Category: EV vehicles

  • Tesla Cybertruck Price Drops with Government Tax Credit

    Tesla Cybertruck Price Drops with Government Tax Credit

    While the Tesla Cybertruck has a lower percentage of parts made in the US or Canada compared to other American pickups like the Honda Ridgeline, it still qualifies for the federal tax credit. This is because its 4680 battery pack cells are produced and assembled in Texas.

    Timing for Tax Credit Eligibility

    However, there was a waiting period before it could receive the $7,500 discount from the IRS, which manages the new EV tax credit. Tesla took steps to lower the Cybertruck’s price to fall below the tax credit limit around four months ago. This was done when they began configuring non-Foundation Series units, which made the pickup $20,000 less expensive.

    Pricing Details

    In its first Foundation Series edition, the dual-motor AWD trim was priced near $100,000. Similarly, the 2026 Model Y Launch Series edition is now priced over $60,000, which includes the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature and exclusive badging as part of a package deal. In contrast, the starting price for non-Foundation Series models is $79,990, which allows the Cybertruck to qualify for the federal tax credit for electric SUVs and pickups under the $80,000 threshold.

    Waiting Period for Tax Credit

    Despite this, a full quarter needed to pass before the Cybertruck could take advantage of the tax credit as a privately owned vehicle during the next quarter. The IRS had already added it to their list of qualifying vehicles at the beginning of the year, alongside a more affordable RWD version expected to launch this year. However, Tesla was only allowed to apply the tax credit starting from the first business day of February.

    Now, the Cybertruck’s price is much more reasonable than when it first launched at $99,990. After applying the $1,000 referral credit and military discount, and before any state incentives, the starting price is just above $70,000. This brings it very close to the average price of pickups sold in the US, whether electric or gas. However, with the Trump administration looking to eliminate new EV subsidies, there may be a limited time for the Cybertruck tax credit to remain in effect.

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  • In 2025, 66% of New EVs in China Will Feature Self-Driving Tech

    In 2025, 66% of New EVs in China Will Feature Self-Driving Tech

    China is poised for a significant advancement in self-driving technology. This year, 15 million new electric vehicles (EVs) will be fitted with Level 2 (L2) autonomous driving capabilities. Even affordable models with prices below 100,000 yuan (US$13,914) will now feature basic self-driving functions. This swift expansion is fueled by a decrease in the cost of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), making these advanced features more attainable for regular consumers.

    Future Projections

    By 2025, it is expected that two-thirds of new cars in China will possess L2 or more sophisticated autonomous features. L2 systems can manage steering, acceleration, and braking, but they still require the driver to remain attentive. More advanced L3+ features, which enable hands-free driving under specific conditions, are also on the rise, while complete automation (L4 and L5) is still in the works.

    Effects on the Automotive Sector

    The electric vehicle sector in China is continuing to grow, with 22.9 million cars delivered in 2024, representing a 5.5% increase from the previous year. The widespread acceptance of self-driving technology is likely to transform the global automotive landscape, with autonomous trucks predicted to save Chinese firms around 1.8 trillion yuan each year by 2030. The price of ADAS has dropped to about 10,000 yuan per unit, and Lidar sensors, critical for environmental mapping, have decreased from thousands of dollars to merely US$200 per unit over five years. As technology becomes less expensive, more car manufacturers are including self-driving features in their models.

    Competitors in the Market

    Although Tesla continues to lead in self-driving technology on a global scale, it faces significant hurdles in China. The company reached record sales in China by the end of 2024, but is dealing with intense competition from domestic EV manufacturers such as BYD. A worldwide price war in the EV market has also squeezed Tesla’s profit margins, with Q4 revenue not meeting forecasts. Tesla’s main obstacle in China is regulatory limitations. The Chinese government does not permit Tesla to send self-driving training videos overseas, and U.S. regulations restrict AI training activities in China. These challenges have hindered Tesla’s progress with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in the nation.

    Ongoing Developments

    Despite these obstacles, Tesla is pushing forward with its self-driving initiatives in other regions. The company aims to introduce unsupervised autonomous driving in Austin, Texas, and various other U.S. cities by late 2025. Nevertheless, its prospects in China remain uncertain due to economic and political pressures. With self-driving technology becoming a norm in millions of vehicles across China, the nation is solidifying its role as a frontrunner in the future of autonomous transportation.

  • Kia EV6 and EV9 Owners Get Free Tesla Supercharger Access Update

    Kia EV6 and EV9 Owners Get Free Tesla Supercharger Access Update

    Kia has informed some of its EV customers in the US about the future access to Tesla Superchargers. Last year, they announced that owners of the latest EV6 and EV9 models would be able to utilize over 16,500 North American Charging Standard (NACS) DC fast chargers across the nation. This was originally set to begin on January 15th, but a last-minute announcement revealed a delay, without any explanation for the hold-up.

    Notifications for Free Adapters

    Recently, many customers of the EV6 and EV9 received messages from Kia saying their complimentary NACS adapter is ready to be shipped. Those who successfully ordered this free accessory were informed that it should arrive in about 14 days. In the same email from Kia Customer Service, owners were advised that they would have access to the NACS-compatible DC fast charger network “sometime in March 2025.” Although no specific date has been given, this timeline is more precise than the previous estimate of “the first quarter of 2025.”

    Access Through Kia App

    Kia has told EV6 and EV9 drivers to watch for another notification when the charging network is available through the Kia Access app. The free NACS adapter is currently only available for individuals who bought a 2024 Kia EV6, a 2024 Kia EV9, or a 2025 Kia EV9 starting from September 4, 2024. However, other owners in the US will have the option to buy the official accessory from Kia dealers in the future. Furthermore, the 2025 Kia EV6 and the newest version of the Kia EV9 will include a NACS port as a standard feature.

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  • Model Y Juniper Facelift Panel Gaps and Light Bar Parallax Issues

    Model Y Juniper Facelift Panel Gaps and Light Bar Parallax Issues

    Just like many other car manufacturers, especially those from Asia, Tesla is jumping on the trendy light bar trend to give the updated Model Y Juniper a fresh appeal.

    They’ve added a distinctive reflective light bar at the back, along with a front light bar similar to the one seen on the Cybertruck or Cybercab. This front bar includes headlights and turn signals, making it quite unique.

    Rear Light Bar Features

    The rear light bar provides a gentle and spread-out light that helps illuminate the area behind the Juniper refresh during nighttime driving. On the other hand, the front light bar has a more conventional design, but sadly, it is segmented.

    Instead of having a continuous light strip across the front like the Cybertruck, Tesla opted to divide it into three sections to accommodate the headlights and turn signals on either side.

    Design Concerns

    This segmented approach results in a less streamlined appearance compared to the Cybertruck, where the headlights are mounted significantly lower. It also creates some visual inconsistencies.

    When you look from one side of the hood gap to the other, the spacing of the light bar between the two sections seems misaligned, reminding some of Tesla’s previous issues with panel gaps.

    Despite this, the manufacturing quality of the Model Y Juniper vehicles currently showcased at Tesla showrooms is not in question, mainly due to a common optical illusion.

    Manufacturing Quality Insights

    The gap in the hood panel seems misaligned with the interruption of the light bar at its end, which is primarily caused by the parallax effect. This effect, measured by the angle of inclination, causes a noticeable shift in the appearance of an object when viewed from two different angles.

    Tesla could have easily avoided this by using a single uninterrupted light bar or by considering the visual effects of parallax while inspecting the vehicle. The mass production of the refreshed Model Y is set to begin this month at all four major Gigafactories, meaning it may be too late for design modifications on the first units that will be available in a few weeks.

    While this may seem like a minor issue, Tesla might eventually choose to adjust the positioning of the light bar along the hood’s gap line, along with addressing any other minor issues that will likely arise in the weeks and months following the release of the 2026 Model Y facelift.

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  • Tesla Reduces Insurance Costs for FSD Drivers

    Tesla Reduces Insurance Costs for FSD Drivers

    As Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology shows fewer major interventions, the company is laying the foundation to persuade regulators that its autonomous driving system is safer than human drivers.

    Safety Comparisons

    Elon Musk has mentioned that FSD has an 8x safety benefit, although this figure is based on older NHTSA data. In contrast, Tesla’s own statistics indicate that FSD and Autopilot result in 6x fewer accidents when compared to traditional manual driving.

    Insurance Discounts

    Tesla is taking a careful approach, only offering its insurance in a few states. Musk is so confident in the safety of FSD compared to human driving that Tesla is now providing discounts on insurance premiums, which increase based on the number of miles driven using FSD.

    Starting in Texas and Arizona, new policyholders can expect reduced insurance costs this month, or starting March 8 for those renewing their policies. The process involves Tesla tracking the total miles driven each month and calculating the percentage of those miles driven while FSD was active.

    Incentives for FSD Use

    The greater the percentage of miles driven using FSD, the larger the discount, which could encourage drivers to utilize FSD more often instead of manual driving. To qualify for the discount, a driver must log at least five miles or 1% of their total miles using FSD within a 30-day timeframe.

    If a Tesla operates on FSD for half of the time, the company will reduce the insurance premium by 10% on the next payment. However, this offer is exclusive to those who have either purchased FSD or are monthly subscribers, and it does not apply to new owners currently in their free 30-day FSD trial. Additionally, certain aspects of the policy, like comprehensive insurance or coverage for uninsured drivers, are excluded from the FSD discount, meaning the total savings might be lower.

    Although Tesla’s insurance offerings are limited to a few states and may not be the best option overall, the clear goal is to have FSD influence a driver’s safety rating for insurance purposes, and to showcase such a discount program to regulators.

    Future Plans

    Tesla is gearing up to introduce unsupervised FSD in Austin this June, and it will need all the positive regulatory support it can get to broaden its robotaxi service in more significant cities by the year’s end.

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  • Pebble Flow Smart RV Set for Production Launch

    Pebble Flow Smart RV Set for Production Launch

    Pebble has introduced the Pebble Flow RV, which is equipped with an Nvidia Drive Orin. This advanced system allows for AI-driven features, including MagicHitch, which helps in automatically positioning the RV onto towing hitches. Users can even operate the Flow remotely, similar to an RC car, through an app to park it at campsites. Once parked, the InstaCamp feature activates with a single touch, deploying the RV’s stairs, stabilizers, and levelers automatically.

    Power and Battery Features

    The Pebble Flow comes with an optional 1.1 kW solar panel and a 45 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) storage battery. This battery can power the heating, cooling, electrical, and internet systems (it’s ready for Starlink), as well as supply energy to a home during emergencies. It also provides 12 kW of 240V AC output, useful for recharging electric vehicles.

    For charging, the battery can handle Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging (up to 6.6 kW) and Level 3 DC fast charging (CCS1, capable of charging from 0-100% in one hour). While the RV is being towed, the battery supports its dual-motor drive to alleviate range anxiety and can regenerate electricity during braking.

    Sleeping and Living Space

    The RV accommodates up to four adults, featuring a queen murphy bed and a convertible full bed. When the queen bed is flipped up, it reveals a well-lit work desk complete with AC power outlets and optional Starlink Internet access. The kitchen area is outfitted with a sink, induction cooktop, convection microwave, and a full-size refrigerator.

    The bathroom includes a shower and a macerating toilet, supported by a 40-gallon fresh water tank, a 37-gallon gray tank, and a 13-gallon black tank. The electrochromic shower glass can switch between transparent and translucent instantly for user privacy, and all exterior windows also feature electrochromic technology.

    Specifications and Pricing

    Weighing in at a dry weight of 5,800 lbs. (2,631 kg) and a gross vehicle weight of 6,800 lbs. (3,084 kg), the Pebble Flow has dimensions of 24.61 x 7.55 x 8.86 ft. (7.5 x 2.3 x 2.7 m). The Founders Edition of the Pebble Flow carries an MSRP of $175,500, which includes the remote control and dual-motor drive capabilities. Those interested can secure a pre-order with a refundable $500 deposit on the Pebble Flow website, with delivery anticipated for spring 2025. Meanwhile, future owners can explore camping options for their Pebble Flows by checking out a related book on Amazon.

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  • Tesla Prices Rise CA$9,000 in Canada Amid Cybertruck and Model 3 Changes

    Tesla Prices Rise CA$9,000 in Canada Amid Cybertruck and Model 3 Changes

    Tesla has raised the prices of its vehicles by as much as $9,000 CAD (about $6,189 USD) following the recent announcement of a 25% tariff by the Trump administration over the weekend.

    In response, Canada imposed its own import tariffs, prompting Tesla to implement the price hikes it had initially warned about on January 22.

    Price Changes on Model 3 and Model Y

    For example, the price for the new Model 3 Performance has increased to $79,990 in Canada, marking a 9% rise from its previous price, which suggest that Tesla might be absorbing some of the extra costs due to the tariff hike.

    The Model Y saw a smaller increase of $4,000 for the older model. It remains unclear if the price for the upcoming 2026 Model Y Juniper Launch Series will also rise from the current $84,990 as its release date approaches in Canada.

    Promotions and Discounts

    In other news, Tesla is kicking off its quarterly promotions for the Model 3 and Cybertruck earlier than usual, aiming to boost sales before the 2026 Model Y becomes available.

    For instance, the referral credit for buying a new Model 3 has been increased five times, from $500 to $2,500. Additionally, monthly lease prices for both the Model 3 and Cybertruck have been reduced by as much as 17%.

    The dual-motor Cybertruck can now be leased for $749/month, down from $899/month. The base Model 3 Long Range RWD is now available for $249/month, a decrease from the previous $299/month lease price.

    Tax Credits and Special Offers

    These leases still qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. To help clear out the Cybertrucks sitting in inventory, Tesla is also offering complimentary XPEL wraps for orders made in the U.S. or Canada before the end of March.

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  • US Universities Offering Robot Delivery Services

    US Universities Offering Robot Delivery Services

    Avride began its journey in 2017 and has become a leader in the field of robot delivery and self-driving technology, famously launching the first driverless taxi in Europe! In a recent statement made on Thursday alongside Grubhub, Avride’s CEO, Dmitry Polishchuk, commented, “Our robots have already shown their worth in campus settings, bringing ease and joy to students.”

    The Robots’ Features

    The robots made their debut during the pandemic, providing a no-contact delivery service. They come equipped with a roomy compartment that can carry a variety of items, including wings, pizza, or beer (only for those over 21). Each robot is designed with a large LED screen that can be tailored to fit the needs of individual college campuses. By restricting the delivery robots to specific areas like campuses, Avride can test them in various situations. Observing how the robots’ sensors react in crowded settings when classes are dismissed, or in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow, offers valuable insights for improving their technology.

    Grubhub and Avride Partnership

    Grubhub is focused on expanding campus-specific delivery options across as many states in the US as they can. Teaming up with Avride appears to be a smart move for them.

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  • Ola S1 Gen 3 Launches in India: Up to 320km Range, From Rs 79,999

    Ola S1 Gen 3 Launches in India: Up to 320km Range, From Rs 79,999

    Ola Electric has recently launched the Ola S1 Gen 3 series of electric scooters in India. This new generation of electric two-wheelers brings multiple upgrades compared to earlier models. Let’s explore the specifications, pricing, and other relevant information.

    Overview of Ola S1 Gen 3 Series

    The Ola S1 Gen 3 series represents the brand’s cutting-edge electric vehicles, coming with enhancements like the innovative brake by wire technology and an advanced ABS system featuring unique brake sensors. Additionally, Ola Electric is refreshing the design of its entire e-scooter range to provide a more stylish yet comfortable appearance. It runs on MoveOS 5, which includes DIY mode, Smart Park, a smartwatch app, road trip mode, Bharat mood, and a specialized SOS alert that can notify your contacts in the event of an accident.

    Different Models and Pricing

    The lineup includes four models, each with different pricing:

    Ola S1X Gen 3
    The entry-level model, Ola S1X Gen 3, comes equipped with the latest brake by wire technology, a fresh design, chain drive, and a colorful LCD display. It is offered in three variants: 2kWh, 3kWh, and 4kWh. The S1X Gen 3 delivers a peak power of 7kW, boasts an impressive 242km IDC range, and achieves a top speed of 123kmph.

    Ola S1X+ Gen 3
    The Ola S1X+ Gen 3 provides an upgrade with similar features to the base model but is available only in the 4kWh variant. It generates a peak power output of 11kW, maintains the 242km range, and reaches a top speed of 125kmph. This model can be purchased in five color choices: Midnight Blue, Jet Black, Passion Red, Industrial Silver, and Porcelain White.

    Higher-End Models

    Ola S1 Pro Gen 3
    The Ola S1 Pro Gen 3 also includes the brake by wire technology and a mid-drive motor. Additionally, it features new rim decals, a die-cast aluminum grab handle, better seat ergonomics, and mirrors that match the body color. This model is available in both 3kWh and 4kWh versions, with a peak power of 11kW, an IDC range of 242km, and a top speed of 125kmph.

    Ola S1 Pro+ Gen 3
    Lastly, the Ola S1 Pro+ Gen 3 stands as the premium option, incorporating all the features of its more affordable counterparts, such as brake by wire technology and rim decals. It also boasts Dual ABS and a dual-tone seat design. The Pro+ is available in both 4kWh and 5.3kWh variants, with the 5.3kWh version utilizing the 4680 Bharat Cell from the Ola Gigafactory. This model achieves a higher peak power of 13kW and a longer range of up to 320km IDC, along with an impressive top speed of 141kmph.

  • Tesla Autopilot and FSD: 6x Safer Than Distracted Human Drivers

    Tesla Autopilot and FSD: 6x Safer Than Distracted Human Drivers

    During the last quarterly call with Tesla, Elon Musk announced that the company will launch a fleet of its vehicles featuring the unsupervised FSD function in Austin, Texas, this coming June.

    New Models Coming Soon

    Most of these vehicles are expected to be the 2026 Model Y Juniper and Model 3, equipped with AI4 (Hardware 4.0) systems and an FSD 13 update. This upgrade will enable these cars to navigate city streets autonomously, without the need for a driver onboard. This fleet will serve as the initial test for the paid Robotaxi ride-sharing service, allowing Tesla owners and the two-seat Cybercabs to join the platform in the following year.

    Regulatory Hurdles Ahead

    To gain approval for this unsupervised FSD, which operates without a driver, Tesla must prove that its self-driving technology is safer than human drivers, even in states like Texas where regulations are more relaxed. This might explain why, just before the earnings call, Tesla’s AI team released the latest safety figures for Autopilot and FSD, which Elon Musk presented to investors.

    In the fourth quarter, there was one crash for every 5.94 million miles driven with Autopilot engaged, compared to one crash for every 1.08 million miles when it wasn’t used. In contrast, the most recent data from NHTSA and FHWA shows that in the US, there is an automobile crash roughly every 702,000 miles.

    A Complex Situation

    These statistics don’t differentiate between city and highway driving, and Musk mentioned that the vehicles are eight times safer than human drivers when comparing to NHTSA numbers, rather than the six times safer when using Tesla’s own data. Additionally, he pointed out that current human drivers using FSD must deactivate it to check messages or emails, which creates a frustrating situation for many. “We’re in this odd situation where people turn off autopilot just to check a text, while steering with their knee,” said Musk.

    When asked about the rollout of unsupervised FSD following the Austin pilot in June, Elon mentioned that the US is expected to have it this year, with China and Europe likely following by the end of 2026. He noted that the main challenges in Europe are regulatory, as various bodies meet at set intervals to discuss such features, while in China, geopolitical factors and complicated local driving rules present significant hurdles.

    Tackling Training Challenges

    In China, Tesla faces difficulties due to restrictions on transferring training videos out of the country, while the US government isn’t allowing training to occur in China. To address this, the company is analyzing publicly available videos of Chinese streets to enhance their training materials. They are also developing a simulator to replicate complex scenarios, such as bus lanes, which have strict operating hours. “If you accidentally enter a bus lane at the wrong time, you get an automatic ticket, so it’s a serious issue,” Musk explained.

    While Tesla competes with companies that are introducing their own driver-assist technologies in China, including autonomous battery swapping and existing robotaxis, the unsupervised FSD seems to be poised for success in Europe and the US. However, whether this will lead to the remarkable profits Musk has been forecasting for Tesla and its vehicle owners is still uncertain.

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