mrlloyd.net's Tech Brief

Tesla & Electric Vehicles

Tesla, autonomy, charging and the wider EV market.

Electrek

Prinoth is getting charged up for winter with a little help from Scania

Prinoth is partnering with Scania to develop two new battery-electric snow groomers with up to 624 kWh of battery power. The machines will be based on Scania's Core 800 li-ion battery system, which includes integrated liquid cooling and a proprietary charging management system. The partnership builds on a previous collaboration between the two companies that started in 2022.

Why it matters: This partnership demonstrates the growing adoption of electric technology in heavy-duty winter equipment and its potential to reduce emissions in cold climates.

Not a Tesla App

DeLorean Commends Tesla, Teases Upcoming EV

DeLorean Labs has been engaging with Tesla on social media, praising Tesla's designs and teasing its own upcoming electric vehicle. DeLorean Labs has also been hinting at its own plans, including the Alpha5 and a flying car. The two companies are building up to Tesla's Roadster reveal on October 15.

Why it matters: This exchange highlights the growing competition and collaboration between electric vehicle manufacturers.

Electrek

Orange is the new green as University of Tennessee electrifies its garbage fleet

The University of Tennessee has deployed a new electric garbage truck on its Knoxville campus, the McNeilus Volterra ZFL, which was manufactured in Tennessee. The truck features a 499 kWh battery pack and is designed for all-day operation on a single charge. The university chose the electric truck to reduce emissions and diesel fuel use.

Why it matters: This deployment demonstrates the practical application of electric waste collection technology in a real-world setting.

Electrek

Lectric XPress Lite e-bike $1,099 + XPress2 FREE $336 bundle, EcoFlow 572Wh RIVER 3 Max new $303 low, snow blower lows, more

Lectric's XPress Lite e-bike is now available for $1,099, and the XPress2 Cruiser/Commuter e-bike is available with a $336 bundle of free gear for $1,299. EcoFlow's 572Wh RIVER 3 Max Expanded Power Station is available for $303, and Amazon is offering a free $40 tool pegboard with purchase. EGO's 21-inch cordless electric snow blower is available for $899, and Worx's 40V 3-in-1 Trivac Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher is available for $319.99 with 4x 20V 4.0Ah batteries.

Why it matters: These deals offer discounts on various eco-friendly products, including e-bikes, power stations, and outdoor equipment, which can help reduce carbon emissions and make sustainable living more accessible.

Electrek

BYD reveals the updated Seagull EV will launch next week

BYD will launch an updated version of its Seagull electric vehicle next week, featuring a longer wheelbase, more powerful motor, and improved ride quality. The new Seagull will be available with two battery options and will offer faster charging times. The updated model will also have a revamped interior and added safety features.

Why it matters: The updated Seagull is expected to be a significant upgrade to BYD's most affordable electric car, making it a more competitive option in the market.

Teslarati

Ukraine says Starlink is cutting out its military drones as Poland calls out Elon Musk

Ukrainian officials claim that SpaceX has limited the speed of its Starlink service for military drones, disrupting their missions. The issue reportedly occurs when the drones move faster than 100 miles per hour. SpaceX has not commented on the allegations. Regular civilian terminals are not affected.

Why it matters: The dispute highlights the importance of reliable communication systems for military operations.

Electrek

Volvo’s new midsize electric SUV is here, but it may be hard to get your hands on one

Volvo has delayed US deliveries of its new midsize electric SUV, the EX60, due to a production crisis. The company had initially planned to sell 7,000 EX60s in the US by the end of 2026, but is now on pace to deliver a fraction of that. The EX60 has a range of up to 307 miles and can charge up to 155 miles in 10 minutes.

Why it matters: The production crisis may give luxury rivals like BMW and Mercedes-Benz an opportunity to gain a first-mover advantage in the electric vehicle market.

InsideEVs

BMW’s EV Sales Are Growing Again. Europe Is Doing The Heavy Lifting

BMW's global electric vehicle sales increased in the third quarter, driven by strong demand in Europe. Plug-in hybrid sales declined during the same period. BMW's electric vehicle sales were boosted by European market growth.

Why it matters: This growth in electric vehicle sales is significant for BMW as it continues to shift its focus towards electrification.

InsideEVs

Rivian's Robot Startup Hires Veteran EV Exec Doug Field

Doug Field, a veteran electric vehicle executive, has joined Rivian as a key hire to develop semi-humanoid manufacturing robots. Field previously worked at Ford and Tesla. He will leverage his experience to help Rivian's robot startup.

Why it matters: This move could impact the development of Rivian's manufacturing capabilities and potentially influence the future of automotive production.

Electrek

Tesla Powerwalls supply most of record 745 MW California grid dispatch

Tesla Powerwalls supplied over 600 MW to the California grid on October 6, contributing to a record 745 MW dispatch, with Sunrun also participating in the event. The dispatch was part of a heat wave response, with batteries discharging during evening peaks to reduce demand and lower power prices. The event marked a new record for the largest Powerwall VPP event, with over 85,000 Powerwall owners participating.

Why it matters: This achievement highlights the potential of residential batteries to support grid reliability and reduce peak demand during heat waves.

Teslarati

FAA kicks off review of SpaceX’s bid to fly Starship nearly every day

The FAA is reviewing SpaceX's proposal to increase the number of Starship launches and landings at its Texas facility from 25 to 456 per year. The review will consider environmental impacts, including air quality, wildlife, and noise. The proposal is divided into two phases, with the first phase allowing up to 100 launches and 200 landings per year.

Why it matters: The outcome of this review will determine the future pace of Starship development and deployment.

Electrek

Ford opens preorder invites for the $30,000 Fathom EV pickup

Ford has opened preorder invites for the upcoming Fathom EV pickup, which will start at $28,350 for the standard range battery model. The Fathom will be the first model based on Ford's new Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform. The vehicle will feature a large touchscreen display, Apple Maps integration, and other standard features.

Why it matters: The Fathom's lower price point and features make it a competitive option in the electric pickup market.

InsideEVs

This Electric Motorcycle Just Set A New Range Record With A 271-Mile Ride

A Zero DS electric motorcycle with the Power Tank option completed a 271-mile ride from the French Alps to the Mediterranean on a single charge. The ride took place on a route that included mountainous terrain. The motorcycle's range was reportedly not affected by the challenging terrain.

Why it matters: This achievement demonstrates the capabilities of electric motorcycles in long-distance travel.

InsideEVs

Ford Opens Fathom EV Pickup Invite List Ahead of Launch

Ford has opened an invite list for its Fathom EV pickup, allowing interested buyers to reserve a spot ahead of the vehicle's launch. Pre-orders will open next year. The exact launch date has not been announced.

Why it matters: This allows potential buyers to secure their place in line for the upcoming vehicle.

Electrek

The world record for the longest electric motorcycle ride has just been obliterated

A Belgian rider on a Zero DS electric motorcycle set a new Guinness World Records title for the longest electric motorcycle ride on a single charge, covering 436.5 km (271.2 miles). The previous record of 310.7 km (193 miles) was broken by more than 125 km (78 miles). The ride was completed with a production Zero DS equipped with an optional 19.2 kWh battery.

Why it matters: This achievement demonstrates the potential efficiency of electric motorcycles when ridden carefully and at moderate speeds.

Teslarati

Tesla Roadster livestream: everything Tesla has revealed before Thursday night

Tesla will stream the Roadster event live on Thursday, October 15, at 7:55 p.m. Central. The event was previously scheduled for October 1, but was postponed due to severe weather. The stream will be held in Waco, Texas, and will include the unveiling of the next-generation Roadster, pricing, specifications, and production targets.

Why it matters: The event will provide insight into Tesla's plans for the Roadster, including its specifications and production timeline.

Electrek

Tesla is unveiling the new Roadster for real this time, promise

Tesla is rescheduling its next-generation Roadster unveiling event for October 15, after previously pushing back the date from October 1 due to weather concerns. The event will be a livestreamed outdoor show, and the company has teased features such as cold gas thrusters and a full redesign. The Roadster has been in development for nearly nine years, with multiple production delays and unveil date changes.

Why it matters: The event may provide insight into Tesla's plans for the Roadster's production timeline and features, but it's unclear whether the company will provide a clear answer on the status of 2017 reservations.

Electrek

Electric cars saved $20B in oil – and the US is falling behind

Electric vehicles in oil-importing countries displaced an estimated $20 billion worth of crude oil between March and August, with China accounting for most of that. The US is falling behind in electric vehicle adoption, with 15 countries overtaking it in the share of new vehicles sold that are fully electric. Electric vehicle sales rose 11% globally in the first eight months of 2026, with battery electric vehicles making up 18% of new car sales worldwide.

Why it matters: The shift to electric vehicles can provide energy security and economic resilience for countries, especially in times of oil supply disruptions.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Blocks Rear Screen Browser Workaround for Unsupported Streaming Apps

Tesla has blocked a workaround that allowed rear-seat passengers to access a web browser on the rear screen, which was used to stream unsupported services like HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video. The workaround involved using YouTube to access Google Search, which could then be used to load other streaming services. The change means rear-seat passengers can no longer access these services on the rear screen.

Why it matters: This change may limit the entertainment options for rear-seat passengers, particularly on road trips.

Electrek

The BMW i3 is nearly $80 less a month to lease than the new iX3, but it’s the same price

The 2027 BMW i3 and iX3 have the same starting price of $61,500, but the i3 is nearly $80 less expensive to lease per month. The i3 and iX3 share the same platform, electrical system, and battery, but the iX3 has a shorter range. The i3 and iX3 are now available to order, with leasing options available through BMW's payment estimator.

Why it matters: This information can help potential buyers compare the costs of leasing the i3 and iX3.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Offers Free Supercharging for Hurricane Isaias Relief

Tesla is offering free Supercharging at three locations in the Florida Panhandle from October 13 to 18 to help residents recover from Hurricane Isaias. The free charging is available at Supercharger locations in Gulf Breeze, Destin, and Pensacola. Tesla also shared charging tips and is prepared to deploy mobile Superchargers to affected areas.

Why it matters: This offer provides relief to residents in the affected areas who may be struggling to charge their vehicles after the hurricane.

Electrek

EVs cost less than a year ago, but September brought a setback

The average transaction price of new EVs in the US rose to $55,879 in September, a 2.4% increase from August. This is still 3% lower than the same month last year. Automakers reduced EV incentives, with discounts averaging 11% of the ATP, down from 14.2% a year ago.

Why it matters: The reduced incentives and higher prices may make EVs less affordable for some buyers.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Cybercab to Let Riders See Rear and Side Camera Feeds

Tesla is developing a feature that will allow Cybercab riders to view rear and side camera feeds on demand, which could improve safety and comfort for passengers. The Cybercab has no side mirrors or rear-view mirror, and current riders can only access camera feeds when arriving at their destination. The feature is in development, but no release date has been announced.

Why it matters: This feature could provide riders with more visibility and control during their ride, potentially increasing their sense of safety and comfort.

Teslarati

SpaceX just combined Grok, Cursor, and X into one mega plan

SpaceX Super Intelligence has introduced a new subscription plan called The X Subscription, which combines Grok, Cursor, and X Premium into one plan with five levels, including a free plan and a $30 Premium tier. The new plan offers varying levels of access to Grok and Cursor, with paid plans sharing a weekly usage pool. Existing subscribers do not need to switch, but will be given the option to move to the new plan with a prorated refund for unused time on their old plan. The new plan is available to new customers now, and will be rolled out to existing customers over the next few days.

Why it matters: The new plan may impact Tesla owners who use Grok Bot, as the $30 Premium subscription may now cover Grok Bot access in their personal Tesla.

Electrek

Rivian’s Mind Robotics snags Doug Field, ex-Tesla and Ford EV chief

Doug Field, a former Tesla and Ford executive, has joined Mind Robotics as its president, bringing his experience in industrializing products for mass production. Field will oversee product, engineering, and operations at the company, which has raised over $1 billion in funding. Mind Robotics is a spin-off of Rivian, and Field will work alongside CEO RJ Scaringe to deploy robots in real factories.

Why it matters: This hire highlights the growing importance of industrial robotics in the automotive industry, particularly in the development of electric vehicles.

InsideEVs

The Next VW ID. Buzz Could Get More Tech And A Lower Price Tag

Volkswagen's CEO acknowledged that the electric ID. Buzz is currently too expensive to produce. A new platform is being developed to reduce costs. The new platform could lead to a lower price for the ID. Buzz.

Why it matters: This could make the ID. Buzz more competitive in the electric vehicle market.

Electrek

Chevy hikes Blazer EV prices, pushing it over $45,000

Chevy has increased the prices of the 2027 Blazer EV, with the base model starting at $45,000, up $300 from last year. The sportier RS trim now starts at $52,595, while the SS trim remains at $62,495. The price hike comes as Chevy Blazer EV sales have dropped nearly 80% since the federal tax credit expired last year.

Why it matters: The price increase may make the Blazer EV less competitive in the market, especially against lower-priced electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai IONIQ 5.