Category: EV vehicles

  • Tesla Model Q: Details on Price, Range, and 2025 Launch

    Tesla Model Q: Details on Price, Range, and 2025 Launch

    Tesla has been a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) industry for a long time, offering high-end models like the Model S and Model X, along with more affordable choices such as the Model 3 and Model Y. Nonetheless, the issue of cost still poses a significant barrier to the wider acceptance of EVs, especially in competitive markets like the United States and China. To tackle this challenge, Tesla is gearing up to launch its most economical model to date—the Tesla Model Q. This vehicle was first mentioned in news reports at the start of 2024, where it was suggested that it would come equipped with a HW5 FSD self-driving computer featuring a cutting-edge 3nm processor.

    Launch Plans and Pricing

    Expected to be unveiled in the first half of 2025, the Tesla Model Q is predicted to be priced below $30,000 (around 218,000 CNY), with some reports hinting at a possible low of $25,000. This would mark Tesla’s initial major move into the budget-friendly EV market. The information was revealed during a meeting with investors at Deutsche Bank.

    Design and Features

    Internally referred to as “Redwood,” the Model Q will be 15% smaller and 30% lighter than the Model 3, boasting a compact length of 3,988 mm. By minimizing both size and weight, Tesla is likely to reduce production expenses. This strategy will enable Tesla to more effectively rival less expensive competitors in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

    Battery and Variants

    The Model Q will be available with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options, presenting configurations of 53 kWh and 75 kWh, allowing for a remarkable range of up to 500 km (310 miles). Customers will also be able to choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions.

    Tesla’s approach with the Model Q appears to focus not just on affordability. In China, where the EV competition is fierce, thanks to companies like BYD, the Model Q is anticipated to begin at 140,000 CNY (~$19,281). Nevertheless, Tesla’s strong brand presence and technological advantages may offer it a significant edge in this market.

    Growth Projections

    Market experts predict that the Model Q could propel Tesla‘s global expansion, forecasting a 20-30% increase in sales year-on-year for 2025. Production is set to kick off at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Texas, with plans for possible growth to other facilities, including the Shanghai Gigafactory. If it performs well, the Model Q could serve as a substantial competitor in the affordable EV market and further solidify Tesla’s dominance in the global electric vehicle arena.

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  • Deogam’s EV System Recovers Energy to Increase Range by 10%

    Deogam’s EV System Recovers Energy to Increase Range by 10%

    South Korean tech firm Deogam has introduced an innovative Electric Recycling System that enhances the range of electric vehicles by as much as 10 percent through the capture of harmonic energy. The system utilizes a toroid-shaped energy core to harness electromagnetic waves produced while the vehicle operates, converting that energy into usable electric power.

    Addressing Energy Loss

    This technology tackles a significant issue in electric vehicles, where energy is wasted during the transition from DC to AC, which is essential for the vehicle’s propulsion system. Deogam’s approach features a Buck & Boost converter that ensures energy conversion remains consistent and reliable, even when there are significant changes in input voltage.

    Impressive Energy Recovery

    Internal evaluations reveal that the system can reclaim up to 18 percent of the energy lost to harmonics while the vehicle is in motion. For electric taxis, this could mean savings of approximately KRW 700,000 (about USD 500) each year in maintenance expenses. The installation cost of the system is roughly $1,000 per vehicle, but thanks to the energy savings, this expense can be offset in about 18 months.

    Deogam has teamed up with Kakao Mobility to implement this technology in electric taxis. The initial deployment is set for Jeju in April 2025, featuring 500 electric taxis. The company aims to expand its influence in the commercial vehicle market before venturing into the personal EV sector.

    Environmental Impact

    The environmental advantages could be substantial. If this system were adopted by the 14 million electric vehicles currently in operation worldwide, it could save around 3,577,000 megawatt-hours of energy each year—equivalent to the output of 10 nuclear power plants. Moreover, it could reduce approximately 6,700 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

    CEO Kim Jin-wook is determined to enhance the system further, aiming to increase the range improvement to 15 percent. Deogam is preparing to showcase its advancements at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, where it will share field test results and outline plans to enter markets such as Germany, Norway, and key U.S. cities.

    Deogam envisions extending this technology to electric buses by 2030. The system will also begin collecting real-time data on power consumption from the battery, motor, and recovered energy to refine energy recovery based on the vehicle’s driving patterns.

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  • Xiaomi YU7: First Electric SUV Set to Launch in 2025

    Xiaomi YU7: First Electric SUV Set to Launch in 2025

    Xiaomi’s debut electric vehicle has made a big splash, with more than 100,000 units sold since its launch in February 2024. The company has now announced that their next model will be an SUV instead of another sedan.

    Exciting New Design

    The YU7 appears to be a promising seven-seater option, resembling the popular SU7 based on its early promotional images. Reports suggest that Xiaomi has teamed up with CATL to create the battery, but the specific details about the battery’s specifications are still not available.

    Powerful Performance

    According to the manufacturer, the SUV will feature front and rear motors producing 220kW and 280kW, leading to a combined output of 508kW, which equals roughly 681 horsepower.

    Impressive Specifications

    The YU7 is expected to reach a maximum speed of 253 kilometers per hour (km/h, or about 157 mph). Its weight is estimated to be around 2,405 kilograms (kg, or nearly 2.405 tonnes), with a wheelbase of 3.0 meters (m), a height of 1.6m, a length of approximately 4.9m, and a width of around 1.9m.

    Xiaomi is planning to host a launch event for the YU7 in mid-2025, and it’s anticipated that the price will range from 250,000 to 350,000 yuan (about $34,000 to $48,000). This pricing strategy seems to be influenced by the current market, as Tesla’s Model Y SUV is priced similarly in China.

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  • US Grant for Low-Cost High-Energy Density Sodium-Ion Batteries

    US Grant for Low-Cost High-Energy Density Sodium-Ion Batteries

    The US Energy Department is funding efforts to enhance the energy density of sodium-ion batteries to rival the cost-effectiveness of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, widely used in power banks and electric vehicles.

    They are providing $50 million for research into sodium-ion batteries through the Low-cost Earth-abundant Na-ion Storage (LENS) consortium, which is led by the Argonne National Laboratory of the Department of Energy.

    Research Collaboration

    The LENS initiative involves several national laboratories, including Brookhaven, Lawrence Berkeley, Pacific Northwest, Sandia, and SLAC National Accelerator labs. The director of the consortium stated that the aim is to “boost sodium-ion energy density to equal and then surpass that of phosphate-based [LFP] lithium-ion batteries while reducing and eliminating the reliance on critical elements,” which are typically sourced from China.of phosphate-based [LFP] lithium-ion batteries

    Recently, BYD, a Chinese company, revealed a sodium-ion energy storage system that boasts exceptional energy density. The US is eager to enhance its capabilities, given that it is one of the top producers of sodium, the essential and inexpensive material for Na-ion batteries.

    Battery Cost Comparisons

    Lithium batteries tend to be significantly more costly to manufacture, particularly those that include high-value metals like cobalt and nickel. This situation also heightens the reliance on Chinese suppliers, as the primary battery manufacturers and raw material suppliers are located there.

    In addition to national labs, the LENS consortium comprises prestigious academic institutions, including Florida State University, University of California San Diego, University of Houston, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Maryland, University of Rhode Island, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Virginia Tech.

    Excitement for Innovation

    Feng Lin, a chemistry professor at Virginia Tech, expressed enthusiasm about participating in the sodium-ion battery commercialization initiative for electric vehicles: “Our world is on the edge of a major transformation in how we fuel our daily lives. With the shared knowledge of the LENS consortium, we now hold a special chance to advance new battery technologies for electric vehicles and to educate a new wave of scientists and engineers who will play a role in our domestic battery innovation and production.”

    The primary objective is to develop innovative electrode and electrolyte materials for sodium-ion batteries, as well as to create prototype cells that will be integrated into new sodium-ion battery packs, which are designed to have extended life cycles and high energy density.

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  • Drone Photos Show Cybertruck-Shaped Exit at Tesla Giga Texas

    Drone Photos Show Cybertruck-Shaped Exit at Tesla Giga Texas

    Tesla has finished digging its Giga Texas tunnel, called the Cybertunnel, and new drone images of the exit have come to light. Photos shared on X (previously Twitter) by @JoeTegtmeyer reveal that the end of the tunnel will take on the unique shape of a Cybertruck. The images display a black structure inspired by the sleek design of the electric pickup truck.

    Tunnel Construction Details

    The tunnel was excavated by one of Elon Musk’s companies, The Boring Company (TBC). The excavation began in March with the use of the Prufrock-3 boring machine, and workers have been seen finalizing the asphalt work. Just last month, another drone operator captured images showing that the interior of the tunnel has already been painted.

    Route and Purpose

    The Cybertunnel originates on the west side of the factory and extends under State Highway 130 (SH 130). Its purpose is to link the Cybertruck production line to the logistics area, where Tesla plans to ship the pickup trucks. Musk first mentioned the tunnel concept back in 2020.

    Musk founded TBC to build underground transportation tunnels to alleviate urban traffic issues, which he has described as soul-crushing. Other significant projects from TBC include the Loop at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), which helps transport attendees between various parts of the city, such as the well-known Strip and downtown areas. There are intentions to introduce self-driving vehicles into the tunnels by the end of 2024.

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  • Water Supplier Completes Contract for Tesla Giga Berlin

    Water Supplier Completes Contract for Tesla Giga Berlin

    Water usage at Giga Berlin has become a hot topic for Tesla, sparking protests from local environmental groups around the facility. Yet, there appears to be a possible solution coming up, as the Strauberg-Erkner Water Association (WSE) has drafted a water contract aimed at the electric vehicle plant.

    WSE’s Role

    WSE is a regional water supplier and waste management service in Germany. It serves 16 municipalities and has gained attention lately for its lengthy discussions with Tesla regarding the Giga Berlin plant.

    Contract Details Pending

    While the specifics of the contract haven’t been revealed yet, reports indicate that it includes a reduced water supply for Tesla, along with new guidelines for managing wastewater generated at the factory. The WSE plans to send the draft to Tesla for their assessment.

    Hopes for Quick Resolution

    Thomas Krieger, the chairman of the association and the mayor of Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf, is optimistic that Tesla will give a positive feedback before Christmas. However, it’s possible that both parties will have to go through more rounds of negotiations if Tesla asks for changes, which seems likely since it has expressed concerns about not being included in or updated on the final revisions to the draft.

    Tesla has managed to cut down its water use significantly, thanks to its effective wastewater treatment system. Nevertheless, the downside is that the wastewater produced is too concentrated for WSE’s disposal system.

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  • Anker Nano 75W Car Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable Now Global

    Anker Nano 75W Car Charger with Retractable USB-C Cable Now Global

    Anker has begun to introduce its latest Nano Car Charger (75W, USB-C Port, Built-in Retractable USB-C Cable) across Europe. Speculations surrounding this device started in October, with its official launch taking place in the US during November.

    Availability Across Europe

    The charger is now listed on Amazon in several European nations, including the UK, France, and Germany, where it’s priced at £29.99/€35.99. Additionally, product pages in countries like the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden suggest that the Nano Car Charger may soon be available in more regions.

    Charging Capabilities

    With the Anker Nano Car Charger, you can charge two devices at the same time. The integrated USB-C cable provides a power output of 45W, while a second device can be charged with 30W via the USB-C port. Anker claims that this charger can boost an iPhone 15 Pro to 50% in just 25 minutes and a MacBook Air (2022) to the same level in 34 minutes. The retractable cable can extend as much as 29 inches (~75 cm), and the charger comes with an 18-month warranty. You can find the Anker Nano Car Charger (75W, USB-C Port, Built-in Retractable USB-C Cable) on Amazon US for $29.99.

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  • Model 3 Performance Aero Kit Boosts Style and Downforce

    Model 3 Performance Aero Kit Boosts Style and Downforce

    The Tesla Model 3 Performance, a car that can go from 0 to 60 MPH in under three seconds, already has a fast and stylish design. However, Unplugged Performance felt it could be improved.

    Upgraded Carbon Fiber Aero Kit

    They have introduced a new Carbon Fiber Full Aero Kit for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance that elevates its sporty look without looking overdone or pointless. The elements made of carbon fiber in the front fascia and the subtle rear spoiler help push the car down, increasing stability at high speeds, achieving 426lbs (1896N) of downforce while only increasing the drag coefficient by a mere 1.93%.

    Customizable Options

    Moreover, the Aero Kit is designed to be modular, allowing owners of the Model 3 Performance to choose the parts they want. However, the complete setup is visually impressive as it is. When asked about their decision to enhance the most performance-oriented Model 3, Unplugged Performance shared their view on Tesla’s somewhat plain vehicle designs.

    Tailored for Enthusiasts

    They mentioned that Tesla focuses on efficient manufacturing and broad usability for their cars. In contrast, they’ve tailored their kit for serious car enthusiasts who are looking for something distinct, akin to a premium AMG variant. It’s clear that the aftermarket kit not only makes the Model 3 Performance more noticeable but also adds “stability and grip when you need it, with only a rounding error’s worth of drag.”

    The Carbon Fiber Full Aero Kit for the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance features aerodynamics optimized through CFD and is currently available for preorder. Pricing starts at $395 for front deflectors or rear spats, $2,695 for the rear carbon fiber wing, and $7,430 for the complete M3P Aero Kit.

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  • Tesla FSD V13.2 Launches: Full Parking Automation & 3-Point Turns

    Tesla FSD V13.2 Launches: Full Parking Automation & 3-Point Turns

    Tesla has unveiled its newest Full Self-Driving (Supervised) V13 edition, just a few months after the release of V12.5.

    Launch Timing and Features

    Previously, the AI team at Tesla had indicated that FSD 13 would be ready by October, likely coinciding with the Robotaxi demonstration. At the event, Cybercabs were indeed utilizing FSD 13. The public rollout has just occurred, and Tesla shared an extensive list of updates for FSD 13.2, highlighting improvements like a response speed that is twice as fast and enhanced collision avoidance, made possible by a three times larger AI model trained on computers that operate five times quicker.

    User Experience Enhancements

    While the statistics on processing capabilities, such as 5x-6x improvement in miles driven without needing intervention, are noteworthy, there are real benefits for users of FSD 13. For example, drivers can now engage FSD directly from Park with a simple button press. The new profiles for city and highway driving also contribute to a more pleasant driving experience.

    Development Insights

    Yun-Ta Tsai from Tesla mentioned the extraordinary effort to launch FSD 13:

    “We completely restructured the system to greatly simplify the flow—from direct photons to control—while adding much more functionality within the same unified framework. This is likely one of the most significant rewrites in years since we began our journey with ‘photon count’ four years ago.”

    New Functionalities

    Among the most noticeable features in FSD 13 are the capabilities for three-point turns and self-parking. The Tesla can now exit a parking spot, reverse, or park itself in locations like driveways or garages, with these features coming in a future update. FSD 13 also includes enhancements in camera visibility and cleaning, with plans for future updates to improve how the system handles camera view obstructions.

    Navigation Improvements

    FSD 13 can now identify road closures and suggest alternate routes, thanks to its ability to process mapping data more efficiently. Additionally, Tesla has tackled some common grievances of FSD users, such as unnecessary braking and overly cautious driving in parking areas.

    Hardware Limitations

    It’s unfortunate that all the new features in FSD 13.2 are only available for Tesla owners equipped with the latest HW4 or AI4 computer and camera systems. Most Teslas still operate on HW3, but Elon Musk hinted that the company might offer free upgrades to HW4 if it proves challenging to make the next unsupervised FSD update compatible with older hardware.

    With Elon Musk now leading the DOGE government efficiency department, the rollout of unsupervised FSD could happen more quickly, and it will soon be determined whether HW4 retrofits will be necessary.

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  • Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD Hits 408 Miles on One Charge

    Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD Hits 408 Miles on One Charge

    Tesla’s Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (LR RWD) has gone well beyond its stated EPA-rated range of 363 miles (584 km), with a real-world test showing it achieved 408 miles (656 km) on just one charge. This impressive feat was highlighted by a user on X/Twitter, David (@dkrasniy), who posted a picture of the car’s dashboard readings, catching the eye of both electric vehicle fans and skeptics.

    Efficient Energy Consumption

    The post’s image shows that the 408-mile journey was accomplished with an energy use of 184 Wh/mile, which is notably higher than usual daily driving efficiency. The dashboard also notes a total energy consumption of 75 kWh for the trip, which is quite close to the Model 3’s battery capacity.

    Competitive Pricing

    Earlier this year, Tesla reintroduced the Model 3 LR RWD, advertising a 363-mile EPA-rated range, making it one of the top options for long-range in the Model 3 series. This vehicle is promoted as a blend of cost-effectiveness and extended range, with a price tag of $42,490 in the United States. It features Tesla’s latest efficiency upgrades and incorporates advanced powertrain software. Though the advertised range has been surpassed in the past, these new figures are indeed remarkable.

    Implications for Buyers

    The 408-mile achievement exceeds the EPA rating by over 12%. Most electric vehicles typically do not surpass their rated range in real-life conditions due to elements like weather, terrain, and driving habits. The dashboard image shared also includes more details from the trip.

    This information should intrigue potential buyers, as the Model 3 makes a compelling argument for long-range electric cars. While not every driver may replicate the same outcomes as demonstrated in the test, this real-life example offers valuable insights into the vehicle’s capabilities. Additionally, Tesla’s new lease buyout policy, which also applies to the Model 3, will make this electric vehicle an even more attractive option.

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