The Tesla Model 3 all-wheel-drive has just earned itself a five-star overall crash rating from American federal highway officials.The popular electric car scored the exact same as the rear-wheel-drive-only model in NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) testing, which is to say, perfect, according to Green Car Reports.The official data hasnt been released, but the dual-motor Model 3 apparently passed with flying colours, scoring five stars for front-and passenger-side front protection; for front and rear barrier and pole protection; and in a calculated rollover test.One of the marks the NHTSA scored against the car was for the lack of dynamic head restraints. The cars active safety features got thumbs-up from the administration, though.Another safety authority, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), was not as keen on the car’s driving aids, specifically because they ramped up owners’ tendencies to think of the car as self-driving.One name in particular (Teslas) Autopilot signals to drivers that they can turn their thoughts and their eyes elsewhere None of these systems reliably manage lane-keeping and speed control in all situations, the IIHS wrote in a report. The NHTSA achievement marks an improvement for the Model 3 compared to when it was last tested, earning better scores for its headlights, and earning the top score for its standard automatic emergency braking system.The Model 3 also earned top scores in Europe, which happens even more
Origin: The Tesla Model 3 AWD scores perfect in new U.S. crash tests
Tesla
Tesla won’t be updating the Model S or X any time soon
Most vehicles get an “update” every few years, with brands making not-insignificant edits to the interior or exterior – or both – in order to keep models, well, up-to-date. But contrary to rumours circulated earlier this year saying Tesla was cooking up a fall 2019 interior update with premium seats, along with an improved higher-capacity battery, CEO Elon Musk said the company will instead just let the Model S and Model X ride another year.If you’ve been holding your breath for a refreshed model, go ahead and exhale. The 48-year-old exec Tweeted “There is no ‘refreshed’ Model X or Model S coming, only a series of minor ongoing changes” in a reply to a question from a Twitter user.There is no “refreshed” Model X or Model S coming, only a series of minor ongoing changes. Most significant change in past few years was to use high efficiency Model 3 rear drive unit as S/X front drive unit. That went into production 3 months ago. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 9, 2019When the same Twitter user – whose bio, we’d be amiss to point out, reads “Cat Walker | Dog Observer | Creative Director” – replied asking if the Model X would get an “interior revamp,” Musk simply said “no.”The last time the Model S got a considerable update was the first time it got a considerable update. It was born in 2012, and got a new air filtration system, an upgraded on-board charger, a new fascia and an additional pair of wood interior trims in 2016. Meanwhile, Tesla is on track for a record quarter, thanks to increased sales of the Model 3.
Origin: Tesla won’t be updating the Model S or X any time soon
Rivian is devouring staff from Ford, Apple, Tesla, Faraday Future and more
2019 Rivian R1T Electric TruckHandout / Rivian One EV startup’s loss is another EV startup’s gain. If struggling brand Faraday Future doesn’t understand this now, after having around 50 employees (some who had been furloughed) cross over to take positions at the up-and-coming EV-maker Rivian, it likely never will. And it’s not the only company having its engineering department hollowed out by Rivian. According to some LinkedIn profile-combing performed by The Verge, Rivian has on-boarded dozens of employees from Tesla, McLaren and Ford, as well as some key players from other big tech brands like Apple. In fact, when it recently came time to name its first CTO, the Michigan-based startup called over Mike Bell, a former Apple bigwig who was one of the important players behind the first iPhone. And this aggressive hiring pace is apparently ongoing. Rivian’s director of corporate communications, Michael McHale, told The Verge that the company has a “natural hiring process and is always looking for people with the right skills.”Now, Rivian has been rocking the boat in other ways, too, like when it received support from Amazon to the tune of US$700 million, or when it got another US$500 million from Ford, granting the automaker exclusive access to Rivian tech. But for all the hype and financially backed votes of confidence, some still have their doubts about the brand’s ability to meet its promises, especially when it comes to that pickup truck and its projected 640-km range, which is really what all the hoopla is all about.The race to be the first long-range EV pickup truck to market is ongoing, but Rivian now has 750 reasons (and counting) why it could get there first.
Origin: Rivian is devouring staff from Ford, Apple, Tesla, Faraday Future and more
Tesla Model 3 scores 5stars in EuroNCAP tests
Tesla Model 3 scores 5-stars in EuroNCAP tests The new Tesla has achieved high marks in crash test programmes Tesla’s Model 3 has been awarded a five-star rating by safety experts EuroNCAP. The latest EV from Tesla already held a five-star rating from the US crash test bidy, but now it holds one in Europe too. It achieved a perfect score in the frontal offset deformable barrier crash test – a key element of assessments since EuroNCAP began in 1997 – and a score of 94% is the best yet under the latest protocols in the 2019 Safety Assist tests. EuroNCAP highlighted the Model 3’s driver assist systems as impressing crash testers, which are increasingly important in a vehicle achieving high marks. Other cars to score highly in the latest round of tests include the DS 3 Crossback, which will be available as an E-Tense pure-electric model later this year. It scores four-stars with standard safety equipment, but five when fitted with a safety pack. Earlier this year Audi was awarded five-stars for its e-tron EV, and at the end of last year, Jaguar’s I-Pace achieved the same score.
Origin: Tesla Model 3 scores 5stars in EuroNCAP tests
Tesla paces record quarter for deliveries thanks to Model 3 gains
Tesla saw a record quarter for deliveries, the company said early July, alleviating the worst fears about demand for the Elon Musk-led companys electric vehicles.The Model 3 maker handed over 95,200 cars to customers in the three months that ended in June, exceeding the previous best mark set in the last quarter of 2018. Teslas delivery count exceeded all but one analysts estimate in a Bloomberg News survey.While the results go a long way toward contradicting Teslas doubters, it remains to be seen whether this level of demand is sustainable or profitable. The US$3,750 U.S. federal tax credit buyers were eligible for was cut by half beginning July 1, and deliveries tailed off the last time the incentive shrank. Musk also has said the company will post a loss for the quarter, then report positive earnings in the second half.Tesla also left out of its statement any mention of its full-year forecast for 360,000 to 400,000 deliveries, a projection it re-affirmed in its release a quarter ago. Tesla representatives didnt respond when asked whether the company is sticking with its guidance. It will have to average more than 100,000 units per quarter in the second half to reach the low end of the range.Musk, 48, urged employees to go all out in the final days of Teslas first full quarter in which Model 3s made their way to buyers in Europe and China. Overseas demand contributed to deliveries of the sedan jumping to 77,550 units, more than all the vehicles Tesla handed over in the first quarter.The big picture is that something is happening around electric vehicles, said Gene Munster, a managing partner of venture capital firm Loup Ventures and longtime Tesla bull. The Model 3 is on fire.Several analysts raised their delivery estimates as the quarter came to an end, citing brisk sales to key European markets including Norway and the Netherlands, as well as the effect of incentives that Canada began offering in May to stoke purchases of battery-powered cars. Tesla doesnt break down deliveries by region in its release.One reason Wall Street remains concerned about Teslas profitability is shrinking demand for the higher-margin Model S and Model X. Combined deliveries dropped to 17,650 in the quarter, down more than 20 per cent from a year ago. Investors are concerned the cheaper Model 3 is cannibalizing the companys more lucrative vehicles.Tesla also said orders exceeded deliveries during the quarter and it expects to boost production and hand over more cars in the next three months. The number of vehicles in transit at the end of June was more than 7,400.Teslas Model 3 sales are far outpacing rivals. General Motors sold just 3,965 of its all-electric Chevrolet Bolt in the second quarter, while Volkswagens Audi delivered just 1,835 battery-powered E-Tron
Origin: Tesla paces record quarter for deliveries thanks to Model 3 gains
Tesla updates its cars in wake of Shanghai battery fire
In April, a white Tesla Model S was caught on camera emitting smoke, before catching fire.@ShanghaiJayin / Twitter A catastrophic fire in a Tesla Model S last April was caused by a single battery module inside the vehicle, according to the automaker, which has revised its settings for better protection.On April 21, a Tesla parked in an underground garage in Shanghai spontaneously burst into flames. The incident was captured by security cameras and later shared on Twitter.According to Automotive News, Tesla posted on its Weibo social media channel in China that its investigative team conducted a probe and analysis of the battery, software, manufacturing data and vehicle history. The investigation concluded that there was no system defect, and the fire was caused by a single battery module located at the front of the vehicle. A module is made up of several battery cells joined together. Panasonic supplies Teslas cells but not its modules.The automaker said it sent over-the-air software updates to Model S and Model X vehicles to revise the charging and thermal management settings to help further protect the battery and improve battery longevity.NIO, a Chinese electric-car manufacturer competing with Tesla, has had three vehicle fires in China. One of them occurred at a NIO repair facility not long after the Tesla incident. Earlier this week, NIO posted on Weibo that it may have issues with some of its battery modules, and will recall 4,803
Origin: Tesla updates its cars in wake of Shanghai battery fire
Genesis planning to launch Tesla rival with new pure-electric EV
Genesis has been on a roll with its vehicles, taking on big names like BMW and Mercedes-Benz and taking home awards.But now its targeting an American manufacturer: Tesla.In 2021, Genesis will be launching its first pure electric car, reports Australias Drive, and it will come in two different body styles: a sedan and an SUV.Genesis has not revealed the vehicles yet, but we assume well soon hear about it considering the upcoming release date.Something we do know a little bit about is the Mint concept, shown at the 2019 New York auto show. The Mint is a small coupe designed for the city; it runs on pure battery power. We are very well positioned with alternative technologies. For now, we are focused on the near term, spake Genesis global boss Manfred Fitzgerald during the recent Australian launch of the Genesis brand.In 2021 we have our first fully dedicated new EV platform () We are moving very fast on this.In addition to the EVs, Genesis will also be bringing more hydrogen-powered models to market, although it has not revealed the full details of that range. Genesis will likely follow in parent company Hyundais footsteps and introduce a raft of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, pure electric and hydrogen-powered fuel cell
Origin: Genesis planning to launch Tesla rival with new pure-electric EV
You can now drive a Tesla in a video game in your Tesla
Your battery-charging session is about to become a whole lot more interesting, as Tesla has just expanded its suite of video games to include a Mario Kart-style racing game that you can actually control with the pedals and steering wheel of your vehicle.Tesla shared a video over Twitter today showing the new game, called Beach Buggy Racing 2, being demonstrated by a woman in full racing gear sitting at a charging station.In the game, you drive a cartoon-ified Tesla that can collect power-ups and race against other Teslas, in a manner very much like Mario Kart.Your next charging session is going to be SO 👏 MUCH 👏 FUN 👏 pic.twitter.com/5YzSL36kCC Tesla (@Tesla) June 18, 2019As much fun as it is, we have to be a bit of a downer on the whole thing, dont we? Every Tesla model still has a direct connection from the steering wheel to the steering rack, which means when youre yanking at the wheel trying to best your last lap time, your real wheels are moving, potentially causing wear on various steering components, as well as your tires. Were also certain its only a matter of time before somebody either tries to play the game while actually driving; or a computer malfunction switches the game off while youre charging, causing you to hit the accelerator unintentionally and rocket into the shopping mall directly ahead of your car.Yes, we are being a bit cynical about a video game, but weve pretty much lost faithin Tesla ownersat this point.The game is also available for mobile devices and can be found on the Apple Store and the Google Play
Origin: You can now drive a Tesla in a video game in your Tesla
Tesla Semi: electric lorry launch pushed back to 2020
Tesla boss Elon Musk has announced that the launch of the brand’s Semi electric lorry will be delayed until 2020, citing an already strained battery supply for production of its range of EVs. Speaking at the firm’s annual shareholders meeting, Musk said his company would strive to ramp up battery production as quickly as possible, going so far as to suggest a venture into mining could be a possibility. Despite the delay, customers are still able to reserve Semi models. Existing customers include large companies such as Walmart, UPS and FedEx, but it is remains to be seen whether the delayed release will discourage further investment in the zero-emissions truck. Such bottlenecks are no new phenomenon for Tesla, with Model 3 production brought to a halt in early 2018 by worker shortages and software issues. The brand’s fourth model, the Jaguar I-Pace rivalling Model Y, is due on the US market next year, with Musk aiming for an annual output of 2000 per week by September 2020. The Semi electric lorry will be capable of travelling up to 600 miles on a single charge, even when fully loaded, company CEO Elon Musk has claimed. According to Electrek, Musk said during a conference call last year that he was “optimistic” the Semi would beat the 500-mile range announced at its reveal in 2017. His claim followed Daimler lorry division boss Martin Daum’s suggestion that the Semi’s statistics “defied the laws of physics”. The Semi with the 600-mile claimed range costs $180,000 (£132,720 at today’s rate) in the US. A lower-spec variant with a 300-mile range will be priced from $150,000 (£110,565). Prices for diesel lorries in Britain start at about £85,000 by comparison. During its November 2017 reveal in Hawthorne, California, where Tesla also showed a new Roadster sports car, Musk said the Semi, which was previously referred to as the Tesla Truck, was capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 5.0sec. He also said it was able to hit 60mph in 20.0sec when the trailer is fully loaded with 80,000lb (almost 36 tonnes) of cargo. This beats the average sprint time for regular diesel-powered rivals by around 40 seconds. The Semi’s energy recovery systems are claimed to be capable of recovering 98% of kinetic energy to the battery. For regular charging, the lorry can be connected to Megachargers – a new high-speed DC charging solution – that are said to add about 400 miles in 30 minutes and can be installed at origin or destination points, much like the existing Superchargers. Efficiency is boosted by a low wind resistance, with Tesla claiming the Semi has a drag coefficient of 0.36Cd. It states that most of its competitors are closer to 0.65Cd. Tesla has refrained from going into further detail about the lorry’s drivetrain and battery but has revealed that the vehicle features advanced autonomous technology to prevent jackknifing of the trailer. Onboard sensors are installed to detect instability and can adjust torque sent to each wheel and independently actuate all brakes to avoid jackknifing. Additionally, surround cameras provide autonomous object detection and reduce blindspots, alerting the driver to safety hazards and obstacles. The lorry also introduces a new Enhanced Autopilot system, with automatic emergency braking, automatic lane keeping, lane departure warning and even event recording. The Semi can travel in a convoy, allowing one or several Semis to autonomously follow a leader. Alongside the claims for performance and safety, Musk said the Semi would provide users with massive savings. Figures produced by the company state that owners “can expect to save $200,000 or more over a million miles based on fuel costs alone”. These production issues related to supply difficulties with the Model 3. They caused the reveal of the Semi to be delayed by several
Origin: Tesla Semi: electric lorry launch pushed back to 2020
Tesla Model 3 to offer 200kW charging for UK buyers
Tesla has developed a new firmware update for European Model 3 Long Range models that will allow them to be charged at 200kW – making it the fastest-charging car currently on sale in the UK. The electric saloon has been available to order in the UK since May 1, with prices starting from £38,900 for the entry-level Standard Range Plus, which has a WLTP-estimated range of 258 miles. The dual-motor Long Range model starts from £47,900 and can reach 348 miles on a single charge, meaning it takes the lead in Europe as the EV with the longest official range. Deliveries are due to begin in June. With the firmware update, Long Range models can charge at up to 200kW at third party charging stations with the technology, which is currently being rolled out by various firms. Tesla is also developing a fast-charging V3 Supercharger network for Europe, which will allow the cars to be charged at speeds of 250kW. Both the Standard Range Plus and Long Range models come with aerodynamically optimised 18in alloy wheels as standard, with 19in alloys available as an option. Prices include the UK government plug-in car grant. The top-end Performance version, which has a 162mph top speed and can manage 0-62mph in 3.2sec, starts at £56,900. It rides on 20in alloy wheels and includes a Premium interior package, which includes satellite-view navigation with live traffic, a premium 14-speaker audio system and in-car music and media streaming. Tesla’s ‘full self-driving’ autonomous functionality, which is due to roll out later this year, can be added for an additional £4900. The system can be installed post-purchase for £6800. Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously confirmed that UK orders would go live in a tweet, allowing UK customers to place an order before Tesla raises the price of its ‘full self-driving’ autonomous functionality. From 10 May, those placing orders in the US will need to pay an additional $1000 for the feature. The car maker launched its configurator in December for European customers who had already put down a deposit for a Model 3 saloon, which in the process revealed previously unconfirmed pricing and range details. The Model 3 went on show in UK dealerships for the first time at the beginning of the year, with demonstration models on display at Tesla’s London Park Royal and Manchester Stockport locations ahead of right-hand-drive models going on sale. Model 3 owners will not get free access to the Tesla Supercharger high-speed charging system, with the US company planning to charge for electricity as demand grows and it requires more investment to build up its charging network. Tesla’s latest results from the third quarter of 2018 showed that it hit production targets for the Model 3, building 53,239 units. This followed a tumultuous second quarter in which a temporary ‘tent’ was constructed outside the firm’s Californian plant containing another production line so as to increase output. Tesla revealed its Semi lorry in November last year, and this is expected to go into production in 2019. Its next model, the Model Y small SUV, was revealed in March. The highly anticipated Roadster, a sports car that is promised to hit 0-60mph in 1.9sec, is pegged to arrive in
Origin: Tesla Model 3 to offer 200kW charging for UK buyers
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