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Tesla & Electric Vehicles

Tesla, autonomy, charging and the wider EV market.

Electrek

Ex-Tesla Autopilot head calls vision-only a ‘weird religious stance’

Sterling Anderson, former head of Tesla's Autopilot program, criticized Tesla's decision to drop radar for a camera-only self-driving system, calling it a 'weird religious stance' that ignores physics. He argued that radar is cheap and essential for measuring velocity and seeing through dense fog. Anderson, now GM's Chief Product Officer, said that cameras can't see through dense fog or measure instantaneous velocity like radar can.

Why it matters: This criticism highlights the ongoing debate about the safety and effectiveness of Tesla's vision-only approach to self-driving technology.

Electrek

This $15,000 low-speed EV is now on sale, and it’s street-legal

The 2027 Fiat Topolino is now available in the US, a low-speed electric vehicle with a starting price of $14,985. It has a 5.4 kWh battery and an 8 hp electric motor, allowing it to drive up to 46 miles on a single charge. The vehicle is street-legal and can be driven on most public roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less.

Why it matters: This affordable, low-speed EV option may be suitable for short-distance commutes or neighborhood driving.

Electrek

The Ford Escape will return as an EV based on the UEV platform

Ford is reviving the Escape as an electric vehicle based on the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, with production expected to start in 2029. The new EV Escape will be similar in size to the outgoing gas model. The UEV platform will also underpin the Fathom electric pickup, which is set to launch in 2027.

Why it matters: The revival of the Escape as an EV highlights Ford's continued investment in electric vehicle technology and its plans for a sustainable future.

Electrek

The Ford Escape may return as an EV based on the UEV platform [Update]

Ford may revive the Escape as an electric vehicle based on the UEV platform, according to a report from Ford Authority. The company has not confirmed the plans, but the Escape's landing page suggests it may be taking a break rather than being discontinued. The Fathom, Ford's first UEV-based vehicle, is set to launch in 2027.

Why it matters: The potential return of the Escape as an EV could provide consumers with more options in the compact SUV market.

Electrek

BYD (BYDDY) Q3 profit jumps 28% on exports, but inventory balloons 60%

BYD's Q3 profit jumped 28% year-over-year to ¥10.02 billion, driven by exports, but inventory increased 60% and cash reserves shrunk by almost half. The company's revenue grew for the first time in four quarters, but still fell short of analyst expectations. BYD's sales in Q3 were led by exports, with 550,704 vehicles shipped outside of China, up 137% from the previous year.

Why it matters: The significant increase in exports and revenue growth may indicate a shift in BYD's business strategy, but the company's inventory and cash reserves remain a concern.

InsideEVs

Driving The Cheapest Lucid Air For 40,000 Miles Came With A Few Surprises

A reviewer drove a base model Lucid Air for 40,000 miles, finding it to deliver the same features as more expensive trims. The vehicle's performance and quality were not compromised despite its lower price. The reviewer was surprised by the car's capabilities.

Why it matters: This review provides insight into the capabilities of the base model Lucid Air, which may be a more affordable option for some buyers.

Electrek

New Trek e-bike is first to get Bosch’s new motor with a major power upgrade

Trek has released an updated version of its Marlin+ electric mountain bike, featuring Bosch's new Active Line Plus motor with 600 watts of power and 60 Nm of torque. The motor is paired with up to 340% pedal assistance and is designed to provide a smooth, natural-feeling ride. The bike is available for $2,999.

Why it matters: This upgrade makes the Marlin+ a more appealing option for riders who want a capable e-bike without the high cost of a high-performance model.

InsideEVs

The 2027 Kia EV9 Gets Some Standard Features That Used To Be Optional

The 2027 Kia EV9 has updated pricing and feature availability. The base price has increased by $90. The mid-spec Land trim has gained some standard features that were previously optional.

Why it matters: This change may impact buyers' purchasing decisions, particularly those considering the mid-spec Land trim.

InsideEVs

Toyota’s New Hybrids And Plug-In Hybrids Will Be 15% More Efficient

Toyota has developed a new engine for electrified powertrains, aiming for higher efficiency. The new engine is designed to improve performance and reduce fuel consumption. The engine is intended for use in Toyota's hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Why it matters: This development may lead to improved fuel economy and reduced emissions in Toyota's hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Teslarati

Tesla’s Roadster appearance at SpaceX has merger watchers talking

Tesla's next-generation Roadster was spotted at SpaceX's headquarters in Hawthorne, California, two weeks after its unveiling in Texas. The car was parked beside the Falcon 9 rocket that stands outside the company's headquarters. The Roadster uses cold gas thrusters, the same type used by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

Why it matters: This display highlights the collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, which is reportedly considering a merger.

Electrek

When one door closes: Polestar 2 production ends, and what might come next

Polestar has ended production of the Polestar 2, a car that helped establish the brand, with over 200,000 units built since 2020. The company is shifting focus to new models, including an updated Polestar 2 in 2027 and a Polestar 7 SUV in 2028. The US market will not receive the updated Polestar 2.

Why it matters: This marks the end of an era for Polestar's first model, but US customers may still be able to find deals on the Polestar 3 and 4 models.

Electrek

BYD now has 1.02 million workers, more than Toyota, GM, Ford, and Tesla combined

BYD has 1.02 million employees, surpassing the combined workforce of Toyota, GM, Ford, and Tesla. The company's workforce has grown by 150,000 in 10 months, with 960,000 employees in China and 60,000 abroad. BYD's workforce includes 120,000 R&D engineers.

Why it matters: This rapid growth highlights BYD's vertical integration strategy and its significant workforce expansion in China.

Teslarati

Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are trying to shut Starlink out before FCC vote

Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are asking the FCC to remove 290 MHz of spectrum from a proposal that would allow satellite companies like SpaceX to offer cell service directly to phones. The carriers argue that satellite operations in the affected bands are not technically feasible and could interfere with their existing networks. The FCC is set to vote on the proposal on Thursday.

Why it matters: The outcome of the vote could impact the future of satellite-based mobile services in the US.

Electrek

Dutch startup Elysian says electric flight may be closer than you think

Dutch startup Elysian Aircraft is developing an all-electric airliner, the E9X, which can carry 90-100 passengers up to 1,000 km. The company claims the plane can reduce emissions to zero for half of the world's flights, and 20% of total in-flight emissions. The E9X has completed a conceptual design review and a scaled demonstrator has flown with Germany's DLR aerospace research center.

Why it matters: The E9X could potentially reduce in-flight emissions by 20% and make electric flight more viable for commercial airlines.

InsideEVs

This New Bio-Inspired Membrane Could Make Lithium Extraction Much Cleaner

Researchers have developed a new membrane inspired by nature that could potentially make lithium extraction from brine more efficient and environmentally friendly. The membrane uses a bio-inspired approach to separate lithium from other minerals in the brine. Further testing is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Why it matters: This technology could reduce the environmental impact of lithium mining and make battery production more sustainable.

Electrek

Used EVs are suddenly hot sellers — Here are the top SUVs for under $25,000

Used electric vehicle sales rose to a record 3.3% of total used vehicle sales in September, with popular models like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E selling for under $25,000. The Chevrolet Equinox EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Volkswagen ID.4 are among the top used electric SUVs available for under $25,000. Edmunds recommends upgrading to higher trims for added features and improved range.

Why it matters: This trend suggests that buyers are increasingly prioritizing fuel efficiency and lower costs, driving demand for used electric vehicles.

InsideEVs

The EU Just Hit A Historic Milestone: EVs Outsold Gas And Diesel Cars Combined

Electric vehicle (EV) sales have surpassed those of gas and diesel cars in the European Union. This milestone was achieved due to a significant increase in EV sales across nearly every EU country. EV sales are expected to continue growing.

Why it matters: This shift in sales trends highlights the growing adoption of electric vehicles in the EU and its potential impact on the region's transportation sector.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Considered Other Innovative Ways to Color the Cybercab

Tesla considered alternative methods to color the Cybercab, including in-mold lamination and film-over-panel approaches, before settling on reaction injection molding (RIM). RIM allows for fast and cost-effective coloring of panels with different shapes. The process eliminates the need for a traditional paint shop.

Why it matters: This approach could enable Tesla to build the Cybercab at a faster rate and reduce its environmental footprint.

Electrek

Dems introduce new $15,000 EV tax credit bill that has no chance — and that’s a problem

Rep. Greg Landsman introduced a new bill to revive and double the federal EV tax credit, offering up to $15,000 on new and $8,000 on used electric vehicles, but it has little chance of becoming law. The bill, the 21st Century Vehicle Choice Act, would make the credits permanent and remove expiration dates. The bill has not gained any cosponsors and has been referred to three House committees.

Why it matters: The bill's introduction could lead to a delay in EV sales as buyers wait for the potential new credits, potentially hurting the market it aims to help.

Not a Tesla App

New Bill Would Bring Back U.S. EV Tax Credit, Doubled to $15K

A new bill, the 21st Century Vehicle Choice Act, has been introduced in the US House of Representatives to revive the federal EV tax credit, doubling its value to $15,000 for new and used EVs. The bill would also increase the credit for EV charging equipment and maintain the same structure as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The bill has been referred to House committees and would need to pass both chambers and be signed into law to take effect.

Why it matters: The bill could make electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for American families, potentially leading to increased adoption of EVs.

Electrek

Volkswagen’s EV battery recall reaches over 85,000, with Audi now included

Volkswagen's EV battery recall has expanded to include Audi's Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron vehicles, affecting 85,402 vehicles globally. The recall is due to a risk of battery overheating and potential fires when charged to over 80% of its limit. Owners are advised to limit charging to 80% until a remedy is available.

Why it matters: This recall highlights the ongoing safety concerns with certain electric vehicle batteries and the need for manufacturers to address these issues promptly.

InsideEVs

South Korean Police Are Cracking Down On Tesla Owners Jailbreaking FSD

South Korean police are cracking down on Tesla owners who are jailbreaking Full Self-Driving (FSD) software on their vehicles. This is because only Tesla vehicles built in the US are eligible for FSD. Owners of Chinese-built Teslas in South Korea are unlocking the feature illegally.

Why it matters: This crackdown highlights the challenges of regional software restrictions and the potential consequences for owners who attempt to bypass them.

Electrek

Jackery sale drops HomePower 2000 Plus v2 400W solar bundle to $1,479, Yozma IN 11 electric dirt bike exclusive $1,399 low, more

Jackery's Halloween Sale offers up to $2,060 off power stations, with a notable bundle of the HomePower 2000 Plus v2 2,048Wh Power Station with 2x 200W solar panels for $1,479. Yozma's IN 11 electric dirt bike is also discounted to $1,399 with a free $299 gift box. Tenways' CGO600 Pro e-bike is back to its $1,499 low price with a free $118 bundle of gear. Greenworks' 40V pole saw kit is also on sale for $136.99.

Why it matters: These deals offer significant savings on popular products for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness.

Teslarati

Tesla Semi catches fire in California: what we know

A Tesla Semi caught fire on I-880 in Hayward, California, causing a shutdown of both directions of traffic for several hours. The fire occurred on Tuesday evening, and the cause is currently unknown. The incident did not result in any injuries.

Why it matters: This incident highlights the potential risks associated with large commercial vehicle fires on U.S. roadways, which occur an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 times per year.

Electrek

Kia’s PV5 electric campervan has two beds and a fully equipped kitchen [Images]

Kia's electric campervan, the PV5 i-Camper, has two double beds and a fully equipped kitchen. The campervan is based on the PV5 Cargo Plus and features a 200 W solar panel and a lithium leisure battery. The vehicle is available for viewing in the UK, with a starting price of £63,000.

Why it matters: The PV5 i-Camper offers a compact and self-sufficient camping solution for those looking for an electric campervan.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Semi Catches Fire on the Highway [VIDEOS]

A Tesla Semi caught fire on Interstate 880 in Hayward, California, shutting down the freeway for hours. The fire started around 5:35 p.m. and was caused by the lithium-ion battery. The driver was not injured and no other vehicles were involved.

Why it matters: The incident highlights the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, particularly in commercial fleets.

InsideEVs

Do Those Funky Tesla Wheel Covers Actually Boost Range?

Tesla owners have been using Haloblk wheel covers to give their vehicles a disc wheel appearance without the cost of replacing the original wheels. However, testing has shown that these covers do not provide a range boost. The covers are made of a lightweight material and are designed to reduce drag.

Why it matters: This finding may be important for Tesla owners who were considering purchasing the wheel covers for their supposed range benefits.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla Driver Accidentally Uses Emergency Drive Away [VIDEO]

A Tesla driver accidentally used the Emergency Drive Away feature at a Supercharger in Austin, Texas, while still connected to the charging cable. The driver tapped through prompts on the touchscreen and drove away, causing damage to the charge port. The incident was captured on video and shared on Reddit.

Why it matters: This incident highlights the importance of carefully reading and confirming prompts on Tesla's touchscreen to avoid accidental use of the Emergency Drive Away feature.