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Tesla & Electric Vehicles

Tesla, autonomy, charging and the wider EV market.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla's Smart Summon May Soon See a Range Increase in Europe

The UNECE has begun reviewing a proposal to increase the RCP range in UN Regulation No. 79, which affects Tesla's Smart Summon feature in Europe. The proposed amendment would increase the range from 6 meters to 10 meters for general use and up to 15 meters with direct line of sight. This could allow Tesla to send an OTA update to almost triple the distance allowed during Smart Summon use.

Why it matters: This change could improve the usability of Tesla's Smart Summon feature in Europe, making it more practical for owners to use in various parking scenarios.

InsideEVs

Your Next Cadillac Or Chevy EV Could Have A Recycled Battery

General Motors is using recycled battery materials in its new electric vehicles. The company has not specified which models will use the recycled batteries. The move is part of GM's efforts to reduce waste and increase sustainability.

Why it matters: This development could help reduce the environmental impact of electric vehicle production and promote a more circular economy.

Electrek

Volkswagen’s new EVs are so popular that the company is now cutting ICE shifts

Volkswagen's new electric vehicles are more popular than its internal combustion engine vehicles, leading the company to cut back on ICE production and increase EV production. The ID. Polo, the company's entry-level electric car, has received over 40,000 orders in Europe since its launch. Volkswagen is adjusting production at several plants to meet higher-than-expected demand for its electric vehicles.

Why it matters: This shift in demand highlights the growing popularity of electric vehicles and the need for automakers to adapt to changing market trends.

Teslarati

Did Tesla make the perfect car for families? Tesla Model Y L Full Review

Tesla's Model Y L has a third row with sufficient space for more than two children, and its interior is similar to the standard Model Y from the front row. The car has new features, including adjustable suspension damping and a larger rear windshield. The Model Y L also has small improvements, such as a more convenient sub-trunk lid and a less whiny liftgate motor.

Why it matters: The Model Y L's features and spacious third row make it a viable option for families with multiple children.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Goes to Trial Over Alleged Racial Bias at Fremont Factory

A lawsuit accusing Tesla of racial bias at its Fremont factory has reached trial in California, with the state alleging the company failed to prevent harassment and discriminatory practices. The trial, which began on October 2, will determine whether Tesla's management addressed internal complaints adequately. The case could result in tens of millions of dollars in damages if the court rules against Tesla.

Why it matters: The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for workplace oversight across Tesla's domestic operations.

Electrek

Mercedes-Benz signs deal to put Wayve AI Driver in cars within 2 years

Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Wayve to integrate its AI Driver into future vehicles within two years. The AI Driver uses an embodied-AI system that learns to drive from data, without relying on HD maps or geofences. The partnership marks the first time Wayve's end-to-end driving AI is going into a production car in the premium segment.

Why it matters: This deal highlights the growing trend of automakers partnering with specialist companies to develop and integrate autonomous driving systems.

Electrek

Tesla Full Self-Driving bug falsely flags dirty cameras, demands service

Tesla's Full Self-Driving update v14.3.9 is incorrectly flagging clean cameras as dirty, prompting owners to schedule unnecessary service appointments. The issue has been confirmed by Tesla, which is canceling the appointments and working on a fix. A follow-up update, v14.3.10, is expected to address the problem.

Why it matters: This bug highlights the challenges Tesla faces in developing reliable autonomous driving technology, which requires accurate camera detection to avoid false positives.

Electrek

BYD offers a closer look at the new Seagull EV [Images]

BYD revealed design sketches of the second-generation Seagull electric hatch, a bigger and more powerful version of its entry-level EV. The new model will feature a more powerful electric motor, upgraded ADAS system, and BYD's second-generation Blade Batteries and Flash Charging technology. The Seagull is expected to launch in China by the end of 2026 and may also be released in overseas markets, including Europe and the UK.

Why it matters: The updated Seagull is expected to be a more affordable option for consumers in the global electric vehicle market.

Electrek

Waymo riders can now get $2.85 back when pairing a ride with public transit

Waymo is offering a $2.85 credit to riders who pair a Waymo ride with public transit, available for Visa users in 14 US cities. The credit can be used for future Waymo rides. The program is an expansion of a previous pilot in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Why it matters: This program aims to encourage the use of public transit and robotaxis, potentially reducing reliance on personal vehicles.

Electrek

Tesla’s active robotaxi fleet in Austin crashes back to 8 vehicles after Cybercab pump

Tesla's active robotaxi fleet in Austin has decreased to 8 vehicles after a brief surge following the launch of the Cybercab, with the number of vehicles seen carrying riders spiking to over 100 before dropping back down. The fleet has not grown since its launch in June 2025, despite 285 new registrations in the last 30 days. The discrepancy between registered and active vehicles has raised questions about the effectiveness of Tesla's autonomous ride-hailing service.

Why it matters: This development highlights the challenges Tesla faces in scaling its autonomous ride-hailing service and the need for more transparency about the actual number of operational vehicles.

Electrek

Honda just unveiled an electric mountain bike, and it looks serious

Honda unveiled an electric mountain bike at Sea Otter Europe in Girona, Spain, after a two-decade absence from the mountain bike market. The bike features a carbon monocoque frame, a Shimano EP8-series mid-drive motor, and aggressive geometry. Honda is collecting registrations for the bike, suggesting it is preparing to sell it.

Why it matters: This move marks a significant return to the mountain bike market for Honda, a company with a history of innovation in the industry.

Electrek

Massive UK study finds high-mileage electric cars more durable than petrol

A UK study of millions of vehicles found that electric cars are more durable than petrol cars, with a significant gap in reliability widening as mileage increases. The study used data from annual MOT tests to compare the roadworthiness of electric and petrol vehicles. Electric cars had similar or lower failure rates than petrol cars in the early years, but became more reliable over time.

Why it matters: This study provides evidence that electric cars can be a reliable long-term option for drivers.

InsideEVs

Rolls-Royce’s Latest Problem: Keeping Its New EV’s Cashmere Roof Intact At 176°F

Rolls-Royce is testing its new electric vehicle, Project Nightingale, to ensure its cashmere roof can withstand extreme temperatures, including 176°F. The testing process involves slamming the vehicle's side-opening trunk 15,000 times. The testing is part of the vehicle's development process.

Why it matters: This testing is crucial to ensure the durability and quality of the vehicle's luxurious features.

Teslarati

Why automakers keep turning down Elon Musk’s Tesla Full Self-Driving offer

Elon Musk confirmed that no automaker has accepted Tesla's offer to license its Full Self-Driving software, citing the need for a competitor's cars to adopt Tesla's hardware and the potential for data sharing as obstacles.

Why it matters: The lack of interest in licensing Tesla's FSD software may indicate that automakers are prioritizing their own autonomous driving development over partnerships with Tesla.

InsideEVs

This Chinese SUV Has Built-In Propellers So It Can Drive Across Water

The Geely Battleship 700 is a Chinese SUV with built-in propellers that allows it to drive across water. The vehicle can float and traverse water. The propellers are a feature of the vehicle's design.

Why it matters: This capability could potentially expand the vehicle's use cases and make it more versatile for users.

InsideEVs

These Absolutely Wild-Looking EVs Are Saudi Arabia's First Homegrown Cars

Saudi Arabia's first homegrown electric vehicles, the Ceer Exobot SUV and sedan, have been unveiled with unique yoke steering and 850 horsepower. The vehicles feature radical wedge designs. The Ceer Exobot models are the result of a partnership between Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and the Italian design house, Pininfarina.

Why it matters: The Ceer Exobot's innovative design and performance features may influence future electric vehicle development in the region.

Electrek

Kia reveals EV3 offers and deals, including a $1,500 customer cash discount

Kia has revealed the 2027 EV3 electric SUV, starting at $29,890, with leasing options starting at $349 a month. The EV3 is available in five trims, with two battery options and a range of up to 321 miles. The vehicle features a standard NACS port for Tesla Supercharger use and Kia's latest connected car navigation system.

Why it matters: The EV3's competitive pricing and leasing options make it a viable alternative to other affordable electric vehicles on the market.

InsideEVs

Tesla Wants $50,000 Deposits For A Roadster Nobody Has Seen Yet

Tesla is asking for $50,000 deposits for the upcoming Roadster, despite not having shown the vehicle yet. The deposit is required to reserve a spot in line for the car. The Roadster's reveal is scheduled for two weeks.

Why it matters: This high deposit requirement may be a concern for potential buyers who are considering purchasing the vehicle.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla FSD V14.3.9 Triggers False Camera Service Alerts

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) update v14.3.9 is causing false camera service alerts, prompting owners to clean their windshield cameras despite them being clean. The issue is due to a software bug that over-sensitizes the camera's visibility checks. Tesla is aware of the problem and is proactively canceling scheduled cleaning visits.

Why it matters: This issue affects Tesla owners who have updated to FSD v14.3.9 and may lead to unnecessary service appointments or cleaning costs.

Electrek

Geely one-ups BYD with 2.2MW charger, allowing 4-minute EV charges

Geely plans to unveil a new electric car battery and charging system that can charge vehicles in 4 minutes, outpacing BYD's 5-minute charging time. The system will deliver 2.2MW of power, about 50% faster than BYD's 1.5MW system. The announcement is set for September 23 at Geely's Safety Center in Ningbo, China.

Why it matters: This development could significantly impact the adoption of electric vehicles, particularly in regions with limited charging infrastructure.

Electrek

Ceer unveils its EXOBOT EVs, Saudi Arabia’s first electric SUV and sedan

Ceer, a Saudi Arabian electric vehicle manufacturer, unveiled its EXOBOT electric SUV and sedan, the country's first homegrown EVs. The vehicles will be produced at the Ceer Manufacturing Complex, the largest automotive production facility in the Middle East. The EXOBOT SUV has a 112 kWh battery and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, delivering 850 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of 2.6 seconds.

Why it matters: The launch of Ceer's EXOBOT vehicles marks a significant step towards Saudi Arabia's goal of reducing its reliance on oil and increasing its non-oil exports.

Teslarati

Tesla Roadster is available for order once again following brief hold

Tesla has reopened reservations for the next-generation Roadster, requiring a $50,000 deposit, and is hosting an October 1 event in Waco, Texas, to reveal pricing and production details. The event will also feature a demonstration of SpaceX-designed cold-gas thrusters. The second-generation Roadster was first unveiled in 2017 with promised performance and production targets that have since been repeatedly delayed.

Why it matters: The move allows new buyers to commit to purchasing the vehicle before seeing a finalized production model, testing the market's willingness to invest in a product with a history of delays.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla FSD (Supervised) Approved for Launch in Czechia

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) platform has been approved for use in the Czech Republic, making it the seventh EU nation to do so. The approval was confirmed by Tesla Europe on X. The feature will begin rolling out in Czechia soon, initially targeting Hardware 4 vehicles.

Why it matters: This approval allows Tesla owners in the Czech Republic to experience the Full Self-Driving feature, which has been shown to reduce road accidents in other markets.

InsideEVs

Tesla Cybercab Inherited One Of The Most Annoying Things About Owning A Tesla

Tesla's robotaxis, also known as Cybercabs, are reportedly taking unusual routes, mirroring a long-standing issue with some Tesla owners' personal vehicles. This behavior has been observed in various locations. The issue is not limited to Cybercabs.

Why it matters: This development may raise concerns about the navigation system's reliability and potential impact on ride-hailing services.

InsideEVs

Rivian R3 Will Be Priced 'Materially Lower' Than R2, CEO Says

Rivian CEO stated that the R3 will be priced lower than the R2, with the R4 to be priced even lower than the R3. No specific price points were mentioned. The R3 and R4 are upcoming electric vehicles from Rivian.

Why it matters: This pricing strategy may make Rivian's electric vehicles more competitive in the market.

Electrek

EcoFlow Early Prime Day Sale 3,072Wh DELTA Ultra Plus solar bundle $900 off, EGO snow blower bundle $949 2026 low, more

EcoFlow's Early Prime Day Fall Sale offers up to 57% off power stations, including a 3,072Wh DELTA 3 Ultra Plus Power Station for $1,899.05, and the EGO 21-inch Cordless Electric Snow Blower is available for $949. The sale also includes free gifts with purchases over $600 and a bonus extra savings code. Additionally, there are flash deals with up to $2,000 savings on four power station units, including the 2,048Wh DELTA 3 Max Portable Power Station for $839.

Why it matters: The sale provides significant discounts on power stations and other eco-friendly products, making them more accessible to consumers.

Electrek

Toyota joins the extended-range EV race, but not as you’d expect

Toyota plans to launch an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) in China in 2027, with production expected to reach 400,000 units in 2028. The EREV will be Toyota's fifth 'electrified' vehicle, using a gas engine to charge the battery when it gets low. Toyota aims to avoid China's price war by offering the EREV at a higher price point.

Why it matters: This move highlights Toyota's shift towards electrification and its reliance on Chinese technology and manufacturing for its electric vehicles.