Tag: Tesla

  • Model Y Juniper Price Rise as Gov Funds Shift to Tesla Lithium

    Model Y Juniper Price Rise as Gov Funds Shift to Tesla Lithium

    Instead of spending $200 million each month on direct tax credits that make electric vehicles cheaper, the government might be using that money to buy raw materials for batteries. Tesla plans to do this with the first lithium refinery in America.

    Tesla’s Progress

    Tesla has just processed its first sustainably sourced raw material in its Gulf Coast refinery, aiming to have it fully operational by 2025, as they promised. Interestingly, Trump’s transportation transition team is working on laws for self-driving vehicles that could help Tesla’s Robotaxi rollout. At the same time, they may shift the $7,500 tax credit for the Model Y towards projects like Tesla’s refinery.

    Government Funding Changes

    The transition team has labeled materials like lithium and rare earth minerals as “critical to defense production” in a leaked document, which is different from the focus on regular electric vehicles or charging points. Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act includes $7.5 billion for building charging infrastructure and also offers a $7,500 direct tax credit, with Tesla’s Model Y being the main recipient. This funding could change if a new administration comes into power.

    This shift could mean that future buyers of Tesla’s Model Y Juniper refresh may not benefit from the same tax credit that current owners received.

    Future Implications

    Trump’s team believes that the main focus of government funding should be on securing the supply chain for battery materials, not on EV subsidies, citing studies by the Defense Department that highlight the importance of this for national security. The Inflation Reduction Act does have a part that supports local battery production, but only vehicles with US-made battery packs are eligible for it, so it’s uncertain if this funding will remain.

    Moreover, the Trump administration is getting ready to revert emission and fuel economy standards for gasoline cars to the levels of 2019 and to prohibit government mandates for electric vehicles. This could create more challenges for automakers like Tesla. A spokesperson for the transition team stated, “When President Trump takes office, he will support the auto industry, providing space for both gas-powered and electric vehicles.”

    Source: Link

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  • Tesla Upgrades 325 kW Superchargers for 20-Minute Cybertruck Charge

    Tesla Upgrades 325 kW Superchargers for 20-Minute Cybertruck Charge

    Tesla’s Cybertruck is the only model in their lineup that supports rapid charging, thanks to its advanced 800V powertrain system.

    Fast Charging Capabilities

    Lars Moravy, Tesla’s lead engineer, has stated that with compatible V4 Superchargers, the Cybertruck can recharge in less than 20 minutes. However, the new V4 Supercharger stations currently only feature long cables, while still using the older V3 charging cabinets, which have a maximum output of 250 kW.

    Upcoming Upgrades

    Tesla has announced plans for a V4 cabinet upgrade that will increase the peak charging power from 350 kW to 500 kW. Additionally, there are plans to support up to 1.2 MW for charging the Semi, which complies with the North American Charging Standard. For now, to satisfy Cybertruck users until the full rollout of V4 cabinets in 2025, Tesla will offer a temporary fast charging option with 325 kW output at selected V4 Supercharger sites that are currently using V3 cabinets.

    Expanding Charging Network

    At the moment, only about 20 Supercharger locations are available for the Cybertruck, but Tesla has indicated that more will be added shortly. The upgrades are expected to continue next year, when V4 stations will be equipped with cabinets that can deliver a peak output of 500 kW. It is then that Moravy’s statement regarding the Cybertruck’s 20-minute charging time will be thoroughly evaluated.

    Currently, Cybertruck owners are pleased that Tesla addressed the slow charging curve issue related to the 4680 battery packs, which had previously caused Model Y vehicles with these batteries to charge slower than those equipped with 2170 cells.

    Initially, the Cybertruck faced similar charging delays, taking over 40 minutes to reach 80% charge instead of the promised 18 minutes, even at 350 kW third-party chargers. As Tesla gathered more real-world data on charging performance, they released a software update that optimized the charging curve for the Cybertruck’s 4680 battery pack. However, users still require access to a fast Supercharger to benefit from this enhancement, which is what Tesla is now providing.

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  • Tesla CyberCab Display in LA, Chicago, and 3 More Cities This Weekend

    Tesla CyberCab Display in LA, Chicago, and 3 More Cities This Weekend

    Tesla is increasing the excitement around its CyberCab by showcasing the vehicle at five new sites throughout the United States this weekend. The company is eager to create interest in its fully self-driving ride-share system. The CyberCab will be open for public viewing at:

    Affordable Pricing and Specs

    Touted as one of the least expensive options from Tesla (excluding the Model Q), the CyberCab is available for less than $30,000. It utilizes only 40% of the components found in the Tesla Model Y while providing the advantage of Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. Elon Musk has continually highlighted the car’s simple two-seater layout, designed to maximize efficiency and low cost. The CyberCab ride-share service will also incorporate redundancy systems similar to those used by Waymo, such as teleoperation. Tesla aims to launch this service in states like California and Texas, where regulations concerning autonomy are more lenient.

    A Strategic Move for Tesla

    In summary, these new showcases represent another vital step in Tesla’s ongoing effort to make consumers more familiar with its first dedicated self-driving vehicle. While earlier displays have merely piqued public interest (and stirred debate), this upcoming event is intended to further strengthen the CyberCab’s status as a leader in the growing autonomous ride-hailing market. Rivals such as Alphabet’s Waymo and Amazon’s Zoox are working hard to gain a strong foothold. Waymo, in particular, has been broadening its robotaxi offerings in cities like San Francisco and Phoenix.

    Looking Ahead

    As the weekend nears, eager attendees at these locations can witness firsthand what might soon become a significant part of city transport.

    Source: Link

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  • BMW Praises Tesla FSD V13.2 as Impressive, Then Deletes Tweet

    BMW Praises Tesla FSD V13.2 as Impressive, Then Deletes Tweet

    Social media exchanges between businesses, or more specifically their social media profiles, are nearly always captivating. Not long ago, BMW made a brief mention of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) v13.2, calling it ‘very impressive’ in a tweet that was later deleted. This remark came after @AIDRIVR posted about Tesla’s latest FSD features, which have gained attention for significant improvements in parking automation and executing three-point turns.

    The Interaction Unfolds

    The interaction took place when a third-party account drew attention to Tesla’s FSD abilities, tagging BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz with the message, “Isn’t that impressive?” BMW replied with a concise yet revealing “very impressive.” Tesla’s official account soon joined the conversation with a cheeky “Hi @BMW,” creating a light-hearted moment online.

    Speculation Over Deletion

    However, BMW’s tweet vanished soon after, leading users to ponder the reasons behind its disappearance. Was it an accidental compliment from BMW, or did someone in the company think that praising a rival’s technology wasn’t appropriate? Regardless, the internet swiftly captured screenshots (see above), as that’s just how it operates.

    Competitive Landscape

    While Tesla continues to roll out updates like FSD v13.2, other car manufacturers, including BMW, are diligently developing their own advanced driver-assistance technologies. The deleted tweet might reflect a blend of recognition and prudence, as traditional automakers strive to keep pace with Tesla’s advancements in autonomous driving.

    Source: Link

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  • Tesla Cybercab: Launching Robotaxis and Waymo-like Service

    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

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  • Tesla Model Q: Details on Price, Range, and 2025 Launch

    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.

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  • Drone Photos Show Cybertruck-Shaped Exit at Tesla Giga Texas

    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.

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  • Water Supplier Completes Contract for Tesla Giga Berlin

    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.

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  • Tesla Model Y Juniper Launch May Arrive Earlier Than Expected

    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

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  • Cybertruck Turning Radius Test: Rear Wheel Steering Performance

    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.

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