Tesla, autonomy, charging and the wider EV market.
A highway range test found that the 2027 Chevy Bolt achieves better efficiency at a speed of 60 mph compared to 70 mph. The test results showed a difference in efficiency between the two speeds. The exact numbers were not provided in the article.
Why it matters: This information can help potential buyers understand the real-world performance of the 2027 Chevy Bolt.
EcoFlow is offering a 72-hour flash sale with up to 52% discounts on four units, including the 2x 1,024Wh DELTA 3 Classic Portable Power Stations for $889. Segway has an ongoing Fall Deals Day Sale with up to 50% off its e-scooter lineup. Anker is running a Fall Prime Deals Encore Sale with up to 38% off power stations.
Why it matters: These deals provide significant savings on portable power stations and e-scooters, which can be useful for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to upgrade their emergency power supplies.
Volkswagen has issued a recall for over 22,500 ID.4 electric SUVs due to potential battery issues that could cause a fire. The recall affects models from 2023 to 2026. Owners are advised to charge their vehicles to no more than 80% of battery capacity until a fix is available.
Why it matters: This recall highlights the ongoing challenges in the electric vehicle industry related to battery safety and reliability.
Rivian has removed the ventilated seats from the R2 electric vehicle, a change that has upset some customers who had ordered the vehicle. The ventilated seats were a feature of the R1T and R1S models. The change applies to new orders for the R2.
Why it matters: This change may impact buyers who were considering the R2 for its comfort features.
Lemonade has extended its FSD insurance discount to Tesla owners with legacy Hardware 3 (HW3) vehicles, offering 30% off every mile driven on FSD v14 Lite in Arizona, Colorado, and Tennessee. The discount is available to HW3 Tesla owners with 2019 or newer models running FSD v14 Lite on software version 2026.20.6.11 or higher. Existing Lemonade customers get the discount automatically at renewal.
Why it matters: This change allows more Tesla owners to save on insurance costs when using FSD.
BMW has introduced the iX3 M60 xDrive, a high-performance variant of its electric SUV with 603 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The new model features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain and standard M upgrades. The iX3 M60 xDrive can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.
Why it matters: The new model's performance capabilities and M upgrades make it a more appealing option for those seeking a high-performance electric SUV.
LG Energy Solution reported record earnings in Q3 due to increased demand for EV batteries in Europe and energy storage batteries in the US. The company's revenue from EV and energy storage batteries increased significantly. The company's sales were driven by the growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.
Why it matters: The record earnings indicate a growing demand for electric vehicle and energy storage solutions, which could have implications for the industry's future growth.
SpaceX's Crew Dragon Freedom returned four astronauts to Earth after 237 days in space, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on October 8. The crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, completed 3,792 orbits and carried out four spacewalks during their mission. The return marked the end of the Crew-12 mission, which launched on February 13 from Cape Canaveral.
Why it matters: The successful return of the astronauts highlights the reliability and capabilities of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Tesla owners can check if their Model 3 or Model Y supports Powershare Home Backup by going to Settings > Software on their vehicle's touchscreen. The feature requires bidirectional charging hardware, which is only available in newer models. Owners can check if their car has the necessary hardware by looking for 'Powershare Support: Enabled' in the Additional Vehicle Info section.
Why it matters: This information helps owners determine if they can use their Tesla as a backup power source during an outage.
VinFast plans to deliver electric buses to the US in Q1 2028, partnering with NexMove to provide a bundled service package including charging and maintenance. The partnership aims to offer a 97% uptime service agreement. VinFast has already deployed around 2,000 electric buses in Vietnam.
Why it matters: This partnership could provide a convenient solution for US transit agencies and fleet operators looking for a single provider to handle their electric bus needs.
Tesla has filed a permit for a dedicated Semi service center in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the company begins to ramp up production of its electric Class 8 truck. The service center will be located in the LV Logistics One industrial development on the northeast side of the valley. The permit application lists Tesla as the tenant and classifies the use as a 'Repair Garage'.
Why it matters: This development indicates Tesla's growing need for a service network to support its electric Class 8 truck, which entered volume production two weeks ago.
BMW has unveiled the iX4, a new electric coupe-SUV with a range of up to 428 miles, which will start at $66,200. The iX4 features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain and a 112.2 kWh battery. The vehicle will go on sale in March 2027.
Why it matters: The iX4's pricing and range make it a competitor to other electric vehicles in the market, such as the Tesla Model Y.
A Tesla patent describes a new design for Optimus' hands with flexible sensors that can follow the curves of its hand, enabling it to feel contact and pressure. The sensors use a layered structure with conductive patterns and a deformable separator to detect changes in capacitance or resistance. The design allows for tactile coverage and pressure sensing on curved surfaces.
Why it matters: This technology could enable robots like Optimus to handle objects more effectively and safely, and potentially even detect the type of object they are holding.
Tesla pushed the Dutch regulator RDW to ease its review of Full Self-Driving (FSD) and disputed a €365,000 bill for the review. The regulator later approved FSD and is now asking the EU to do the same. Tesla's study on FSD was criticized for its methodology and conclusions.
Why it matters: The outcome of the FSD review has significant implications for the adoption of autonomous driving technology in Europe.
BMW has upgraded the electric motor in the iX3 crossover to increase its power output to 603 horsepower. The upgrade is part of the car's M treatment, which also includes other sporty features. The exact details of the upgrades are not specified.
Why it matters: The increased power output of the iX3 may appeal to buyers looking for a high-performance electric vehicle.
Elon Musk clarified that Tesla and SpaceX will build and run the Terafab chip factory, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) limited to renting a section if they want. This decision shuts down speculation that TSMC would take over the project. The factory is a joint project between Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, aiming to produce enough chips to supply one terawatt of computing power.
Why it matters: This decision ensures that Tesla and SpaceX maintain control over the production of critical chips for their future projects, including Optimus robots and Full Self-Driving computers.
Portsmouth International Port in the UK has launched a high-voltage shore power system to reduce emissions from idling marine engines, but the system is more expensive than running onboard generators due to high electricity costs. The port aims to become a net-zero facility, but the economics of shore power are challenging. The UK's expensive electricity prices are a major factor in the high costs.
Why it matters: The high cost of shore power in the UK highlights the challenges of decarbonizing maritime shipping and the importance of considering local energy prices when implementing sustainable solutions.
A Tesla owner, Michał Gapiński, has enabled Track Mode on his non-Performance Model Y by modifying the software. The feature, previously exclusive to Performance trims, allows for advanced driving settings and a lap timer. Gapiński's modification shows that the software is not the barrier to enabling Track Mode on non-Performance models.
Why it matters: This discovery may encourage other owners to explore modifying their vehicles to access features previously locked to Performance trims.
The Port of Helsingborg in Sweden has ordered two electric reach stackers from Kalmar, a company that specializes in port equipment. The reach stackers offer a lifting capacity of up to 45 tons and are expected to reduce emissions, noise, and maintenance downtime. This is the first all-electric reach stacker order from Kalmar for a Swedish port.
Why it matters: This order highlights the growing trend of ports transitioning to electric equipment to reduce emissions and operating costs.
Elon Musk and four other technology leaders will receive the National Medal of Science or the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. The medals are the highest honors the US government gives to scientists and engineers. The recipients include Google cofounder Sergey Brin, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, AMD CEO Lisa Su, Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
Why it matters: This recognition highlights the contributions of these leaders in science and technology to the US innovation ecosystem.
BMW has announced the iX4, an electric version of the X4 crossover with a range of over 400 miles. The iX4 is the first electric X4 model. The vehicle's range is comparable to the iX3's 434-mile range.
Why it matters: This announcement provides more options for consumers considering electric crossovers with long ranges.
United Dairy Farmers is installing DC fast chargers at six of its stores in Ohio, with openings expected in early 2027. The locations will offer charging and allow drivers to redeem loyalty credits. The stores selected for the chargers offer food, seating, and wifi.
Why it matters: This expansion provides EV drivers with more charging options in Ohio, supporting the growth of electric vehicle adoption.
Tesla's AI team member confirmed that Halloween Mode will be included in an upcoming Full Self-Driving (FSD) update, allowing FSD owners to access the feature without canceling their subscription. The update is expected to reach FSD builds within the next couple of weeks. The Halloween Mode update includes various spooky features such as a glowing sheet ghost avatar and a macabre makeover for the parked visualization.
Why it matters: FSD owners will no longer have to choose between their subscription and the Halloween Mode update.
BYD's ultra-luxury EV sedan, part of its Yangwang brand, has been spotted in China ahead of its imminent debut. The sedan features coach doors and is expected to use solid-state batteries, although it's unclear if this will be standard across all trims. The vehicle is expected to ride on BYD's quad-motor e4 platform, unlocking over 1,000 horsepower.
Why it matters: The debut of this sedan could provide insight into BYD's plans for its solid-state battery technology and its potential applications in high-end electric vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz reported a 61% increase in electric vehicle sales in the third quarter compared to the same period last year. This represents a significant jump in EV sales for the company. The number of new Mercedes cars sold with a plug reached a quarter of total sales.
Why it matters: This growth in EV sales indicates a shift towards more environmentally friendly options in the automotive industry.
Tesla's Halloween Mode update adds a spooky theme to vehicles, including a haunted house visualization, ghostly decorations, and a light show feature. The update is available on vehicles with AMD-powered infotainment units. The mode can be enabled in the Toybox and includes various features such as ambient lighting, sound effects, and themed wraps.
Why it matters: This update allows Tesla owners to personalize their vehicle's appearance and experience for the Halloween season.
Jaguar has released its first electric vehicle, a high-end model priced at $130,000, following its rebranding. The vehicle has received mixed reactions from the public, with some calling it 'magnificent' and others describing it as 'self-destructing'. The car's design and features have been the subject of debate.
Why it matters: The release of this vehicle marks a significant step in Jaguar's transition to electric vehicles and may influence the direction of the company's future product lineup.
Tesla is pushing European regulators to approve its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, with Elon Musk stating that delayed approval will result in accidents and fatalities. However, scientists have disputed this claim, citing lack of evidence. The debate centers around the regulatory approval process for FSD in Europe.
Why it matters: The outcome of this regulatory process will impact the availability and adoption of FSD technology in European markets.
A Tesla Cybercab was involved in a crash in Philadelphia, with the driver-side door panel ripped off. The extent of the damage is minor, with the inner frame, window regulator, and wiring exposed. The incident occurred on South Broad Street, with a dark sedan stopped behind the Cybercab.
Why it matters: This incident highlights the potential risks and limitations of Tesla's Cybercab, particularly in the absence of a permit to operate automated vehicles in Pennsylvania.
A Tesla Cybercab was involved in a low-speed collision in Philadelphia, exposing its interior door components. The incident occurred during validation testing, and the exact circumstances are unclear. Photos show the door's inner frame, wiring, and airbag system.
Why it matters: This incident provides a rare glimpse into the Cybercab's design and safety features, which include 10 individual adaptive airbags and a mechanical door latch.
