Tag: Tesla

December 11, 2024
Tesla Cybercab: Launching Robotaxis and Waymo-like Service
During an event to announce its Robotaxi initiative, Tesla expressed plans to introduce its most affordable car by 2026, assuming it can navigate all regulatory challenges by that time.
Limited Launch Plans
This upcoming release will be a more modest affair compared to the detailed vision of the Cybercab ride-share service shared by Elon Musk and other members of the Tesla team. In various quarterly press briefings, Musk has outlined an extensive ride-hailing network that will feature both Tesla-owned vehicles equipped with pedals and steering wheels, along with the Robotaxi service. Additionally, current Tesla owners will have the opportunity to rent out their Model Y or Model 3 when they aren’t using them, allowing them to earn some extra cash.
Robotaxi Fleet Details
The Robotaxi segment of the Cybercab fleet will likely begin with two-seaters that are owned and operated by Tesla. It will include a customer service call center with human operators for added safety, mirroring the approach taken by Waymo. This information was communicated to Deutsche Bank analysts by Tesla’s investor relations head, Travis Axelrod, who noted that the service will initially be available only in California and Texas, where there are either no driverless car restrictions or established regulations.
Tesla thinks it’s sensible to have some form of teleoperation, at least in the beginning, for safety reasons. The management plans to kick off the service with a fleet entirely owned by the company and will utilize an in-house developed ride-hailing app.
Future of the Cybercab Service
It remains unclear if the Cybercab service will feature Model Y, Model 3, and Cybertruck vehicles at launch, or if it will solely consist of Robotaxis. Regardless, it appears that current Tesla owners will only be able to rent their vehicles on the ride-share platform after the company has conducted thorough testing on public roads.
Moreover, analysts from the bank have confirmed that Tesla might actually pursue the launch of a more affordable car, which Deutsche Bank has named Model Q, in the first half of 2025, as mentioned during Tesla’s last earnings call. Previously known as Model 2, this new vehicle is anticipated to resemble a smaller Model Y and will be priced around $30,000 with potential subsidies, slightly above the Robotaxi, which is expected to be Tesla’s least expensive offering.
Some suppliers who have collaborated with Tesla have indicated that the Model 2 project was genuine, and Tesla had even shared innovative cost-saving engineering ideas with them before deciding to postpone it in favor of launching the Robotaxi.
What led to this abrupt shift in strategy and the choice to move forward with the Model 2/Q, despite recent statements suggesting that it wasn’t necessary, is still unclear.
Source: Link
Tags: Model Q, Robotaxi, Tesla
December 10, 2024
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.
Tags: Affordable EV, Model Q, Tesla
December 9, 2024
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.
Tags: Cybertruck, Cybertunnel, Tesla
December 8, 2024
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.
Tags: Giga Berlin, Tesla, Water Supply
November 28, 2024
Tesla Model Y Juniper Launch May Arrive Earlier Than Expected
Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory is reportedly getting ready to release the refreshed Model Y, nicknamed “Juniper.” The production lines are currently being used for both the existing Model Y and this new version. Currently, the Juniper model takes up a smaller share of the production capacity, indicating a careful increase in preparation for its expected launch in January 2025, which is sooner than the previously thought March 2025 date, according to a tweet from @zhongwen2005.
Expected Upgrades and Challenges
The Model Y Juniper is rumored to come with several design and tech improvements. However, Tesla is facing hurdles in California, where Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration is looking to cut Tesla from the state’s electric vehicle (EV) rebate program. This program is aimed at boosting competition in the EV market by helping newer companies. In response, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has called this decision “insane,” highlighting that Tesla is the only EV maker in California.
Financial Implications of Policy Changes
Being excluded from California’s rebate program could mean that the Model Y Juniper will cost $7,500 more for customers in the state, which could affect sales of EVs. This situation is also influenced by the federal government reducing EV tax credits, making things even trickier for Tesla’s buyers.
Battery Production Concerns
On top of these policy issues, there are some doubts about Tesla’s 4680 battery technology for the new Model Y. The chairman of CATL, the largest battery maker globally, has openly questioned whether Tesla can produce these batteries at a competitive price. Nonetheless, Tesla remains hopeful about increasing its 4680 battery output in the U.S. and taking advantage of government incentives to help reach its manufacturing targets.
As the Austin-based electric vehicle leader navigates these changing regulations and market conditions, the Model Y Juniper is set to become more significant in Tesla’s 2025 strategy than initially anticipated. The upcoming launch will indeed challenge Tesla‘s ability to adapt in a market that is increasingly competitive.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: EV rebate, Model Y Juniper, Tesla
November 27, 2024
Cybertruck Turning Radius Test: Rear Wheel Steering Performance
Tesla’s first electric pickup, the Cybertruck, is massive yet can maneuver easily thanks to its four-wheel steering feature.
Exceptional Maneuverability
As is common with this kind of technology, the rear wheels can turn slightly opposite to the front wheels, allowing even larger vehicles to make tight turns. The Cybertruck showcases this ability, and there’s a direct visual comparison of its turning radius with the four-wheel steering both engaged and disengaged.
In a brief video, the Cybertruck without the rear steering is seen making tight turns around another one that has its rear steering active.
Innovative Engineering
Tesla’s chief engineer, Lars Moravy, has stated that the four-wheel steer-by-wire system and the rear steering angle are facilitated by the new 48V low-voltage system. In the past, the power required to operate the rear electric steering motors would have been too much for the older 12V system.
It’s worth noting that Tesla’s steer-by-wire design includes safety measures like having two electric motors at the front, ensuring that the vehicle can still function if one motor fails.
Off-Road Capabilities
Along with its impressive turning ability, which is essential for navigating city streets and tight parking spaces, the Cybertruck is also designed for off-roading. It features ample approach and departure angles for overcoming obstacles, along with a highly capable air suspension that can raise the vehicle significantly in lifted mode. Additionally, it has a compressor that seals the battery in Wade Mode, allowing it to cross rivers with ease.
Source: Link
Tags: Cybertruck, four-wheel steering, Tesla
November 26, 2024
California Cuts Tax Credit for Tesla Model Y, Supports Non-Tesla EVs
The new Trump administration is looking to eliminate the federal tax credit for new electric vehicles, which could negatively impact Tesla’s sales, especially in California.
State Rebate Plans
California’s Governor Newsom has announced that the state will bring back its rebate incentive for new EV purchases that was removed last year. This move is intended to help automakers cope with the potential loss of the federal tax credit.
The Inflation Reduction Act, which oversees the federal EV tax credits, was initially designed to last until 2032. However, the incoming administration seems to have different budget priorities, focusing more on new technologies like carbon capture rather than the established EV market.
Price Increase for Tesla Buyers
For those looking to buy Tesla vehicles in California, particularly the much-anticipated Model Y Juniper facelift, they may face a price increase of $7,500 compared to the existing Model Y. This is not due to Tesla raising prices for its Juniper refresh, but rather the impact of the changing incentives.
Governor Newsom mentioned that the state rebate will be allocated based on market share to foster competition among electric vehicle manufacturers. “It’s about creating the market conditions for more of these car makers to take root,” he said.
Impact on Tesla’s Market Share
This strategy will effectively leave Tesla out of the state funds meant to offset the loss of the federal tax credit, as Tesla holds the largest market share in the state.
Even though Tesla’s EV market share in California has declined from last year, the company still accounts for more than half of all electric vehicle sales in the state. Therefore, the sudden removal of all tax incentives could hinder its growth opportunities.
Elon Musk has pointed out that Tesla is the only company producing electric vehicles in California, suggesting that excluding it from future state rebates would not make much sense.
Source: Link
Tags: California EV Tax Credit, Model Y Juniper, Tesla
November 25, 2024
Tesla Responds to High Fatality Crash Rate with Model 3 Safety Data
Tesla’s chief engineer, Lars Moravy, is actively countering claims from a recent report that states Teslas have the highest fatality crash rate among all vehicles. He argues that the report’s conclusions are misleading.
Report Overview
The report examined data from the federal U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), which is managed by the NHTSA. It focused on accidents involving cars from the 2018 to 2022 model years that resulted in at least one death, either for drivers or passengers.
In this analysis, Tesla emerged as the brand with the highest fatality crash rate overall. Although the Hyundai Venue held the worst record for individual models, the Model S had a fatality rate that was twice the average, while the popular Model Y of Tesla had a crash death rate nearly four times higher than average. This placed it among the top 10 most dangerous vehicles in the U.S., according to the study.
Issues with Comparisons
However, while it may seem accurate to label Tesla as having the highest fatality rate based on the FARS data, this comparison is flawed. Tesla has significantly fewer models on the market compared to other manufacturers, which often offer a wider range of vehicles.
In defense of Tesla, Moravy asserted, “the math is incorrect – crash test data is real; Teslas are among the safest cars.” He suggested that the calculations might suffer from a poor denominator, noting that by the end of 2022, U.S. model year miles driven exceeded 7 billion, with the Model 3 alone at around 19 billion. While Tesla’s safety data from crash tests is indeed impressive, it doesn’t necessarily explain the fatality rates in real-world accidents, which could be influenced by many factors.
Additional Information
If you’re in the market for charging solutions, you can find the 80A Tesla Gen 2 Wall Connector with a 24-foot cable on Amazon.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: Model S, Model Y, Tesla
November 24, 2024
Tesla Launches Smart Summon Feature in Europe and Middle East
Tesla vehicles get better over time thanks to updates that introduce new features and improve existing ones. Yet, some buyers in various regions have to wait longer to access these features. A recent example is the Actually Smart Summon, which took a while to reach customers in Europe and the Middle East. According to a post on X (previously Twitter) from one of Tesla’s official accounts, the feature has finally launched in those regions.
Feature Launch in the U.S.
The feature was made available in the United States back in September. It allows Tesla owners to summon their car from its parked spot to their current location using the Tesla app, as long as the vehicle is not too far away. For instance, this could be handy for retrieving your Tesla from a store’s entrance, saving you the hassle of carrying your shopping all the way back to the parking lot.
Limitations in Europe and the Middle East
However, there is a notable restriction with the version released in Europe and the Middle East. While the US version functions within a range of approximately 213 ft (65 m), drivers in these regions must stay within 19.7 ft (6 m) of their car, turning the feature into more of a gimmick than a useful tool.
This limitation arises from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s (UNECE) regulations, which require drivers to be 20 ft (~6 m) or closer to their vehicles when operating them autonomously. The specific regulation is UNECE Regulation No. 79 Revision 5, which pertains to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving systems (ADS).
Future Prospects
On the bright side, this rollout is seen as a step toward the launch of FSD (Supervised) in Europe, China, and other regions. In the U.S., Tesla debuted Actually Smart Summon alongside an update to FSD (Supervised); this could suggest that the highly awaited ADAS will soon be available outside of North America.
Drivers in Europe might voice their frustration over receiving a limited version of the feature, but it seems even more challenging for Canadians, who still don’t have access to Actually Smart Summon. Typically, Canada follows closely behind the U.S. in getting new Tesla features, so this delay is unexpected.
Tesla Europe & Middle East shared this update on X (formerly Twitter).
Source: Link
Tags: Actually Smart Summon, Tesla, UNECE Regulation
November 24, 2024
Tesla Tackles Supercharger Congestion with AI and Long Cables
Tesla is set to enhance the Supercharger wait times for all electric vehicle (EV) owners. This will be done by boosting the number of V4 chargers with longer cables, refining their availability algorithms, and striving for a standardized charging port location for non-Tesla EVs.
Future Plans for Supercharger Expansion
In the next 18 months, Tesla aims to increase the number of Superchargers that feature longer cables, which will be mounted on the outside of the charger, a shift from the previous design that had shorter cables inside.
As of now, Tesla has stated that they have “modified over 1,500 sites to ensure drivers never need to use more than 2 charging spots to charge, which increases stall availability for everyone.” In addition, they have rolled out software upgrades that offer more precise predictions about Supercharger availability than ever before.
Enhanced Charging Experience
The system can now identify when another EV with a differently located charge port is connected to a short-cable Supercharger stall. This improvement means no more overpromising on stall availability, allowing drivers to travel with peace of mind. Tesla plans to keep enhancing this algorithm to ensure it remains as accurate as possible, including detailed site mapping and quicker updates on stall availability.
There are hardly any EV brands that haven’t adopted Tesla’s NACS charging standard. The growing number of Supercharger users with unique charging port positions has pushed Tesla to work on standardizing these locations.
Standardization Efforts
“Since we opened the Supercharger network in Europe in 2021, we have been encouraging car manufacturers to relocate charge ports to the rear left or front right,” states Tesla.
Currently, around 10% of Tesla’s Superchargers worldwide are the latest V4 models, with a higher concentration in Europe compared to the US. Thus, exceeding the number of chargers with shorter cables indicates that Tesla intends to expand V4 Supercharger availability fivefold within the next 18 months. All of these initiatives should collectively boost availability and reduce Supercharger wait times.
Source: Link
Tags: Supercharger, Tesla, V4 Charging