Tesla gives its self-driving cars a performance boost with custom chips
Tesla is moving away from Nvidia's chips for autonomous vehicles in favor of its own custom processors next year. The new Tesla car computer, called Hardware 3, is described to be an order of magnitude more powerful than the hardware it replaces, and existing owners will also be able to upgrade to the new chips.
Tesla aims for 6,000 Model 3s per week as it continues posting losses
Tesla recently hit a major Model 3 production milestone and raked in record revenue, but continues to lose money. But the company is aiming to continue increasing Model 3 production and achieve profitability. A lot will be riding on Tesla's next few quarters as it works to achieve those goals.
Tesla adding in-car Atari games, a party mode, and an improved Autopilot
Tesla will release the next version of its infotainment system in early September. Called V9.0, it will add fun features including at least three Atari games displayed on the touchscreen plus a party and camper mode. V9.0 will also bring an updated version of the firm's Autopilot technology.
Tesla warns owners to protect against car thieves using key fobs
Tesla emailed its owners about steps to lower the chances thieves will exploit the brand's passive entry system, which allows owners to enter their vehicles without removing digital key fobs from their pockets or bags. Thieves with relay attack devices access vehicles by boosting the fob signal from a distance.
Tesla tackles the waves with new limited-edition surfboards
Tesla has launched a new limited-time product. This time Elon Musk’s electric automaker has teamed up with Lost Surfboards to produce limited-edition surfboards.
Nomad creates a wireless charging pad just for the Tesla Model 3
Nomad, the luxury mobile accessory company, created a wireless charging pad that fits perfectly within the Tesla Model 3's charging station.It uses power from two USB ports, as well as a 6,000mAh battery, to power its dual charging coils. It's currently available for pre-order but should begin shipping in September.
As Tesla asks for money back from suppliers, investors go running
Tesla may be ramping up its production schedule for the Model 3, but it's apparently coming with pretty serious costs. As per a Wall Street Journal report, Elon Musk's car company asked suppliers for cash back. Tesla sent a memo to a supplier that requested a "meaningful amount of money" to be returned.
Massive data breach exposes trade secrets from Tesla, Toyota, and others
Security researcher Chris Vickery found about 47,000 sensitive files posted on a backup server by a Canadian company that specializes in automation. The 157-gigabyte batch included sensitive documents that details how major companies like Ford, Tesla, and Volkswagen build cars. The information has been taken down.
As tax credits expire, the cost of buying a Tesla increases
Without a hefty tax credit enticing new customers, it's possible Tesla may run into sales issues in the near future. Federal tax benefits for Tesla purchases are being phased out at the end of the year, triggered by Tesla's recent achievement of selling 200,000 automobiles in the United States.
Tesla faces third safety investigation from state agency in California
Tesla is going through a bit of a rough patch. The electric car company is currently facing a health and safety violation after a factory worker was hospitalized with a broken jaw. Tesla has issued a statement saying that the injured worker was a contractor who was not under Tesla's direct supervision.
Tesla’s self-parking feature, Summon, is now available on the Model 3
Tesla's Summon parking feature is finally available on the Model 3. While Summon has been available on the Model S and Model X for some time, it is just now rolling out to Model 3 owners through a software update announced last month. Summon lets cars park themselves with a driver onboard.
Tesla reaches production milestone, now ‘a real car company’
Tesla has lingered in production hell for months as it tries to ramp up Model 3 production. There's a light at the end of the tunnel, according to the firm. It has finally reached its goal of building 5,000 examples of its entry-level model in a week. Analysts question whether it can continue to do so.
Tesla to roll out a paid Premium Connectivity package for in-car internet access
While the ability to connect to the internet has always come standard for Tesla owners, that could soon be changing. The car company is rolling out a paid "premium connectivity" package in order to boost the internet features of its ever-burgeoning fleet. Premium Connectivity will likely cost $100 a year.
Tesla’s software update brings Summon, Wi-Fi, and more to Model 3 vehicles
Tesla is updating its software once again, and Model 3 owners should be particularly pleased with these latest developments. With update 2018.24, Model 3 cars are now capable of accessing the Autopilot Summon feature, as well as cabin overheat protection and Wi-Fi. These features were already on other Tesla cars.
Tesla to downsize solar panel production as part of wider job cuts
It isn't a good time to work for Tesla. A few weeks ago, the company laid off most of its contract workforce. Now, the company is cutting about 9 percent of its staff, including many within its solar panel division.
The car dashboard is dead, long live touchscreens! But give us better apps
The era of 747-style car cockpits full of dials and buttons is coming to an end. Features like CarPlay and Android Auto mean screens are in, and we’re all better for it. Or are we? Sometimes things don’t go as planned.
Electric GT race series takes Tesla’s Ludicrous mode to the track
A new, one-make race series named Electric GT puts the Tesla Model S on the track. 20 pilots from 10 private teams will compete in identical, ultra-light cars upgraded with bigger brakes and a new suspension system.
This has not been an easy year for Tesla and its Model 3
Production woes have delayed delivery of Tesla's Model 3, its new entry-level vehicle aimed at bringing more consumers into the carmaker's electric fold. Now, it's finally nearing its goal of producing 5,000 units per week (which it was supposed to hit last year), but it still has a ways to go.
‘Rogue employee’ tried to sabotage Tesla, internal email claims
Tesla is suing a former employee, accusing him of exporting confidential company data to third parties, as well as making false statements about Tesla to the media. But the employee denies the claims, insisting that he was trying to blow the lid on "some scary things" he claims to have seen at Tesla.
Call the Beastie Boys, Elon says there’s sabotage going on at Tesla
Apple fined millions by Australia for 2016 'Error 53' debacle, Elon says everyone is out to get Tesla including a disgruntled worker, Google's Messenger gets a long-awaited Apple-ish feature.
Tesla fully self-driving Autopilot package coming in August, Musk says
Tesla will start adding fully self-driving capabilities to its vehicles when the company releases Autopilot Version 9 in August, according to CEO Elon Musk. While it readies the next vehicle autonomy upgrade, Tesla continues minor updates to the system to address driving safety issues due to driver inattention.
Has Tesla found a way to ensure Autopilot users stay focused on the road?
Tesla owners who use the semi-autonomous Autopilot system will need to spend more time with their hands on the steering wheel. The company has sharply reduced the amount of time owners can spend without touching the steering wheel in the wake of several crashes, including a fatal one in California.
No hiring ‘vroom’ at Tesla – car company sharply reduces job postings
Getting a job at Tesla may be harder than ever these days. Not necessarily because they're raising the bar for their new hires, but rather because the company appears to be decreasing the number of new team members it brings aboard. The number of job listings has declined sharply since last month.
Tesla now has more than 10,000 Superchargers around the world
Tesla has opened its 10,000th Supercharger, this one in Ontario, Canada. The global network of Superchargers has been growing steadily since 2012, with the total number of stations now standing at more than 1,200. The electric-company is also building larger stations that offer facilities for longer stops.
Almost a quarter of Tesla Model 3 orders refunded, according to report
According to a report citing April 2018 data from Second Measure, a financial analytical firm that analyzes anonymized credit and debit card transactions, Tesla refunded almost 23 percent of the Model 3's $1,000 pre-orders. This presumably stems from the numerous production and quality issues.
Tesla updates Model 3 braking software, earns Consumer Reports recommendation
Consumer Reports now recommends the Tesla Model 3. Originally the Model 3's emergency braking test distance was too long, but after an OTA update, the Model 3's brakes performed in line with factory results. Tesla CEO Elon Musk delivered on his promise to do whatever it took to improve the brakes.
Tesla crashes into parked police car in California; driver says Autopilot was on
On May 29, a Tesla Model S crashed into a parked police car in Laguna Beach, California. The driver -- who sustained minor injuries -- reported he was using Autopilot before the impact. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing so it's too early to blame it on a malfunction or driver distraction.
Tesla settles Autopilot class-action lawsuit with Model S, Model X owners
Tesla settled an Autopilot class action suit filed by Model S and Model X buyers. The suit claimed the $5,000 Autopilot option was "essentially unusable and demonstrably dangerous." Tesla will put aside $5 million+ for payments to owners and lawyers. Owners won't get paid much in the settlement.
Elon Musk Tweets Tesla Model Y will be revealed on March 15, 2019
Word on the street via some tweets is that Elon Musk has set a date for the reveal of its next vehicle, the Model Y. That date is supposedly March 15, 2019, after a curious and inquisitive Tesla fan tweeted Musk himself regarding the new model.
Performance option pushes Tesla’s mass market Model 3 into Model S territory
Posting on Twitter, Tesla CEO and co-founder Elon Musk has announced two new variants of the Model 3. The first is the all-wheel drive variant, which gets a dual-motor drivetrain. The second is the Performance model, which Musk bills as a BMW M3-slapping sports sedan. Both offer up to 310 miles of range.
Police blame Tesla crash on distracted driving, not tech, though questions remain
The 28-year-old driver of a Tesla Model S survived hitting a parked fire truck at 60 mph. The accident happened on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, Utah, and the investigation is still on-going. Police officers are trying to determine whether the driver had engaged Autopilot at the time of the impact.
Is the revolutionary Tesla Semi dead? Some analysts believe so
With Tesla Motors and CEO Elon Musk caught up in a bit of a crazy media and PR whirlwind from launch issues with the Model 3, it seems that such troubles have market analysts and investors convinced that the electric vehicle company’s next biggest prospect, the Tesla Semi, may be dead.
Tesla’s giant Australian battery reduced service costs by 90 percent
Elon Musk's Tesla has switched on the world's biggest battery in Australia, thereby ensuring Musk didn't lose a $50M bet. In the first four months of service, the battery has reduced service costs by as much as 90 percent.