Tesla, autonomy, charging and the wider EV market.
General Motors held a tech event to showcase its future plans, including the use of LMR batteries in its vehicles. The company also announced a new AI assistant. Details about the event's specifics were not provided.
Why it matters: The announcement provides insight into GM's plans for future vehicle technology.
EGO Power's commercial division has introduced a range of new electric landscaping equipment, including zero-turn mowers, a commercial-grade leaf blower, and a heavy-duty trimmer. The new products are designed for professional landscapers and are part of EGO's expanded interchangeable battery ecosystem. The equipment is meant to help landscapers manage their energy needs and prepare for future growth.
Why it matters: The new products and battery management system could help landscapers reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs.
Tesla has released an update to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, FSD v14.3.13, and a new version called FSD v14.3 Lite. The update includes various improvements to the system's capabilities, such as better handling of rare and unusual objects, improved traffic light handling, and enhanced driver monitoring. The update also adds new features, including a Halloween-themed mode and the ability to schedule a haunting light show.
Why it matters: This update brings significant improvements to Tesla's Full Self-Driving system, which is a key feature for many Tesla owners, and adds new features that enhance the overall user experience.
Tesla has released a 34-second video showing the cockpit of its next-generation Roadster, featuring a fighter jet-inspired interface with a 5,500 PSI thruster gauge. The video showcases the car's touchscreen and various controls, including Track Mode telemetry and aero settings. The Roadster's layout is distinct from Tesla's other vehicles, with the car at the center of the home page.
Why it matters: The video provides a detailed look at the Roadster's user interface and features, which may influence consumer decisions and expectations for the vehicle.
GM has partnered with Peak Energy to develop sodium-ion battery cells for grid-scale energy storage projects. The partnership will focus on developing the cells in GM's Michigan battery labs, with Peak Energy integrating them into its battery storage systems. The companies aim to create a lower-cost alternative to lithium-ion batteries for grid applications.
Why it matters: This partnership could lead to more cost-effective and reliable energy storage solutions for utilities and data centers.
Tim drove the BMW iX5, Mack tested Geely EVs, and the hosts discussed General Motors' technology plans and Tesla's upcoming Roadster deliveries.
Why it matters: These updates provide insight into the latest developments in the electric vehicle market and the strategies of major automakers.
Hyundai's IONIQ 5 is the most popular EV in the US outside of Tesla, with a lease deal starting at $359/month. The IONIQ 5 is available in two trims, with a standard-range model starting at $35,250 and an extended-range model starting at $37,750. The IONIQ 5 has a 24-month lease option with $4,999 due at signing.
Why it matters: This lease deal makes the IONIQ 5 a more affordable option for those looking for a compact electric SUV.
The Electrek Podcast will discuss Tesla's earnings, the new BYD Seagull, and a Mustang Mach-E update in its latest episode. The podcast is live on YouTube every Friday at 4 p.m. ET. The episode will be archived on YouTube and podcast apps after the show ends.
Why it matters: The podcast provides an in-depth analysis of the latest news and developments in the sustainable transport and energy sector.
Tesla Supercharger prices have increased by 15% over the past year, with non-members now paying an average of $0.569 per kWh. The price hike has contributed to a 2% increase in the overall average price of EV fast charging in the US. The higher prices are due to Tesla's expanding Supercharger network and increased demand from non-Tesla drivers.
Why it matters: The price increase may impact non-Tesla EV owners who rely on Superchargers for public fast charging, potentially adding around $66 more per year to their expenses.
Anker's SOLIX Spooktacular Halloween Sale offers discounts on various products, including the C2000 Gen 2 Power Station, ENGWE's L16 Utility e-bike, and Greenworks 80V 20-inch Cordless Snow Blower. The sale includes free gifts and exclusive savings codes. The C2000 Gen 2 Power Station is available for $1,519, down from its MSRP of $2,199. The L16 Utility e-bike is available for $649 with a free rear basket, and the Greenworks snow blower is available for $449.99.
Why it matters: These deals provide significant savings for customers looking to purchase power stations, e-bikes, and outdoor equipment.
BYD's Yangwang brand is launching a new luxury electric sedan with coach doors and a design similar to the Rolls-Royce Phantom. The vehicle will be the brand's largest and most luxurious model, with a global launch planned in the UAE. The sedan will feature BYD's solid-state batteries and support megawatt flash charging.
Why it matters: This launch marks BYD's entry into the ultra-luxury segment, challenging established brands like Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Maybach.
Tesla has informed Australian and New Zealand reservation holders that the Cybertruck will not be available in their countries. The company has been accepting deposits for the vehicle since 2019. The reason for the change in plans is not specified.
Why it matters: This decision affects customers who have been waiting for the Cybertruck for seven years and have made financial commitments to purchase the vehicle.
Tesla has started building production-quality Optimus robots at its Fremont factory, with a goal of producing 20,000 robots per week. The company has set up a high-volume production line for the robots, which will be used for tasks such as manufacturing and assembly. Tesla plans to refine the robot's AI and design over the next year before delivering it to outside companies.
Why it matters: This development is significant for companies looking to automate repetitive and dangerous tasks.
Rivian acquired a 15-person UK startup called Third Dimension, which specializes in generating 3D environments from real-world data, to improve its self-driving system testing and validation. The startup's technology will be used to recreate real-world scenes in 3D, allowing Rivian to test its autonomous driving systems more efficiently. Rivian will use the startup's technology to process over 400,000 daily clips of driving footage.
Why it matters: This acquisition will help Rivian accelerate the development of its autonomous driving technology and improve its chances of meeting its 2028 autonomy milestones.
Tesla has canceled Cybertruck reservations in Australia and New Zealand, citing inability to fulfill orders. The decision is due to the low demand for a right-hand drive version of the vehicle. Reservation holders will receive a full refund and a complimentary one-year FSD subscription if they order a new Model 3 or Model Y by 2026.
Why it matters: This move highlights the challenges Tesla faces in adapting its production line for low-demand markets.
Volvo is launching a new electric vehicle in 2027 based on its SPA3 platform, targeting a lower-priced market segment in Europe. The new vehicle is expected to be an SUV and will be the second electric car based on the SPA3 platform. The company plans to reveal three new vehicles in 2027, including one for Europe and two for China.
Why it matters: This new vehicle is significant for readers who are considering purchasing an affordable electric vehicle in the European market.
Tesla plans to launch unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Q2 2027, allowing owners to join the Robotaxi network. The feature will be released as part of FSD v15, which will increase neural network parameters from 1 billion to 10 billion. Initially, unsupervised FSD will be limited to select areas in the US, such as Austin, where the Robotaxi service was first launched.
Why it matters: This development brings Tesla closer to its goal of widespread autonomous driving and potentially significant revenue from its Robotaxi service.
Getting its first EV right wasn't easy, but it was important.
Volvo's EX60 electric vehicle has received over 50,000 orders in Europe since production began in April, but the company is struggling to ramp up production due to new industrial technology. The production ramp-up is taking longer than planned, but volumes are steadily improving. Volvo initially expected to sell 7,000 EX60s in the US by the end of 2026, but is now on pace to deliver a fraction of that.
Why it matters: The production delays and limited availability of the EX60 may impact Volvo's turnaround plan and its ability to lower its break-even point and improve cash flow.
The 2026 Lexus ES 350e is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that offers a refined and comfortable driving experience. It is designed to reduce stress on long road trips. The vehicle's performance and features have been improved compared to previous models.
Why it matters: The 2026 Lexus ES 350e is a notable example of Toyota's electric vehicle development, offering a practical and refined option for those considering a plug-in hybrid.
Tesla has cancelled the Cybertruck for Australia and New Zealand, with reservation holders receiving emails informing them that their orders are void and deposits will be refunded. The cancellation comes after seven years of waiting for the electric pickup, which was initially reserved in November 2019. Tesla is offering a free one-year subscription to FSD (Supervised) to reservation holders who order a new Model 3 or Model Y instead.
Why it matters: This cancellation highlights the challenges Tesla faces in expanding its Cybertruck production to international markets, particularly those requiring right-hand drive vehicles.
Tesla's proposed $10 billion solar factory in Texas could receive up to 35 years of tax breaks on equipment, pending certain conditions. The agreements were approved by Fort Bend County commissioners. The factory, dubbed 'Project Crystal Sun', is expected to start commercial production in Q1 2029. The agreements cover a Chapter 312 tax abatement, a Chapter 381 incentive agreement, a foreign trade zone deal, and a 'true up' PILOT agreement. Tesla must meet certain conditions, including starting construction by June 30, 2027, and investing $10 billion by December 31, 2031, to receive the tax breaks.
Why it matters: The tax breaks could significantly reduce Tesla's costs and make the project more financially viable.
Kia plans to launch an electric vehicle called EV3 in Canada, priced under $40,000. The EV3 is a subcompact hatchback. Kia aims to compete with affordable Chinese electric vehicles in the Canadian market.
Why it matters: This move could provide Canadian consumers with more affordable electric vehicle options.
The Wheel-E podcast discussed new e-bikes from Lectric and Priority, a friction drive kit, and other news from the world of electric bikes and non-traditional electric vehicles. The podcast covered a review of Xtracycle's Swoop ASM cargo e-bike and Yozma's new IN11 mini emoto. A record-breaking Zero Motorcycle ride was also mentioned.
Why it matters: The podcast provides a summary of the latest developments in the e-bike industry, which may be of interest to enthusiasts and potential buyers.
Yozma has released the IN 11, an updated version of their mini e-moto with a 4.5kW motor, 1.4kWh battery, and 45mph top speed. The IN 11 is more closely specced to the IN 10 Pro and features a magnetic kill switch and brake lights. The bike is more solid and easier to assemble than previous models.
Why it matters: The Yozma IN 11 is a significant update to the mini e-moto market, offering improved performance and safety features.
CapMetro has opened two new park-and-ride facilities in Austin, Texas, featuring overhead pantograph-style wired charging equipment for its electric bus fleet. The facilities, Goodnight Ranch and Expo Center, are part of the agency's efforts to support its growing fleet of electric transit buses. The charging infrastructure is designed to support overnight charging for up to 48 buses simultaneously.
Why it matters: This development enables more efficient and frequent electric bus service, reducing range anxiety and increasing the overall reliability of the transit system.
Tesla has released an update to its app, version 4.62, which adds support for tablets and foldable phones, introduces FSD referral rewards, and includes various other features such as X Money support and Halloween Mode.
Why it matters: The update aims to improve the user experience and make it easier for Tesla owners to manage their vehicles and charging needs.
NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel estimated 22 Starship launches are needed for a Moon landing, but Elon Musk disputes this, predicting 6-8 launches will be sufficient. The disagreement stems from differing estimates of the amount of propellant needed for the mission. Musk's estimate assumes a more capable Starship rocket than the one NASA is currently working with.
Why it matters: The number of Starship launches required for a Moon landing affects the mission's timeline, cost, and risk of delays or accidents.
Tesla's Q3 earnings call revealed more product delays, including Full Self Driving, which is still at least six months away. Porsche, BMW, and Liebherr announced innovations to speed up EV charging. The companies are working on new technologies to eliminate range anxiety.
Why it matters: These developments could impact the adoption and usability of electric vehicles.
Chery has announced a 1.44 megawatt charging system that can deliver 500km (311 miles) of range in 5 minutes. The system, called CheryMind, uses AI to adjust charging power based on temperature changes. Chery plans to install 100 chargers in 10 Chinese cities and 20,000 stations worldwide by 2029.
Why it matters: This development highlights the ongoing competition among Chinese companies to create faster and more efficient charging systems for electric vehicles.
