Category: EV vehicles

  • Cheapest Cybertruck Features: Tesla Cuts Foundation Series Items

    Cheapest Cybertruck Features: Tesla Cuts Foundation Series Items

    Tesla has begun to inform early reservation holders of the Cybertruck that they can now set up their vehicles with non-Foundation Series trims, which are $20,000 less expensive.

    The entry-level dual-motor Cybertruck AWD is now priced at $79,990, while the tri-motor Cyberbeast is priced just below $100,000. Additionally, the least expensive Cybertruck is eligible for the government’s $7,500 tax credit for commercial vehicles, and it is likely to qualify for the regular private buyer tax credit at the point of sale too.

    Features of the Basic Trim

    Choosing the $79,990 AWD Cybertruck means that buyers will miss out on many features included in the Foundation Series package, which has a long list of extras and options that enhance the vehicle’s appeal.

    For those who own the Foundation Series, all combinations of wheels and interior options are included in the pricing, along with the Cybertruck’s Full Self-Driving option. This feature, which is priced at $7,000 on its own, is still available at the promotional price for any Cybertruck owner, even for those opting for the less expensive AWD non-Foundation Series version.

    What’s Missing from the Non-Foundation Series

    A closer inspection of the first delivered Cybertruck reveals that Tesla has indeed cut out many aspects of the $20,000 Foundation Series package. They have removed the premium badging, along with other features like truck bed rings, which are now being sold separately as a $40 accessory. The vehicle also lacks the "all-weather" rubber floor mats and the silver tray found in the lower central console, and the steering wheel design has been altered.

    Nonetheless, the owner of the most affordable Cybertruck shared the list of standard features for their base AWD model, which does include basic Autopilot. This means that even the sub-$80,000 Cybertruck has Tesla’s cruise control that adjusts its speed based on surrounding traffic, plus Autosteer to maintain lane position. For some drivers, this level of automation is sufficient. The Cybertruck’s FSD option remains available for an additional price, and initial reviews have been quite positive.

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  • Cheapest Model Y Now Offers 5% Longer Range Per Charge

    Cheapest Model Y Now Offers 5% Longer Range Per Charge

    Tesla appears to be quite cautious, or maybe more accurately, realistic, when it comes to estimating the range of its own electric vehicles.

    Before the EPA put the base Model Y RWD Long Range through its updated and rigorous range testing, Tesla estimated its least expensive Model Y would have a range of 320 miles on its own.

    Now that the EPA has completed testing under its stricter standards, the official range for the Model Y RWD LR is an impressive 337 miles, which is 5.3% more than Tesla’s earlier estimate.

    Updated Range Makes Model Y More Attractive

    Unsurprisingly, Tesla quickly adjusted the Model Y Long Range RWD‘s official range to reflect this new figure, making this most affordable Model Y not only the cheapest but also the one with the best range of all the versions they offer. It can now be purchased for under $35,000, especially with some inventory discounts.

    In Europe, Tesla has been offering a more economical RWD Model Y since spring, boasting an even longer range of 375 miles. However, this figure comes from the local WLTP cycle, which is usually about 10% more lenient than the EPA’s standards. The European version of the 375-mile Model Y RWD LR is equipped with 2170 cells, the same as the AWD version sold in the U.S., qualifying it for the entire federal tax credit.

    Challenges with Battery Variants

    Tesla faced some difficulties with the base Model 3 RWD that used the Chinese LFP battery, which they have since phased out because it turned out to be pricier than the AWD version that is eligible for the full tax credit.

    The Model 3 RWD LR, now the cheapest option, has a range of 363 miles, making it the longest range among Tesla’s two top-selling models. While the highest range still goes to the base Model S, rated for an astounding 402 miles, it is worth noting that it sells in much lower numbers, starting at $74,990.

    Recently, the EPA updated its electric vehicle range testing standards, placing greater importance on highway driving efficiency to better reflect real driving habits in America.

    So, even though Tesla had to lower some of its official Model Y range estimates, the fact that the base Model Y RWD is now rated at 337 miles on the new EPA cycle is quite remarkable.

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  • Tesla Rideshare Drivers Use Self-Driving Mode for Safety

    Tesla Rideshare Drivers Use Self-Driving Mode for Safety

    Tesla is set to reveal a fully autonomous Robotaxi and potentially a ride-sharing platform, likely named the Cybercab service, on October 10.

    Current Use of Tesla Vehicles

    Meanwhile, Uber and Lyft drivers have been taking advantage of their Tesla vehicles as makeshift Robotaxis. They enter their destinations and let the cars navigate themselves.

    One unfortunate incident involved a serious crash where the Tesla failed to detect an SUV cutting into its path. The driver intervened only to lessen the impact, resulting in the SUV driver being sent to the hospital.

    Driver Experiences and Concerns

    Reports from ride-share drivers interviewed by Reuters indicate that around 40% are using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature regularly. While some express dissatisfaction with the $99/month service’s inconsistencies, they acknowledge that it significantly reduces the stress of driving in congested urban areas, allowing them to extend their working hours.

    In contrast, some drivers choose not to use FSD when carrying passengers, especially in situations they believe the software struggles with, such as in construction zones or busy airport areas.

    Responsibility and Safety

    When questioned about these practices, Uber and Lyft distanced themselves, stating that the responsibility for passenger safety falls solely on the driver. They referenced the Tesla FSD manual, which highlights the necessity for constant supervision of the feature.

    "Drivers must maintain a safe environment for riders, even if their driving methods don’t break any laws," Uber stated, while Lyft added that "drivers agree to avoid reckless behavior." Despite this, both platforms continue to enhance the experience for drivers using FSD.

    Uber has introduced a software update that sends passenger pickup and destination information directly to the Tesla navigation system, simplifying the process for drivers using FSD.

    Regulatory Landscape and Future Expectations

    Tesla’s self-driving feature is not subjected to the same limitations as fully autonomous services like Waymo or Cruise, as it is classified as a Level 2 driver-assist system. This classification allows Uber and Lyft drivers to use it nearly anywhere, provided they supervise it.

    However, some regulation or even a ban on this practice may be on the horizon, as the NHTSA is currently looking into accidents involving FSD.

    For the time being, many Uber and Lyft drivers are looking forward to Tesla’s announcements during the Robotaxi event on October 10, eagerly anticipating that FSD 13 will further simplify their work.

    You can find the Tesla Universal Wall Connector EV Charger with Dual Plug on Amazon.

    Source: Reuters, Project Robotaxi (YT)

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  • Sony Launches ISX038 Sensor for RAW and YUV Output in Driving Systems

    Sony Launches ISX038 Sensor for RAW and YUV Output in Driving Systems

    Sony has introduced the ISX038 sensor, which can output both RAW and YUV images at the same time. This innovation is designed for assistive and autonomous driving systems, helping to lessen the number of camera sensors needed in today’s cars. The sensor works well with the widely-used Mobileye EyeQ 6 system-on-a-chip, which is favored by several car manufacturers, including Porsche, for their advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

    Specifications of the Sensor

    This 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor features 2.1 μm pixels, allowing it to achieve a dynamic range of up to 130 dB in HDR mode. When the anti-LED flicker mode is activated, the dynamic range drops to 106 dB, which is above the 100 dB threshold needed for effective object detection in various lighting conditions, from bright daylight to twilight. The sensor can deliver video at 30 frames per second, with a resolution of 3,857 × 2,177 pixels, equating to 8.39 megapixels. Such high-resolution images are crucial for driver-assistance systems to accurately identify pedestrians and obstacles, helping to stop vehicles before a potential collision.

    Benefits of Using One Sensor

    By utilizing a single sensor instead of two, the complexity of the systems is significantly reduced, along with the amount of wiring and the electrical load on the vehicle’s electrical systems. In contrast, traditional autonomous driving systems typically require at least four pairs of sensors to achieve a full 360-degree view around a car.

    For those interested in night vision, the Sionyx Aurora color night-vision camera is available on Amazon.

    Pricing and Availability

    The sensor can be acquired for ¥15,000 (approximately $100). It comes in a 192-pin BGA package with dimensions of 11.85 × 8.60 mm (0.47 x 0.34 in.). Data transfer is done using a standard MIPI Camera Serial Interface 2 (CSI-2) output.

    Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation has made an announcement regarding the release of this pioneering CMOS image sensor for automotive cameras, which is capable of processing and outputting RAW and YUV images simultaneously.

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  • Tesla Launches Affordable Cybertruck Eligible for $7,500 Tax Credit

    Tesla Launches Affordable Cybertruck Eligible for $7,500 Tax Credit

    The Cybertruck’s pricing has now aligned with the Model X in the US, as Tesla begins to send out order invitations for its non-Foundation Series models, just like they said would happen in Q4.

    New Pricing for Cybertruck

    For reservation holders who didn’t choose the high-end Foundation Series trim, the starting price for the AWD Cybertruck is $79,990. This is a significant change for those looking to get their hands on Tesla’s latest electric pickup.

    Additionally, it appears that the Cybertruck qualifies for a $7,500 commercial vehicle tax credit from the government, unlike other Tesla models which are available for point-of-sale dealer deductions.

    Production Increase at Giga Texas

    Tesla has been increasing production of the Cybertruck at Giga Texas, with drone footage showing large parking areas filled with these custom electric trucks. It seems the Cybertruck is now set to make a real impact on Tesla’s shipment figures for Q4, following the Foundation Series units produced last quarter that slightly exceeded analyst expectations.

    What Tesla is offering now to early reservation holders is pretty much the same dual-motor AWD or tri-motor Cyberbeast they’ve been selling up until now, but without the exclusive $20,000 Foundation Series package. This means the Cybertruck AWD can be had for just $79,990 instead of the previous price of around $100,000, while the Cyberbeast is priced just under $100,000.

    Will Fans Convert Reservations?

    It is still unclear if fans of the Cybertruck will actually go ahead and make a purchase, especially since the Foundation Series package includes a wide range of upgrades and accessories, as well as the Cybertruck’s Full Self-Driving option, which is valued at $7,000 for reservation holders.

    At the new price of $79,990, the Cybertruck should also be eligible for the federal point-of-sale tax savings similar to the Model X, not just the commercial tax credit the IRS currently has it listed under. Tesla just revealed these more affordable trims, so it might not be long before the tax credit list is updated for individual buyers, which could lower the price to $72,490 and boost sales.

    Tesla also plans to roll out an even cheaper RWD version next year, likely when they start manufacturing all Cybertrucks using the cost-effective 4680 batteries produced via the dry cathode method, which they expect to achieve by July.

    Sawyer Merritt (X)

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  • Xiaomi SU7 Sales Hit 16,000 in September, Aiming for 20,000 in October

    Xiaomi SU7 Sales Hit 16,000 in September, Aiming for 20,000 in October

    Amid growing rivalry in the worldwide electric vehicle market, Xiaomi’s recent results are attracting notable interest. On October 1, the firm revealed that its sales for September exceeded 10,000 units, achieving this for four straight months. This achievement lays a strong groundwork for the company’s goal of delivering 20,000 units in October, as mentioned by Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi Group, during a live show on CCTV.

    Aspirational Goals

    Since its debut in April, the Xiaomi SU7 has established a position in the market, going head-to-head with Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y. The SU7 is particularly appealing due to its lower price and advanced technology. Reports suggest that deliveries in September were between 15,000 and 16,000 units, showing an increase in consumer awareness and confidence in the Xiaomi brand.

    If the goal for October is achieved, the weekly delivery rate could hit 5,000 units, which puts pressure on the production lines. Yet, Xiaomi’s ability to adapt and strategize has turned potential issues into advantages.

    Production Improvements

    To boost production capacity, Xiaomi has introduced multiple enhancements in its factory setup and manufacturing techniques. From intelligent manufacturing to automated systems, the continuous technological improvements have greatly increased production efficiency. The integration of AI technologies has optimized every stage of the production process, ensuring consistent product quality while minimizing labor expenses.

    User Experience

    The SU7’s carefully designed interiors and cutting-edge multimedia and AI driving assistance systems provide excellent comfort for users. Reports from owners highlight outstanding performance in navigation and voice assistant capabilities. As Xiaomi moves forward in increasing production and broadening its retail footprint, the SU7 is well-positioned to enhance its competitiveness against established brands like Tesla. With a target of 20,000 units for October, Xiaomi is making notable progress in the electric vehicle sector.

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  • Biden Administration Spends $2 Billion on EV Tax Credits for Teslas

    Biden Administration Spends $2 Billion on EV Tax Credits for Teslas

    The U.S. Treasury Department has revealed the total amount of electric vehicle subsidies it has provided since the start of this year.

    Monthly Expenditures

    Previous estimates suggested that the government was spending around $200 million each month on EV tax credits, and those figures were quite accurate. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act from the White House administration, American consumers have received at least $2 billion in subsidies for purchasing electric cars. The Treasury refers to these as “upfront savings,” as the tax credit is now taken directly off the retail price by dealers.

    Savings Breakdown

    Janet Yellen from the Treasury noted that the "Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act is lowering upfront costs for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, saving Americans more than $2 billion since January." These savings have benefited approximately 250,000 new clean vehicles, each receiving a $7,500 federal tax credit, along with 50,000 used cars that qualify for a $4,000 subsidy.

    Tesla’s Position

    Recently, Elon Musk stated that Tesla doesn’t rely on these tax credits to sell more vehicles; however, the company did lower the price of its cheapest Model 3 since it didn’t meet the qualification criteria. Additionally, the popular Model Y SUV likely wouldn‘t have sold as well if it weren’t for the federal $7,500 incentive that makes its pricing competitive with gas-powered vehicles.

    The federal EV tax credit is set to continue until 2032, and it will be interesting to see how much the Treasury ultimately spends on this initiative, especially with the variety of electric car models and battery factories expected to qualify for subsidies in the upcoming years.

    Future Earnings

    Tesla is poised to gain the most from this program. With its lineup of electric vehicles, 4680 batteries, Supercharger network, and energy storage solutions, it’s projected to receive at least $41 billion from the government throughout the duration of the subsidy program.

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  • Rivian R1T Survives 100+ Feet of Flooding in Hurricane

    Rivian R1T Survives 100+ Feet of Flooding in Hurricane

    In a recent Facebook video, Micheal, a resident of Ashville, North Carolina, shared how a hurricane affected his truck. Surprisingly, he discovered that his vehicle was still working, though it was covered in a thick layer of mud. Before the storm hit, Micheal had parked his truck outside a U-Haul store located on Swannanoa River Road in Asheville. After Hurricane Helen passed on Saturday afternoon, he went back to find that his 7,000-pound truck had floated down the street and ended up at a Walgreens nearby. Micheal noted that he did not see the truck floating; it was simply missing from its original parking spot. At first, he thought the truck was damaged beyond repair, but as he got closer, he noticed the doors were unlocked and he was able to start the R1T without any problems.

    Built for Adventure

    The R1T was designed by Rivian to excel in outdoor situations. This truck is known for its ability to navigate through challenging terrains like rock crawling, deep sand, and snow, thanks to its various drive modes. Furthermore, Rivian mentions on its website that all of its rugged vehicles are built to withstand extreme environments. The R1T has a specified water fording height of 43.1 inches, but it’s fair to think that this measurement may not include the truck’s capability to float a bit further down the road. For more details about the video and the Rivian R1T, check the resources below.

    More Info Available

    For those who are interested, additional information can be found through Electrek and Rivian’s official channels.

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  • New Material Prevents EV Battery Fires from Thermal Runaway

    New Material Prevents EV Battery Fires from Thermal Runaway

    While Tesla’s data debunks the common belief that electric vehicle (EV) battery fires are frequent, it’s clear that when they do occur, extinguishing them is quite difficult.

    Difficulty in Extinguishing EV Fires

    It requires significantly more water to put out a fire started by an electric vehicle battery. This is due to a phenomenon called thermal runaway, which causes the battery packs to combust spontaneously, and regular fire extinguishers are ineffective against it.

    Before Hurricane Helene struck Florida, Governor DeSantis cautioned electric car owners to move their vehicles to higher ground. After the hurricane, the Dunedin Fire Rescue department tweeted a warning: "if your electric vehicle came in contact with flood water, don’t charge or start it," advising inspections by firefighters for flooded EVs.

    Recent Incidents Highlight Risks

    In a recent incident, the battery pack of a flooded Model X ignited after contact with corrosive saltwater while parked in a garage, leading to a complete structure fire. Previous hurricanes have also seen a rise in EV fires, and one Tesla even caught fire months after being submerged and taken to a junkyard. It required immersing the Model S in a pool of water to extinguish the flames, all due to thermal runaway that can cause short-circuiting in isolated cells to spread throughout the entire battery pack.

    A new material from LG Chem aims to combat thermal runaway effectively. Their researchers developed a composite that quickly reacts to temperature changes by significantly altering its electrical resistance. This material can be fashioned into a thermal runaway prevention layer that is just 1μm thick, positioned between the cathode and the aluminum foil that collects electrons in a lithium battery.

    Innovative Material Design

    This reinforced safety layer is made from polythiophene, which is engineered to change its molecular structure at temperatures exceeding the usual operating range of 90°C – 130°C. As temperatures rise, the material sees a swift increase in electrical resistance, measuring 5,000 ohms for every 1°C increase. Its maximum resistance can reach up to 1,000 times that of standard battery operating temperatures, effectively cutting off the electric current during an ignition event. Thus, this layer functions as a fuse for each battery cell, halting electricity flow and preventing thermal runaway and subsequent fires.

    While previous strategies included inserting temperature-sensitive materials inside the battery cells, they often struggled with slow response times or decreased energy density. However, LG Chem has developed a material that addresses these problems, utilizing their expertise and patented design to facilitate rapid mass production.

    In testing, LG Chem researchers punctured and dropped weights on batteries with and without the new safety layer. None of the modified polythiophene layer batteries experienced full thermal runaway, while all regular batteries in the drop test and 84% of those in the puncture test were completely destroyed.

    Scaling Up Production

    The highlight of this fire prevention innovation is that the new material can be quickly scaled for roll-to-roll mass production. LG has already completed safety verification for phone batteries using this protective layer and plans to certify it for larger electric vehicle packs next year.

    "This is a significant research milestone that can be swiftly implemented in mass production," says the CTO of LG Chem, expressing excitement that this material discovery will "improve safety technology to ensure customers can confidently use electric vehicles."

    LG Chem via Nature.

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  • Model Y Zero Down Payment Deal Continues in Q4 Without 1.99% APR

    Model Y Zero Down Payment Deal Continues in Q4 Without 1.99% APR

    Tesla appears to be gearing up for its holiday promotions for the Model Y, having quickly rolled out a new offer at the start of the fourth quarter. This new deal is essentially an extension of an existing promotion.

    New Lease Offer

    The latest offer includes a Model Y lease with no down payment required, allowing customers to drive away in a Model Y without any initial payment. While a similar zero-down deal was offered just a few weeks ago to boost third-quarter delivery numbers, this one suggests that the Model Y has secured its position as the top-selling vehicle in the US, surpassing the Toyota RAV4.

    With this current offer, buyers can lease the highly popular Model Y for $633 per month without any upfront cost, following the standard 72-month financing plan.

    Pricing Changes

    Even though this monthly payment exceeds the previous $580/month rate that included a federal tax credit during the last quarter, the increase is due to the removal of the APR financing discount. In the earlier promotion, Tesla had slightly raised the APR from a promotional rate of 1.99% to a still favorable 2.49% for most lease terms, except for those lasting 84 months.

    Now, all financing promotions for the Model Y have come to an end, and the current terms do not offer the same incentives. Whether customers opt for the zero-down lease or provide a cash payment, the APR has significantly increased to 5.29%, which is a notable rise compared to last month’s offer.

    Future Prospects

    Additionally, those who select the 84-month financing option will face an even higher APR of 6.29%, making the new offer less attractive than the one introduced earlier. Tesla is expected to announce its quarterly sales figures soon, and there remains a chance for the company to unveil financing rate discounts for the Model Y that buyers are anticipating.

    As Tesla aims to enhance its fourth-quarter numbers, it is also preparing for the upcoming launch of the Model Y Juniper refresh, which is expected to debut next quarter. This new version will feature various specifications and design updates, potentially leading to a significant upgrade cycle for the Model Y.

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