Tesla is set to reveal the pricing and release date for the 2025 Model Y Juniper refresh in North America, possibly this week, buyers in the US and Canada might encounter significantly increased costs.

    Changes in US Pricing

    In the US, the Model Y Juniper could be available without the federal tax credit of $7,500. This is due to the new Trump administration’s request for a halt on all EV subsidies until a 90-day review is completed. Once this review is done, the federal agencies will provide recommendations on whether to eliminate the new EV tax credit and charging infrastructure aids altogether, with a strong possibility of that happening.

    Price Hikes in Canada

    Starting February 1, fans of Tesla’s popular Model Y in Canada will also see steep price increases. Tesla Canada has confirmed that the price of the Model Y will rise by CA$4,000 (approximately US$2,790). The Model 3 Long Range AWD and Performance trims will have even higher increases of CA$8,000 and CA$9,000, respectively.

    Coincidentally, this date also marks when the Trump administration’s new tariffs against Canada and Mexico take effect. Canada plans to respond with import taxes on US goods. As a result, Tesla appears to be proactively raising prices for all Model Y trims in Canada by nearly CA$3,000 and doubling that for Model 3 prices.

    Disadvantages for Canadian Buyers

    Canadian consumers face a tough situation as Tesla buyers since their federal EV rebate expired last year. Additionally, the CAD has been falling sharply against the USD amid the looming tariff threats.

    To add to the woes, Tesla has priced the 2025 Model Y Juniper refresh somewhat higher than the previous model in China. If it follows suit in North America, early buyers might be in for an unwelcome shock after enjoying a year of discounts and promotions that brought the Model Y price down to nearly $35,000 with combined rebates and incentives.

    Source:
    Link