Tag: Tesla

  • Model Y Juniper Refresh Spy Shots: Rear Light Bar Design Revealed

    Model Y Juniper Refresh Spy Shots: Rear Light Bar Design Revealed

    After beginning with several Model Y Juniper refresh trial units in October, Tesla has reportedly achieved a production rate exceeding 200 updated vehicles per day at its Gigafactory in Shanghai, gearing up for mass production that is set to commence in January.

    Launch Preparations

    Preparations for the Model Y Juniper launch are also in progress at Tesla’s facilities in Texas and Berlin. Notably, the German Gigafactory is waiting for a staff meeting next month to discuss production plans for the facelift. These details hint at an upcoming announcement from Tesla regarding the Model Y Juniper and shed light on the various sightings across the US, Europe, and China over the past few weeks.

    Design Insights

    During the Christmas holidays, the Juniper facelift was spotted again, this time being tested on the roads of California and New York. A photograph from Santa Clara shows an intriguing design feature at the back, as there is growing agreement that a light bar will be positioned across the tailgate.

    Instead of being hidden behind the test mule’s camo tarp, a single red light on this prospective Model Y Juniper sticks out through a cutout, appearing to function merely as a third brake light. This doesn’t rule out the possibility that the final rear light bar could illuminate in sections, but until the camouflage is removed, we can’t be certain if Tesla chose to stick with the initially seen design of a continuous light bar across the rear.

    Performance Testing

    Another sighting of the Model Y Juniper was captured on video, featuring the camo-covered prototype navigating through heavy rain, testing its suspension over speed bumps and similar obstacles. The Juniper’s suspension appears to be softer than the current Model Y, which has been a common complaint among owners of Tesla‘s top-selling vehicle.

    The other anticipated upgrades for the Juniper include a larger battery, more efficient motors, and the introduction of a HW4 kit alongside 48V low-voltage and 800V high-voltage systems, similar to the Cybertruck. The 800V powertrain will enable the Juniper refresh to charge approximately 30% quicker compared to the existing Model Y vehicles, especially when using Tesla’s newly introduced V4 Superchargers.

    Source: Link

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  • Tesla Model Y Owners: Free FSD Offer Extension for Subscribers

    Tesla Model Y Owners: Free FSD Offer Extension for Subscribers

    After previously providing free trials of its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) service exclusively for inventory vehicles, and later extending the promotion to include free Supercharging for new purchases across its fleet, Tesla is now offering FSD trials at no cost.

    Free FSD Subscriptions for Model Y Owners

    Some owners of the Model Y are now receiving a complimentary month of the FSD subscription to experience the autonomous driving feature, which has recently been updated to its 13th version, introducing numerous enhancements in parking and traffic awareness.

    “You have been granted a complimentary trial of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for your Model Y,” Tesla’s holiday message states, explaining the functionalities of FSD and how to navigate the additional trial period.

    Limited Offer for Newer Models

    Interestingly, this offer also applies to current FSD subscription users, who can enjoy the service without the usual $99 monthly charge during the trial. However, the invitations are primarily sent to owners of newer Model Y batches equipped with Tesla’s latest AI4 hardware, leaving many Model Y owners in the US, who still have the HW3 kit, unable to access FSD 13 at this time.

    Tesla has assured that free HW4 upgrade retrofits will be available if it cannot get the latest FSD versions to operate on the older Hardware 3.0 platform. Until then, most owners of Model Y or Model 3 will miss out on the newest advancements that the self-driving software can provide.

    A Strategic Move Towards Approval

    This initiative clearly aims to enhance the popularity of the latest FSD 13 version, as Tesla requires intervention data to present to regulators in its effort to eliminate the “supervised” aspect of its paid Full Self-Driving service.

    Elon Musk has stated that unsupervised FSD is expected to launch in 2025, starting in Texas and California for existing models, before Tesla rolls out its driverless Robotaxi on public streets.

    Future of Tesla’s Ride-Share Service

    Reports indicate that Tesla’s Cybercab ride-share service will initially utilize company-owned vehicles, including Robotaxis, while current Tesla owners will have the opportunity to rent their cars to the service for extra income in the future.

    Musk has also suggested that he might use his position as the head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the upcoming Trump administration to lead the way in federal regulations for autonomous vehicles.

    This would streamline the approval process for self-driving cars on public roads, according to Musk. Additionally, Tesla is collaborating at both state and city levels, including training first responders to handle situations that could arise from its driverless vehicles, such as the Robotaxi when they become more prevalent on the streets.

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  • Tesla Superchargers Boost Cold Charging Speed for Model Y LFP Batteries

    Tesla Superchargers Boost Cold Charging Speed for Model Y LFP Batteries

    Tesla is set to launch a battery heating feature at its V3 and V4 Supercharger stations. This enhancement will enable standard range Model 3 and Model Y RWD versions equipped with LFP batteries to charge up to four times quicker during winter months.

    Performance in Cold Weather

    Typically, LFP cells, like those found in portable power stations, do not perform as well in low temperatures. This might be a reason why Tesla has prioritized the Supercharger battery heating option specifically for the standard range Model Y and Model 3.

    Innovative Heating Method

    The new heating service differs from the usual preconditioning process that Tesla vehicles undergo when heading to a Supercharger. Instead of slowly warming up the battery pack, the Supercharger transmits ripple AC current straight through the individual LFP battery cells, effectively heating them during cold weather conditions.

    “This is made possible by Tesla’s vertical integration and some of our brilliant engineers,” says Max de Zegher from Tesla. He notes that this new feature might remain exclusive to vehicles that utilize CATL LFP batteries.

    Speeding Up Charging Times

    The Supercharger battery heating option can allow a standard range Model Y to get back on the road up to four times faster than previously, addressing the main issue faced by LFP batteries. Elon Musk has previously discussed the slower charging speeds of Teslas with LFP batteries in extreme conditions:

    In cold weather, LFP batteries charge at a slower rate compared to NCA batteries, and their range diminishes more than that of NCA batteries as well. It’s important to remember that both types of batteries perform poorly in cold weather, but LFP batteries are more affected. While on a road trip to a Supercharger, the vehicle will prewarm its batteries, which can help alleviate some of the slower charging issues. However, this means you may spend an additional six or seven minutes at the Supercharger during winter with LFP batteries. This could be a concern if you intend to rely on your vehicle for frequent cold weather supercharging, though it won’t affect you if you charge your car at home overnight.

    Tesla’s LFP battery supplier, CATL, now has new LFP cells that do not experience slow charging in cold conditions. However, these specific cells are not used in the standard range Model 3 or Model Y. In the US, Tesla is primarily selling only long-range options, as its vehicles with Chinese LFP cells do not qualify for federal tax incentives.

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  • Tesla Trains First Responders for Cybercab Challenges on Roads

    Tesla Trains First Responders for Cybercab Challenges on Roads

    Tesla is currently evaluating how to introduce its autonomous Robotaxi in certain cities after reviewing its training sessions with local emergency response teams.

    Engagement with Local Authorities

    Tesla has reached out to city officials in Austin since May, expressing its interest in joining the local autonomous driving regulation task force. This information comes from an official email from the company. Unlike California, Texas lacks a statewide regulatory structure for self-driving cars. Instead, it treats autonomous vehicles like standard cars that must follow general traffic laws, leaving specific regulations up to individual cities.

    Strategic Launch Plans

    Elon Musk has indicated that Tesla is looking to roll out its unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Texas and California first. Texas is appealing because it has no regulations, while California already has rules governing autonomous vehicles. This unsupervised FSD would enable current Tesla models to participate in the Cybercab ride-sharing service, setting the stage for the eventual launch of Robotaxis on public roads.

    Safety Training Initiatives

    Austin has become a key location for testing autonomous vehicles, with companies like Waymo, Zoox, and VW operating there. To enhance safety, the city has formed a task force focused on developing safety guidelines and training for first responders dealing with self-driving cars. Tesla is eager to be involved in these efforts and conducted its initial training session with Austin’s first responders on December 5. The objective of this training is to gather feedback, collect incident data, and create safety protocols for situations involving Tesla’s Robotaxi, which do not have a steering wheel, or a Model Y in unsupervised FSD mode used for Cybercab services.

    Based on the outcomes of the training and feedback from the task force, Tesla will make decisions on how and where to launch its initial fleet of unsupervised FSD vehicles. Initially, Tesla will manage these cars before introducing the Cybercab platform to Tesla owners, allowing them to generate income from their vehicles when they’re not in use, something Musk has been hinting at for some time now.

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  • Tesla HW4 Computer Failures as FSD 13 Launches for AI4 Vehicles

    Tesla HW4 Computer Failures as FSD 13 Launches for AI4 Vehicles

    While drivers of older Tesla vehicles equipped with HW3 computers are eagerly anticipating the much-anticipated FSD 12.6 update, those fortunate enough to own newer HW4 models are already enjoying the latest FSD 13.2.1.

    Issues with the New AI4.1 Upgrade

    However, there’s a significant problem for buyers of the latest Tesla models, which come with an unannounced upgrade to the HW4 computer, referred to as AI4.1. These new units are reportedly experiencing failures shortly after purchase, causing them to shut down unexpectedly.

    In some instances, the AI4 computer breaks down after just a few hundred miles, leading to the loss of not only the FSD feature but also the functionality of cameras and GPS navigation, making range estimates impossible to determine. Reports suggest that this issue is quite common, with Tesla’s service team receiving numerous alerts regarding it. The potential cause seems to be a low-voltage system that could be damaging the HW4 system boards during the calibration of the cameras.

    Uncertain Causes and Possible Recalls

    It remains unclear what exactly is causing the short-circuiting that leads to the failure of AI4.1 computers in Tesla vehicles manufactured in recent months; this could potentially be a production flaw. If that’s the case, it may lead to a recall for full unit replacement, even though Tesla is reportedly trying to postpone this outcome with a software solution.

    Despite providing quicker AI processing capabilities, Tesla’s HW4 computer doesn’t offer many other benefits compared to the HW3 unit. The primary aim appears to be reducing production costs, as HW4 has less RAM and storage in models like the Model Y and Model 3, along with increased power consumption when not in use.

    Cost-Cutting Consequences

    Tesla might have pushed the boundaries of cost-saving measures too far with the AI4.1 version of their computer, leading to potential weaknesses. Elon Musk had promised that all HW3 computers would be upgraded to AI4 units for free if FSD 13 couldn’t be made functional on them. Given the issues with the AI4 computer, this assurance doesn’t seem as promising now as it did at the time of the retrofit announcement.

    — Ashok Elluswamy (X), Electrek

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  • 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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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