Category: EV vehicles

November 21, 2024
Tesla offers free charging and FSD trials with new vehicle purchases
Now that Tesla’s stock of vehicles has decreased noticeably, the company is offering free Supercharging and Full Self-Driving trials for all new car purchases.
New Offers for Inventory Vehicles
Last week, Tesla rolled out a fresh deal for buyers of its existing stock of vehicles, excluding used ones. The promotion includes three months of complimentary charging at Tesla stations and the Full Self-Driving feature for free during the same duration, allowing customers to test it out and see if they can manage without it.
Cybertruck Details
However, those looking to get an inventory Cybertruck were limited to the free Supercharging deal. This is because the only available models are the Foundation Series pickups, which already have FSD included but come with a starting price of over $100,000. In contrast, Tesla does offer non-Foundation Series Cybertrucks that start below $80,000; however, these do not qualify for the free FSD offer as it is only for inventory vehicles.
Expanded Promotion for New Models
Now, Tesla is broadening its free Supercharging and FSD trial offer to customers who receive any new Model Y, Model 3, Model S, Model X, or even the base Cybertruck by the year’s end. Customers who take delivery of a new Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, or Cybertruck before December 31, 2024, can receive three months of free Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and Supercharging. This offer can’t be delayed or shifted to another account or vehicle. Also, no alternative will be provided for those who buy Full Self-Driving (Supervised). This promotion does not apply to used vehicles or business orders.
Potential for Record Shipments
This push for year-end incentives could lead to unprecedented quarterly shipments, as Tesla now has numerous promotional offers running. Besides the Supercharging and FSD trials, they are also offering a 0% APR financing rate and free FSD transfers, along with state-specific promotions like free overnight charging in Texas.
Source: Link
Tags: Full Self-Driving, Model Y, Tesla
November 21, 2024
Magnet and Cybertruck: A Recipe for Rusty Problems
As initially mentioned by Torquenews, Cybertruck owners are once again sharing their experiences on cybertruckownersclub about the delicate nature of their vehicles. In a thread titled "Don’t put magnets on your CT! Corrosion?" a user named cybertooth expresses regret after attaching advertising magnets to his Cybertruck. Just a month after applying the magnets, he discovered rust and corrosion forming beneath them. Fortunately, he managed to fix the issue using kitchen stainless steel cleaning products, though another member noted that there were still signs of pitting.
Other Users Share Concerns
While cybertooth’s situation was particularly severe, other users chimed in with their own worries about potential damage. Many expressed that the decals on their trucks might also lead to similar corrosion problems, regardless of the magnet’s size. User SentinelOne mentioned experiencing some corrosion after leaving a small magnet on his tailgate for four months, stating, "I had a small magnet on my tail gate for 4 months and it’s corroded underneath, not too bad but it’s there….bummer. Wonder if stickers do the same??" Sadly, both stickers and vinyl might also lead to corrosion, as the adhesives can be tough to remove from the stainless steel surface of the electric vehicle.
Risks of the Stainless Steel Body
Regarding the stainless steel structure, users noted that introducing magnetic elements to stainless steel creates conditions that can foster rust. Additionally, the absence of a clear coat on the Cybertruck exacerbates the problem. For those looking to customize their vehicles in a safer way, painting the electric truck is currently the most reliable yet pricey option. Luckily, for potential owners, the more affordable Cybertruck variant may allow for a paint job to fit within their budget.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: corrosion, Cybertruck, stainless steel
November 20, 2024
Electric Vehicle Sales May Hit 60 Million by 2030 Amid Battery Shortages
A recent study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that the yearly sales of electric vehicles (EVs) could hit 60 million units by 2030 to comply with the 1.5°C target. This figure is over four times the current sales of 14 million vehicles as of 2023. Such a swift increase in EV usage will require a notable rise in the production of essential minerals used in batteries.
Projected Battery Demand
The report titled Critical Materials: Batteries for Electric Vehicles predicts that the annual demand for EV batteries will soar from 850 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2023 to more than 4,300 GWh by 2030, marking a fivefold surge. While the document suggests that existing reserves of critical minerals are adequate to satisfy this demand and even produce potential surpluses, it stresses that proactive policies are vital to avoid supply shortages.
Supply Chain Challenges
For lithium, IRENA anticipates a possible surplus of 25% by 2030. Nevertheless, issues within the supply chain might lead to a deficit of as much as 40%, emphasizing the importance of good supply chain management. Cobalt presents more significant challenges due to a strong dependence on nickel-cobalt combinations in batteries. The report suggests that enhancing current supply channels and improving technologies to lessen cobalt reliance could prevent shortages. Likewise, nickel shortages can be addressed by speeding up the shift to LFP (lithium iron phosphate) and LMFP (lithium manganese iron phosphate) battery technologies, which depend less on nickel.
Innovation and Sustainability
The research highlights the critical role of ongoing innovation to maximize the usage of vital minerals.
“With the sustainable growth of material supply chains, along with ongoing advancements in battery technologies, nations can satisfy the increasing need for EV battery materials. This is achievable even with a rapid rise in EV adoption, following a 1.5°C decarbonization strategy,” the report emphasizes.
Tags: Battery Innovation, critical minerals, electric vehicles
November 18, 2024
Tesla Model Y Juniper 4680 Battery Hurdles: Musk’s Overpromises
While Tesla is heavily investing in perfecting its affordable 4680 batteries to make the most of current government subsidies, the leader of the largest battery manufacturer has doubts about the feasibility of these efforts.
CATL’s Perspective on US Investments
In a recent discussion, CATL’s Chairman Robin Zeng shared insights on the company’s plans for production in the US, mentioning that they are open to various investments beyond just technology licensing agreements with Tesla and Ford. The Nevada Gigafactory is set to begin producing batteries using CATL’s technology as early as next year. Although the specific type of batteries being produced remains uncertain, the most likely option appears to be LFP cells. Despite Giga Nevada having a planned capacity of 100 GWh for 4680 batteries, Zeng expresses skepticism about the feasibility of achieving affordable cylindrical cells.
Concerns About Musk’s Promises
Zeng commented on Elon Musk, stating, “He excels in areas like chips, software, hardware, and mechanics,” but he lacks understanding of the 4680’s “electrochemistry,” which he believes “will ultimately fail.” The main issue with Musk, according to CATL’s CEO, is his tendency to “overpromise.” He added, “Maybe something requires five years, but he claims it’s only two. I asked him about it, and he said he wanted to motivate people. He probably thinks it takes five years, but if you trust him when he says two, you might find yourself in trouble.” Zeng recounted how he explained to Musk the challenges of producing cylindrical 4680 batteries at half the cost of Tesla’s existing cells, a claim made on Battery Day back in 2020, which left Musk speechless.
Tesla’s Optimism and Future Plans
In the recent quarterly earnings call, Musk expressed optimism that Tesla would not just match the manufacturing costs of suppliers such as LG or Panasonic but would also produce the 4680 battery at the lowest cost in the US. He stated, “The team is making great progress with the 4680 cell lines. It is getting very competitive. When you consider the total cost of a battery pack in the US, net of incentives and tariffs, the 4680 is on track to be the most cost-effective option.” While they haven’t quite reached that point yet, Musk believes they are close, adding that they have many ideas to improve further. He emphasized that Tesla will continue to source many cells from suppliers while also ramping up vehicle and stationary storage production.
The important phrase here is “with incentives,” as the government provides $35 per kWh for US-made battery capacity, which will likely benefit Tesla significantly.
Expanding Manufacturing Capacity
Musk’s confidence is further bolstered by Tesla’s success with the cost-effective dry cathode method and the recent launch of the first Cybertruck utilizing these cells. The company is now looking to boost its 4680 manufacturing capacity to produce battery packs for the Model Y, Model 3, and Robotaxi. For example, the upcoming Model Y Juniper facelift is expected to feature 4680 batteries in the US, as Tesla aims to keep costs low and maintain pricing similar to the current model. However, there’s a possibility that electric vehicle subsidies could be cut with a new Trump administration, which means that the challenges with the 4680 battery’s “electrochemistry” might not be the only hurdle in terms of production costs.
Source: Link
Tags: 4680 battery, CATL, Tesla
November 18, 2024
Tesla Robotaxi Launch Possible with New Autonomous Vehicle Rules
Tesla’s shares have risen following news that Elon Musk’s initiative to deregulate autonomous vehicles could soon be realized with the change in the White House administration next quarter.
Federal Policy Changes
The Trump transition team is allegedly working on a national policy framework for autonomous vehicles that would allow them on public roads much more quickly and in greater numbers than what current state laws permit. This initiative might be led by Emil Michael, a former Uber executive, who is a candidate for the position of Transportation Secretary. The new rules from NHTSA are expected to be included in federal legislation, which would feature a bipartisan bill calling on Congress to relax regulations and promote the use of fully autonomous vehicles.
Musk’s Vision
During Tesla’s Q3 earnings call, Elon Musk shared his reasoning for supporting the Trump campaign and taking on a significant role in the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
He stated that there should be a national approval process for autonomous vehicles, explaining that this is how the FMVSS has functioned. "Federal Motor Vehicle regulations are federal," he said. "We need a national approval system. There’s a department of government efficiency, and I’ll do my best to assist in making that a reality. This is for everyone, not just Tesla. Some aspects in the U.S. are handled state by state, like insurance, and it’s really tough to manage that across all 50 states. A streamlined approval process for autonomy is necessary."
The Robotaxi Innovation
The Robotaxi is an entirely autonomous electric vehicle designed for two passengers, lacking pedals or a steering wheel. It can travel about 200 miles on a single charge, however, it cannot be recharged at home using a Tesla wall connector or at a Supercharger, as it is the first Tesla model to feature induction charging capabilities.
Tesla has chosen not to pursue a more traditional $25,000 electric car, known as the Model 2, instead opting to stake its future on affordable autonomous vehicles like the Robotaxi. If Musk’s efforts to push for deregulation succeed and become law, this strategy could prove to be a wise investment for the company.
Source: Link
Tags: Elon Musk, Robotaxi, Tesla
November 18, 2024
Tesla Model Y Owners Face $2.40 Charging Tax at Wisconsin Superchargers
Wisconsin has rolled out a new tax on electric vehicle charging, imposing a fee of three cents per kWh for any power delivered through Level 3 chargers up to 250 kW, as well as Level 1 and Level 2 chargers installed after March 22.
Cost Impact on Tesla Owners
For owners of the Tesla Model Y in Wisconsin, this change means an additional cost of about $2.40 for a complete charging session at these stations. The 2023 Wisconsin Act 121 states that the registration and excise tax applies no matter if the charging station is publicly accessible or if consumers are charged for the electricity.
Tax Affects All EV Owners
This new fee will also impact those who own older models like the Model S or X, who previously enjoyed free Supercharging for life. On top of this, there’s already a considerable $175 “combined electric surcharge fee,” acting as an annual road tax for electric vehicle owners in the state.
Starting January 1, 2025, all owners or operators of EV charging stations must register online with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue before they can begin delivering electricity that is subject to the excise tax. Home charging stations, such as the Tesla Gen 2 Wall Connector, won’t be affected by this new tax unless they are installed in public areas like hotels.
Reason Behind the Tax
David Casey, the Secretary Designee of the Department of Revenue, has stated that the additional EV charging tax is necessary for road upkeep. He insists that the excise tax is a vital funding source for preserving Wisconsin’s roads and infrastructure. It aims to ensure ongoing financial support for repairs and construction as more drivers switch to electric vehicles, while also creating a fair system where all motorists contribute to road maintenance costs.
After a lengthy period of leniency for electric vehicle owners, many states are now implementing specific annual road taxes. These EV taxes often surpass those for traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Revenue departments argue that electric cars are generally heavier and contribute to more wear and tear on local roads. Nonetheless, Wisconsin’s latest charge on EV charging sessions seems like a case of double taxation for road maintenance.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: Electric Vehicle Road Tax, Tesla Model Y, Wisconsin EV Charging Tax
November 15, 2024
Tesla Offers Free Supercharging and FSD Promo to Boost Sales
Tesla is offering complimentary Supercharging and Full Self-Driving (FSD) trials for anyone who buys a vehicle from its inventory by the year’s end.
Customers who take delivery of a new inventory car between November 14 and December 31 will enjoy three months of free access to the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature, along with free Supercharging during the same timeframe.
Restrictions on the Offer
It’s important to note that this offer cannot be used later or transferred to different accounts or vehicles. Buyers who have already paid for the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature might be disappointed with this new promotion.
Sadly, not all used vehicles in Tesla’s inventory qualify for the free Supercharging and FSD trials, and business account orders are also excluded.
Promotional Efforts and Sales Boost
Tesla has rolled out numerous promotions to boost its shipment figures in the final quarter of the year, making it challenging to track them all. However, these efforts could lead to record deliveries right before the anticipated release of the Model Y Juniper.
The most sought-after offer among the current Model 3 and Model Y deals is the 0% APR financing, which no longer requires customers to buy FSD as a condition, a change made at the start of the month.
Long-Term Strategies
Additionally, Tesla has introduced free FSD transfers, a benefit that seems to be becoming a regular offering. This has been in place for four straight quarters, even though Elon Musk has indicated that it’s a temporary promotion, emphasizing the need for Tesla to “make money somehow.”
Tesla is also keen on providing free FSD trials, as it aims to attract customers towards buying or subscribing to the service. Furthermore, the company needs to log many miles driven with FSD to show regulators its strong safety track record, especially as it prepares for the launch of the Cybercab/Robotaxi ride-sharing service.
New Inventory Highlights
For the first time, Tesla has Cybertrucks available in its inventory, but only the free Supercharging offer will be of value to future owners. All these are Foundation Series units, which come with FSD included at no additional cost.
Source: Link
Tags: Full Self-Driving, Model 3, Tesla
November 15, 2024
Tesla’s New Plan Threatens Model Y Juniper Tax Credit
Tesla dominates the electric vehicle market in the US, accounting for nearly half of all sales. The government allocates approximately $200 million each month in subsidies, which can reach up to $7,500 in tax credits for the Model Y. This model is also set to receive a facelift, known as the Juniper, which is anticipated to launch next quarter.
Immediate Price Cuts
Moreover, the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has made tax credits available at the point of sale, providing an instant price cut. As a result, Tesla’s most popular vehicle now starts at a compelling price of $37,490.
Tesla has also taken steps to ensure that its best-selling Model 3 and Model Y remain eligible for subsidies. The company removed some base rear-wheel-drive variants that were equipped with Chinese LFP batteries and did not qualify, leaving only long-range models that use Panasonic or LG batteries.
Potential Changes Ahead
However, the tax credit benefits for the Model Y might be at risk. Insider sources suggest that Trump’s energy transition team is planning to eliminate EV subsidies included in the IRA as a means to fund the extension of corporate tax cuts. This team, led by oil executive Harold Hamm and Trump’s pick for Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum, aims to cut government support for established renewable energy sectors like wind and solar, along with the favored $7,500 electric vehicle tax break.
In conjunction with this, Hamm intends to ease regulations on oil and gas drilling and remove the ban on LNG exports. Nonetheless, tax credits for emerging technologies, such as carbon capture and storage—which benefit Hamm’s Continental Technologies—are likely to remain.
Musk’s Perspective
Elon Musk has stated that Tesla can manage without tax credits. While the removal of these incentives might have some short-term effects, he believes it could “devastate” other electric vehicle manufacturers:
“I think it would be devastating for our competitors and for Tesla slightly… But long term, this probably actually helps Tesla.”
Now, Musk may get to see if this holds true under the new administration. Reports indicate that Trump’s energy policy team has met with Tesla representatives, who conveyed that they wouldn’t oppose the elimination of the Model 3 or Model Y tax credit subsidy.
This might seem illogical at first glance, but Tesla has a lower production cost than both leading EV companies and traditional automakers. On average, Tesla’s vehicles cost less than $30,000 to produce, while Ford and GM incur an additional $17,000 per vehicle, often selling at a loss. Even conventional internal combustion engine vehicles have an average manufacturing cost of $40,000, allowing Tesla to keep prices low for a longer duration than legacy automakers can sustain their electric vehicle operations.
In conclusion, the potential removal of tax credits for the Model Y and Model 3 could actually be a positive outcome for Tesla, potentially increasing its market share in what might become a smaller overall market.
It’s uncertain how Trump’s energy team will address EV battery subsidies. Currently, the government offers $35 per kWh of US-made battery capacity, which helps Tesla keep its 4680 battery’s costs competitive against suppliers like Panasonic and LG.
If this subsidy gets eliminated, Tesla’s innovative dry cathode mass production technique may not achieve the anticipated 50% cost reduction for 4680 cells that was discussed during Tesla’s Battery Day event.
This could threaten Tesla’s ambitions to incorporate affordable 4680 batteries into all its US-made products, including the Cybertruck, Model Y Juniper, and the forthcoming Robotaxi, which are all intended to take advantage of the IRA’s tax credit offerings.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: Inflation Reduction Act, Model Y, Tesla
November 15, 2024
Tesla’s V4 Supercharger: 30% Faster Charging for Cybertruck & Model Y
Tesla is set to introduce its speedy V4 power supply cabinets to the taller Supercharger stations it has been setting up since last spring.
New Charging Capabilities
With the V4 cabinets currently awaiting regulatory approvals, they are expected to arrive at charging locations next quarter. These updated Superchargers will have a maximum output of 500 kW per post. This means that owners of the Cybertruck, which features an 800V system, will see a 30% increase in charging speed compared to the current setup. This aligns with Tesla’s goal of allowing the pickup to recharge in under 20 minutes. The upcoming Model Y Juniper refresh, the second vehicle to feature an 800V powertrain, will benefit similarly.
Impact on Current Models
However, existing Model 3 and Model Y drivers won’t see much change, as these vehicles still utilize Tesla’s older 400V platform. When the Model Y Juniper facelift launches next quarter, it might coincide with the introduction of the first V4 cabinets, enabling the vehicle to gain over 250 miles of range in about 15 minutes.
Tesla’s new V4 Supercharger cabinets aren’t just more powerful; they also have several notable improvements regarding costs and installation speed. Each cabinet now supports eight Supercharger posts instead of four, eliminating the need for a DC bus between them. This results in requiring fewer power cabinets at each Supercharger station, which means quicker and cheaper setups and improved uptime for the chargers.
Innovative Design Features
Tesla emphasizes that the new 500 kW cabinets are crafted with the latest and most dependable electronics, boasting three times the power density of the existing 250 kW V3 cabinets in the same space. Nevertheless, having fewer cabinets per station does come with some challenges. Max de Zegher from Tesla noted that while the V4 cabinets can provide up to 1.2 MW of power, typically only a fraction of that is needed to “deliver maximum power to cars 99% of the time.” The power would be shared across eight posts, resulting in a peak charging rate of about 125 kW per stall.
In peak situations when all posts are occupied, charging would still be significantly quicker than the current options.
Competing with Other Brands
It’s worth mentioning that Tesla has now matched the offerings from Chinese brands like Nio and Xpeng, who have been rolling out fast chargers capable of up to 800 kW for some time, primarily because many of their EVs operate on an 800V architecture.
The next step for Tesla is to launch more 800V vehicles, with the Cybertruck and the forthcoming Model Y Juniper refresh poised to make a substantial impact in that area.
Source: Link
Tags: Cybertruck, Model Y Juniper, Tesla V4 Supercharger
November 15, 2024
Otherlab Launches Lightfoot Solar-Powered Electric Scooter
Otherlab has introduced the Lightfoot electric scooter, which is designed to offer daily transportation with zero emissions thanks to its built-in solar panels for recharging.
Performance Features
Equipped with two 750 W brushless DC motors that deliver 90 Nm of torque, this scooter can reach a maximum speed of 19.9 MPH (30.6 KPH), which is within legal limits. The scooter is powered by a 48V 25Ah lithium battery, enabling it to cover a distance of up to 37 miles (60 km). The addition of two 120-watt solar panels contributes another 3 miles (4.8 km) of distance per hour, or about 18 miles (28 km) each day. Riders can control the speed using a twist throttle on the right side, while braking is managed with dual-brake levers.
Design and Dimensions
In terms of size, the Lightfoot measures 63 x 17.75 x 38.25 inches (1.6 x 0.5 x 1 m) and has a weight of 137 lbs. (62 kg). The scooter’s seat height is 35 inches, which accommodates riders ranging from 5 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 2 inches (157.5 to 188 cm). It features 10-inch wheels, and its aluminum frame can support a combined weight of up to 282 lbs. (128 kg) for both riders and cargo. Additionally, the scooter includes a lockable internal cargo bay with a volume of 1.597 cu. ft. (45.2 l), capable of holding items up to 33 lbs. (15 kg).
Pricing and Availability
The Lightfoot solar-powered scooter is priced at an MSRP of $4,995, with deliveries planned to start in January 2025. Interested buyers can make preorders now on the Otherlab Rolling Sunshine website. For those on a budget, there are more affordable e-scooter options available on Amazon.
Source: Link,Link,http://rollingsunshine.com/),,
Tags: electric scooter, Lightfoot, Otherlab