Tag: Tesla

  • Tesla Pursues Robotaxi Launch with FSD Regulatory Approval

    Tesla Pursues Robotaxi Launch with FSD Regulatory Approval

    After receiving certification from Chinese officials as a safe handler of personal data, Tesla has been given the green light to set up data centers and offer online processing along with content distribution networks. This is crucial to meet the Chinese government’s demand that all data collected from citizens, including information from the future Full Self-Driving service analytics, remains within the country and is kept secure.

    Pilot Testing in China

    Currently, Tesla is conducting pilot Full Self-Driving (FSD) tests with Model Y cars in China. They must submit their findings to regulators in order to persuade them to approve FSD for use in the largest car market in the world. The Chinese government aims to demonstrate that it welcomes such services from foreign firms, and local officials have stated that Tesla’s driver-assistance features will enhance the autonomous driving landscape in the country, encouraging collaboration among companies and increasing public acceptance.

    Competition and Local Developments

    Local competitors like Xpeng have also expressed that the introduction of Tesla’s FSD in China would be beneficial for everyone involved. However, Xpeng has a significant advantage, as it will be the first domestic company to receive approval for a self-driving feature in major cities this quarter, due to its new P7+ sedan. In contrast, Tesla’s FSD approval in China is expected to occur no sooner than next year.

    Despite the challenges, Tesla is making efforts to meet all regulatory demands in China and in the United States, where they are eager to roll out unsupervised FSD next year in both Texas and California, and aim to obtain a Robotaxi permit by 2026.

    Testing Partnership with Palo Alto

    Tesla is now seeking permission from the Palo Alto local government to use its streets as a test area for the Robotaxi launch. Meghan Horrigan-Taylor, a spokesperson for the city, reported that discussions are underway regarding a partnership for testing Robotaxi services with Tesla.

    Tesla’s decision to approach regulators makes sense, especially since it opened its new global engineering and AI headquarters in Palo Alto last year. A permit to test driverless Robotaxis on city streets would be quite convenient for them.

    Moreover, the city stands to gain, as its Palo Alto Link service, which offers low-cost or free rides to residents, is currently facing financial difficulties. During the Robotaxi reveal, Elon Musk mentioned that rides could cost as little as $0.30 per mile, factoring in all expenses, making a test fleet of Robotaxis appealing for the Palo Alto city council.

    Regulatory Hurdles Ahead

    However, the city’s spokesperson reminded that the ultimate decision rests with the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which will evaluate the safety and readiness of autonomous vehicles for public roads. Therefore, Tesla will still need to convince regulators to make its Robotaxi operation legal on the streets of Palo Alto.

    China Daily, Palo Alto.

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  • Tesla Model Y Juniper Trial Production Begins, Early Release Possible

    Tesla Model Y Juniper Trial Production Begins, Early Release Possible

    Tesla has rolled out various deals for the Model Y, such as 0% APR financing and no down payment. This move seems aimed not just at boosting Q4 sales figures, but also at encouraging potential buyers who are hesitating, especially with the upcoming Juniper refresh that could be launching soon.

    Early Pilot Production

    A well-known Chinese auto blogger has suggested that the Model Y Juniper might debut sooner than expected. Reports indicate that Tesla plans to kick off pilot production of a limited batch of Model Y Juniper vehicles at its Gigafactory located in Shanghai as early as this week.

    Interestingly, the team at Giga Shanghai recently achieved a production milestone of 3 million vehicles, producing one Tesla every 30 seconds. However, they are said to be making only around 12 Model Y Juniper units daily. This limited output suggests that it is indeed a trial production phase, similar to what Tesla did with the Model 3 Highland refresh, which began its pilot production in small quantities a few months prior to its official launch to refine the mass manufacturing process.

    Comparison to Model 3 Highland

    The Model 3 Highland, which is reported to influence the front design of the Model Y Juniper, started its pilot manufacturing last August at Giga Shanghai. Tesla officially launched it in China by the end of October, and it was announced for the US in January. Therefore, even if these rumors are true, we are likely several months away from the actual Juniper launch.

    To keep the design specifics under wraps until the official reveal, workers at the Gigafactory who are assembling the test batches of Model Y Juniper have reportedly been prohibited from bringing phones onto the site. We’ve caught glimpses of what appears to be a new rear light bar, but the rest of the vehicle has been camouflaged, possibly spotted during testing in the US and Europe. This follows the same strategy Tesla employed while preparing for the Highland release.

    Speculations on Features

    As for the precise specifications of the Model Y Juniper, they remain uncertain. However, it is rumored to include a robust 95 kWh battery and an 800V powertrain architecture for quicker charging capabilities. There may also be a 48V low-voltage system similar to that of the Cybertruck, as Tesla has open-sourced its efforts in this area and mentioned it will be used even in its more affordable models like the Robotaxi or the future Model 2. Additionally, the Model Y Juniper is expected to feature a touchless frunk opening and a 6-seater variant for the Chinese market, which is presumably what Tesla is currently testing in their pilot production.

    FatTigerShawn (Weibo) via CarNewsChina

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  • Tesla Robotaxi: 93% Wireless Charging in Just One Second

    Tesla Robotaxi: 93% Wireless Charging in Just One Second

    Tesla’s 2023 purchase of the German engineering group from Wiferion has led to an impressive 90%+ efficiency in wireless charging for the Robotaxi, it appears.

    Wireless Charging Developments

    During a Cybertruck test drive with Jay Leno, Tesla’s chief designer revealed that the company is developing a wireless charging solution for its vehicles, which is said to be referred to as Project Garfield internally. Franz Von Holzhausen mentioned that utilizing this system will feel like "you just pull up in your garage, drive over the pad, and you’re charging."

    Efficiency Claims

    Wiferion’s technology boasts an efficiency of 93%, and Tesla recently had to correct MKBHD’s comments which suggested the Robotaxi’s inductive charging would have at least a 25% energy loss, clarifying that "it is well above 90%." Elon Musk added his thoughts, stating that "there is no meaningful efficiency difference between inductive and conductive charging if the system is designed right" and pointed out that "there is always an inductor somewhere in the charge circuit!"

    Charging Pads and Specifications

    Currently, Wiferion offers wireless charging pads akin to Apple’s MagSafe charger, designed for industrial use with "efficiency of up to 93% during the transfer of energy." These pads allow access from any angle, and charging initiates within a second. Wiferion also outlines features that may be beneficial for the Robotaxi, including an IP68 water-resistance rating for outdoor use. It remains uncertain if the Robotaxi will adopt similar technology, but it is expected to deliver more power than the 3 kW provided by Wiferion’s pad, which is tailored for industrial forklifts.

    With this technology, achieving 90% charging efficiency means the Robotaxi’s 40 kWh battery would require nearly 15 hours to fully charge. However, Tesla’s wireless charging solution is anticipated to be significantly more powerful. In a demonstration of the Robotaxi’s wireless charging, the pad displayed a charging speed of 25 kW, allowing for a recharge of the Robotaxi’s battery to cover another 200 miles in under two hours.

    Future Prospects

    Wiferion has not disclosed the specific proprietary technology that enables such extraordinary inductive charging efficiency. Additionally, it will be intriguing to see what type of 4680 cells the Robotaxi will utilize since Wiferion also provides specialized batteries for industrial wireless charging that offer "longer operating time, lifespan, and faster charging time, along with exceeding recharge efficiency."

    Reportedly, the Robotaxi will feature one of the several 4680 battery cell types Tesla is developing for its most sought-after electric vehicles, including the Model Y, Model 3, and Cybertruck. Mass production of these 4680 cells is anticipated to start in 2026, coinciding with Tesla’s expected launch of the Robotaxi, contingent on smooth regulatory approvals, which is a significant "if," especially considering the recent NHTSA investigation into Tesla’s FSD performance.

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  • Tesla Model Y Camping Canopy: Heavy Rain & UV50 Protection

    Tesla Model Y Camping Canopy: Heavy Rain & UV50 Protection

    Tesla has introduced a new camping accessory designed specifically for the Model Y, featuring a rear canopy that offers shelter from various weather conditions.

    Pricing and Material Details

    The Model Y canopy comes at a price of $150 and is constructed from reflective fabric that has a shiny silver finish, stretched over lightweight aluminum alloy poles.

    Expanded Coverage

    This camping accessory increases the trunk area coverage by approximately 48 square feet, providing enhanced protection from rain, wind, and intense sunlight. The canopy is rated for UV50+ protection, which means it effectively blocks harmful sun rays. In addition, it can endure severe weather, including heavy rain, and remains stable even in wind gusts of up to 24 MPH, despite being mounted on the vehicle without any ground support.

    Easy Assembly and Storage

    Weighing in at an impressive lightweight, the $150 Model Y canopy can be set up or taken down in just minutes. Its compact size allows for easy storage in the frunk, making it incredibly convenient. With the official Tesla logo featured prominently, it’s a stylish alternative to other third-party tents made for the Model Y, although it does come at a higher price point. For those planning camping trips, this canopy pairs wonderfully with Tesla’s official air mattress, which is designed to fit snugly around the wheel arches in the trunk.

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  • Tesla Optimus Robot Gains AI Communication, Hive Mind, Self-Charging

    Tesla Optimus Robot Gains AI Communication, Hive Mind, Self-Charging

    While Tesla’s Vice President for Optimus robot development has confirmed that the bots showcased at the Robotaxi event were helped by human operators, he also mentioned that a significant update with new features is on the way.

    Exciting New Features Announced

    It looks like that update is happening today, as the Optimus team has just revealed a range of new capabilities, some of which might have been demonstrated during the Robotaxi celebrations.

    To start, the Tesla Bot has gained the ability to communicate with other Optimus humanoids nearby, allowing it to map out unfamiliar environments. Additionally, it can now explore "unseen" areas independently.

    Enhanced Physical Abilities

    The robots have also improved their physical skills, now capable of climbing stairs and handling substantial loads, like a 25-pound tray filled with battery cells.

    Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of the new Optimus robot is its ability to utilize artificial intelligence and interact with humans through a neural network that operates in real-time on the bots. This means it can recognize and fetch various objects on command, marking a significant step towards functioning as a humanoid butler.

    Autonomous Charging Capabilities

    On the topic of autonomy, the Tesla Bot can now independently search for, find, and plug into the nearest charging station, even in unfamiliar settings.

    Tesla’s Optimus charging connector appears to be situated on its back, and the rear cameras will now assist in locating nearby charging stations.

    It remains uncertain how many of these features were actively used during the Robotaxi presentation, as the Optimus bots there seemed to walk and dance autonomously, yet likely required human help to pour drinks at the bar or engage with attendees.

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  • Tesla’s Optimus Bots Walked and Danced at Robotaxi Event

    Tesla’s Optimus Bots Walked and Danced at Robotaxi Event

    One of the key Tesla engineers involved in the Optimus robot initiative shed some light on how the Tesla Bots behaved during the unveiling of the Robotaxi.

    As Elon Musk hinted that the Optimus robots would be mingling among guests and even serving drinks at the bar after the event, it appears that their ability to perform more intricate tasks was somewhat exaggerated.

    Insights from Tesla’s Engineer

    Milan Kovac, the engineer behind the Tesla Bot, explained that the roughly twenty Optimus units showcased at the event were able to walk and dance independently for four hours. However, when it came to handling more complex functions, the robots didn’t use any mysterious AI to determine who ordered how many drinks; they were actually "human-assisted." This should not come as a surprise.

    Throughout the event, about 20 bots were constantly active—navigating through a busy crowd, dancing, snapping selfies, and even serving drinks and snacks. While they were indeed assisted by humans to some degree to illustrate our vision for a fantastic future, they managed to walk, balance, and dance on their own for approximately four hours, with only one minor incident (a handbag got in the way of a bot’s movement).

    A Showcase of Innovation

    Overall, it was an impressive display, especially when combined with other announcements like the Cybercab and the self-driving minibus.

    The primary goal of featuring the Tesla Bot was to highlight the advancement in the robotic hand’s capabilities, which increased from 11 degrees of freedom to 22. This change significantly enhances the tactile sensing abilities of the robots. Additionally, the demonstration showcased the autonomy and balance of the Tesla Bots.

    Creating appealing demonstration videos is challenging, but ensuring safe, live functioning of numerous humanoid robots for hours in a public outdoor setting set a much higher standard. This effort led to major advancements in full-body control, locomotion, hardware stability, and overall infrastructure.

    Future Prospects

    Nevertheless, the Optimus bots observed pouring drinks with rather slow and careful motions, as well as interacting with attendees, were all under the guidance of human operators. This suggests that Elon Musk’s vision of having an Optimus as a personal butler for $30,000 each is still quite a way off.

    Kovac did hint at some major progress in the autonomy of the Tesla Bots that the company has made, and he teased that more information will be shared with the robot-enthusiast public "soon."

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  • Older Teslas with FSD HW3: Ready for Robotaxi Service

    Older Teslas with FSD HW3: Ready for Robotaxi Service

    According to Lars Moravy, who is the chief engineer at Tesla, even older models like the 2018 Model 3 will be able to experience the autonomous features of the new Robotaxi.

    Robotaxi Specs and Features

    The recently revealed Robotaxi, which seats two, will utilize Tesla’s FSD software powered by the forthcoming AI5, or Hardware 5.0, featuring advanced 3nm computers, cameras, and sensors. This will enable the vehicle to navigate to its destination without needing a steering wheel or pedals.

    Participation in Cybercab Service

    Moreover, all other Tesla models, including the Cybertruck, will also participate in the Cybercab ride-share service. Tesla plans to offer this platform for a fee, allowing owners to rent their vehicles to the Cybercab fleet for any duration they choose, whenever they want.

    Interestingly, it appears that even Tesla cars equipped with the older HW3 can also serve as Robotaxis, contrary to what some might expect. Lars Moravy confirmed this during a casual interview at the "We, Robot" event, stating that any HW3 Tesla is ready to operate as a Robotaxi.

    Upcoming FSD Updates

    In Tesla’s latest roadmap for September and October, there was one unexpected item: the FSD 13 release. Since the FSD 12.5 versions are just now being rolled out to HW3 vehicles, it will be intriguing to see what Tesla has planned with such a significant version jump.

    It’s possible that the FSD 13 update will introduce the Cybercab service framework for the Robotaxi as well as the other vehicles in its fleet. Tesla will need to present this software to regulators if it wishes to obtain permission for unsupervised FSD operations in Texas and California next year, as hinted by Elon Musk.

    Regardless, those with HW3 will certainly be able to utilize FSD 13 too, but it remains unclear if there will be any differences in performance, similar to how FSD 12.5 operates on either Hardware 4.0 or 3.0 systems.

    Lars Moravy (Tesla) via Kim Java (YT)

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  • Cybertruck Warranty Excludes Off-Roading and Sunlight Damage

    Cybertruck Warranty Excludes Off-Roading and Sunlight Damage

    There has been a lot of negative feedback regarding the Cybertruck, from canceled insurance plans to recalls, and many feel that buying this vehicle is a questionable choice. Nonetheless, Tesla has remained firm in claiming that the Cybertruck is just as capable, if not more, than its electric vehicle and traditional rivals. Curiously, this confidence appears to be only skin deep, as a screenshot posted on Reddit highlights a long list of warranty restrictions.

    Warranty Limitations Uncovered

    A Reddit user named turingagentzero recently shared a post with the title "CyberTruck warranty is voided by off-roading (or hitting potholes)." After checking Tesla’s site, it’s evident that the screenshot is indeed from the official warranty document for the Cybertruck. Ironically, the phrase "driving off-road" even gets its own bullet point, even though the Cybertruck is mostly shown driving off-road in the promotional video on Tesla’s website. It’s understandable that driving off-road can lead to uncertainty and might justify a warranty denial. However, Tesla seems to take it further by broadening the definition of off-road in the next bullet point, which disapproves of "Driving over uneven, rough, damaged or hazardous surfaces, including but not limited to, curbs, potholes, unfinished roads, debris, or other obstacles…". Users in the discussion noted some other peculiar points in the document, such as sunlight, environmental factors, insect droppings, and more.

    The Question of Capability

    To clarify, it’s not unusual for auto manufacturers to impose such restrictions in their warranties. The issue here seems to add to the Cybertruck’s mysterious traits and how it is viewed. Is the Cybertruck a rugged vehicle ready to face the apocalypse, or is it a fragile EV that should only be driven on smooth, newly paved roads during partly cloudy weather? Ultimately, it is for the driver to determine.

    turingagentzero on Reddit and Tesla

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  • Tesla Robovan: Self-Driving 20-Seat Vehicle Not for Sale

    Tesla Robovan: Self-Driving 20-Seat Vehicle Not for Sale

    Elon Musk introduced a new electric autonomous vehicle during Tesla’s “We, Robot” event in Los Angeles on Thursday night. This vehicle, named the Robovan, is a prototype that resembles a bus and is intended for carrying people and goods in densely populated areas.

    Capabilities and Design

    Musk stated that the Robovan can transport up to 20 passengers or cargo. It features a unique retro-futuristic design, similar to the Tesla Cybercab, which was also presented at the same event. The vehicle boasts a shiny silver metallic exterior with black accents and sleek lighting strips. To me, it looks like something Iron Man would drive if he needed a van.

    The vehicle includes sliding doors that open to show the inside, which has seating, standing room, and tinted windows—all without a steering wheel. Following the Cybercab, this is another fully autonomous offering from Tesla.

    Cost Efficiency

    While the Cybercab aims to reduce transportation costs to about 20 cents per mile, the Robovan is expected to lower that further, possibly to just 5-10 cents per mile. A video showcasing the Robovan demonstrates its futuristic appearance, but changes in design are likely by the time it hits the market. For example, its low ground clearance could pose challenges for urban roads.

    Musk’s Optimism

    However, Musk did not share many details about the van. Since it’s still a prototype, information about pricing, production plans, and a release date remains vague. One thing is certain: it won’t be an affordable vehicle.

    Musk did mention, “We’re going to make this.” But it’s wise to take that statement with caution, as Tesla has a history of failing to meet their own deadlines. Furthermore, since this is just a prototype, the final design and production timeline are still very uncertain.

    Even though the Robovan is certainly striking, it’s not an entirely new idea for an autonomous van. Similar concepts have come from companies like Zoox and Cruise, although on a smaller scale. Additionally, China’s WeRide has also introduced a comparable Robobus.

    Tesla Robovan: Self-Driving 20-Seat Vehicle Not for Sale
    Tesla Robovan: Self-Driving 20-Seat Vehicle Not for Sale
    Tesla Robovan: Self-Driving 20-Seat Vehicle Not for Sale
    Tesla Robovan: Self-Driving 20-Seat Vehicle Not for Sale
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  • Tesla Launches $30,000 Robotaxi with No Steering Wheels or Pedals

    Tesla Launches $30,000 Robotaxi with No Steering Wheels or Pedals

    Tesla has finally unveiled its long-awaited robotaxi, previously known as "Cybercab" and "Robotaxi," at an event on Thursday night. The striking two-seater vehicle features a cutting-edge design, including butterfly doors and wireless charging capabilities. The most notable aspect, however, is that it completely lacks a steering wheel. This vehicle is intended for a future where passengers can sit back and allow the car to manage the driving. Despite this, questions linger about its self-driving abilities. Let’s dive into the specifics.

    Cybercab Makes an Impression

    To kick things off, the Cybercab is certainly a showstopper. It was presented with a gold finish and has a light bar that appears to hold matrix headlights, drawing parallels to the Cybertruck. Moreover, it’s not just the absence of a steering wheel that’s interesting; this model has no pedals or even a rear window. Instead, it depends entirely on cameras and sensors to provide a complete view of its environment. In a dramatic moment, Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, made a grand entrance on stage while seated inside the Cybercab.

    The Interior Experience

    Inside, the atmosphere resembles that of a lounge, and passengers can enjoy generous cargo space thanks to its large hatchback trunk. One of the standout features is the wireless induction charging. This vehicle is the first from Tesla to eliminate the traditional charging port. However, the event didn’t clarify important technical specifics, such as the battery capacity or charging speed. Inductive charging utilizes electromagnetic fields to transfer energy from a pad to the battery, allowing for a cable-free experience. Musk stated, “The robotaxi has no plug. It just goes over the inductive charger and charges. So, yeah, that’s kind of how it should be.”

    Questions About Autonomy

    Now, let’s tackle the main concern — the self-driving technology. Tesla has been claiming fully autonomous driving for several years now, but even models with the “Full Self-Driving (FSD)” package still require human oversight. This raises concerns about the Cybercab’s absence of driver controls. Musk insists that the Cybercab uses the latest Tesla AI5 computer and operates purely on camera systems. He also mentioned plans to enable unsupervised Full Self-Driving in specific areas next year for current models. However, this promise has been repeated for the last five years. Furthermore, data indicates that Tesla must significantly improve its disengagement rates (the instances when a human driver must take over) before unsupervised driving can be realized. Thus, skepticism about Musk’s assertions remains.

    Price and Future Outlook

    Regarding price and release, Musk indicated that production for the Cybercab would start “before 2027,” with an expected cost of under $30,000. However, we must remember that Tesla’s second-generation Roadster, first revealed in 2017, still hasn’t begun series production. Therefore, there’s no assurance that the Cybercab won’t encounter similar delays. The anticipation is high, but only time will reveal if Tesla and Musk can fulfill these commitments.

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