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Tesla & Electric Vehicles

Tesla, autonomy, charging and the wider EV market.

Electrek

The legendary Citroen 2CV is back as a €15k electric concept for 2028

Citroën has unveiled a concept electric version of its classic 2CV, aiming to bring the vehicle to market in 2028 for €15,000. The new 2CV retains the original's unique design, but with modern features such as roll-down windows and a lower weight of around 1,000kg. The concept was shown in advance of the Paris Motor Show.

Why it matters: This new electric 2CV concept could offer an affordable and eco-friendly option for city driving, with a starting price of around €15,000.

Electrek

Survey Sunday: Electrek readers find the silver lining in high fuel prices

A survey of Electrek readers found that the majority believe the silver lining of high fuel prices is increased interest in hybrid and electric vehicle adoption, with some also mentioning the potential for reduced driving of gas-guzzling vehicles.

Why it matters: The survey results suggest that high fuel prices may be a catalyst for increased adoption of more fuel-efficient vehicles, which could have environmental and economic benefits.

InsideEVs

Citroen Is Finally Bringing Back The 2CV. And I’m Here For It

Citroen is reviving the 2CV with an electric concept car, which is expected to be produced in Europe with a starting price of €15,000. The new vehicle is designed to evoke the charm of the original 2CV. The concept is a preview of a production car.

Why it matters: This move could bring a more affordable electric vehicle option to the market.

Electrek

Back in the real world: electric equipment is saving job sites BIG MONEY

Groupe Bellemare, a Canadian company, has been operating battery-powered heavy equipment on a job site for three years, resulting in significant cost savings. The company spent less than $54,000 on electricity over 15,000 hours of operation, compared to an estimated $423,000 in diesel fuel costs for traditional machines. The savings are attributed to the use of sustainably-produced Hydro-Québec electrons.

Why it matters: This real-world example highlights the potential for electric equipment to significantly reduce operating costs for companies in the heavy equipment industry.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Updates App to 4.61.6: Adds Ability to Speak With Spooky Voice Through Car, Adds Sentry Mode Filter

Tesla has updated its app to version 4.61.6, adding features such as Halloween Mode, which allows users to speak through their vehicle's external speaker with a spooky voice, and improvements to Sentry Mode. The update also includes changes to the app's Dashcam Viewer and the ability to buy and receive installation quotes for Tesla's Wall Connector. Additionally, the update makes it easier to manage charging cards and wheel visualization in the app. The update also hints at Tesla's robotaxi service being an option for backup transportation when taking a vehicle in for service.

Why it matters: These updates aim to improve the user experience and make Tesla's services more convenient and accessible.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Rolls Out Smart Charging for Powerwall, Wall Connector

Tesla has released software update 26.34 for Powerwall and Gen 3 Wall Connector, adding smart charging features. The update allows users to utilize charge on solar for smart charging and enables Low-Cost Charging mode. The features work with older Powerwall 2 systems and can be configured through the Tesla app.

Why it matters: This update enables Tesla owners to optimize their energy usage and charging costs by using solar power and taking advantage of cheaper energy rates.

InsideEVs

Chinese EVs Are Praised For Value, But This $150,000 Minivan Has A Serious Braking Problem

Independent testing found a braking issue with the Maextro V800 minivan, a Chinese electric vehicle with a price tag of $150,000. The issue occurs when the vehicle is subjected to a 62-mph emergency braking situation. The brake pedal bracket fails to withstand the stress.

Why it matters: This finding may impact the safety and reliability of the vehicle, particularly in emergency situations.

Electrek

As electric semi truck race heats up, SoCal is getting another charging hub

EV Realty has announced a new electric semi truck charging hub in the Inland Empire, Southern California, to meet growing demand for commercial truck charging. The site will have 27 MW of simultaneous truck charging capacity and is located near major freight hubs and airports. Construction is expected to begin early next year, with chargers online before 2028.

Why it matters: This new charging hub will help alleviate grid capacity constraints in Southern California and support the growing adoption of electric semi trucks.

Teslarati

Tesla’s Cybercab fleet jumped 8x in a month, with Dallas up next

Tesla has confirmed that over 300 Cybercabs are now serving Austin, an 8x increase in 30 days since the service's launch. The company has also announced that Dallas will be the next city to receive public Cybercab rides. The number of Cybercabs in Austin has grown from 58 to over 300 in a month.

Why it matters: This rapid growth in the Cybercab fleet highlights the increasing adoption of autonomous taxi services in the US.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla FSD v14.3.12 With Halloween Mode Release Notes (Update 2026.38.5)

Tesla has released an update to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, version 14.3.12, which includes various improvements to the system's capabilities and features. The update also introduces Halloween Mode, which allows owners to customize their car's display and lights. The update also includes several safety features, such as Emergency Drive Away and Automatic Collision Evasion.

Why it matters: The update includes several safety features and improvements to the FSD system, which may enhance the overall driving experience and provide more convenience for Tesla owners.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Officially Renames Original Summon to ‘Dumb Summon’

Tesla has officially renamed its original Summon feature to 'Dumb Summon' to differentiate it from the more advanced 'Actually Smart Summon'. The change was made after the company renamed Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to Tesla Assisted Driving in Europe. The Dumb Summon feature allows users to move their car forward or backward without anyone inside, but only in a straight line.

Why it matters: This change may help European owners understand the limitations of the Dumb Summon feature and plan for potential upgrades to the more advanced Tesla Assisted Driving system.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Now Has 300+ Cybercabs in Austin, Dallas Rides Next

Tesla's Cybercab fleet in Austin has grown to over 300 vehicles in one month, an 8x increase from the initial 38 vehicles. The company plans to expand to Dallas next, with a 31 sq. mile service area. The expansion comes as federal regulators investigate the Cybercab.

Why it matters: The rapid expansion of Tesla's Cybercab fleet highlights the company's plans to scale commercial operations despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Starts Rolling Out New Maps Update for North America

Tesla is rolling out a new navigation data update, NA-2026.38, to vehicles in North America, which includes updated map data, lane guidance, and speed limit information. The update is arriving sooner than usual, about two months after the previous update. The update is several gigabytes in size and will be downloaded quietly in the background over Wi-Fi.

Why it matters: The updated map data is crucial for Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which relies on onboard speed limit data and road information to plan its moves.

Electrek

BYD builds 150,000th commercial NEV – an 800 hp Q3 electric semi truck

BYD has produced its 150,000th new energy commercial vehicle, a milestone for the company's truck business. The vehicle, a Q3 electric semi truck, features 600 kWh of lithium iron phosphate battery packs and a 600 kW dual-motor system. The truck can haul 108,000 lbs over 200 miles on a single charge.

Why it matters: This milestone highlights BYD's growth in the commercial electric vehicle market and its ability to offer fleet operators a low-emission alternative to diesel trucks.

InsideEVs

Kia Expects The Affordable EV3 To Be Its Best-Selling EV In The U.S.

Kia is expecting the EV3 to be its best-selling electric vehicle in the US market. The EV3 is a $30,000 crossover. Kia is hoping to buck the trend of low sales of electric vehicles in the US.

Why it matters: This development could indicate a shift in the US electric vehicle market, with more affordable options becoming increasingly popular.

Electrek

Battery swap works: Nio completes 1.2 million swaps in a SINGLE WEEK

Nio's battery-swap system in China completed 1.2 million swaps in a week, with a daily average 22% higher than the previous year. The system handled over 24.8 million kWh of electricity, enabling zero-emission travel. The battery swaps were mainly used by highway travelers, who accounted for a substantial share of the demand.

Why it matters: This achievement demonstrates the scalability and effectiveness of battery swap technology for electric vehicle owners.

Teslarati

Elon Musk roasts India’s billionaire Mukesh Ambani as Starlink fight heats up

Elon Musk publicly criticized Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, calling him 'Prime Minister' in a sarcastic post on X, amid a dispute over Starlink's launch in India. Musk accused Ambani of monopolistic exploitation and asked him to allow Starlink to compete. The Indian government has pushed back on Musk's claims, saying the regulatory framework is not unfair or discriminatory.

Why it matters: The dispute highlights the challenges faced by foreign companies in launching satellite internet services in India, which has a highly competitive telecom market dominated by a few players.

Electrek

Tesla’s next big clean energy source is rising in the Arizona desert

Tesla has partnered with ContourGlobal to build a 450-megawatt solar farm with a massive battery system in the Arizona desert, expected to come online in 2028. The project, called Project Sterling, will cover over 2,000 acres and pair 760,000 solar panels with over 300 battery storage containers. The solar and storage system will enable the delivery of clean electricity for up to 16 hours a day.

Why it matters: This project will provide a significant source of clean energy and help reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the region.

Electrek

Hyundai is offering a 10% discount on the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 EVs

Hyundai is offering a 10% discount on its IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 electric vehicles, with up to $7,000 in total savings. The discount applies to the 2026 models, with the IONIQ 5 starting at $35,000 and the IONIQ 9 starting at $58,995. Leases are also available with lower monthly payments and reduced down payments.

Why it matters: This discount makes Hyundai's electric vehicles more affordable for potential buyers, which could increase sales and market share in the US electric vehicle market.

Electrek

Americans want 300 miles of EV range – but most say 75 or less covers their day

A BMW Group survey found that 73% of US adults say 75 miles of range is enough for their daily drive, but 42% want at least 300 miles of range in an EV. Younger adults are more interested in faster charging, with 70% of Gen Z and 65% of millennials saying they'd consider an EV if it could add 150 miles in 10 minutes. The biggest reason for considering an EV is cheaper ownership and operating costs.

Why it matters: Understanding consumer preferences for EV range and charging speed can help manufacturers design more appealing electric vehicles.

Electrek

Podcast: Tesla goes V2H, Kia EV3 first drive, Jaguar Type 01, and more

The Electrek Podcast discussed Tesla's V2H launch, a first drive of the Kia EV3, and the Jaguar Type 01. The podcast is available on YouTube and podcast apps. The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET.

Why it matters: The podcast provides an in-depth analysis of the latest news and trends in sustainable transport and energy.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla’s Halloween Mode Does Not Support Intel Vehicles

Tesla's Halloween Mode update does not support Intel vehicles, with release notes omitting the feature. AMD-equipped vehicles are receiving the Halloween features. The update includes other features such as Supercharger Site Maps and Emergency Drive Away feature for Superchargers in the U.S. for Intel vehicles.

Why it matters: This update may disappoint owners of Intel-equipped Tesla vehicles who were expecting Halloween Mode features.

Electrek

BMW iX5 spotted ahead of US launch, sporting its new Double-X headlights

A pre-production 2027 BMW iX5 was spotted testing in the US, showcasing its new Double-X headlights. The iX5 is an all-electric version of the X5, with a 144 kWh battery and a WLTP range of up to 525 miles. The vehicle will be available in the US in early 2027, starting at $79,800.

Why it matters: The iX5's impressive range and charging speeds make it a significant addition to the electric vehicle market.

Not a Tesla App

SpaceX Buys Spectrum to Make Starlink a U.S. Phone Carrier

SpaceX has acquired a nationwide portfolio of low-band spectrum in the 800 MHz range from Grain Management, a deal that will allow Starlink to become a major mobile carrier in the US. The acquisition includes up to 14 MHz of paired low-band spectrum. The deal still requires FCC approval.

Why it matters: This move could give SpaceX a new revenue stream and a competitive alternative to traditional mobile carriers in the US.

Electrek

Bluetti Na(Sodium) 900Wh power station at exclusive $665 low in Encore Sale, Anker solar multi-cam kits $310 off, Navee EVs, more

Bluetti's Na(Sodium) 900Wh power station is on sale for $665, down from $999, and Anker solar multi-cam kits are discounted to $290. Navee's Fall EV Sale offers up to 65% off e-scooters and other gear. Other deals include an EGO carbon fiber string trimmer kit and a Linkind Matter outdoor smart plug.

Why it matters: These deals can help readers save money on energy-efficient products and gear for the winter season.

Electrek

Kia’s 7-seat electric people mover just got a bit cheaper in the UK

Kia's 7-seat electric van, PV5 Passenger, is now eligible for the UK Government's Electric Car Grant, reducing its starting price to £35,495. The vehicle is available with a 71.2 kWh battery and up to 246 miles of WLTP range. The 7-seat variant is available exclusively with the long-range battery in the UK.

Why it matters: This price drop makes Kia's 7-seat electric van a more affordable option for families and businesses in the UK.

InsideEVs

I Tested New York City’s First Lamppost EV Charger. It’s A Game Changer

New York City has installed its first lamppost EV charger, a pilot project to provide curbside charging for electric vehicles. The charger is integrated into a streetlight and can charge a vehicle in under 30 minutes. The project aims to increase EV adoption in urban areas.

Why it matters: This innovative charging solution could make it easier for city dwellers to own and use electric vehicles.

Teslarati

Elon Musk’s surprise addition to the X Takeover lineup has fans talking

Elon Musk will participate in a live virtual interview at the X Takeover event at Giga Texas on Saturday, which will be streamed for free on the @teslaownersSV account on X. The event is the first X Takeover held outside California and at a Tesla facility, and it will also feature a drone and light show. The interview topics have not been revealed.

Why it matters: The virtual interview may provide insight into Tesla's current projects and plans, given Musk's tendency to share more information in unscripted settings.