Author: Casper Benedict

In a surprising move during the Q2 2023 earnings call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk introduced a one-time opportunity for Tesla owners to transfer their Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability when upgrading to a new Tesla. The announcement, however, raised questions and speculation due to the lack of specific details at the time. Now, as Tesla releases the terms and conditions of the FSD transfer program, customers are taking a closer look before making their decisions. The first point of concern revolves around the delivery timeline, which must occur before September 30, 2023, despite Musk’s initial comments suggesting a more flexible timeframe…

In a move aimed at promoting interoperability and open standards in the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector, Eaton, an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) manufacturer, has officially announced its decision to incorporate Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector option into its Green Motion EV chargers. As the industry transitions from the Combined Charging System (CCS1)/SAE J1772 charging plugs to NACS, Eaton’s inclusion of the NACS charging connector option for new chargers, scheduled to begin in 2024, signals the company’s commitment to facilitating EV charging infrastructure across North America. Furthermore, Eaton plans to offer NACS retrofit options for its existing…

In an effort to clear existing inventory ahead of the impending launch of the heavily revamped Model 3, Tesla has implemented substantial discounts on its new inventory of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Prospective buyers can now avail themselves of attractive offers, with the Model 3’s purchase price reaching an all-time low for eligible customers. With discounts ranging from several hundred dollars to over $5,000, the popular Model 3 can now be acquired with zero miles on the odometer for as little as $37,940. Notably, the Model 3 discounts are most significant for eligible buyers who qualify for the…

German luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is set to prioritize China, the world’s leading auto market, as the central hub for its upcoming electric vehicle (EV) campaign starting in 2025, according to the company’s CEO, Ola Kaellenius, in an interview with German magazine Automobilwoche. In response to evolving customer demands and the rapidly growing EV market, Mercedes-Benz has committed to producing exclusively electric vehicles across all its new vehicle platforms from 2025, as part of the strategy the company outlined in 2021. See also: Mercedes-Benz Launches Affordable EQE SUV in China, Starting at $68,660 To cater to the unique preferences and…

In a groundbreaking partnership, electric bus and battery manufacturer Proterra, leading bus dealer ABC Companies, and California utility PG&E have unveiled the continent’s largest electric bus charging center in Newark, California, adjacent to Fremont. Spanning across a 3.5-acre campus, this privately-owned facility boasts an impressive array of 20 dual-cable EV chargers, each with a capacity to charge up to 40 electric coaches. A Proterra spokesperson revealed that the chargers are currently configured for 60 kW per dispenser, making them highly efficient and versatile. The charging center not only serves as a crucial infrastructure hub but also offers comprehensive services, delivery,…

In a jaw-dropping move during the Q2 2023 earnings call on July 19, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk announced a groundbreaking update for its Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD) program – the company will now allow owners to transfer ownership of the FSD Beta, marking a significant first for Tesla. The catch, however, is that this unique opportunity comes with a time constraint. The ownership transfer offer is exclusively available for those Tesla owners who trade in their old electric vehicles and place an order for a new one during the third quarter. This means interested owners must act quickly and complete…

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has unveiled its ambitious “Innovate28” plan, heralding a new era of aviation with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles. While this development seems straight out of a science fiction movie, the announcement is causing some turbulence within the industry, as the challenges of ensuring safe operations become evident. The FAA’s vision is to integrate advanced air mobility vehicles into American skies by 2025, pushing the boundaries of transportation. However, the plan specifies that human pilots must be on board these vehicles, primarily following the existing flight rules for helicopters. This stipulation has raised concerns among…

VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, is facing an unsurprising lack of enthusiasm from American consumers for its overpriced and underperforming electric crossover. According to data from Experian, only 128 units of the VinFast VF 8 crossover were registered in the United States between January and May of this year. Despite importing nearly 3,000 vehicles into North America since March, the company’s U.S. deliveries have gotten off to a slow start. The initial lukewarm response was somewhat expected, considering the VF 8 City Edition’s original price tag of $55,500 and its disappointing range of just 179 miles (288 km). In an attempt…

The Goodwood Festival of Speed has witnessed a remarkable surprise as Ford unveiled its latest creation, the Mustang Mach-E Rally. This new model signifies a significant milestone for the iconic Mustang nameplate, as it enters the world of rallying for the first time in nearly sixty years. Breaking new ground and venturing where no Mustang has gone before, the Mustang Mach-E Rally represents Ford’s inaugural foray into rally-inspired electric SUVs. While specific details about the vehicle remain undisclosed, Ford has tantalized enthusiasts with a series of captivating photos. The images showcase the EV adorned in a striking custom full body…

In a promising turn of events, Tesla and the Indian government have engaged in discussions to establish a vehicle assembly plant in India, potentially ending years of stalled negotiations. According to a report by the Times of India, Tesla aims to build a plant with an impressive annual capacity of up to 500,000 cars. While specific details about the electric vehicle model to be produced in India remain undisclosed, sources suggest that it could start at an affordable price of approximately $24,350 (2 million Indian rupees). This move would position the Indian-built Tesla model as the company’s most accessible option…

In the midst of the challenges faced by various EV startups, Canoo Technologies has achieved a noteworthy milestone. The company has recently announced the successful and timely delivery of three Crew Transportation Vehicles (CTVs) to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. These CTVs will play a crucial role in transporting astronauts to the launch pad for NASA’s highly anticipated Artemis lunar missions, as per the terms of their previous agreement. Based on the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle electric minivan, the CTVs have been engineered to safely accommodate fully suited astronauts, flight support crews, and necessary equipment during the nine-mile journey to…

Next.e.GO Mobile, a leading German electric car manufacturer, has secured $75 million in fixed-rate debt financing, equivalent to approximately €68 million. The funding was provided by Western Asset, a prominent asset management company. The infusion of capital will enable e.GO, based in Aachen, to accelerate its corporate strategy, focusing primarily on the production of the e.wave X and expanding its global presence. A key aspect of Next.e.GO Mobile’s strategy is the establishment of microfactories in various locations to rapidly scale up manufacturing. The company currently plans to operate three such factories. Alongside the microfactory already operational in Aachen and the…