Tag: Tesla

February 28, 2025
Tesla Seeks Ride-Hailing License for Human Drivers
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla has applied for a ride-hailing permit in California to enhance its robotaxi service.
2. The permit allows Tesla to compete directly with companies like Waymo and Uber.
3. Discussions with state officials indicate potential involvement of human drivers alongside autonomous vehicles.
4. Waymo currently offers a driverless ride-hailing service in multiple locations, while Tesla has not yet applied for a driverless vehicle permit.
5. Tesla plans to launch its Unsupervised Full Self-Driving service in Austin, Texas, with hopes of expanding to other US cities by the end of the year.
Tesla seems to be making strides with its robotaxi service as it applies for a ride-hailing permit in California. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that the company submitted a request for a “transportation charter-party carrier permit” to the California Public Utilities Commission in late 2024.
Competing with Major Players
This permit will enable Tesla to go head-to-head with companies like Waymo and Uber. Notably, Uber’s CEO mentioned that Tesla chose to develop its ride-hailing service independently rather than collaborating with Uber. Discussions between Tesla and state officials have included topics such as driver’s licenses and drug testing, hinting that there might still be human drivers in the mix. The type of permit Tesla is seeking indicates that the company will own the vehicles rather than relying on individual drivers.
Waymo’s Driverless Service
Waymo currently provides a driverless ride-hailing service in various areas, including Metro Phoenix, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles. However, a spokesperson from Tesla informed Bloomberg that the company has neither applied for nor received a permit for testing or deploying driverless vehicles.
Future Plans for Tesla
Nevertheless, Tesla has announced plans to introduce its Unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Austin, Texas, in June, featuring the Cybercab as a paid option. While Tesla hasn’t secured regulatory approval in any location, CEO Elon Musk has expressed intentions to roll out the autonomous ride-hailing service in multiple cities across the US before the year concludes.
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Tags: Cybercab, Tesla, Waymo
February 25, 2025
Tesla Launches FSD in China: Local Data Limits Performance
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla is rolling out its Full Self-Driving (FSD) service in China through an over-the-air update, but it faces limitations due to data restrictions.
2. The FSD in China is not as advanced as the U.S. version and is marketed as an enhancement to the existing Navigate on Autopilot feature.
3. Tesla has rebranded the FSD option to “automatic assisted driving kit” and is now priced at $8,000, similar to Level 2 driver-assist systems offered by competitors like BYD for free.
4. Unique challenges in launching FSD in China include data export restrictions from the U.S. and regulations preventing the transfer of training videos outside China.
5. Tesla plans to refine the FSD system by using locally gathered data and real-life driving scenarios once U.S. engineers implement a tailored algorithm for China.
Tesla is rolling out its Full Self-Driving (FSD) service through an over-the-air software update for owners in China who have purchased the feature but couldn’t use it until now.
FSD Limitations in China
However, the FSD functionalities in China do not meet expectations, as Tesla encounters restrictions on the data it can utilize for training its algorithms. Currently, the service is not even close to the FSD version 13 that has been launched in the United States. In China, Tesla promotes it as an enhancement to the Navigate on Autopilot feature, which can handle lane changes, navigate ramps, read traffic signals, and make turns in urban areas. Additionally, the cabin camera is now being utilized to monitor if the driver is paying attention to the road.
New Naming and Pricing Strategy
Tesla has rebranded the $8,000 option from FSD to “automatic assisted driving kit,” as it primarily serves as a Level 2 driver-assist system similar to what BYD provides for free in its vehicles. This month, Tesla reportedly sent a group of U.S. engineers to implement a China-specific algorithm that incorporates raw data from test Teslas operating in the country since last year, along with various driving videos sourced from the Internet.
Challenges Ahead
According to Elon Musk, the launch of FSD in China has been encountering unique challenges. The U.S. government does not permit the export of raw driving data, while Chinese regulations prevent the transfer of training videos outside the country. Musk stated, “We are in a bit of a bind there. So like, bit of a quandary.” To overcome these obstacles, Tesla is analyzing publicly available videos of Chinese streets to enhance their training data and using a simulator for specific scenarios, particularly focusing on the complex bus lanes in China. These lanes have strict regulations, and entering them at the wrong time can lead to instant penalties.
Future Prospects
Tesla seems to be gaining confidence in launching at least basic FSD features in China. Once the U.S. engineers deploy the algorithm, the local team will take over, gathering specific data and real-life situations from local roads to refine the system progressively.
It is still uncertain how many Tesla owners in China will opt to pay the full price for a partially functional FSD, especially when local EV manufacturers like BYD are offering better autonomous features at no extra cost.
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Tags: BYD, FSD, Tesla
February 25, 2025
Tesla to Prosecute Vandals Targeting Supercharger Stations
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla’s Supercharger stations are facing vandalism and theft, with incidents involving damaged charging cables and graffiti.
2. The company is taking legal action against vandals and has confirmed they will pursue charges for any such incidents.
3. Tesla responded quickly to recent vandalism, including graffiti that could harm the company’s image.
4. To prevent future vandalism, Tesla is marking cables and using special ink that can explode to aid in identifying offenders.
5. Elon Musk’s role in government initiatives is controversial, impacting his public image alongside Tesla’s brand.
Tesla’s Supercharger stations are becoming a target for vandals, who are damaging and stealing items like charging cables. The company has decided to take action and will pursue legal charges against those responsible.
Response to Vandalism
Tesla reacted on X to a recent incident of vandalism, where user @SnazzyLabs showed photos of a Supercharger that had been defaced with the word “NAZI” and the Swastika. In their post, @SnazzyLabs expressed concern that such actions could hurt Tesla’s image, possibly implicating Elon Musk in the damage to the brand.
Immediate Action
The official Tesla charging account, @TeslaCharging, responded promptly, stating that they would remove the graffiti right away. Another user, @lennylegend86, suggested that a security camera might have recorded the person responsible. TeslaCharging confirmed that they would indeed pursue charges for vandalism at the Supercharger locations.
Legal Measures and Innovations
To tackle the issues of vandalism and theft at Superchargers, Tesla is implementing legal measures. They are also marking cables and using special ink that can explode to make it simpler to catch those who vandalize their property.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, continues to divide opinion with his active role in the US government. He oversees the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which works on reducing government spending and boosting productivity among federal workers. His initiatives have led to the closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the job loss of many civil servants.
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Tags: Elon Musk, Supercharger, Tesla
February 24, 2025
Tesla’s In-House Robotaxi Platform Revealed by Uber CEO
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla is seen as a direct competitor to Uber, as they declined collaboration on the robotaxi service.
2. Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, remains open to future partnerships despite Tesla’s decision to develop ride-hailing services independently.
3. Khosrowshahi highlighted the potential benefits of a partnership with Tesla to stabilize demand in the autonomous vehicle market.
4. Tesla is actively advancing in the ride-hailing sector, including testing a mobile app for booking rides.
5. Tesla plans to launch the two-seat Cybercab in October 2024, which will operate with Unsupervised Full Self-Driving technology.
Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has disclosed that Tesla will be a direct rival to his company, as Tesla declined an offer for collaboration on its forthcoming robotaxi service. According to a report by Fortune, both Khosrowshahi and Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk had several talks, but Musk firmly stated that the ride-hailing service would be developed entirely in-house.
Competing Head-to-Head
Khosrowshahi mentioned, “I’ve had discussions with him at this point. They want to build it alone, so in a way, in Austin, we and Waymo will be going against Tesla when they launch… Life is long, but we would love to partner with them.” This indicates that despite the competition, Khosrowshahi remains open to future collaboration.
Strategic Partnership Appeal
Khosrowshahi emphasized the advantages of a possible partnership with Tesla at the time of launch. He noted that Uber could help ensure a steady demand for newcomers in the autonomous vehicle (AV) market, which can often see fluctuating interest.
Tesla’s Ride-Hailing Advancements
Tesla has been advancing in the ride-hailing sector. They revealed the mobile app for booking rides during an investor call last year. Currently, the company is testing the service with its staff in California and Texas, following the introduction of the two-seat Cybercab, which lacks a steering wheel, in October 2024. This self-driving vehicle will be utilized to initiate Unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in June.
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Tags: Cybercab, Tesla, Uber
February 22, 2025
Elon Musk Dismisses Nissan Factory Investment Rumors
Key Takeaways
1. Nissan is seeking investors after unsuccessful merger talks with Honda.
2. Nissan plans to present a proposal to Tesla for potential investment or collaboration.
3. Elon Musk believes that Tesla’s own manufacturing facilities are superior and may not benefit from investing in Nissan’s plants.
4. Musk emphasizes the innovative production lines at Tesla’s factories, particularly the unprecedented Cybercab line.
5. Nissan’s U.S. assembly plants have a capacity of one million vehicles but are currently producing only 500,000 units.
Nissan is currently seeking investors after its merger discussions with Honda, another Japanese automobile manufacturer, did not succeed. Recent news suggests that Nissan is looking to engage Tesla, and CEO Elon Musk has shared his thoughts on why investing in Nissan’s facilities might not be the best move for his company.
Nissan’s Proposal to Tesla
A report from Fortune indicates that Nissan, with support from major industry figures and politicians in Japan, plans to present Tesla with a proposal. This has led to rumors that Tesla could take over Nissan’s manufacturing plants in the United States. However, in response to a post on X that highlighted the article, Musk remarked, “the Tesla factory is the product.” He emphasized that the production line for the Cybercab is unprecedented in the automotive sector.
Musk’s Factory Insights
Musk frequently highlights the advancements in his manufacturing facilities. He has stated that Giga Shanghai was built on the enhancements made in the Fremont factory, and Giga Berlin learned from the experiences of the Chinese plant. It’s important to note that upgrading an existing production site to meet Musk’s high standards can be more difficult than constructing a new facility from scratch.
Nissan’s Production Capacity
Nissan operates two assembly plants in the United States, with a total output capability of one million vehicles; however, they are only managing to produce around 500,000 units.
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Tags: Cybercab, Nissan, Tesla
February 21, 2025
Tesla Introduces Virtual Queuing After Supercharger Fight Video
Key Takeaways
1. Charging an electric vehicle (EV) can take a long time, leading to interactions and potential conflicts at public charging stations.
2. Tesla plans to test a virtual queuing system starting in Q2 2025 to manage access to chargers and reduce tensions among drivers.
3. The proposed queuing system will likely use a first-come, first-served method to organize charging access.
4. Tesla aims to increase network capacity by 20% year-over-year to help reduce congestion and disputes at charging locations.
5. It’s unclear how the new queuing system will work with EVs from other manufacturers, raising the potential for conflicts in city areas.
Charging an electric vehicle can take quite a bit of time, even when using the quickest chargers available. As a result, owners of EVs often find themselves having to engage with others at public charging stations, and sometimes this can lead to tense situations. Following the popularity of a video showing a conflict at a Supercharging location, Tesla has shared plans to test a virtual queuing system at selected sites starting in Q2 2025.
A New Approach to Charging
The proposed system is expected to manage the order in which drivers access the chargers, likely utilizing a first-come, first-served method. Although major confrontations are rare, the limited availability of parking and instances of queue-jumping can escalate tensions, making the experience of public charging less than enjoyable for drivers of electric vehicles.
Expansion Plans
According to Tesla, the company might implement the virtual queuing solution more broadly depending on user feedback. Additionally, they unveiled plans for a significant 20 percent increase in network capacity year-over-year to help ease congestion and minimize disputes.
Compatibility with Other Brands
Currently, it’s not clear how this new system will function with electric vehicles from other manufacturers. Tesla has been slowly allowing these brands to use their Superchargers, which raises the likelihood of conflicts between drivers, particularly in city environments.
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Tags: electric vehicles, Tesla, Virtual Queuing
February 20, 2025
Tesla Model Y Juniper Refresh Accessories: New Frunk Cooler Fit
Key Takeaways
1. The updated Model Y Juniper features a new frunk design with a drain plug for easy water management.
2. The frunk can be used as a cooler for tailgating or camping, enhancing convenience.
3. Tesla has introduced a portable frunk cooler, priced at $275, specifically designed for the new Model Y.
4. The cooler has dimensions of 29.8″ x 17.4″ x 11.5″ and offers a cooling capacity of 42 qt (40 L).
5. The cooler is compatible with previous Model Y frunks and is made from durable materials for effective insulation.
The recently updated Model Y Juniper has introduced a new frunk design at the front of the car, which now includes a drain plug for the very first time.
This enhancement makes it easier to use the frunk as a cooler for tailgating or camping, allowing for quick and easy drainage when ice melts, which can be a great convenience when you just have ice and no way to manage the water.
However, it’s important to mention that while this may be suitable for a casual party with friends, it isn’t the best option for transporting cold drinks in a more serious manner. Therefore, Tesla has also revealed a dedicated cooler designed specifically for the new Model Y.
Cooler Details
The new portable frunk cooler features the Tesla logo and is priced at $275. This item is part of a larger selection of new all-weather accessories created especially for the 2026 Model Y refresh.
Although 2026 Model Y owners can opt for various budget-friendly frunk coolers available on platforms like Amazon, the official Tesla version is designed to fit perfectly within its dimensions of 29.8″ x 17.4″ x 11.5″ (75.7cm x 44.2cm x 29.2cm), providing a useful cooling capacity of 42 qt (40 L).
Compatibility and Quality
Additionally, the new Juniper refresh cooler is compatible with the frunk of previous Model Y vehicles and is made from “durable, lightweight materials and high-quality insulation to keep perishables cold and ice frozen for days at a time,” according to Tesla’s claims.
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Tags: Model Y, portable frunk cooler, Tesla
February 19, 2025
Cybertruck Crash Test Shows Battery Pack Safety Features
Key Takeaways
1. The Tesla Cybertruck has a 5-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, indicating strong passenger safety in frontal and side tests.
2. The Cybertruck is currently under investigation for a crash involving its Full Self-Driving feature, but passenger safety features remain unquestioned.
3. European authorities have not allowed the Cybertruck on public roads due to its sharp edges, which exceed safety regulations.
4. While crash tests showed good results for occupants, pedestrian safety evaluations for the Cybertruck are still uncertain.
5. Tesla is developing a more affordable rear-wheel drive (RWD) version of the Cybertruck, but it’s unclear if design changes will be made for compliance in Europe.
While Tesla’s Cybertruck, a massive 3-ton electric pickup made of stainless steel, has faced its share of controversies, one thing is clear: no one is questioning the safety of its passengers.
Accident Investigations
Recently, the Cybertruck was involved in a crash while using its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, which is currently under investigation by the NHTSA. Additionally, European authorities are not permitting it to be driven on public roads as usual due to its sharp edges. Still, there seems to be no doubt about the safety features inside the vehicle’s cabin.
Safety Ratings
The NHTSA, which is looking into Tesla’s self-driving-related accidents, has awarded the Cybertruck a commendable 5-star crash safety rating. However, this rating was only achieved in frontal and side crash tests, with the NHTSA estimating a low 12% chance of rollover. The images taken before and after the crash tests reveal that the Cybertruck’s frame and underbody, where the battery and drivetrain are located, have an impressive capability to absorb impact.
Future Considerations
While the crash dummies in Tesla’s electric truck performed exceptionally well during the safety tests, it is still uncertain how the Cybertruck will perform in pedestrian safety evaluations. The sharp edges of its stainless steel body exceed the allowed radius set by European regulators, which is one of the reasons Tesla has not yet launched it there. Elon Musk even mentioned in previous investor calls that modifications to the Cybertruck’s design will be needed for a European release.
Tesla is also working on a new, more affordable RWD version of the Cybertruck that is expected to launch this year. This model has already appeared in the IRS database as qualifying for tax credits. However, it remains unclear whether Tesla will make the necessary changes to sell it in Europe, where the NCAP safety tests include pedestrian safety evaluations.
Tags: Cybertruck, NHTSA, Tesla
February 18, 2025
Tesla Begins Mass Production of Model Y Juniper for Early Release
Key Takeaways
1. The Model Y Juniper facelift production has started, with deliveries expected to begin soon, possibly next week.
2. Initial customer deliveries in China are ahead of schedule, about a week earlier than Tesla’s original timeline.
3. The U.S. launch of the Model Y Juniper is expected to follow shortly after the Chinese release, with confirmed specs and pricing already announced.
4. The 2026 Model Y Juniper offers an EPA range of 327 miles, a 5% improvement over the previous model, achieved through better efficiency.
5. North American customers who reserved the Model Y Juniper may experience delayed delivery dates, with some pushed to next month due to ramp-up times at U.S. production facilities.
The upcoming Model Y Juniper facelift is set to be released sooner than Tesla had previously indicated. Mass production has already commenced, and deliveries are expected to begin “soon,” possibly as early as next week.
Early Production Update
Since the announcement of the Model Y Juniper, Tesla had mentioned March as the expected release month for both China and the United States. However, the Giga Shanghai team recently hinted that they have completed the pilot batch stage during a brief Chinese New Year break for upgrades and retooling. Now, proper mass production is underway, with deliveries to early customers about to commence.
Anticipated Customer Deliveries
Local reports suggest that the Model Y Juniper could be delivered as soon as next week, meaning that initial units will soon be in the hands of their new owners. This timeline is about a week ahead of Tesla’s originally announced delivery schedule, which is likely to lead to a surge of first-hand videos and reviews from excited customers.
U.S. Launch Expectations
Regarding the U.S. release of the 2026 Model Y Juniper, it is expected to follow closely behind the launch in China. Tesla announced the specs and pricing for the new Model Y just days after the information was shared in China. Additionally, Tesla has confirmed the official EPA range for the Model Y Juniper, which clears the way for an early U.S. release, depending on production readiness.
The facelifted 2026 Model Y boasts an impressive range of 327 miles on a single charge, which is a 5% improvement over the previous Model Y AWD, achieved through a more efficient drivetrain and improved aerodynamics rather than an increase in battery capacity.
Order Status for North American Customers
However, customers in North America who reserved the $60,000 Model Y Juniper and were initially given a February-March delivery timeframe are now seeing the release date pushed to next month. Tesla’s Giga Shanghai facility is its largest and most efficient production site, likely benefiting local customers, while those in the U.S. with new Model Y orders may have to wait an additional week or two for Giga Texas and Fremont to ramp up production of the Juniper facelift.
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Tags: Giga Shanghai, Model Y Juniper, Tesla
February 18, 2025
Live Demo of xAI’s Grok 3 as AI Integrates with Tesla Today
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla vehicles are becoming more advanced with the integration of xAI’s Grok 3, enhancing their AI capabilities beyond just being “computers on wheels.”
2. Grok 3 uses real-time data from the X social media platform to provide up-to-date information and news in its responses.
3. New features in Grok include self-correction to fix errors, reinforcement learning to reduce incorrect responses, and the use of synthetic datasets for faster training.
4. The introduction of a live-voice mode aims to improve Tesla’s voice command system and make interactions more natural and intuitive.
5. Grok will work closely with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, enhancing self-driving capabilities and enabling complex inquiries like weather updates.
Elon Musk has often said that his vehicles are basically computers on wheels. However, they are turning out to be even more sophisticated than just that. Soon, Tesla cars will be equipped with the latest version of xAI’s Grok, and there’s a live demonstration of this AI system scheduled for today.
Major Improvements with Grok 3
Grok 3 is set to bring major enhancements following xAI’s updates to its Large Language Model (LLM) training techniques. The AI now utilizes real-time data from posts on the X social media platform to formulate responses, allowing it to provide up-to-the-minute news.
New Features of Grok
Among the new features in Grok is self-correction, which allows it to identify and rectify its own errors. There’s also reinforcement learning, which employs rewards and penalties to minimize incorrect responses. Additionally, synthetic datasets or artificially created data will help speed up the training process.
Exciting Live-Voice Mode
One of the most notable upgrades is the introduction of live-voice mode, an aspect where Grok previously fell short compared to its competitors. This feature is crucial for integrating Grok within Tesla vehicles.
Grok is anticipated to improve the current voice command system in Tesla, with a demonstration possibly happening tonight. The AI model will closely connect with Full Self-Driving (FSD), allowing Grok to gather real-world data for self-driving capabilities. It should also facilitate more natural general knowledge inquiries, like asking about the weather or handling other complicated requests.
Other electric vehicle manufacturers are also integrating AI technology, such as the Chinese companies Geely and Voyah, which are working with DeepSeek.
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Tags: Full Self-Driving, Tesla, xAI Grok