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Tesla & Electric Vehicles

Tesla, autonomy, charging and the wider EV market.

Electrek

Tesla goes to trial over racism claims against Black workers at ‘plantation’

Tesla is going to trial over allegations of racial discrimination against Black workers at its Fremont factory, with the state of California suing the company for subjecting thousands of workers to racial slurs, segregation, and lower pay. The case, which covers over 6,000 workers, carries no cap on damages. The trial is a bench trial, with a judge deciding the outcome.

Why it matters: This trial highlights the ongoing allegations of racial discrimination at Tesla's Fremont factory and the potential consequences for the company.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla's Dashcam Clears Driver Arrested at Gunpoint

A Florida driver, Kevin Finley, was acquitted of felony fleeing and reckless driving charges after a judge reviewed footage from his Tesla's Dashcam feature, which showed he did not intentionally speed away from an unmarked police cruiser. The footage, which was recorded by the car's onboard cameras, proved Finley's account of the incident, which started when he drove past a vehicle stopped in a median, unaware it was a police cruiser. Finley was arrested at gunpoint in his driveway and was facing up to 90 days in jail.

Why it matters: This case highlights the potential of onboard camera systems to provide evidence in traffic incidents and potentially prevent wrongful convictions.

Electrek

Chevrolet Bolt EV 2026 Review: Can the new powertrain save it?

The 2026 Chevrolet Bolt EV was tested over 854.2 km, achieving an average efficiency of 5.9 km/kWh and a range of 437.9 km on a single charge. The vehicle features a new LFP battery pack and V2X capability. The Bolt EV's powertrain is tuned for comfort and efficiency, but lacks punchy acceleration.

Why it matters: This review provides insight into the 2026 Chevrolet Bolt EV's performance and capabilities, helping potential buyers make informed decisions about the vehicle's suitability for their needs.

Teslarati

Tesla Full Self-Driving expands to another European country

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) has been approved for public roads in Czechia, making it the seventh EU member state to do so. The approval was granted after the Czech Ministry of Transport recognized the Dutch RDW's provisional type approval. Tesla Europe announced the expansion on September 21, 2023.

Why it matters: This expansion increases the availability of Tesla's FSD Supervised technology in Europe.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla's Upcoming Features and Events This Quarter

Tesla is hosting an exclusive Semi event on September 24, unveiling the next-generation Roadster on October 1, and releasing Q3 earnings in late October. The events will showcase the company's manufacturing capabilities, new features, and production updates. The company is also working on integrating Grok with text messaging and FSD.

Why it matters: The upcoming events and feature updates will provide insights into Tesla's production plans, new technologies, and future projects.

Electrek

BYD’s $10,000 EV has a big sibling on the way, and here’s our first look [Images]

BYD is preparing to launch a larger variant of its affordable electric vehicle, the Seagull, which will be called the Great Seagull. The new model will be longer, more powerful, and feature advanced technology. The Great Seagull is expected to go on sale by the end of 2026.

Why it matters: The new model will likely compete with other affordable electric vehicles in the market, such as the Volkswagen ID. 3 Neo and Renault Megane.

Teslarati

Tesla Roadster event requires restricted airspace, and the FAA obliges

The FAA has established a Temporary Flight Restriction over SpaceX's McGregor, Texas, facility, effective from September 18 to October 2, ahead of Tesla's October 1 Roadster reveal. The restriction covers a 1.5-nautical-mile radius around the site and extends from the surface to 10,000 feet above ground level. The unusual altitude of the restriction has sparked speculation about the capabilities of the Roadster.

Why it matters: The restriction suggests that the Roadster event may involve more than a static display, potentially including flight demonstrations.

Electrek

South Park just took on America’s e-bike problem – and surprisingly nailed a lot of it

The South Park Season 29 premiere episode 'South American Biker Gangs' tackles the issue of e-bikes in America, highlighting the growing popularity of e-bikes among kids and the backlash against them. The episode portrays a responsible e-bike sales pitch, but then shows how kids can quickly misuse the bikes, leading to reckless behavior. The show also touches on the issue of speed-unlocking devices and the sale of e-bikes that exceed regulatory limits.

Why it matters: The episode's portrayal of e-bike issues highlights the need for responsible e-bike sales and education to prevent misuse and ensure safe riding practices.

Electrek

Volkswagen’s new ID. Cross brings a more affordable electric SUV to the lineup

Volkswagen's new ID. Cross electric SUV has entered series production at its Pamplona, Spain, plant, with prices starting at around $32,000. The ID. Cross is a more affordable electric SUV option for Volkswagen, joining its gas-powered equivalent, the T-Cross. The electric SUV is available with two battery packs and features a digital cockpit and up to 475 liters of interior storage space.

Why it matters: The ID. Cross is a key part of Volkswagen's efforts to make electric mobility a more affordable option for a wider range of customers.

Electrek

Musk pitches 200-mph Austin-San Antonio ‘Hyperloop’ tunnel, again

Elon Musk announced a proposed 200-mph Hyperloop tunnel between Austin and San Antonio, promising to cut travel time to under 30 minutes. The project has no route, timeline, or cost specified. This is not the first time Musk has proposed a Hyperloop project in the area.

Why it matters: The proposal highlights the ongoing challenges and lack of progress in developing a functional Hyperloop system.

Electrek

Tesla and Sunrun’s virtual power plant dispatch record 580 MW to California grid

Sunrun and Tesla's virtual power plant dispatched 580 MW of power to California's grid on September 9, the largest residential distributed power plant event ever recorded. The power was generated by over 140,000 home batteries, with 110,000 of them being Tesla Powerwalls. The event ran for three hours in the evening, when the grid was under strain from air-conditioning load.

Why it matters: This achievement demonstrates the potential for home batteries to provide a cost-effective and scalable solution for peak demand management on the grid.

InsideEVs

Hyundai Recalls Ioniq 9 EV Because Rear Seats Could Trap Children

Hyundai has issued a recall for the Ioniq 9 electric vehicle due to a potential safety issue with the rear seats. The issue is that the seats could potentially trap children. The recall affects an unspecified number of vehicles.

Why it matters: This recall highlights a potential safety concern for families with young children who may be transported in the rear seats of the Ioniq 9.

InsideEVs

Nissan Reveals Pricing For Its New Hybrid That Drives Like An EV

Nissan has announced pricing for the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid, which features a distinct hybrid powertrain. The new powertrain is different from those used by its competitors. The article does not provide specific pricing details.

Why it matters: This information may be relevant for potential buyers considering the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid.

Electrek

European AUDI buyers could be facing a lawsuit from … Audi

Audi is suing a German importer for selling Audi-branded electric cars in Europe, which were co-developed with Chinese automaker SAIC. The importer, Auto China, has been bringing the cars into the European Union despite Audi's intention to keep them in China. The lawsuit aims to block the importer from buying and selling the cars.

Why it matters: This lawsuit highlights the complexities of global branding and intellectual property in the automotive industry.

InsideEVs

Scania's New EV Truck Has 447 Miles Of Range

Scania has unveiled a new electric truck with a battery system that provides 447 miles of range. The truck's aerodynamically optimized cab helps improve efficiency. The new truck is designed to compete with the Tesla Semi.

Why it matters: The new truck's long range and efficiency features make it a viable option for long-haul trucking operations.

InsideEVs

This VW ID. Buzz Finished A 62,000-Mile World Trip With Nearly 96% Battery Health

A Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric van completed a 62,000-mile world trip in 445 days, visiting 92 countries without a technical breakdown. The trip was designed to test the vehicle's durability and battery health. The ID. Buzz maintained nearly 96% battery health after the journey.

Why it matters: This achievement demonstrates the potential for long-distance electric vehicle travel without significant battery degradation.

InsideEVs

Volvo’s CEO Is Out. Again.

Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo's CEO, has left the company. He was appointed as the CEO less than two years ago. His departure is not specified as a retirement or resignation.

Why it matters: This change may impact Volvo's future direction and strategy in the automotive industry.

Teslarati

Elon Musk drops a surprise update on Boring Company’s next big dig

Elon Musk announced that The Boring Company is working on a tunnel connecting Austin and San Antonio, aiming for speeds above 200 mph and reducing the drive time to under 30 minutes. The tunnel would be an express route with no intermediate stops, allowing passengers to travel from a parking lot to a restaurant in about 30 minutes. This is not the first time The Boring Company has proposed a tunnel for the Austin to San Antonio corridor, but it has more capital to pursue the project now.

Why it matters: This announcement highlights the potential for faster transportation options in the region, but it's unclear when or if the project will move forward.

Teslarati

Tesla eyes supply partners for Optimus mass production

Tesla certified three Chinese suppliers for Optimus mass production, including Tuopu Group, Ningbo Joyson Electronic, and Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls, after an audit in Ningbo, China. The suppliers already supply parts to Tesla's electric vehicles and will reportedly receive fresh orders for an initial batch of 5,000 units. The certification is a step towards Tesla's goal of producing 1,000 Optimus units a week by late September and 2,000-2,500 units a week by the end of the year.

Why it matters: This development is significant for investors and industry observers as it indicates Tesla's progress towards commercializing its humanoid robot, Optimus, and meeting its production targets.

Electrek

Tesla reopens $50,000 Roadster reservations ahead of October 1 unveil

Tesla has reopened reservations for its next-generation Roadster, asking buyers for a $50,000 deposit two weeks before the car's October 1 unveiling. The deposit is refundable, but buyers must also make a $45,000 wire transfer within 10 days. The 2017 Roadster was delayed multiple times and has yet to be delivered.

Why it matters: The move raises concerns about Tesla's ability to deliver on its promises and the risks associated with pre-ordering a car without seeing the production version.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla to Launch Grok in the Middle East and Morocco With Upcoming Update 2026.32.6

Tesla is expanding its Grok AI assistant to the Middle East and Morocco with the upcoming 2026.32.6 software update. The feature will be available in Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. The update will allow eligible vehicles to access Grok's core features, such as navigation and media playback.

Why it matters: This expansion will provide Tesla owners in the region with a more comprehensive in-car assistant experience.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Closes Texas Airspace for Roadster Launch Event

A no-fly zone has been established over SpaceX's facility in McGregor, Texas, ahead of the upcoming Tesla Roadster reveal event on October 1. The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) bars all aircraft and drones within a 1.5-nautical-mile radius from the surface up to 10,000 feet. The FAA notice is effective from September 18 to October 2.

Why it matters: The airspace closure suggests that Tesla may be planning a demonstration of the Roadster's capabilities, possibly including its optional SpaceX Package, which includes cold-gas thrusters.

Electrek

Cadillac’s go-fast electric SUV arrives makes its way Down Under

Cadillac's ultra-hot V-series Lyriq-V electric SUV will be available in Australia and New Zealand in 2027, with a 615 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque powertrain. The vehicle will feature a right-hand-drive configuration and a 92 kWh battery pack, with an estimated range of 471 km. Pricing will start at 109,000 NZD.

Why it matters: The Lyriq-V's availability in Australia and New Zealand expands Cadillac's electric vehicle offerings in the region.

Electrek

As diesel hits $10/gal., rumors swirl that stations are running out

Diesel prices have reached $10/gal. in California, causing some gas stations to display 'out of diesel' notices or limit their displays to $9.99. Photos of empty diesel pumps have been circulating on social media, but industry data does not show widespread shortages. Gas stations are reportedly running low on diesel due to larger buyers stockpiling fuel at current prices, leaving smaller distributors with less to sell.

Why it matters: The diesel shortage could impact transportation costs and prices for goods and services.

Electrek

From 10-97% SOC in 9 minutes: Sunwoda joins the flash charging race

Sunwoda has revealed a new EV battery charging system that can charge a battery from 10-97% SOC in 9 minutes, adding 62 miles of range per minute. The system uses 15C battery tech and achieves high charging speeds without overheating. The company also showcased its high-power charging infrastructure and solar energy storage system.

Why it matters: This technology could make EVs more competitive with gas-powered vehicles in terms of refueling time.

Electrek

SONDORS’ forgotten 3-wheeled electric car just showed up for sale on eBay

A three-wheeled electric car prototype from SONDORS, unveiled at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, is being sold on eBay for $10,000. The prototype was initially intended to be a highway-capable vehicle with a starting price of $10,000. The car has a unique seating arrangement with two passengers up front and a third in the center.

Why it matters: This sale provides a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of electric vehicle history.

Teslarati

Elon Musk’s next Uranium in Uranus merch is Boring Company’s weirdest tease yet

Elon Musk teased a new Boring Company merchandise item that will contain uranium and glow in the dark, with a Geiger counter sold separately as an optional accessory. The item's design and price are unknown. The company has a history of releasing novelty items that start as jokes and become popular. The timing of the tease coincides with the Boring Company's recent announcements of expansion plans and successful tunneling projects.

Why it matters: The new merchandise item may be a sign of the Boring Company's growing momentum and success outside of its joke products.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Adds 3D Supercharger Site Maps to Tesla App

Tesla has added 3D Supercharger Site Maps to its mobile app, allowing users to view station layouts and available charging stalls in real-time. The feature is now available in the Tesla app version 4.61.0 and later. The maps are based on a separate mapping layer and may experience visual lag when loading.

Why it matters: This feature can help Tesla owners plan charging stops more efficiently by providing a clear view of available charging stalls and station layouts.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Reopens Roadster Reservations Ahead of Public Reveal

Tesla has reopened reservations for the next-generation Roadster on its website, requiring a $5,000 payment and a $45,000 wire transfer within 10 days. The vehicle is set to be unveiled on October 1 in Waco, Texas. The Roadster's production model has a different design than the 2017 concept.

Why it matters: This move allows potential buyers to secure a spot in line for the vehicle, which is expected to have a different price and specifications than initially promised.