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Tesla & Electric Vehicles

Tesla, autonomy, charging and the wider EV market.

Electrek

Tesla’s rocket-shaped Robotaxi map in Houston is partly ‘fake’

Tesla's Robotaxi service area in Houston includes parts of downtown where the service won't actually pick up, according to a former Tesla employee and creator of Robotaxi Tracker. The service area was expanded to resemble a rocket shape, but the actual pickup and drop-off locations are limited. A test ride showed a 40-minute trip to travel two blocks.

Why it matters: This issue highlights the discrepancy between advertised and actual service areas for autonomous vehicle services, which can impact user experience and trust in the technology.

Electrek

CATL pushes ahead with 20 Ah solid-state EV batteries, with 500 Wh/kg in sight

CATL has achieved 20 Ah solid-state battery cells, with plans to begin small-scale production in 2027 and reach 500 Wh/kg energy density. The company aims to maintain its leading position in the global EV battery market. CATL is investing heavily in solid-state and sodium-ion battery development, promising safer, more efficient, and lower-cost batteries.

Why it matters: This development is significant for EV manufacturers and consumers as it could lead to improved battery performance, longer driving ranges, and faster charging speeds.

Electrek

Tesla confirms Vietnam entry to take on VinFast and its 36% market share

Tesla has confirmed its entry into the Vietnamese market, with job openings for sales, service, and charging project development roles. The company has registered a local subsidiary in Ho Chi Minh City and is hiring to prepare for a potential launch. VinFast, the local all-electric automaker, currently holds a 36% market share in Vietnam.

Why it matters: This development could impact the Vietnamese electric vehicle market, potentially disrupting VinFast's dominance.

Electrek

Ford casts 5,000 ‘unicastings’ for Fathom EV truck in Tesla-style shift

Ford has produced over 5,000 large aluminum 'unicastings' for its upcoming Fathom electric pickup truck, replacing 146 individual parts with two castings per truck. The unicastings are made at Ford's Shelbyville Technical Center and will be shipped to the Louisville Assembly Plant for testing and prototype builds. The process involves melting aluminum ingots at 1,300°F and injecting them into molds, followed by inspection and testing.

Why it matters: Ford's use of unicastings could potentially reduce the cost and complexity of its electric vehicle production.

Electrek

New retro electric motorcycle to debut at EICMA with a novel feature: a second gear

E-Motiv Shift Systems is developing a two-speed transmission for electric motorcycles that maintains torque during gear changes, promising improved acceleration and efficiency. The technology, called a seamless powershift transmission, is set to be showcased at EICMA in Milan. The project was funded by a £1 million UK government grant.

Why it matters: This technology could potentially offer electric motorcycles improved performance and efficiency without adding weight or complexity.

Electrek

Tesla Semi catches fire on I-880 with no crash, closes freeway for 10 hours

A Tesla Semi caught fire on I-880 in Hayward, California, without a crash, causing a 10-hour freeway closure. The driver escaped unhurt. The fire is under investigation. The incident is the second Tesla Semi fire to shut down a California interstate in about two years.

Why it matters: The incident highlights the need for Tesla to investigate the cause of the fire and ensure the safety of its electric trucks.

Teslarati

Tesla’s ‘Emergency Drive Away’ function gets its first use in the real world

A Tesla owner accidentally activated the 'Emergency Drive Away' feature while charging at a Supercharger in Austin, causing damage to the car and the charger. The feature is designed to allow drivers to quickly leave a charging area in emergency situations. The incident occurred during the F1 race weekend in Austin.

Why it matters: This incident highlights the potential risks and consequences of using the Emergency Drive Away feature, which can result in costly repairs if not used properly.

InsideEVs

This 400 kW EV Charger Uses Old EV Batteries To Avoid Costly Grid Upgrades

Allye has developed a 400 kW DC fast charger that can operate with a 16A grid connection, enabling rapid deployment in depots and temporary sites. This eliminates the need for costly grid upgrades. The charger can be energized in hours, rather than months.

Why it matters: This technology can reduce the time and cost associated with deploying fast charging infrastructure.

InsideEVs

A YouTuber Turned An Old BMW i3 Into A Tiny Pickup Truck For $8,000

A YouTuber converted an old BMW i3 into a small pickup truck for $8,000. The conversion involved modifying the vehicle's body and adding a bed. The project was completed before electric pickup trucks from other manufacturers are set to arrive in the market.

Why it matters: This DIY conversion shows that electric pickup trucks can be created with existing technology and on a relatively low budget.

InsideEVs

Rivian Is Selling More Vans Than R1S And R1T EVs Combined

Rivian's electric van outsold the R1S and R1T models in the third quarter, becoming the fourth-best-selling EV in the US. The van's sales surpassed those of its competitors. The van's sales performance is notable.

Why it matters: This indicates strong demand for the electric van and Rivian's ability to meet that demand.

Electrek

Bosch’s popular e-bike motor just got upgraded with more power and less weight

Bosch has updated its Active Line Plus e-bike motor with increased power, reduced weight, and a smaller footprint. The new motor produces up to 600 watts of peak power and 60 Nm of torque. The motor's design has been improved with a new two-stage gearbox and updated sensors.

Why it matters: The updated motor is likely to make a bigger difference for average commuters and recreational riders who prioritize convenience and effectiveness over peak performance.

Teslarati

Tesla’s Cybercab battery design could make robotaxis even cheaper

Tesla designed the Cybercab's battery pack with spare room for a future switch to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, which could make robotaxis cheaper. The extra space allows Tesla to add more LFP cells to compensate for their lower energy density. The Cybercab's battery pack is also designed to be modular and repairable, reducing service costs.

Why it matters: This design could lead to cost savings for Tesla's robotaxi service, potentially making it more competitive in the market.

InsideEVs

How Cheap Chinese EVs Are Sneaking Around Europe's Tariffs

A Chinese online car marketplace discovered a loophole to import used electric vehicles from China to Europe, bypassing tariffs. The loophole involves selling the vehicles as 'used' rather than 'new' imports. This allows the vehicles to enter the European market at a lower cost.

Why it matters: This development could make electric vehicles more affordable for European consumers.

Electrek

Renewables to reach 40% of total generating capacity, beat gas within a year – EIA

Renewables' share of total generating capacity is expected to grow from 37.7% to 40.4% over the coming year, surpassing natural gas and outstripping nuclear capacity fivefold. Renewables generated 10.2% more electricity year over year in the first two-thirds of 2026. The growth was led by utility-scale solar, small-scale solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal.

Why it matters: This shift towards renewables has significant implications for the US energy landscape and could lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

InsideEVs

'A Weird Religious Stance:' GM Exec Says Ditching Radar For Self-Driving 'Ignores Physics'

GM's chief product officer expressed skepticism about Tesla's camera-only approach to autonomous driving, stating that it ignores physics. The executive believes radar is essential for safe and reliable self-driving technology. Tesla's approach uses cameras and sensors to navigate roads.

Why it matters: This statement highlights a fundamental disagreement between two major players in the autonomous driving industry.

Electrek

BYD’s $10,000 EV blows a tire at nearly 90 mph — Watch what happens

BYD has updated its Seagull electric car with a high-speed tire blowout system, a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, and a more powerful electric motor. The second-generation Seagull is available in China starting at around $9,500. The vehicle has a range of up to 420 km (261 miles) and can charge from 10% to 97% in nine minutes.

Why it matters: The updated Seagull offers improved safety features and performance at an affordable price point, making it a competitive option in the electric vehicle market.

Electrek

Rivian electric van spotted in Walmart+ livery, hinting at a fleet deal

A Rivian electric van wrapped in Walmart+ branding was spotted on a car hauler in northwest Indiana, suggesting a potential fleet deal between the two companies. The van is Rivian's Commercial Van, which has been used by Amazon Prime. Walmart has been looking for a new electric van supplier after its previous two suppliers, Canoo and BrightDrop, ceased operations.

Why it matters: This could be a significant development for Rivian, as a deal with Walmart would provide the company with a major customer and help prove the viability of its electric van platform beyond its partnership with Amazon.

InsideEVs

Tesla's Cybercab Fixes A Big Repairability Problem With Its Structural Batteries

Tesla has redesigned the structural battery pack in its Cybercab, addressing a previous criticism of the Model Y's pack. The new design is easier to manufacture and more repairable. The changes aim to improve the overall durability of the vehicle.

Why it matters: This redesign could make the Cybercab a more reliable and cost-effective option for customers.

Not a Tesla App

Goodbye AI4, Hello SI4: Tesla Renames Its FSD Computers

Tesla has updated its Owner's Manual to replace 'FSD Computer' with 'SI Computer', indicating a potential name change for the Full Self-Driving (FSD) computer in its vehicles. The change affects the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck manuals. The new name is expected to be applied to future hardware, including the upcoming AI5 chip.

Why it matters: This change may indicate that Tesla is preparing to officially rename its FSD computers, which could have implications for vehicle owners and enthusiasts.

Electrek

Volkswagen’s EV recall spreads to Audi, and owners are told to stop at 80% charge

Volkswagen's electric vehicle recall has expanded to include Audi's Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron models, affecting over 9,000 vehicles. Owners are being told to limit charging to 80% of the battery's capacity due to the risk of thermal propagation and potential battery fire. The recall is related to a previously issued recall for Volkswagen's ID.4 model.

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

Electrek

Waymo adds nearly 250 square miles of robotaxi coverage in 5 cities

Waymo is expanding its driverless taxi service area by nearly 250 square miles across five cities: Los Angeles, Nashville, Orlando, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The expansion brings the total service area to 1,650 square miles. The updated maps are now available in the Waymo app.

Why it matters: This expansion increases the availability of Waymo's driverless taxi service for residents and visitors in these cities.

InsideEVs

GM Didn't Want Hybrids. Now It's Putting Them In Its Biggest SUVs: Report

General Motors plans to introduce hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, and GMC Acadia. The hybrid models will be added to the company's lineup. The exact timeline for the introduction of the hybrid models is not specified.

Why it matters: This move indicates a shift in GM's strategy to offer more environmentally friendly options to its customers.

Electrek

BMW is going upscale with its first 3-row EV, the iX7

BMW is developing the iX7, a three-row electric SUV that will debut in 2027 and sit at the top of the brand's EV lineup. The iX7 will feature a slimmer Kidney Grille, small door handles, and a one-piece tailgate. The SUV will have a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain and an 800V electrical system for fast charging.

Why it matters: The iX7's features and specifications will be important for luxury electric SUV buyers considering a three-row option.

Electrek

Anker launches ‘world’s longest lasting’ 5,024Wh power station with $2,150 exclusive savings, Lectric XP Lite3 e-bike launch, more

Anker launched its SOLIX S5000 Portable Power Station with a 5,024Wh capacity, available with exclusive savings of up to $2,150. Lectric introduced its XP Lite3 Lightweight Folding e-bikes with bundles starting at $799. Baseus U2 Pro 3K Dual-Lens AI Solar Outdoor Security Camera is on sale for $149.99, down from $280. Autel's 50A Level 2 EV Charger is discounted to $426.

Why it matters: These deals offer significant savings on high-capacity power stations, e-bikes, security cameras, and EV chargers, which can be useful for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to upgrade their home energy infrastructure.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla App to Add X Money Support for Payments

Tesla app code reveals upcoming support for X Money payments, allowing users to pay for purchases and services within the app. X Money is a digital payment platform built into X, allowing users to send and receive money. The feature is already available for reserving the new Roadster.

Why it matters: This update could simplify payment options for Tesla owners and users of the Robotaxi app.

InsideEVs

ChargePoint’s New Charger Can Hit A Whopping 750 kW. That's Not Even Its Best Trick.

ChargePoint has introduced the Express Solo, a high-power DC fast charger capable of delivering up to 750 kW. The charger is designed for easier installation and can dynamically manage power distribution among multiple vehicles. This allows for more efficient use of available power.

Why it matters: The Express Solo's features can help reduce the cost and complexity of high-power charging infrastructure.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla App Code Reveals FSD Referral Rewards Are Coming

Tesla app code reveals an upcoming Full Self-Driving (FSD) referral program that would reward owners with free FSD time for referring others to subscribe. The program would allow owners to choose which vehicle to apply the reward to. The referral rewards are expected to be classified as free FSD trials. The Tesla app has also been updated to support iPad, iPhone Duo, and Android tablets and foldables.

Why it matters: This referral program could help increase FSD subscription numbers, which have already reached a record 1.74 million subscribers.

Electrek

Sykeruns X7 electric dirt bike review: A lot of power for surprisingly little money

The Sykeruns X7 is a compact electric dirt bike with a 5,500W motor and 60V 27Ah battery, offering a top speed of 57 mph and a claimed range of 60 miles. It has a price of $1,699, with a 20% discount available for Electrek readers. The bike features hydraulic disc brakes, inverted suspension fork, and rear monoshock.

Why it matters: This electric dirt bike provides a powerful and affordable option for recreational trail riding.

Electrek

Korean police book 80 Tesla drivers over illegal FSD unlock devices

Korean police have booked 80 people for using aftermarket devices to unlock Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature in cars not authorized to run it in South Korea. The devices, which plug into the car's CAN bus, allow users to bypass regional software locks. The police also seized 21 of the devices.

Why it matters: This crackdown highlights the tension between Tesla's sales of FSD in regions where it's not approved and the potential safety risks associated with using unauthorized software.

Not a Tesla App

Tesla’s Optimus Robot Will Soon Plug In Robotaxis to Charge

Tesla plans to use its Optimus humanoid robots to plug in Robotaxis at Supercharger stations, as the company works on a more automated wireless charging system. Currently, Tesla employees manually plug in the vehicles. The company has already started early production of Optimus robots and plans to deliver them to corporate customers in 2027.

Why it matters: This development could improve the efficiency of Tesla's Robotaxi service by reducing the need for human labor.