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Tesla & Electric Vehicles

Tesla, autonomy, charging and the wider EV market.

Not a Tesla App

Introducing Our Personalized Tesla License Plate Generator [Update: Now Supports Canada!]

Tesla has launched a license plate visualization generator that allows users to browse and customize license plates for all 50 US states and 10 Canadian provinces, including EV plates for Ontario and Québec. The generator can be used to download images of plates with custom text or without. Users can also add their own text or use their actual plate number. The feature is available through the Paint Shop in the 2025 Holiday Update.

Why it matters: This feature allows Tesla owners to personalize their vehicle's appearance and make it stand out.

InsideEVs

The Mercedes GLC Electric Drove 393 Miles Mostly On Highways With One Quick Charge

The Mercedes GLC Electric vehicle completed a 393-mile trip with one quick charge, despite its calculated range being 273 miles. The trip consisted of mostly highway driving. The vehicle's range was extended by a single charging stop.

Why it matters: This demonstrates the potential for electric vehicles to cover long distances with minimal charging stops.

Electrek

DERA LIVES! House votes to fund Diesel Emissions Reduction Act through 2029

The US House of Representatives voted 343-79 to extend federal funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) through 2029. The bill authorizes $100 million in annual funding for the program, which awards grants to reduce the costs of transitioning to cleaner vehicles. The program has helped take tens of thousands of polluting engines off the road and save over 500 million gallons of fuel.

Why it matters: This extension of funding will allow the program to continue reducing air pollution and promoting the adoption of cleaner vehicles in the US.

Teslarati

New drone video shows Tesla’s Optimus Factory reaching a turning point

Drone footage shows Tesla's Optimus factory at Giga Texas nearing completion, with the steel frame about five column grids away from the north perimeter beam, six months after construction began. Concrete is being poured on upper floors, and rebar is being laid for future pours. The factory is part of a 5.2 million square foot expansion of Giga Texas's North Campus.

Why it matters: This development suggests Tesla is on track to meet its 2027 production start target for the Optimus factory.

InsideEVs

EV Charging Just Got Easier On One Of The Fastest-Growing Networks In The U.S.

Red E Charge has introduced a new feature allowing customers to skip the app and leave their credit card at home for charging sessions. The setup process is still quick. This feature is available on one of the fastest-growing EV charging networks in the U.S.

Why it matters: This change simplifies the charging process for Red E Charge customers, making it more convenient to use the network.

InsideEVs

The Best Rivian R2 Colors Are Now Up For Grabs In The Configurator

Rivian has added two new exterior colors and a new interior option for the R2 electric SUV. The new colors are available for selection in the vehicle's configurator. The new interior option is a lighter shade.

Why it matters: This update gives customers more options when customizing their R2, allowing them to personalize their vehicle to their preferences.

Electrek

The Bronx will be breathing a little easier with new Volvo VNR Electric [update]

City Harvest, New York City's largest food rescue organization, acquired three zero-emission Volvo VNR Electric semi trucks to support food rescue and delivery operations across the city's five boroughs. The trucks will be equipped with battery-electric transport refrigeration units, reducing tailpipe emissions. The purchase was supported by a $10 million award from the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program.

Why it matters: This deployment demonstrates the potential for electric trucks to reduce emissions and improve air quality in urban areas.

InsideEVs

How Hankook Made Long-Lasting, Long-Range EV Tires

Hankook has developed a lineup of EV tires called iON, designed for electric vehicles. The tires are made to meet the specific demands of EVs. They are designed to be long-lasting and provide long range.

Why it matters: These tires can help extend the range and lifespan of electric vehicles.

InsideEVs

Porsche Is Working On Making Batteries From Its Own Recycled Materials

Porsche is collaborating with partners to develop a closed-loop recycling system for electric vehicle batteries. The system involves recycling end-of-life batteries to create new cathodes. This process aims to reduce waste and conserve resources.

Why it matters: This development could help reduce the environmental impact of electric vehicle production and promote sustainability in the automotive industry.

Electrek

Hyundai opens orders for its new electric van, starting at about $66,500

Hyundai has opened orders for its electric van, the Staria Electric, in Europe and other global markets, with a starting price of around $66,500. The van has a range of up to 267 miles and can charge from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes. The Staria Electric is available in three trim levels, including a base model and a range-topping Calligraphy 7-seater.

Why it matters: The Staria Electric's availability and pricing may be of interest to those considering a large electric vehicle for personal or commercial use.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla to Open New Collision Repair Center in Miami

Tesla is opening a new collision repair center in Miami, Florida, to handle heavy-duty bodywork and structural repairs. The 45,706-square-foot facility will have vehicle repair and service bays, a dedicated paint shop, and spare parts availability. The center will provide faster and more reliable collision repairs for local Tesla owners.

Why it matters: This new facility will reduce turnaround times for Tesla owners in South Florida who need collision repairs.

Electrek

BYD upgrades top-selling small electric SUV with more range, now starting at about $11,000

BYD has introduced an upgraded version of its small electric SUV, the Yuan Up, with increased range and a lower starting price. The new model is available in five trims, with a starting price of around $11,000. The upgraded SUV offers improved range and new features, including a larger 51.13 kWh battery pack.

Why it matters: The upgraded BYD Yuan Up is a significant update to a top-selling electric vehicle, offering improved range and features at a competitive price point.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Shop Changes This Month: Wall Connector Price Increase, Discontinued Products and New Additions

Tesla updated its online store with new products, price changes, and discontinued items. The changes include new accessories for the Cybertruck, such as a lockable bed storage box and a tailgate utility track. The store also added new apparel and pet-themed items.

Why it matters: These updates provide Tesla owners with new options for customizing and accessorizing their vehicles.

InsideEVs

He Replaced The Battery In A Ford F-150 Lightning. Here's How Hard It Was

A Ford F-150 Lightning owner replaced the battery pack in his vehicle, describing the process as both easier and harder than swapping an engine. The process involved disconnecting electrical connectors, removing the battery pack, and installing a new one. The owner documented the process on social media.

Why it matters: This DIY battery replacement may be relevant to owners who need to replace their battery pack due to warranty or other issues.

Electrek

Tenways e-bikes up to $807 off from $1,599, Mammotion LUBA Mini 2 AWD robot mower bundle $379 off, EGO trimmer, Jetson, more

Tenways e-bikes are on sale with up to $807 off, including the CGO600 Pro Lightweight Chain-Drive Commuter e-bike for $1,599. Mammotion's LUBA Mini 2 AWD robot mower bundle is $379 off, and the EGO trimmer and Jetson Bolt Pro e-bike are also discounted. Additional deals include ENGWE's E26 3.0 full suspension e-bike and Anker's eufyCam C37 4K solar security camera.

Why it matters: These deals offer significant savings on eco-friendly products, including e-bikes, robot lawn mowers, and outdoor power tools.

InsideEVs

A BMW i8, Tesla Model Y, And Audi E-Tron GT All Drag Race, But The Results Are Closer Than You'd Think

A drag race was held between a BMW i8, Audi E-Tron GT, and Tesla Model Y, with the Tesla Model Y achieving a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The BMW i8 and Audi E-Tron GT also performed well, with times of 3.8 and 3.9 seconds, respectively. The results show that electric vehicles have made significant progress in terms of acceleration.

Why it matters: The results highlight the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology and its impact on performance.

Electrek

Volvo teases its new vehicle design, including a surprise inside

Volvo is launching 13 new electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2030, with a new design and interior. The new vehicles will be tailored for Western markets and China, with separate tech stacks for each region. Volvo will preview the new design as a show car concept in Spring 2027.

Why it matters: The new product push is part of Volvo's aim to double its market share by 2030.

Teslarati

Tesla and SpaceX take “Terafab” Trademark fight to Federal Court

Tesla and SpaceX have sued a small Illinois company, TERA-print LLC, over a trademark dispute related to the planned Terafab chip factory. TERA-print had filed a cease and desist letter claiming that Tesla and SpaceX's use of 'Terafab' would confuse consumers. The two companies argue that their planned factory is a large-scale industrial project, not a tabletop lab printer.

Why it matters: The outcome of this case could impact the naming and branding of large-scale industrial projects in the tech industry.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla AI5 Chip Enters Trial Production at Samsung's Texas Fab

Tesla's AI5 chip has entered trial production at Samsung's Texas fab, marking a crucial step towards physical validation and high-volume production. The chip is expected to deliver 5x the raw performance of the current AI4 chip and will be used in Tesla's Optimus robots and AI training clusters before reaching consumer vehicles. Samsung is targeting the end of 2026 to wrap up yield verification and mass production is slated to kick off in 2027.

Why it matters: This development is significant for Tesla's autonomous ambitions and its plans to achieve unsupervised autonomy in its vehicles.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla FSD v14.3.9 Down Under (Update 2026.28.5)

Tesla has released an update for Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Oceania, bringing it to version 14.3.9. The update includes various improvements to the FSD neural network, including upgraded reinforcement learning and vision encoder, as well as enhancements to emergency vehicle response and parking spot selection. The update also adds new features such as improved driver monitoring and intervention tracking.

Why it matters: This update is significant for Tesla owners in Oceania who use the Full Self-Driving feature, as it improves the system's performance and safety capabilities.

Electrek

Tesla to run public Megachargers at 3 Forum Mobility Semi depots

Tesla will operate public Megachargers at three Forum Mobility depots in California, expanding its Semi charging network through partnerships. The depots will have a mix of Megawatt Charging System (MCS) and CCS ports, allowing for fast charging of electric trucks. This is the first time Tesla will operate charging at a non-Tesla-owned site.

Why it matters: This partnership highlights Tesla's strategy to expand its Semi charging network through partnerships with existing charging operators, rather than building its own sites.

Electrek

Kia expects its bigger electric vans to outsell the PV5 as it targets 250,000 by 2030

Kia unveiled the PV7, its second electric van, at IAA Transportation, with a larger size and more variants than the PV5. Kia aims to sell 250,000 electric vans by 2030, with the PV7 and PV9 expected to outsell the PV5. Kia has secured contracts with several companies, including Bravida, Motability, and Kone, for the PV7 and PV5.

Why it matters: Kia's electric van sales target and plans for the PV7 and PV9 may impact the European light commercial vehicle market.

Electrek

Royal Enfield’s Flying Flea electric motorcycle finally goes global, revealing its Western price

Royal Enfield's Flying Flea electric motorcycle is now available for booking in Europe and the UK, with prices starting at €5,990 and £5,300 respectively. The bike will be delivered in October. The initial rollout includes Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Berlin, and London.

Why it matters: This marks a significant milestone for Royal Enfield's new all-electric sub-brand, Flying Flea, as it expands its reach beyond India.

Electrek

Lucid and Bolt to deploy 25,000 autonomous EVs across Europe

Lucid and Bolt announced a partnership to deploy 25,000 autonomous EVs across Europe, with Bolt aiming to reach 100,000 autonomous vehicles on its platform by 2035. The vehicles will be built on Lucid's upcoming Midsize platform and designed for SAE Level 4 autonomy. The partnership involves co-development of an 'ADS-ready' vehicle with NVIDIA Hyperion technology.

Why it matters: This deal highlights the growing interest in autonomous mobility and the potential for large-scale adoption in Europe.

InsideEVs

Lucid And Bolt Want To Put 25,000+ Robotaxis On European Roads

Lucid and Bolt are planning to deploy over 25,000 robotaxis in Europe, with Lucid's mid-size crossover serving as the vehicle. The vehicles will be equipped with Nvidia's Hyperion platform for autonomous driving. The deployment is expected to take place in the future.

Why it matters: This development could bring about a significant increase in autonomous transportation options for European cities.

Electrek

Open source semi: Windrose puts its electric truck online, for free

Windrose has made the CAD models for its electric truck's 1,023 parts available online for free, allowing anyone to access and potentially manufacture replacement parts. This move is part of the company's effort to increase transparency and customer trust. The models are available in native PRT format, along with an assembly tree and manifest.

Why it matters: This move could give customers more control over the service life of their vehicles and reduce the risk of being left without support from the manufacturer.

InsideEVs

Toyota's Hydrogen Pickup Is Coming In 2028 With 248-Mile Range

Toyota plans to release a hydrogen fuel cell version of its Hilux pickup truck in 2028, with an estimated range of 248 miles. The vehicle will have a towing capacity of around 5,500 pounds. The exact specifications and features of the truck are not yet detailed.

Why it matters: This development is significant for those interested in hydrogen fuel cell technology and its potential applications in the automotive industry.

Electrek

Solid-state battery maker Factorial secures another big partnership

Factorial Energy, a US-based solid-state battery maker, has partnered with Mitsui Kinzoku to scale up the production of sulfide-based solid electrolytes. The partnership will enable the mass production of solid electrolytes at a dedicated plant in Japan. This collaboration brings together Factorial's Solstice platform with Mitsui Kinzoku's electrolyte technology.

Why it matters: This partnership is significant for the development of commercial solid-state batteries, which could improve the energy density and charging speed of electric vehicles.