Tesla releases new software update with improvements to adaptive headlights, and more
Today, Tesla announced the start of the rollout of its 2024.20 software update, bringing exciting new features to its vehicles.
The main new feature is the enhancement of the adaptive headlights for vehicles equipped with matrix LED headlights.
Now, the headlights can adapt to curves in the road ahead and illuminate more when driving on a highway.
Tesla is also bringing improvements to its air conditioning system when using the auto mode.
This includes faster cooling of the cabin and better regulation of the HV Battery temperature for enhanced Supercharger performance.
These improvements will also result in quieter climate control for the Cybertruck.
In addition to these improvements, Tesla has introduced a fun new feature to ‘Tesla Arcade’,
allowing gamers to compete in Beach Buggy Racing at Supercharger stations and set records on a leaderboard specific to those locations.
Tesla is starting to roll out the update now, but it may take some time before it reaches the entire fleet.
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Range Rover’s first electric SUV gets faster charging and more range with new battery tech
Range Rover revealed the first images of its long-awaited fully electric SUV last month, generating strong interest ahead of its official launch later this year.
After a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the Range Rover Electric will feature Fortescue’s advanced EV battery software, claimed to boost range with faster charging speeds.
The vehicle is undergoing extreme weather testing in places like the Arctic Circle and deserts of the Middle East.
It features a new traction control system designed to enhance performance in slippery conditions.
JLR signed a multi-year deal to use software from Elysia, an EV battery tech spinoff from Fortescue, to improve battery longevity, safety, and performance.
The company's new partnership is part of its Reimagine strategy that includes electrifying all brands by 2030.
Range Rover’s first electric SUV will launch later this year, competing with the new Porsche Macan EV and other luxury electric SUVs.
More details, including specs and pricing, are expected closer to launch.
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Ford asks dealers to pause EV investments with changes to its EV program coming
Hey there, Ford is making some big changes to its EV program, and it's impacting dealers.
Here's what you need to know.
Ford is planning to update dealers on new changes amid a "rapidly changing EV market."
The company has made several changes to its electric vehicle plans,
including easing requirements and delaying certain commitments.
Dealers were expected to meet certain EV charging requirements soon,
but Ford is pushing back financial commitments.
Ford has asked dealers to pause investments in its EV certification program as new changes are implemented.
Ford is shifting its focus toward smaller, more profitable EVs
and expects next-gen EVs to be profitable within 12 months of launching.
In the meantime, the company plans to introduce more hybrids as it works to develop profitable EVs.
With Ford's EV program changes, the company is aligning its dealer network and aiming to make its EV business profitable.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds.
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Genesis GV80 luxury electric SUV is coming to take on Tesla Model Y and Porsche Macan EV
Genesis GV80 luxury electric SUV to Challenge Tesla Model Y and Porsche Macan EV
Genesis is set to launch a new luxury mid-size electric SUV, the GV80,
that will compete against Tesla’s best-selling Model Y and the Porsche Macan EV.
Genesis to launch new GV80 luxury electric SUV
Genesis plans to begin building the new electric GV80 in the second quarter of 2026,
following the start of production of its flagship GV90, which is scheduled for the first half of next year.
According to TheKoreanCarBlog, Hyundai’s eM platform will offer up to 113.2 kWh batteries,
boosting range to around 700 to 800 kilometers (435 to 497 miles).
Genesis is already outpacing luxury rivals in the US market.
Data from Cox Automotive shows Genesis sold 6,403 EVs in the US last year,
outpacing luxury rivals Lexus and Lucid.
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Rivian leak says R1 getting smaller, cheaper battery and heat pump in ’25
Rivian's 2025 R1T and R1S models are set to undergo significant changes, according to a leaked document.
The most notable updates include a smaller, cheaper battery and the addition of a heat pump for improved cold weather efficiency.
The 2025 models will shift to a lower-capacity lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery,
offering advantages in cost, durability, and sourcing.
This change may lead to a reduction in EPA range, but the new battery is also 152lbs lighter.
Efficiency changes, such as the introduction of new 22-inch aerodynamic wheels and the addition of a heat pump, are expected to impact the vehicle's range.
The heat pump, in particular, will significantly improve cold weather efficiency.
The 2025 models will continue to use CCS for the onboard charge port, with a peak charging capacity of 210kW for the upcoming LFP battery.
Additionally, the new model year will feature a new base trim and a relocated AC compressor to reduce vehicle noise and vibration.
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Hyundai shows off ‘bigger, better, faster’ EVs in new promo video
Get ready to see more Hyundai EVs on your screen as the company showcases its lineup of "bigger, better, faster, smarter" electric vehicles in a new promo video.
The video features the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Kona Electric racing around with new colorful visuals,
highlighting the latest tech and features included in Hyundai's EVs.
Hyundai's commitment to EVs is evident, with a 51% increase in EV sales in the US this year.
The IONIQ 5 was the sixth best-selling EV in the US last year,
and the momentum has continued into 2024.
With the 2024 Hyundai Kona starting at $33,000 and the IONIQ 6 at $37,500,
Hyundai's EV lineup offers some of the lowest prices on the market, with leases starting as low as $189 per month.
Ready to take advantage of these deals? Check out the links below to find deals on the Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Kona Electric at a dealer near you.
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California exceeds 100% of energy demand with renewables over a record 30 days
California Exceeds 100% of Energy Demand with Renewables
California's wind, solar, and hydro sources have exceeded 100% of the state's energy demand
for 69 out of the past 75 days,
marking a significant clean energy milestone.
This achievement is not an anomaly
but a new reality,
with renewables consistently exceeding demand for 0.25-6 hours per day,
a feat never achieved before.
Experts predict that California will achieve 100% net zero electricity by 2045,
with the possibility of reaching this goal a decade earlier.
To make your home more resilient and contribute to the clean energy movement,
consider going solar with a battery storage system.
Visit EnergySage to find trusted solar installers and receive personalized quotes.
Join the movement towards a sustainable future with renewable energy.
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Is this the interior of Tesla’s upcoming ‘Robotaxi’
Hey there, Tesla fans!
Today, we're diving into the latest buzz around Tesla's upcoming 'Robotaxi'
and a potential sneak peek at its interior.
Tesla recently released a video showcasing a never-before-seen vehicle interior,
sparking speculation about whether it's a glimpse of the highly anticipated Robotaxi.
Elon Musk has been vocal about Tesla's commitment to self-driving technology,
with the Robotaxi designed from the ground up to be fully autonomous, lacking a steering wheel and pedals.
The intriguing image reveals a two-seater vehicle with a unique interior
resembling public transit seating, along with a center display similar to current Tesla models.
What do you think? Could this be an early concept of the Tesla Robotaxi's interior?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Stay tuned as Tesla gears up to unveil the 'Robotaxi' on August 8th,
with plans to bring it to market as soon as next year.
Exciting times ahead for the world of autonomous vehicles!
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Toyota to launch a Prius-like bZ3C electric crossover, but you can’t have it
Toyota is set to launch a new all-electric crossover, the bZ3C,
designed as a fun, spacious EV with a focus on creating a fun personal space for younger Gen Z buyers.
The bZ3C will be launched in China as a new rival to BYD.
The concept's interior is based on a mobile "Cozy Home"
and will feature Toyota's latest driver-assist systems and smart cockpits.
Toyota is targeting younger buyers to compete in the Chinese market after losing market share to other EV makers.
The company is also preparing another large electric SUV for the US market,
in addition to the already announced three-row EV.
This move comes as part of Toyota's recent $1.4 billion investment in its Princeton, Kentucky plant.
The company is also considering electric Tacoma and Tundra models for the US market.
Toyota's new bZ3C electric SUV is designed for the Chinese market,
but the company is also planning to introduce new electric SUV models in the US.
Stay tuned for more updates on Toyota's electric vehicle lineup.
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GM says EV hurdles are ‘not an issue now’ as new models roll out
GM's CEO Mary Barra says that the company's EV hurdles are a thing of the past as new models like the Chevy Equinox, Blazer, and Silverado EVs hit the market.
GM aims to build 200,000 to 300,000 EVs this year,
about 20 times more than in 2024,
but still short of its previous 400K EV sales target through mid-2024.
CEO Mary Barra and CFO Paul Jacobson believe that the challenges in scaling up EV production are behind them.
GM has several important all-electric models rolling out this year,
including the Chevy Equinox EV and significantly lower-priced Blazer EV models.
The new entry-level Blazer EV will compete against Tesla’s best-selling Model Y,
while the Equinox EV is being marketed as the "most affordable EV" in its class.
GM's new electric models are set to make a significant impact in the EV market,
providing more options for consumers and potentially reducing reliance on Tesla.
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Toyota preps first electric pickup, the Hilux BEV, following BYD Shark PHEV truck launch
Toyota is preparing to produce its first electric pickup, the Hilux BEV, in Thailand by the end of next year.
The Hilux, already sold in 180 countries, is the perfect model to go all-electric.
Toyota has been teasing an all-electric version for some time, and the company has confirmed that the Hilux EV will roll out by the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, Chinese automaker BYD has launched its first pickup, the Shark PHEV, with a 100 km all-electric range.
The Shark's fuel consumption is 40% lower than that of a full gas-powered engine truck.
BYD plans to take the pickup globally, and it's expected to be a direct rival to Toyota's top-selling Hilux pickup.
Japanese automakers like Toyota are facing strong competition from Chinese automakers like BYD, MG, and GWM in Thailand's rapidly evolving auto market.
BYD was Thailand’s best-selling EV brand last year, and Toyota will need to hurry to keep up with the changing landscape.
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Volkswagen to go solo on affordable EVs after ending talks with Renault
Volkswagen to go solo on affordable EVs after ending talks with Renault
Volkswagen has decided to go solo on affordable electric vehicles
after ending talks with Renault, according to sources.
The decision comes after talks between the two automakers
to build a low-cost electric version of the Twingo fell through.
Volkswagen is now focused on developing its own affordable electric car,
with the VW ID 2all expected to start under $27,000 (€25,000)
and offer up to 279 miles (450 km) range.
As European automakers aim to fend off competition from Chinese rivals like BYD,
it's clear that affordable EVs are still a priority.
Volkswagen and Renault may be going their separate ways,
but the race for affordable electric vehicles is far from over.
Stay tuned for more updates.
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Tesla drops Steam gaming support inside its vehicles
Hey there, Tesla enthusiasts!
Today, we're diving into the recent news about Tesla dropping Steam gaming support in its vehicles.
However, new Model S and Model X buyers have been informed
that they won’t have access to Steam gaming inside their electric vehicles.
Tesla officially launched its Steam Beta native app in new Model S and Model X vehicles in late 2022,
but the automaker has now updated the gaming computer in these vehicles,
rendering them incapable of playing Steam games.
It seems that Tesla saw limited usage of Steam inside its vehicles
made the decision to drop the feature.
Some users, like Blake, have found this decision "riveting."
Others have pointed out that Tesla has a history of dropping existing apps in new vehicles
while keeping them in vehicles already delivered.
Electrek has expressed that while the idea was interesting,
gaming inside a Tesla may be better suited for a mobile gaming device due to the vehicle's limited gaming capabilities.
Rehired Tesla Supercharger manager beautifully explains why he came back
Rehired Tesla Supercharger Manager Explains Return
George Bahadue, Sr. Manager of Site Acquisition and Business Development for Tesla’s Commercial Charging,
beautifully explains why he returned to Tesla after being rehired.
He quoted the former head of charging, Rebecca Tinucci, to express his reasoning for coming back.
Bahadue acknowledges that charging infrastructure is still a barrier to EV adoption
and believes he can make a significant impact by returning to Tesla.
He emphasizes the importance of solving the challenges in EV charging
and expresses excitement about working with site hosts to address these issues.
Tesla has been a major part of the solution for EV infrastructure in North America,
installing the vast majority of fast-charging stations in the market.
However, the rash decision to fire the entire charging team
is expected to cause a slowdown in deployment, potentially impacting the EV charging infrastructure significantly.
Bahadue's decision to return to Tesla and his acknowledgment of the importance of the charging mission is commendable.
It's a positive step towards addressing the challenges in EV charging
and continuing the mission of sustainable energy.
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Aptera to close crowdfunding and begin Solar EV production with the help of private financial group
Exciting News from Aptera Motors!
Aptera's Next Phase
Solar EV startup Aptera Motors is closing its crowdfunding program after three years
and turning to private funding with the help of US Capital
to finally bring its solar EVs into scaled production.
Aptera's Co-Founder Speaks
Co-founder and co-CEO Chris Anthony expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from over 17,000 investors
and announced the company's partnership with US Capital
to secure funding for the production of its Launch Edition vehicles.
Future of Transportation
Aptera aims to bring its innovative vehicles to market at scale in 2025,
with the support of US Capital, delivering solar electric vehicles that redefine the future of transportation.
Don't miss out! The deadline to invest in Aptera via crowdfunding is June 30, 2024, at 11:59
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VinFast (VFS) secures nearly 30K pre-orders for new $10,000 VF 3 in under three days
VinFast (VFS) Secures Nearly 30K Pre-Orders for New $10,000 VF 3
VinFast's new low-cost electric SUV, the VF 3, has already made a significant impact,
with close to 30,000 pre-orders secured in just 66 hours after its launch.
The VF 3, priced under $10,000, is designed to unbound the imagination of urban mobility,
offering sustainability and accessibility for everyone.
The special introductory price of $9,248 (235 million VND) has made the VF 3 a social media phenomenon in Vietnam,
topping trend rankings ahead of its global debut.
At 125.6" long, the VF 3 is even smaller than Volvo's new EX30,
and it's equipped with a 10" infotainment system,
offering up to 550 liters of cargo space.
VinFast's stock is up 8% on Thursday and 44% over the past month,
indicating a positive market response to the VF 3.
The VF 3's pre-orders in Vietnam are a strong indicator of the demand for low-cost EVs.
Stay tuned to see its impact in global markets.
Would you buy the VF 3 for $20,000? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Ford asks suppliers for ideas to cut EV costs in an all-win-or-lose push for profitability
Ford is making a big push to cut costs for its electric vehicles (EVs) and stay competitive in the market.
The company is asking its suppliers for ideas to reduce EV costs,
as it continues to face significant losses in its Model e unit.
Ford has introduced significant price reductions to keep up with Tesla's price cuts,
resulting in increased demand but also significant costs.
For example, after dropping Mustang Mach-E prices by 17%,
volume shot up by 141%.
Despite the increased demand, Ford's Model e EV business lost another $1.3 billion in the first quarter of this year,
with projected losses of $5.5 billion for the year.
The company is working to substantially reduce battery costs and optimize profitability.
Ford is seeking investment ideas from its suppliers to support profitability,
asking for "incremental cost-reduction proposals" for current and next-gen EVs.
The company is emphasizing the importance of achieving further levels of material cost efficiency.
Ford's collaboration with suppliers to cut EV costs is a crucial step in its efforts to turn around its EV business and achieve profitability.
This approach reflects the company's determination to address the challenges it faces in the EV market.
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Chevy Equinox EV deliveries kick-off with $35,000 model coming soon
If you’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the all-electric Chevy Equinox, your wait may be over.
Chevy has officially commenced deliveries of the Equinox EV,
marking the arrival of the "most affordable EV" in its class with over 300 miles of range.
The new electric SUV is already making its way to customers,
with the entry-level Equinox 1LT FWD starting at $34,995
and the 2LT version, currently being delivered, having an MSRP of $43,295.
The Equinox EV also boasts impressive performance,
with the FWD model offering up to 319 miles EPA-estimated range
and the AWD model up to 285 miles on a full charge.
Additionally, the Equinox qualifies for the full $7,500 EV tax credit,
potentially bringing prices as low as $27,495.
Looking ahead, GM has confirmed that the lower-priced $35,000 version of the Equinox EV will be available to order later this year.
Stay tuned for more updates as our colleague tests the new Equinox EV firsthand.
If you're ready to experience Chevy's new EVs, we can help you get started.
Use our links to find deals on the new Chevy electric models at a dealer near you.
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Honda plots $65 billion investment to build seven new EVs as it looks for a comeback
Honda's $65 billion investment in seven new electric vehicles (EVs) is a bold move to regain market share and stay competitive in the EV market.
Honda is doubling its investment in EVs to $65 billion through 2030,
aiming to launch seven new electric models and achieve a 5% return on sales for its EV business by 2030.
CEO Toshihiro Mibe outlined Honda's new strategy, expressing confidence in the company's ability to compete in the small electric vehicle and motorbike segment.
Honda plans to introduce new EVs globally, from small to large, with a focus on the second half of the 2020s for the period of EV popularization.
To support its EV expansion, Honda will strengthen partnerships for lithium-ion batteries
and establish a vertically-integrated supply chain for battery production.
Honda's ambitious investment and strategic plans signal a strong commitment to the future of EVs,
aiming to turn the tide and increase its EV sales share globally.
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Kia is testing an electric pickup in the US that looks like a Ford F-150 Lightning
Kia's Electric Pickup Testing in the US
Kia is making waves with its latest electric pickup,
spotted testing in the US.
The vehicle bears a striking resemblance to the Ford F-150 Lightning,
sparking excitement and speculation among automotive enthusiasts.
The prototype showcases a bold, rugged design,
drawing inspiration from Kia's EV9
and featuring a distinctive "Digital Tiger Face" grille.
Kia's entry into the US electric pickup market,
alongside competitors like the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning,
is poised to make a significant impact.
With plans to produce electric versions of popular SUVs and pickups locally from 2024,
Kia is gearing up for a major EV offensive.
While specific details are yet to be confirmed,
the electric pickup is anticipated to leverage Hyundai's advanced EV platform,
promising enhanced range and cost-efficiency.
Elon Musk claims Tesla’s next Full Self-Driving update drives ‘5 to 10x more miles per intervention’
Elon Musk claims that Tesla’s next “Supervised Full Self-Driving” (FSD) software update will result in a “5 to 10x improvement in miles per intervention.”
This update is highly anticipated due to retrained neural nets and the system being neural nets end-to-end.
The first of these updates, v12.4, is expected to be released soon.
Musk also mentioned that v12.5 is expected to bring a major improvement in miles per intervention and will be released in late June.
If true, this improvement would be a significant breakthrough in the development of Tesla’s self-driving system.
However, some skepticism remains about the accuracy of Musk's claims,
especially given the wide range of improvement and the shifting details about the software updates.
Despite this, the potential for such a significant advancement is generating excitement within the Tesla community.
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Baidu talks about using Tesla Robotaxi in China
Hey there, are Baidu and Tesla getting closer to a major partnership in China? Let's find out.
Baidu is considering using Tesla’s upcoming Robotaxi in China.
Following Elon Musk’s recent visit to China,
Tesla seems to have made progress toward bringing its ‘Supervised Full Self-Driving’ to the country.
The automaker has reportedly secured conditional approval to deploy the system in the market.
Now, a report from Shanghai Securities News states that a Baidu executive said that the company is looking to use Tesla’s upcoming Robotaxi.
It would be interesting to see Baidu partner with Tesla on self-driving.
Tesla has often said that it would be willing to supply and license its self-driving technology to other companies,
and recently said that it is in discussion with a major OEM.
The real question is: does Tesla want to partner with Baidu on this, or is it being asked to as part of the approval process?
China is notoriously protectionistic when it comes to foreign companies operating in its market.
Stay tuned for more updates on this potential collaboration.
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Toyota once again ranked as worst automaker on climate lobbying globally
Toyota Ranked as Worst Automaker on Climate Lobbying
Toyota has the worst climate lobbying score of any automaker, according to InfluenceMap’s annual report on climate lobbying.
This ranking doesn’t just show Toyota's EV plans,
but also reveals how much the company is doing to try to stop governments from protecting the populace from pollution.
InfluenceMap routinely ranks automakers based on how much they lobby to stop climate policy goals.
These rankings consider automakers' EV plans
and how much they are doing to prevent governments from protecting the environment.
Tesla led the list, but only received a “B” score because of its low engagement intensity.
While Tesla supports positive climate policy, it doesn’t lobby as much as other organizations do.
The Japanese EV industry has been slow to electrify,
putting an important national industry at risk.
On production plans, most automakers score poorly,
with only 3 of the 15 automakers analyzed having commitments compatible with the International Energy Agency’s target of 66% EVs by 2030.
Toyota continues to hold the crown for worst automaker on climate, continuing the several years it has worn it.
For more detail into the rankings, read the full InfluenceMap
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NIO undercuts Tesla Model Y with new $30,000 L60 EV, kicking off cheaper Onvo brand
Introducing the NIO Onvo L60
NIO has launched the first EV under its new mass-market Onvo brand,
the Onvo L60 electric SUV, which will rival Tesla’s best-selling Model Y
at a cheaper starting price of just $30,500 (219,900 yuan).
Competitive Features and Pricing
The Onvo L60 has a pre-sale price of $30,500 (219,900 yuan)
and offers better energy consumption compared to the Tesla Model Y under the same CLTC conditions.
It also comes with three battery pack options, offering up to 1,000 km (621 mi) CLTC range.
NIO Onvo L60 vs Tesla Model Y
The Onvo L60 directly rivals the Model Y in terms of size and range,
while undercutting the Model Y's starting price in China.
NIO's New Mass-Market Electric SUV
NIO's new mass-market electric SUV, equipped with NIO’s in-house 900V platform,
is expected to feature ultra-fast charging capabilities
and will provide access to NIO’s expanding battery swap and public fast charging network.
Stay tuned for more updates as NIO’s new mass-market Onvo brand hits the market.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Tesla ends hiring freeze, but only for one department
Tesla ends hiring freeze, but only for one department
Over the past month, Elon Musk initiated significant layoffs across Tesla’s entire organization,
estimating about 15% of the company being laid off.
At the same time, Tesla implemented a hiring freeze.
Now, Tesla appears to have ended its hiring freeze as it has started to list many new positions on its career website,
all in the ‘Autopilot & Robotics’ category, related to Tesla’s self-driving effort and humanoid robot program.
One of the main takeaways from Elon’s recent actions at Tesla is that the CEO is positioning Tesla less as an automaker and more as an AI company,
shifting resources to the Robotaxi and emphasizing the need to solve self-driving for this vehicle program to be worth anything.
Tesla's strategic shift is evident as it restarts its hiring effort with a focus on AI and self-driving technology.
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