Category: EV vehicles

January 1, 2025
Xiaomi SU7 Aims to Double 2024 Sales Target by 2025
Xiaomi has launched the SU7 in China, aiming to sell 100,000 units of this electric vehicle in 2024, even though the company had only one factory for its first EV at that time.
Quick Success
According to recent reports, the company accomplished this target in just 275 days, reaching the goal by November 13, 2024.
As of now, the total number of Xiaomi SU7 orders is around 130,000, with a notable 16,328 of those placed in December 2024 alone, based on information from China EV’s DataTracker.
Future Projections
Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, has expressed confidence that the SU7 (which comes in standard, Pro, and Max versions) could potentially increase sales to at least 300,000 by the end of 2025. This estimate is considered conservative, especially given the current trends in the Chinese automobile market, as noted by reputable electronics industry insider Digital Chat Station.
Additionally, the company could enhance its reputation as a newcomer in the EV sector with the upcoming YU7 SUV, along with the premium Ultra version of the SU7.
Source: Link
Tags: EV, SU7, Xiaomi
December 30, 2024
Tesla Launches Portable Megapack Chargers for Holiday Congestion
Tesla has one of the largest public charging networks in the world but is working to make holiday travel simpler for electric vehicle (EV) owners. The company is addressing the issue of crowded public rapid charging stations by introducing the MegapackCharger, a portable charging solution.
What is the MegapackCharger?
MegapackChargers are like Supercharger stations that Tesla can set up quickly in various locations. Each unit features 8 V3 stalls mounted on semi-truck trailers. This design makes them flexible and easy to deploy in areas where there is a high demand for charging. A standout aspect of the MegapackCharger is its built-in batteries, which can hold up to 3 MWh of energy. This amount is sufficient to charge around 75 vehicles at a rate of 250 kW.
Connectivity and Setup
The MegapackChargers utilize SpaceX’s Starlink internet service for connectivity, showcasing the collaboration between the two companies. This connection allows drivers to check the chargers’ availability in real-time on Tesla’s navigation system, similar to how they would with standard Superchargers.
Although Tesla could place these chargers anywhere, they are mainly being located near existing Supercharging stations that are already linked to the power grid. This strategic placement enables the batteries to recharge via a Supercharger cabinet during off-peak hours, like nighttime.
Locations and Efficiency
So far, Tesla has deployed MegapackChargers in states like California, Nevada, and Ohio. These new chargers can provide faster charging speeds compared to the nearby V2 Superchargers, which are limited to only 150 kW.
Source: Link
Tags: MegapackCharger, Supercharger, Tesla
December 27, 2024
Model Y Juniper Refresh Spy Shots: Rear Light Bar Design Revealed
After beginning with several Model Y Juniper refresh trial units in October, Tesla has reportedly achieved a production rate exceeding 200 updated vehicles per day at its Gigafactory in Shanghai, gearing up for mass production that is set to commence in January.
Launch Preparations
Preparations for the Model Y Juniper launch are also in progress at Tesla’s facilities in Texas and Berlin. Notably, the German Gigafactory is waiting for a staff meeting next month to discuss production plans for the facelift. These details hint at an upcoming announcement from Tesla regarding the Model Y Juniper and shed light on the various sightings across the US, Europe, and China over the past few weeks.
Design Insights
During the Christmas holidays, the Juniper facelift was spotted again, this time being tested on the roads of California and New York. A photograph from Santa Clara shows an intriguing design feature at the back, as there is growing agreement that a light bar will be positioned across the tailgate.
Instead of being hidden behind the test mule’s camo tarp, a single red light on this prospective Model Y Juniper sticks out through a cutout, appearing to function merely as a third brake light. This doesn’t rule out the possibility that the final rear light bar could illuminate in sections, but until the camouflage is removed, we can’t be certain if Tesla chose to stick with the initially seen design of a continuous light bar across the rear.
Performance Testing
Another sighting of the Model Y Juniper was captured on video, featuring the camo-covered prototype navigating through heavy rain, testing its suspension over speed bumps and similar obstacles. The Juniper’s suspension appears to be softer than the current Model Y, which has been a common complaint among owners of Tesla‘s top-selling vehicle.
The other anticipated upgrades for the Juniper include a larger battery, more efficient motors, and the introduction of a HW4 kit alongside 48V low-voltage and 800V high-voltage systems, similar to the Cybertruck. The 800V powertrain will enable the Juniper refresh to charge approximately 30% quicker compared to the existing Model Y vehicles, especially when using Tesla’s newly introduced V4 Superchargers.
Source: Link
Tags: Gigafactory Shanghai, Model Y Juniper, Tesla
December 27, 2024
Tesla Model Y Owners: Free FSD Offer Extension for Subscribers
After previously providing free trials of its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) service exclusively for inventory vehicles, and later extending the promotion to include free Supercharging for new purchases across its fleet, Tesla is now offering FSD trials at no cost.
Free FSD Subscriptions for Model Y Owners
Some owners of the Model Y are now receiving a complimentary month of the FSD subscription to experience the autonomous driving feature, which has recently been updated to its 13th version, introducing numerous enhancements in parking and traffic awareness.
“You have been granted a complimentary trial of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for your Model Y,” Tesla’s holiday message states, explaining the functionalities of FSD and how to navigate the additional trial period.
Limited Offer for Newer Models
Interestingly, this offer also applies to current FSD subscription users, who can enjoy the service without the usual $99 monthly charge during the trial. However, the invitations are primarily sent to owners of newer Model Y batches equipped with Tesla’s latest AI4 hardware, leaving many Model Y owners in the US, who still have the HW3 kit, unable to access FSD 13 at this time.
Tesla has assured that free HW4 upgrade retrofits will be available if it cannot get the latest FSD versions to operate on the older Hardware 3.0 platform. Until then, most owners of Model Y or Model 3 will miss out on the newest advancements that the self-driving software can provide.
A Strategic Move Towards Approval
This initiative clearly aims to enhance the popularity of the latest FSD 13 version, as Tesla requires intervention data to present to regulators in its effort to eliminate the “supervised” aspect of its paid Full Self-Driving service.
Elon Musk has stated that unsupervised FSD is expected to launch in 2025, starting in Texas and California for existing models, before Tesla rolls out its driverless Robotaxi on public streets.
Future of Tesla’s Ride-Share Service
Reports indicate that Tesla’s Cybercab ride-share service will initially utilize company-owned vehicles, including Robotaxis, while current Tesla owners will have the opportunity to rent their cars to the service for extra income in the future.
Musk has also suggested that he might use his position as the head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the upcoming Trump administration to lead the way in federal regulations for autonomous vehicles.
This would streamline the approval process for self-driving cars on public roads, according to Musk. Additionally, Tesla is collaborating at both state and city levels, including training first responders to handle situations that could arise from its driverless vehicles, such as the Robotaxi when they become more prevalent on the streets.
Source: Link
Tags: Full Self-Driving, Model Y, Tesla
December 26, 2024
Tesla Robotaxi Can Be Controlled Manually with Gamepad Like PlayStation
Dubbed the PlayStation car, the Afeela EV from the partnership between Sony and Honda isn’t the only vehicle that can be driven using something similar to a DualSense or Xbox controller, as seen with the “driverless” Tesla Cybercab.
Afeela’s Debut at CES
Earlier this year at the CES expo, the CEO of the Afeela project, which merges Honda’s automotive skills with Sony’s entertainment and software expertise, showcased their first electric vehicle using a PlayStation 5 controller on stage. It was a striking moment that highlighted the innovative blend of gaming and driving.
Tesla’s Robotaxi Features
Meanwhile, while presenting the Cybercab at the Petersen Automotive Museum, the Tesla team also employed a controller to navigate the Robotaxi, which Tesla promotes as the future of driverless transport. The Cybercab, designed for two passengers, is unique as it lacks both a steering wheel and pedals. However, its FSD 13 autonomous driving software struggles with small maneuvers, such as driving up a ramp or weaving around Christmas trees in the museum’s Vault exhibit to reach its intended location.
The Manual Driving Capability
This is why the individual operating the Robotaxi during its transport, maneuvering it off its trailer, up the ramp, and around the venue, seemed to be using what onlookers described as an Xbox controller linked to the vehicle’s computer. Although the connection was wired, sources indicated that the Cybercab’s controller can also connect wirelessly, allowing someone to operate it from a distance.
This opens up a variety of options, especially for the Cybercab’s ride-share service and support teams, or for first responders Tesla is currently training to handle scenarios involving the Robotaxi on public streets. Overall, the idea that the first Tesla vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals is fully autonomous might be a bit of an overstatement, as there is a means to manually drive it in case it gets stuck for any reason.
Source: Link
Tags: Afeela, autonomous driving, Tesla Cybercab
December 26, 2024
Manual Control of Tesla Robotaxi with Gamepad Like PlayStation
Dubbed the PlayStation car, the Afeela EV, created by the Sony-Honda partnership, isn’t the only vehicle that can be controlled using a device similar to a DualSense or Xbox controller, as shown by the “driverless” Tesla Cybercab.
Afeela’s Introduction
At the CES expo earlier this year, the CEO of the Afeela project, which merges Honda’s car-making skills with Sony’s software and entertainment expertise, showcased their first electric vehicle using a PlayStation 5 controller. This event highlighted how technology and driving could intersect in new ways.
Tesla’s Innovative Approach
While the Tesla team was setting up the Cybercab at the Petersen Automotive Museum, they also utilized a controller for positioning the Robotaxi, which Tesla promotes as the future of driverless transport. The Cybercab is a two-seater that lacks both a steering wheel and pedals, yet its FSD 13 self-driving software struggles with small movements like going up ramps or steering around Christmas trees in the museum’s Vault area to reach its display location.
The individual “driving” the Robotaxi from its trailer, up the incline, and through the museum used what onlookers described as an Xbox controller connected to the car’s computer. Despite the cable connection, sources indicated that the Cybercab’s controller could also connect wirelessly, allowing operation from outside the vehicle, enabling remote driving capabilities.
Expanding Possibilities
This development presents numerous opportunities, particularly for the ride-share service and support teams of the Cybercab, as well as for first responders whom Tesla is training to handle scenarios when the Robotaxi is on public roads. Nevertheless, the claim that the first Tesla without a steering wheel or pedals is entirely driverless and autonomous appears to be somewhat overstated; there is indeed a manual driving option if the vehicle encounters difficulties.
Source: Link
Tags: Afeela EV, PlayStation 5 controller, Tesla Cybercab
December 24, 2024
Tesla Superchargers Boost Cold Charging Speed for Model Y LFP Batteries
Tesla is set to launch a battery heating feature at its V3 and V4 Supercharger stations. This enhancement will enable standard range Model 3 and Model Y RWD versions equipped with LFP batteries to charge up to four times quicker during winter months.
Performance in Cold Weather
Typically, LFP cells, like those found in portable power stations, do not perform as well in low temperatures. This might be a reason why Tesla has prioritized the Supercharger battery heating option specifically for the standard range Model Y and Model 3.
Innovative Heating Method
The new heating service differs from the usual preconditioning process that Tesla vehicles undergo when heading to a Supercharger. Instead of slowly warming up the battery pack, the Supercharger transmits ripple AC current straight through the individual LFP battery cells, effectively heating them during cold weather conditions.
“This is made possible by Tesla’s vertical integration and some of our brilliant engineers,” says Max de Zegher from Tesla. He notes that this new feature might remain exclusive to vehicles that utilize CATL LFP batteries.
Speeding Up Charging Times
The Supercharger battery heating option can allow a standard range Model Y to get back on the road up to four times faster than previously, addressing the main issue faced by LFP batteries. Elon Musk has previously discussed the slower charging speeds of Teslas with LFP batteries in extreme conditions:
In cold weather, LFP batteries charge at a slower rate compared to NCA batteries, and their range diminishes more than that of NCA batteries as well. It’s important to remember that both types of batteries perform poorly in cold weather, but LFP batteries are more affected. While on a road trip to a Supercharger, the vehicle will prewarm its batteries, which can help alleviate some of the slower charging issues. However, this means you may spend an additional six or seven minutes at the Supercharger during winter with LFP batteries. This could be a concern if you intend to rely on your vehicle for frequent cold weather supercharging, though it won’t affect you if you charge your car at home overnight.
Tesla’s LFP battery supplier, CATL, now has new LFP cells that do not experience slow charging in cold conditions. However, these specific cells are not used in the standard range Model 3 or Model Y. In the US, Tesla is primarily selling only long-range options, as its vehicles with Chinese LFP cells do not qualify for federal tax incentives.
Source: Link
Tags: LFP batteries, Model 3, Tesla
December 24, 2024
Hyundai Gives Free Tesla Supercharger Adapters to All EV Owners
While the 2025 Ioniq 5 has become the first electric vehicle that isn’t made by Tesla to come with a built-in NACS port, allowing it to connect directly to Superchargers, Hyundai is also sharing some exciting news for the owners of its other electric models.
Free Tesla Adapter for Hyundai EV Owners
Hyundai has just revealed that all current owners of its electric vehicles will get a complimentary Tesla adapter. This will let them use the over 20,000 Supercharger stations across the US. These adapters are similar to the Lectron Tesla Supercharger NACS to CCS adapter available on Amazon, meaning Hyundai is effectively saving its EV owners $160 that they would have needed to spend to benefit from Tesla’s opening of its Supercharger network to Hyundai and Kia electric cars.
Expanding Options for Kia EVs
Interestingly, it was a Kia EV6 and a Hyundai Ioniq 5 that were the first non-Tesla cars seen using Superchargers with the native NACS ports. Therefore, it’s likely that these adapters will also work for Kia EVs, or there might be an announcement soon about a similar free NACS adapter for Kia vehicles.
Hyundai’s Growth in the EV Market
The South Korean company has been rapidly increasing its EV sales in the US, now ranking as the second-largest electric vehicle producer after Tesla. This growth is fueled by their advanced 800V powertrain, offering fast charging, efficient long-range drivetrains, and competitive pricing.
The free Tesla NACS adapters are set to begin shipping to Hyundai and Genesis electric vehicle owners in the US in early 2025. The Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy at Hyundai North America emphasized that more electric vehicles with native NACS ports are coming soon:
“To speed up EV adoption, we have started by hearing feedback from our current customers. These adapters will make DC fast-charging easier for our existing owners. Also, the NACS port on new models like the upcoming Ioniq 9, along with upgrades to our digital charging system, will improve the experience for future EV users. Our aim is to make the switch to electric as smooth as possible.”
Source: Link
Tags: Hyundai EV Adapters, Ioniq 5, Tesla Supercharger
December 24, 2024
Honda and Nissan Plan Merger: What You Need to Know
Honda and Nissan have recently revealed that they, along with Mitsubishi Motors, have signed a memorandum of understanding showing their interest in merging the three companies. This collaboration will be overseen by a joint holding company. By merging, these automakers aim to combine their resources and share technologies and manufacturing capabilities, positioning themselves better against their rivals.
Industry Changes
According to the official press release, these discussions come amid significant transformations in the automotive sector. The companies mentioned the shift towards electric vehicles and the increasing trend of direct sales rather than going through independent dealers. Mitsubishi plans to make a decision by the end of January 2025 about its involvement in the talks. Meanwhile, Honda and Nissan are optimistic about the potential synergies that could arise from their merger, believing it would help them reach a wider audience.
Future Plans
The goal is to complete the merger agreement by June 2025 and finalize the contract by August 2026. Initially, Honda will take the lead in managing the joint venture, which isn’t surprising as Honda’s market capitalization is more than four times that of Nissan. The joint venture is projected to have a market value exceeding $52 billion, positioning it just behind Toyota and VW in global sales. However, Carlos Ghosn, the former CEO of Nissan, has expressed skepticism about the merger, telling Bloomberg that it appears to be an “act of desperation” for Nissan, as finding synergies between Honda and Nissan could be quite challenging. Currently, Nissan is facing significant declines in profits, leading to numerous layoffs.
Source: Link
Tags: Honda, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan
December 24, 2024
Tesla Model Y Juniper Facelift Revealed with New Features
The Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh is on the horizon, and it’s likely to launch in January as the updated Model Y begins mass production at Giga Shanghai.
Recently, there have been many sightings of the Juniper refresh in various locations, including China, Europe, and the United States. The latest sighting took place in California, where a Model Y Juniper test vehicle was seen on the highway. A third red light was visible through the camouflage at the back, suggesting that a rear light bar is part of the new design.
New Design Features
Insiders from Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai have shared that the 2025 Model Y Juniper facelift will introduce several design updates, including the rear light bar. There are plans for a similar feature at the front, featuring “penetrating LED daytime running lights” positioned above a front end that eliminates the traditional grille, moving away from the usual SUV design.
Additionally, the interior will take on a more minimalist approach, inspired by the Model 3 Highland’s updates, complete with ambient lighting. The central console will now have a screen that pivots left and right, similar to what is found in the Model X and Model S.
Display and Performance Upgrades
The Model Y Juniper will keep the 15.4-inch diagonal display but will upgrade to a higher 2.5K resolution, aligning with the 2650x1440p panel seen in the Cybertruck. This could result in a pixel density of 195 pixels per inch, making it the highest among production Teslas.
Moreover, sources indicate that Tesla plans to enhance the Model Y Juniper’s battery capacity to 95 kWh, utilizing the upcoming 4th-generation electric motors. These new motors are expected to be more compact and efficient, promising an extended range compared to the current model.
Market Concerns
While the rear light bar has been anticipated for some time, the additions of the front light bar and the tilting central display are fresh insights into the refresh. However, Tesla must ensure that the production costs for the Model Y Juniper are lower than those of the current generation. This is crucial, as the company may lose the federal tax credit that significantly reduced the vehicle’s price in the U.S.
To avoid a dip in demand for their top-selling vehicle, Tesla might need to either lower manufacturing costs or raise the price of the Model Y Juniper. Both options carry risks that could affect the vehicle’s market performance.
Source: Link
Tags: Giga Shanghai, Juniper refresh, Tesla Model Y