Tesla, autonomy, charging and the wider EV market.
The Genesis GV60 Magma is a variant of the Genesis GV60 electric vehicle with unique features. It has been featured by Doug Demuro, who appreciates its quirks. The GV60 Magma is a performance-oriented version of the vehicle.
Why it matters: This article highlights the Genesis GV60 Magma as a notable example of a performance electric vehicle with distinctive features.
Tommy and Roman from TFL spent a month testing the Audi E-Tron GT, a luxury electric vehicle. They found the car's performance and handling to be impressive, with quick acceleration and responsive steering. However, they noted some issues with the car's infotainment system and lack of rear visibility.
Why it matters: The review provides insight into the real-world performance and potential drawbacks of the Audi E-Tron GT, which may be helpful for potential buyers considering the vehicle.
Rivian spinout ALSO has started delivering its electric bikes, the ALSO TM-B, to customers after months of delays. Early owners have reported positive experiences with the bike's unique features, including a pedal-by-wire setup and a proprietary drive system. Some owners have also shared their first impressions and real-world riding results on social media.
Why it matters: The ALSO TM-B's performance and range may be a reality check for potential buyers, but early owners are generally satisfied with the bike's features and handling.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system is struggling with nighttime driving, particularly avoiding pets that blend into the road. Elon Musk stated that the main goal is to avoid running over pets at night. Tesla is working on this issue before expanding 24/7 robotaxi operations.
Why it matters: The success of Tesla's 24/7 robotaxi service depends on its ability to reliably detect and avoid pets at night.
Figure decommissioned its F.02 humanoid robots by having them jump into a vat of molten steel, Terminator 2-style. The robots were programmed to jump from a second-floor building onto a bucket of molten steel at a foundry in Finland. The resulting metal was then machined into commemorative artifacts.
Why it matters: This method of decommissioning robots ensures that valuable materials are not wasted and that sensitive technology is protected.
Tesla's Model 3 Performance and Model Y Performance come with free Premium Connectivity, a $99/year or $9.99/month subscription, which includes features like music and video streaming, live traffic, and satellite view. The subscription is not transferable and ends when the car is sold. The free subscription saves owners at least $99 per year.
Why it matters: This perk can be a significant cost savings for owners of these models, potentially offsetting the price difference between the Performance and standard trims.
Starlink is launching a beta program called Starlink for Communities, allowing property owners to install a single Starlink kit and earn passive income by sharing internet access with neighbors or local users. The program offers short-term passes for hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly access. The host's role is limited to placement, power, and basic upkeep, with earnings tied to each paid connection.
Why it matters: This program provides a potential new revenue stream for property owners and expands Starlink's reach to underserved areas.
Tesla has released a software update, version 2026.38, which improves its headlights through a new feature called Dynamic Headlight Leveling. This feature automatically adjusts the aim of the low beams in response to driving conditions and nearby traffic. The update is currently reaching a limited set of vehicles, including certain Model 3 and Cybertruck examples in the US and the UAE.
Why it matters: The update aims to reduce glare for oncoming vehicles and traffic ahead, while providing more usable light on the road for the driver.
Tesla has reduced the RAM on its AI5 and AI6 chips to 72GB and 144GB, respectively, to boost production, particularly for the Optimus robot. The cuts are expected to have a negligible effect on performance. The changes are intended to help Tesla scale production and reduce costs.
Why it matters: The move highlights the challenges of meeting the high memory demands of AI-powered robots and the trade-offs between performance and production volume.
China aims to mass-produce solid-state batteries by 2030, but CATL, the world's largest EV battery manufacturer, has expressed concerns about making the technology affordable. CATL has warned that achieving large-scale production of solid-state batteries is a significant challenge. CATL is the largest supplier of EV batteries to Chinese automakers.
Why it matters: The success of China's goal to mass-produce solid-state batteries by 2030 will depend on overcoming the technical and economic hurdles identified by CATL.
Tesla's Robotaxi service in Austin has extended its operating hours from 10 PM to 11 PM, with Elon Musk citing the need to avoid running over pets at night due to low-light detection issues. The issue is a weakness of cameras, which are used by Tesla's cars, but not lidar and radar, which are used by other companies like Waymo. Musk has previously dismissed lidar and radar as unnecessary.
Why it matters: This development highlights the limitations of Tesla's current autonomous driving technology and the importance of lidar and radar in improving safety in low-light conditions.
The author tested the Ride1Up Roadster V3 e-bike on a 38 km off-road ride, covering various surfaces including gravel roads, hard-packed dirt, loose sand, and rocky climbs. The bike performed well, with its light weight and natural power application making it suitable for urban and off-road use. The author found the bike's narrow tires to be a challenge in loose sand, but still manageable with finesse and momentum.
Why it matters: The review provides insight into the capabilities and limitations of the Ride1Up Roadster V3 e-bike for off-road use.
FedEx has ordered 2,000 all-electric box trucks from Harbinger in a deal worth over $300 million. The trucks are expected to save FedEx $800 million in fuel costs over their 20-year lifespan. The deal is one of the largest orders for electric medium or heavy-duty trucks in history.
Why it matters: The move could help FedEx reduce its carbon emissions by 1.7 million tons over the trucks' projected operating lives.
The 2027 Cadillac Escalade IQ will feature a NACS port, a type of charging port similar to Tesla's, as standard equipment. This is part of a broader effort by GM to standardize charging ports across its 2027 EV lineup. The Escalade IQ will also support faster home charging.
Why it matters: This change may make it easier for owners to charge their vehicles at home and on the go.
Huddig has upgraded its 1370 hybrid wheel loader platform with a 40% larger battery, increasing capacity from 44 kWh to 61 kWh. The upgrade enables the machine to operate for longer periods on electric power. The new model, TIGON G2, also features regenerative braking to recover electrical energy.
Why it matters: This upgrade could lead to significant fuel savings and reduced emissions for heavy equipment operators.
Tesla has teased a Halloween-themed software update, called 'Halloween Mode', which includes a graveyard scene and a robotic hand rising from the ground, possibly referencing the Optimus V3 humanoid robot. The update is expected to be similar to the 2025 Holiday Update, which added a Santa Mode. Tesla has also introduced a new feature called Emergency Drive Away, which allows drivers to shift into Drive while still plugged into a Supercharger, but at the risk of damaging the vehicle and the Supercharger. This feature is meant for emergencies only and is available for U.S. Superchargers, excluding those in Canada and other markets.
Why it matters: The new features may enhance the user experience and provide a sense of fun and engagement for Tesla owners, but also raise concerns about potential damage to vehicles and Superchargers.
The BMW i3's range has been increased to 468 miles, surpassing the Tesla Model 3's range. This change is due to a software update. The updated range is based on the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) testing cycle.
Why it matters: This update may impact consumers' perceptions of the BMW i3 as a viable alternative to other electric vehicles.
Kia is offering up to $10,000 off on select electric vehicles, including the 2027 EV3 and the three-row EV9, and special lease rates on various models. The 2027 EV3 has arrived at dealerships across the US, starting at $30,000. Kia aims to carry momentum into the end of the year and achieve its fourth consecutive record sales year. The EV3 offers up to 321 miles of range and features Kia's latest connected car navigation system. Kia is also offering special lease rates on the EV6 and Niro models. The current electric vehicle offers end on November 2, 2026, and may vary by state.
Why it matters: These offers can help make Kia's electric vehicles more affordable for potential buyers, potentially increasing sales and market share.
Tesla has updated the Model 3 and Model Y in the US, Puerto Rico, and Mexico with a larger 16-inch center screen, faster acceleration, and styling changes. The updates include a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds for the Model 3 Premium AWD and a 2.3% increase in range for the Model 3 Performance. The Model Y Premium AWD also gets a 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds.
Why it matters: These updates improve the performance and features of Tesla's popular Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, making them more competitive in the market.
DTE Energy has completed a 100-megawatt solar farm in Michigan, which will provide cleaner electricity to Ford's factories. The solar farm, called Cold Creek Solar Park, was funded by Ford through its enrollment in DTE's CleanVision MIGreenPower program. The project is the first of several to support Ford's goal of using 100% carbon-free electricity in its Michigan factories by 2027.
Why it matters: This project demonstrates a major automaker's commitment to renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint.
The Jeep Recon EV, a 670-horsepower electric SUV, achieved a real-world highway range of 160 miles on a single charge in a recent test by Car and Driver. This is less than the estimated 222 miles from the EPA. The Recon's efficiency was 1.7 miles per kWh, making it one of the least efficient EVs tested.
Why it matters: This result may impact buyers considering the Recon for everyday driving or long trips.
The Electrek Podcast discussed the Tesla Roadster delay, EV deliveries in the US, and the return of battery swap technology. The podcast is available on YouTube and popular podcast apps. The show is hosted by Fred, the Editor in Chief and Main Writer at Electrek.
Why it matters: The podcast provides updates on the latest developments in the electric vehicle industry.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software is set to receive improvements for navigation and pothole detection. The updates will allow FSD to learn from driver habits and preferences, and to detect broken pavement in real-time. The changes are expected to make daily autonomous commuting smoother and more reliable.
Why it matters: These updates will improve the overall reliability and user experience of Tesla's FSD system, making it more practical for daily use.
GICON's pilot wind turbine in Schipkau, Germany has reached a height of 1,197 feet, making it the world's tallest wind turbine. The turbine's height is expected to double its electricity output. The turbine's design allows for a rated capacity of 3.8 megawatts, with future versions planned to exceed 7 megawatts.
Why it matters: The taller turbine design could potentially increase electricity generation in existing wind farms without requiring new land development.
Yozma electric dirt bikes are on sale, with the IN 10 Pro down to $1,699 and the IN 10 Electric Mini Dirt Bike down to $999. EcoFlow's 192Wh and 288Wh power stations are also discounted, starting from $109. Additionally, Worx's 13A Electric Leaf Mulcher is back down to $125 and Bluetti's 288Wh Elite 30 V2 Power Station is down to $237.50. Other deals include a 40V Greenworks mower and blower combo and solar pathway lights.
Why it matters: These deals offer significant savings on outdoor power equipment and portable power stations, which can be useful for camping, gardening, or emergency preparedness.
Tesla engineer Phil Duan announced that fixes for two major issues with Full Self-Driving (FSD) are on the way: pothole avoidance and navigation. Pothole avoidance was first mentioned as an upcoming improvement in April, and navigation has been a persistent problem for FSD users. Duan's statement suggests that these issues may be resolved soon.
Why it matters: The fixes could improve the reliability and safety of Tesla's FSD system, which is currently limited to supervised mode due to these issues.
SpaceX launched a classified NRO mission on a Falcon Heavy rocket from Florida, marking the rocket's 14th launch from pad 39A. The side boosters landed successfully at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, setting a new record for the company. The mission also saw the landing of a Falcon 9 booster earlier in the day.
Why it matters: This achievement highlights SpaceX's capabilities in launching complex and classified missions, demonstrating its growing presence in the national security space launch market.
Tesla has introduced an 'Emergency Drive Away' feature that allows drivers to shift into gear while still plugged into a Supercharger in emergency situations. The feature is designed to provide a way to escape from a potentially threatening situation without having to step outside. The feature is available with a software update and is currently limited to Superchargers in the US.
Why it matters: This feature provides a safety option for drivers who may find themselves in a threatening situation at a Supercharger station.
UK electric vehicle (EV) sales reached a new record high in September with 99,199 battery-electric cars registered, a 36.3% increase from the same month last year. This accounted for 28.3% of the total market. Tesla's Model 3 was the best-selling EV and second-best-selling car overall. The UK's auto industry lobby group, the SMMT, attributes the growth to more model choices and high fuel prices, but argues that the country's EV targets are too ambitious.
Why it matters: The UK's EV sales growth highlights the increasing demand for electric vehicles, but also raises questions about the feasibility of the country's ambitious EV targets.
Mercedes-Benz is discontinuing the EQE sedan, Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV, and Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance in 2027. The EQE sedan will be replaced by a performance AMG version. The company is also replacing its first-generation electric vehicles with new models based on the MMA platform.
Why it matters: This change affects consumers who were considering purchasing these discontinued models, and may impact resale values.
