Category: EV vehicles

  • Tesla Cars Feature Rear Charging Port Inspired by Elon Musk’s Garage

    Tesla Cars Feature Rear Charging Port Inspired by Elon Musk’s Garage

    Elon Musk had concerns about potentially tripping over the Model S charging cable in his rented garage if the NACS port was positioned at the front left of the vehicle, as was initially planned. As a result, he directed Tesla’s engineers to relocate the port to the rear.

    A Lesson from Steve Jobs

    This incident, where Elon made a decision based on personal convenience, mirrors some of the leadership styles of Apple’s Steve Jobs. It was shared by Rawlinson, the CEO of Lucid, who previously served as a lead engineer at Tesla before pursuing his vision for electric vehicles.

    Lucid’s Innovations

    Since then, Rawlinson has demonstrated his skills by designing some of the most luxurious and efficient electric cars available, including the new Gravity SUV. This model can travel 40% farther on a single charge compared to Tesla’s Cybertruck, using the same battery capacity.

    The Gravity also became the first non-Tesla vehicle equipped with a NACS charging port that gained access to the Supercharger network. Interestingly, Lucid positioned the port at the rear left corner, allowing the relatively short cable from the V3 Superchargers to easily reach it.

    Charging Port Controversy

    Initially, Rawlinson advocated for placing the Model S charging port at the front, reasoning that many Americans do not typically back into parking spots as Europeans are taught to do. For the front placement, Tesla’s engineers selected a location between the wheel well and the driver’s door to avoid the need for the driver to walk around the car to plug it in.

    They opted against placing the charging port directly under the brand logo at the front, as that area is susceptible to damage, and even minor collisions could disable the port.

    Elon Musk, however, was not in favor of the front location, expressing concerns about tripping over the charging cable in the garage of his rented home in Los Angeles.

    He insisted on the rear placement, saying it was due to his fear of tripping over the cable. Even though he was renting the house and didn’t own it, the decision resulted in the Model S having its charge port on the left rear, influenced by the setup of Musk’s temporary garage in Bel Air. Consequently, every Tesla charger nationwide requires backing into the spot since the charge port is at the rear, which some find quite odd. Now, Lucid has also placed its charging port on the left rear of the Gravity to ensure compatibility.

    As most major electric vehicle manufacturers gain access to the Supercharger network, and the Tesla NACS ports become the standard for charging, it’s likely that rear port placements will continue to be the norm. This is happening even while Tesla is launching upgraded V4 stations, which not only provide more power but also feature longer cables that extend outside the charging station.

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  • Tesla Covers HW3 Upgrade Costs for FSD Owners in Older Cars

    Tesla Covers HW3 Upgrade Costs for FSD Owners in Older Cars

    During the event for announcing the Cybercab, all demo robotaxis were equipped with the new Full Self-Driving version 13. Tesla began to slowly introduce this update to the rest of its vehicles last quarter, fulfilling its promise.

    Limited Availability of FSD 13

    However, the release isn’t broadly available yet. Currently, FSD 13 is only accessible to a small group of owners who have recent models featuring Tesla’s latest Hardware 4.0 computer already installed.

    For those with HW3, “we recently put out the 12.6 version, which is like a mini V13, but it’s a big step up from what they had before,” explained Tesla’s Vaibhav Taneja during the Q4 investor call.

    Continued Support for HW3

    Tesla hasn’t abandoned its HW3 vehicles entirely, and they are working to adapt FSD 13 to function on those older computers. “We won’t give up on Hardware 3; we are still putting effort into it,” Vaibhav noted, but added that “the updates will lag behind those for Hardware 4.”

    There remains some optimism that Tesla will succeed in making FSD 13 compatible with older Hardware 3.0 computers. After all, Elon Musk hinted at an unsupervised FSD rollout for this year during the Cybercab event, and this feature will utilize version 13. If Tesla cannot achieve this, they will upgrade all HW3 computers of customers who bought FSD to the HW4 version, as Elon stated during the Q3 call.

    Elon Musk’s Assurance on Upgrades

    He reinforced this commitment during the Q4 earnings call, expressing greater confidence that a retrofit will indeed be necessary. When queried about whether Tesla would absorb the costs for upgrading the computers and how it might affect future profits, Elon acknowledged that older vehicles would likely need new computers:

    “The honest answer is we’ll have to upgrade the Hardware 3 computers for those who purchased Full Self Driving, and that’s the truth. It will be tough and challenging, but we’ll make it happen. Honestly, I’m kind of relieved that not too many people opted for the FSD package.”

    The only puzzle left from his statement is whether Tesla plans to upgrade HW3 vehicles with HW4 computers to support FSD 13 or if a swap won’t be required before FSD 14 comes out.

    Future Plans for Cybercab

    The Cybercab ride-sharing service is set to roll out to the general public next year, meaning Tesla may have time to sort out FSD 13 compatibility for HW3 users in the meantime. For future updates, owners of the older Tesla models will likely receive a HW4 upgrade at no cost, and Tesla will need to cover the costs involved.

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  • Tesla Launches Driverless 2026 Model Y and Model 3 Ride-Share in Texas

    Tesla Launches Driverless 2026 Model Y and Model 3 Ride-Share in Texas

    When Elon Musk presented at the Cybercab launch event on October 10, he announced that Tesla plans to roll out unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology this year. This is intended to serve as the foundation for a robotaxi ride-share platform.

    Release Timeline for Autonomous Vehicles

    During the Q4 earnings call, Musk provided a timeline for the introduction of driverless Teslas on public roads, referring specifically to the unsupervised FSD. He mentioned that Tesla will deploy a fleet of vehicles, likely including the 2026 Model Y and the updated Model 3 equipped with HW4 technology, in Austin starting in June.

    As he stated, “The Teslas will be out there, all alone in June in Austin… We’ll be starting off slowly, just to make sure everything is alright. Our AI solution is generalized, meaning we don’t need super precise local maps. So we want to be careful. It works beyond Austin, we just want to test the waters safely before going all in.”

    Expansion Plans Across the U.S.

    The robotaxi service, which will utilize Tesla’s own cars, is expected to grow to California and other parts of the U.S. by year-end. Musk shared that once Tesla feels confident about the safety and functionality of its unsupervised FSD and ride-share services, they will open the fleet to Tesla owners in the following year.

    “It’ll be our fleet testing it out first. We’re being cautious and monitoring everything closely. But yes, we will have autonomous ride-hailing for payment in Austin come June. Soon after, we hope to expand to other U.S. cities. I believe we’ll be operating unsupervised with our fleet in multiple cities by the year’s end. Then, probably next year, we’ll allow people to add or remove their cars from our fleet. It’s not like we are inventing something entirely new; we just have to ensure all systems work properly, from car ordering to payments.”

    Initial Launch Locations

    Initially, Tesla indicated it would kick off the unsupervised FSD for the Cybercab service in Texas and California, where regulations on autonomous vehicles are either lenient or already established. It seems they opted for Texas due to a more relaxed regulatory environment.

    In December, Tesla organized a training session for first responders in Austin about handling driverless cars, which hinted at its choice of Texas for the first launch of the robotaxi service.

    The service will begin with Tesla’s own fleet, followed by the addition of private vehicles from owners willing to share them on the platform for durations ranging from a few hours to several months in 2026. Ultimately, the Cybercab, designed without a steering wheel or pedals, is also expected to debut around 2026.

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  • 2026 Tesla Model Y: Official Name for Juniper Refresh Release

    2026 Tesla Model Y: Official Name for Juniper Refresh Release

    When Tesla revealed its eagerly anticipated Model Y Juniper refresh, it dubbed it the New Model Y Launch Series edition. This version comes equipped with FSD and special badging, resulting in a higher price for those who are quick to grab the facelift, which is set to be available in March.

    The full designation of this first refresh is the New Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive Launch Series edition. However, the official model year for the Juniper refresh has leaked, stirring up some debate.

    Confusion Over Model Year

    A picture of the California emissions compliance label for the new Model Y has surfaced, where Tesla identifies the refreshed version as the 2026 Model Y. Before the announcement, and even now, many speculated it would be called the 2025 Model Y, especially since it was unveiled in January with a spring launch planned.

    Interestingly, Tesla already has a 2025 Model Y, which refers to the existing units of the former design that have been produced since November 2024. These units have an S as the 10th digit of the VIN and include some of Tesla’s ongoing hardware improvements, which they thought justified a new model year.

    Marketing Tactics

    Thus, like many car manufacturers, Tesla now labels a vehicle launched in the current year as the following model year. This means the 2026 Model Y will officially be the name for the Juniper refresh upon its release, while the first batches of the New Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive Launch Series edition are quickly being snatched up by early buyers.

    This is a familiar tactic that keeps consumers subconsciously feeling like they possess the latest model from their preferred automotive brand for over a year, allowing Tesla to maintain its strategy at least until 2027.

    Design and Performance

    Ultimately, the Model Y Juniper facelift primarily consists of design updates with a few new lighting options added. Therefore, Tesla must keep it appealing to consumers. However, it still features the same battery with the same slow charging speeds as its predecessor, indicating that 2027 might be the furthest Tesla can go before introducing a more advanced powertrain for its top-selling vehicle.

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  • Lucid Beats Tesla in Charging Speed: Cybertruck vs Gravity

    Lucid Beats Tesla in Charging Speed: Cybertruck vs Gravity

    Lucid’s latest SUV, the Gravity, isn’t just the electric SUV with the longest range; it might also be the fastest to charge when it connects to Tesla’s Supercharger network later this week.

    Tesla’s Upgrade

    Tesla recently shared that all V4 Superchargers in North America have been enhanced to deliver a charging output of 325 kW. This specific number appears to have been selected as the highest that the Cybertruck, which is the only vehicle equipped with a modern 800V powertrain, can currently manage.

    Early tests with the Cybertruck at the new 325 kW Superchargers showed average results since this peak speed couldn’t be maintained for more than a few minutes. The charging rate quickly dropped off, and the electric pickup took only 90 seconds less to recharge than it would at a 250 kW V3 Supercharger.

    Issues with Battery Technology

    The problem seems to stem from the 4680 battery, which has a reputation for poor charging performance. While it’s not as bad as the first generation seen in some Model Y vehicles, it’s still an issue that Tesla has been trying to resolve with a recent over-the-air update for the Cybertruck.

    On the flip side, Lucid collaborated with Panasonic to modify its newest battery generation for the Gravity SUV, equipping it with a 926V powertrain. This has resulted in an electric SUV that boasts a range of 450 miles on a charge from the same 123 kWh battery that allows the Cybertruck to achieve 320 miles, plus it supports ultrafast 400 kW charging.

    Impressive Charging Capabilities

    The Gravity can gain 200 miles of range in just 12 minutes at Tesla’s V4 Superchargers. In contrast, the Cybertruck can only add 150 miles in 15 minutes due to Tesla’s recent OTA charging improvement, making it hard for the Cybertruck to match the Gravity’s performance.

    Additionally, Lucid has made the Gravity the first non-Tesla vehicle to come with an integrated NACS charging port, allowing it to utilize Superchargers directly. Therefore, the first charging comparisons between the Cybertruck and Gravity after the 325 kW V4 upgrade—which is expected to reach 500 kW later this year—should be coming soon.

    Tesla and Lucid are competing in an exciting electric vehicle market, and it’s clear that both companies are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of range and charging speed.

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  • Tesla Model 3: America’s Cheapest Car to Own by Just $43

    Tesla Model 3: America’s Cheapest Car to Own by Just $43

    Automotive industry experts have been signaling for quite some time that while electric vehicles could be less expensive to manufacture and maintain, increasing repair expenses and insurance rates might negate those benefits.

    Study Findings

    A recent study highlights that the Tesla Model 3 ranks as the most economical car to own among the top-selling mass market vehicles in the United States, with the Model Y also making it into the top ten of this list.

    The total yearly ownership cost of the Model 3 sits at $5,061, which is just $43 less than the next vehicle on the list, a gasoline-powered Hyundai Elantra. Following closely is the Toyota Corolla, which has annual expenses of $5,182, not much above that of the Model 3.

    Cost Breakdown

    The small difference in yearly ownership costs between Tesla’s least expensive electric model and others is largely because its low fuel and upkeep expenses are outweighed by its elevated premiums, fees, and taxes.

    For instance, the typical cost to insure a Tesla Model 3 in the U.S. is $2,241, compared to $1,511 for a Corolla. Moreover, Model 3 owners shell out an average of $1,041 for fees and taxes, double what Hyundai owners generally pay.

    Tesla Model Y Comparison

    Similarly, the Tesla Model Y, which ranks as the seventh most cost-effective vehicle to operate in the U.S., has its low charging costs of $708 and maintenance fees of $1,339 overshadowed by its hefty insurance premiums of $2,399 annually, second only to the Model S.

    Indeed, Tesla vehicles are the priciest to insure among mass-market cars in America, and the study does not even take into account the Cybertruck, which is not classified as a best-selling mass-market vehicle.

    Insurance Challenges

    The high insurance costs are attributed to the scarcity of parts, the complex gigacast components that are hard to repair, and the expensive battery replacements that often lead insurers to declare an EV a total loss after a serious accident instead of repairing it.

    Rental company Hertz faced this reality when it ordered 100,000 Model 3 cars from Tesla and quickly flooded the second-hand market with them just two years later, citing price declines, slow repair processes, and soaring insurance expenses.

    Rising Taxes

    Moreover, many states have begun to increase road taxes on electric vehicles, arguing that their heavier weight causes more wear and tear on public roads, contributing to the growing expenses of EV ownership.

    Nonetheless, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y do have one clear advantage over gasoline-powered vehicles: their yearly fuel and maintenance costs are significantly lower than those of internal combustion engine cars.

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  • Xiaomi CEO: SU7 Deliveries Exceed 150,000 Units

    Xiaomi CEO: SU7 Deliveries Exceed 150,000 Units

    New electric vehicle manufacturer Xiaomi has successfully delivered 150,000 units of its first SU7 sedan in under a year, according to the company’s founder, chairman, and CEO, Lei Jun.

    Recent Sales Update

    In a video where Lei showcased the Xiaomi SU7’s self-driving capabilities, he revealed this latest sales milestone. Previously, he mentioned that around 135,000 units were sold in 2024, implying that approximately 15,000 units have been sold this year, 2025.

    Launch Details

    The Xiaomi SU7 made its debut on March 28, 2024, offering three different trims right from the start, with deliveries commencing in April. The Standard model is priced at RMB 215,900 ($29,800), while the Pro and Max trims are priced at RMB 245,900 ($33,900) and RMB 299,900 ($41,400), respectively.

    Future Plans

    Xiaomi is increasing its production efforts, aiming for 300,000 SU7 deliveries throughout this year. During the same presentation, Lei unveiled a limited-edition red version to celebrate the company’s 15th anniversary, which will be available for RMB 9,000 ($1,230). This special color is set to start deliveries in March.

    Additionally, Xiaomi has announced the Ultra version of the SU7, scheduled for launch in March. Pre-orders are now open for Chinese customers at a starting price of RMB 814,900 ($112,400). The company also revealed plans for its next EV, the Xiaomi YU7 SUV, which is expected to hit the market in June or July 2025.

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  • Tesla Model Y FSD Camera Cleaning System Demoed in 2025 Refresh

    Tesla Model Y FSD Camera Cleaning System Demoed in 2025 Refresh

    Dirty HW3 or HW4 cameras have long been a frustration for many Tesla drivers using Autopilot, FSD, or parking in tough weather.

    The cameras on Tesla vehicles often face issues like fogging, freezing, or getting covered with dirt, sleet, or snow. This affects all the driver-assist features, leading some drivers to wish Tesla would reconsider their choice to ditch LiDAR in favor of a camera-based Vision system. One Reddit user pointed out:

    “This is a major issue for ALL their vehicles. Autopilot doesn’t function well when the cameras are dirty, and I’ve been saying for years now that they need to implement weather solutions for all the cameras if they want FSD to meet people’s needs. Other manufacturers have added washers to their cameras; why hasn’t Tesla done the same?”

    Addressing the Issue

    Tesla has taken steps to tackle the problem of dirty FSD cameras, but not for the rear camera, which tends to get dirtier than the others. Drivers often found themselves needing to use a camera cleaning kit. The Cybertruck was designed with a cleaning and heating system for the front bumper camera, which was previously a unique feature of Tesla’s first electric pickup.

    Fortunately, this camera washing feature is now being introduced to the Model Y Juniper facelift set to launch in March. Early reviews of the 2025 Model Y have begun testing the front bumper camera washer, and it’s hopeful that the lens will also include a heating element like in the Cybertruck, helping to clear ice or snow during winter without requiring drivers to step outside their Model Y Juniper.

    Future Developments

    Regarding the rear cameras that often gather dirt, Tesla recently announced that they are working on a “comprehensive cleaning solution,” but they haven’t shared any specifics yet.

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  • New Long-Lasting NaS Battery Made with Lavender Oil

    New Long-Lasting NaS Battery Made with Lavender Oil

    There’s a lot of research happening on sodium-sulfur batteries, and we’ve shared insights about this exciting technology several times. Although their expected energy density is a bit lower than that of lithium-ion batteries, the benefits greatly outshine this small drawback.

    Cost-Effectiveness

    Switching from lithium and cobalt to sodium and sulfur can significantly lower battery production costs. These materials are abundant and won’t run out, even if the technology scales up massively. This is a big difference from cobalt, which is rare and will eventually deplete on our planet.

    Challenges with Sulfur

    Yet, the highly reactive sulfur, which is a crucial part of corrosive acids, brings its own set of challenges. Battery cells can fail after a few hundred charging cycles, or even sooner, due to short circuits.

    Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces are currently working on this problem using a solid structure made of linalool and sulfur. In this setup, sulfur ions are kept in position while sodium ions can move through a mesh that is about 100,000 times thinner than a human hair, as stated in the research.

    Performance and Sustainability

    This design allows for electron exchange without changing or harming the battery’s structure. Another benefit is that linalool is a common fragrance used in cosmetics and is cultivated on a large scale, especially from lavender.

    As a result, the new NaS battery is primarily constructed from cheap and easily sourced materials. Its performance is impressive too; after 1,000 charge cycles, it maintained 87% of its original capacity. It hit the 80% mark after 1,500 cycles, which typically signals the end of the battery’s useful life.

    The cell voltage of about 1.0 volts and an energy density of approximately 500 watt-hours per kilogram are also noteworthy. It’s still unclear if large-scale production of this battery can be sustainable. Nonetheless, this could be a thrilling new battery tech for electric vehicle manufacturers and fans, as well as lavender growers.

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  • 2025 Model Y Light Show, Trunk Safety, and ASMR with Texas Plates

    2025 Model Y Light Show, Trunk Safety, and ASMR with Texas Plates

    The 2025 Model Y refresh is set to launch in March, marking five years since the first version, and preorders in the United States are already underway, with plenty of reviews coming in from Juniper.

    Reviews on Design and Features

    The initial reviews for the 2025 Model Y focused on its exterior aesthetics, driving experience, and interior design. Reviewers also went over a list of new features and specifications shared by Tesla. These updates include a 0.2-inch reduction in ground clearance and a remarkable “51% decrease in vibration on rough roads.” Additionally, the glass roof has been upgraded with a new silver coating, which improves heat refraction by seven times, enhancing the efficiency of the HVAC system.

    ASMR Videos and Light Bars

    What should future reviewers do next? Well, creating an ASMR video to showcase the visuals and sounds that the new 2025 Tesla Model Y features provides is a perfect choice. They also delve into the meticulous details, such as the new Juniper light show programmed with the updated light bar and colorful ambient lighting.

    The ASMR video highlights the reason behind Tesla’s decision to include a segmented light bar at the front of the 2025 Model Y. Reviewers illustrate the satisfying click sound that the stalk and turn signals produce when activated. Notably, the turn signals are part of the light bar’s sides, distinct from the central hood section, allowing for easier identification amidst the bright LEDs.

    Unique Rear Light Feature

    On the back, the cross-car light bar stands out as a reflective element, emitting light that reflects off the material below for a softer, more diffused illumination. A Model Y Juniper seen in Saratoga, sporting Texas plates, showcased this light bar, which not only lit up the car but also illuminated the road behind it, creating a strikingly modern appearance.

    The ASMR video for the Model Y Juniper facelift captures various sounds the vehicle produces, from the automated folding of seats and mirrors to the thud of the trunk lining and the sound of the powered trunk closing. The reviewer even placed their hand in the gap to illustrate the safety feature of the trunk gate, which bounces back if it detects an obstruction in its path.

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