Tag: Tesla FSD

  • Tesla Ride Service Approved for California Roads, Excludes Cybercab

    Tesla Ride Service Approved for California Roads, Excludes Cybercab

    Key Takeaways

    1. The steering wheel-free Cybercab is set for mass production in 2026, according to chief engineer Lars Moravy.
    2. Tesla plans to release an unsupervised version of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, with initial drives starting in Austin in June.
    3. Texas has been selected as the first state for Tesla’s robotaxi service due to fewer regulations on autonomous vehicles.
    4. Tesla has obtained the Transportation Charter-Party Carrier Permit (TCP) in California, allowing it to run a ride service with its own vehicles and drivers.
    5. The timeline for hailing Cybercabs or renting Teslas through the ride-share platform is uncertain, with the earliest rides expected no sooner than 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

    When Elon Musk revealed the steering wheel-free Cybercab, he stated that it woudn’t enter mass production until 2026. This timeline still appears to be accurate according to chief engineer Lars Moravy in a recent discussion.

    Unsupervised FSD Update

    During the same announcement, Musk also indicated that the unsupervised version of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature would be released for Tesla vehicles this year. He later clarified that the initial unsupervised FSD drives are set to take place in Austin, starting in June.

    Texas as a Testing Ground

    Texas has been chosen as the first state for Tesla’s forthcoming robotaxi ride-share service due to its lack of specific regulations regarding autonomous vehicles. The company has even begun training local police and emergency services on how to respond when they encounter a self-driving Tesla operating a ride-share.

    In contrast, California has a more established framework for autonomous services, including companies like Waymo, and has implemented a detailed system of regulations and permits. Tesla recently obtained its first necessary permit, known as the Transportation Charter-Party Carrier Permit (TCP), which allows it to run a ride service in California.

    Permit Limitations

    Unlike the Transportation Network Company (TNC) permits held by firms like Uber, the TCP permit restricts Tesla to utilizing only its own vehicles and drivers for operations. Tesla has not yet received the California Autonomous Vehicle passenger permits and has not conducted the required tests with unsupervised FSD for the DMV there. Initially, Tesla staff will be responsible for driving other Tesla employees around.

    However, the TCP permit will enable Tesla to trial unsupervised FSD on public highways in California, along with the operation of its robotaxi ride-share app section, albeit with human drivers present.

    The start date for these testing phases is still uncertain, but the path to hailing Cybercabs or renting out one’s own Tesla for revenue on the ride-share platform seems to be lengthy and challenging. The first rides are not expected to occur before 2026 at the earliest, depending on regulatory approvals.

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    Tesla Ride Service Approved for California Roads, Excludes Cybercab
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  • Tesla Provides Free FSD in China Amid Huawei Self-Driving Tests

    Tesla Provides Free FSD in China Amid Huawei Self-Driving Tests

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla launched a free FSD trial in China to compete with local manufacturers offering better and cheaper electric cars with advanced self-driving systems.
    2. Due to data export restrictions, Tesla is training its FSD algorithms using online videos sourced from China.
    3. Local companies like Huawei have developed competitive driver-assist systems, prompting comparisons with Tesla’s FSD.
    4. Both Tesla’s FSD and Huawei’s systems were tested in challenging rural environments, demonstrating strong performance despite limitations.
    5. Tesla’s FSD in China lacks some features available in the US and is priced at $8,000, while local competitor BYD offers its self-driving system for free.

    Faced with tough competition, not only because local manufacturers are offering better electric cars at lower prices, but also due to their advanced self-driving systems, Tesla has launched a free FSD trial promotion in China.

    Recently, Tesla introduced a partially developed version of its FSD software in China, sending it over-the-air to existing subscribers as well as new customers. However, since the Chinese government prohibits exporting local driver data and the US doesn’t allow the import of FSD mileage data, Tesla has to be creative. It is training its algorithms using videos sourced from the internet in China.

    Competition with Local Automakers

    This situation creates a fascinating comparison between Tesla’s FSD offering and the various autonomous driving solutions from local companies, such as the latest driver-assist system from Huawei. Huawei, a giant in consumer electronics and communication, has recently ventured into electric vehicles. It has developed a comprehensive driver-assist system that car manufacturers can integrate into their models, which is widely regarded as one of the best available in China.

    Unsurprisingly, as soon as Tesla rolled out FSD in China, local drivers began to pit it against domestically designed self-driving technologies, including Huawei’s ADS 3.0.

    Testing in Diverse Environments

    In China, autonomous driving systems are mainly designed for urban environments and congested traffic, so testers took both Tesla’s FSD and Huawei’s systems onto rural roads to provide a more challenging environment.

    Overall, Tesla and Huawei’s driver-assist technologies performed admirably in these unfamiliar and poorly marked areas, successfully navigating around obstacles, slowing down at T-junctions, and avoiding collisions with unpredictable traffic.

    Limitations and Local Offers

    However, it should be noted that Tesla’s FSD in China doesn’t include the full suite of features available to US drivers because it cannot import or export raw driver data within the country. Elon Musk has stated that Tesla essentially relies on driving videos from the internet to train its AI for FSD in this market.

    As a result, Tesla’s FSD currently supports highway ramp exits and city street navigation, recognizing traffic signals, making turns, changing lanes automatically, and using the cabin camera to ensure that the driver is attentive.

    Nonetheless, FSD costs $8,000 in China, whereas BYD is equipping all its vehicles, even the more affordable ones, with its own self-driving system named Eye of God at no additional charge.

    Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how many Tesla owners in China will not only take advantage of the free FSD trial but also choose to continue with the paid service once the trial period is over.

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  • Tesla Model Y Performance Facelift: Faster Acceleration & 7-Seater

    Tesla Model Y Performance Facelift: Faster Acceleration & 7-Seater

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Model Y Juniper Performance trim will be released later this year, featuring a facelift and a 7-seat option for families and groups.
    2. Tesla’s self-driving vehicle pilot program in Austin will begin in June, testing Full Self-Driving technology in a ride-sharing service.
    3. The Model Y’s 7-seat layout includes an automated rear bench that folds for extra cargo space, although the automation of the smaller seats is still uncertain.
    4. The 2026 Model Y Long Range AWD will have 455 horsepower and improved performance, potentially exceeding the current 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.
    5. A unique 6-seat variant of the Model Y may be introduced for the Chinese market, aligning with the U.S. 7-seater launch timeline.

    The release of the Model Y Juniper Performance trim is expected later this year, according to Lars Moravy, Tesla’s chief engineer. The facelift for 2026 will also introduce a 7-seat option, making it perfect for large families or groups going on road trips.

    Useful Family Features

    The Model Y Juniper 7-seater will be especially beneficial when Tesla rolls out its fleet of self-driving vehicles in Austin in June. This pilot program for robotaxis aims to test the functionality of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology while operating a ride-sharing service without human drivers, setting the stage for the upcoming Cybercab launch in 2026. The initial phase will likely include the Model 3 and Model Y facelifts.

    Enhanced Usability

    This new Juniper refresh with a 7-seat layout is designed to help transport families with young kids or groups of friends, depending on how spacious the seats actually are. It features an automated rear bench that can fold forward to create more cargo room with just a button press. However, it’s still unclear how automated the additional two smaller seats will be.

    Moreover, the updated Model Y can detect when the front seats are pushed too far back. It adjusts the seats while the rear bench folds to make space for the headrests and create a flat cargo area, then returns the front seats to their original positions.

    Performance and Specifications

    Another exciting update is the inclusion of a high-performance variant, similar to the previous model. The 2026 Model Y Long Range AWD is reported to have 455 horsepower and 430 pounds-feet of torque, placing it on par with the existing Performance trim, as noted by Moravy.

    The acceleration for the 2026 Model Y Performance could surpass the current 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds due to the Juniper refresh being slightly lighter, more efficient by 10%, and having a better drag coefficient compared to its predecessor.

    Recently, the Performance trim of the Model Y was observed undergoing tests in California, suggesting that a release date in Q2 is highly likely, following the Launch Series edition deliveries scheduled to start in March.

    For the 7-seat version of the 2026 Model Y, there were early speculations it would debut in the holiday quarter. Additionally, Tesla may create a unique 6-seat variant specifically for the Chinese market, potentially launching around the same time as the US 7-seater configuration.

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  • Tesla Offers Free HW4 Upgrade if HW3 Can’t Run FSD Unsupervised

    Tesla Offers Free HW4 Upgrade if HW3 Can’t Run FSD Unsupervised

    According to Elon Musk, the FSD Hardware 3.0 kits can actually be upgraded to the more powerful Hardware 4.0 set of processing power.

    Upgrade Possibilities

    In fact, Tesla will need to do this if it finds it can’t get the HW3 computers to operate the unsupervised FSD edition that is set to release next year. During the Q3 earnings call, Elon Musk announced that older Tesla vehicles equipped with HW3 kits would receive free HW4 retrofits if they can’t run the expected unsupervised FSD that will come with the v13 update.

    Details of the FSD Release

    Elon made this remark shortly after Tesla’s new AI chief, Ashok Elluswamy, explained that FSD 13 and its unsupervised version would initially be available for newer vehicles using HW4, and then "backwarded" to HW3 cars. The rationale behind this approach is that the computers in Hardware 4.0 are significantly more capable of handling the complex AI calculations necessary for the FSD’s functionality.

    Hardware 4 indeed has multiple times the capability of Hardware 3. It’s much simpler to work with, and trying to make things work on Hardware 3 is a lot more challenging. There is also a risk that Hardware 3 may not meet the safety standards required for unsupervised FSD. If that becomes a reality, we will upgrade those who purchased Hardware 3 FSD for free, as the system has been designed to be upgradable.

    Future FSD Versions

    Tesla appears to have already considered this possibility, and Elon believes that simply replacing the HW3 computer with the more advanced HW4 unit could allow unsupervised FSD to operate on older vehicles. The cameras, he mentioned, are "capable" enough, meaning there’s no need for replacements.

    Tesla has previously done something similar with the current FSD v12.5, launching it for HW4 vehicles first and then adapting the code for HW3 cars. However, the unsupervised FSD version is expected to have stricter safety requirements. If the older computers can’t handle it, "we’ll make sure we take care of those who have bought FSD on Hardware 3," Elon assured.

    Final Thoughts

    Past teardowns of Hardware 4.0 suggested that retrofitting it to Hardware 3.0 vehicles isn’t straightforward, but if Tesla only needs to swap out the computer to enable future FSD versions for older cars, this might be as simple as a quick service center visit.

    It’s worth noting that unsupervised FSD is only set to launch in Texas and California next year, and then will expand state by state based on regulatory approvals. This gives Tesla ample time to ensure HW3 vehicle owners are taken care of.

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  • Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Tests Approved in Shanghai for 10 EVs

    Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Tests Approved in Shanghai for 10 EVs

    Shanghai has approved the testing of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software on ten vehicles, potentially setting the stage for a broader deployment in China, as reported by The Shanghai Observer, a government-backed publication. This step could heighten competition within the world’s largest automotive market.

    Potential Competitive Advantage for Tesla in China

    If Tesla’s FSD proves successful in China, it could significantly alter the competitive dynamics in the market. Tesla would stand to gain a competitive advantage over local competitors by offering a more sophisticated driver-assistance system. This could also spark a price war centered around providing more affordable advanced driver-assistance features.

    Groundwork for Broader FSD Rollout

    Tesla has been preparing for a more extensive FSD rollout in China for the past four years by offering a limited version of FSD as a subscription service. In April, CEO Elon Musk visited Beijing, reportedly to discuss the planned launch. Further, news surfaced in May that Tesla was gearing up to register FSD with Chinese authorities.

    Commitments Beyond FSD

    Tesla’s dedication to the Chinese market extends beyond just FSD. In May, Chinese state media reported that Tesla is building a Megapack energy storage battery factory in Shanghai. Additionally, The Shanghai Observer notes that Tesla has signed a contract with Shanghai Lingang, indicating efforts toward local commercialization.

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