Latest news with #TeslaEV
Engadget
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Engadget
Tesla says it has been testing driverless Model Ys in Austin for 'several days'
Tesla's robotaxi service has started testing in Austin without drivers in advance of its promised June launch, according to the company. "For the past several days, Tesla has been testing self-driving Model Y cars (no on in driver's seat) on Austin public streets with no incidents," CEO Elon Musk posted on X. "A month ahead of schedule." Earlier this year, Tesla promised to launch its robotaxi service sometime in June, using an internal fleet of 10 to 20 Model Ys operating in a limited, geo-fenced part of Austin with remote human assistance. The level of human assistance (teleoperation) isn't clear, but there are fears based on Tesla's recent history that human operators may be used to cover up any technical deficiencies in Tesla's self-driving vehicles. A recent Bloomberg report was more specific about the launch date with paid customers, putting it at June 12. However, reports earlier this month indicated that Tesla had yet to even start testing without drivers as of mid-May, so it would only have a few weeks of testing before a commercial launch. On top of that, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is still in the dark about many details around the service. "The agency would like to gather additional information about Tesla's development of technologies for use in 'robotaxi' vehicles to understand how Tesla plans to evaluate its vehicles and driving automation technologies for use on public roads," the NHTSA wrote in a May 8 letter to Tesla. That information is key for public safety, because Tesla will only be using camera-based systems and not LiDAR and radar sensors like Waymo and other robotaxi operators. In a recent analyst call, Elon Musk said that the Model Y robotaxi vehicles would be the same as Model Y vehicles sold to the public. "There's no change to it," Musk said (before being contradicted by Tesla's Autopilot software director). No other details were released, but the upcoming service is certainly of critical importance to the automaker given flagging Tesla EV sales, particularly in Europe. CEO Elon Musk famously staked the future of Tesla on robotaxis, reportedly even canceling a budget EV to focus on that service.
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Fund manager has shocking Elon Musk and Tesla prediction
Tesla (TSLA) is making big changes as it maneuvers to reverse its current negative momentum, and one fund manager has an unexpected take. For months, the former electric vehicle (EV) leader has battled high volatility and consumer backlash against CEO Elon Musk's concerning behavior. His highly polarizing actions have prompted consumers across the globe to either opt against buying a Tesla EV or sell the one they already own, severely compromising the company's sales. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter While Musk promised in April that he would be stepping back from his responsibilities at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), TSLA stock is still down 8% year-to-date (YTD). As shares have fallen, speculation has risen that the company may consider making changes at the leadership level. One prominent shareholder recently called for Musk to step down. But more recently, he issued another shocking prediction for the company's future. One of the financial sector's most outspoken voices on Musk is Ross Gerber. A longtime Tesla shareholder and the co-founder and CEO of wealth management firm Gerber Kawasaki, he has never shied away from offering opinions on Musk and Tesla, even if they are sometimes controversial. Related: Tesla's trending video isn't impressing social media As noted, Gerber called for Musk to replace himself with another CEO earlier this year, claiming that repairing the damage he has done to the brand requires a new leader. Last week, he revealed what he thinks Musk will do in the near future and where he sees Tesla leading. In a series of X posts on May 16, Gerber laid out his near-term predictions for Musk and Tesla's futures. While highlighting several major changes recently announced for Tesla's board of directors (BOD), he said he thinks Musk will end up being chair of the board, as he believes the position will soon be vacant. This seems to be due to the fact that Robyn Denholm, the company's current board chair, recently offloaded a significant amount of Tesla stock, indicating that she may be on her way out. Specifically, as TheStreet reports, "In just the last six months, she has sold $198 million in Tesla shares. These sales were executed under a 10b5-1 agreement that allows insiders from publicly traded companies to sell their shares." Gerber also highlighted Tesla's decision to appoint Jack Hartung, the former president of popular Mexican food chain Chipotle, to its board. Noting his experience in the consumer products space, the fund manager speculated that Hartung may be able to help repair Tesla's damaged brand, particularly as the company maneuvers to launch a cab business. More Tesla News: Tesla is on track to massively disappoint fans this summerElon Musk gets devastating news as the 'anti-Tesla' catches onTesla rival has a disappointing message for EV fans At this point, it is difficult to assess what Musk will do or whether his role at Tesla will change in the short term, given his unpredictable nature. While other experts have also speculated that it would likely be in the company's best interest for him to step down, Musk seems intent on remaining in control. Related: Billionaire fund manager unloads 600 million of Tesla stock Gerber, known for his scathing criticisms of Musk and Tesla, seemed slightly more positive in his recent takes on the company. He acknowledged that there haven't been any negative headlines involving Musk and DOGE for two weeks. That said, he also added that "Tesla sales are down big time while trying to launch a cab service with software and hardware that basically doesn't work yet," making it clear that he is still not confident in the company's ability to usher in a turnaround and start making real progress. This comes at a highly pivotal time for Tesla as it prepares to launch its autonomous robotaxi fleet in Austin, Texas, a moment that its loyalists have been eagerly awaiting. However, if its hardware and software do not work, as Gerber strongly implied, this event is likely to either be pushed back or lead to devastating results that drag down share prices. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Why Tesla's upcoming cheaper EV is going to look very familiar
Tesla (TSLA) execs on the company's first quarter earnings call earlier this week dropped some heavy hints as to what the EV maker's cheaper upcoming vehicles could look like. The bottom line: Those EVs are going to look very familiar. Tesla said the launch of its new vehicles, including more affordable ones, was on track for the first half of 2025, with CFO Vaibhav Taneja later saying that production will start in June. Tesla and its management team believe the launch of the cheaper EV will make a difference in the company's sales performance. That follows CEO Elon Musk's mantra that customers are only constrained by cost, and if the price is right, sales will follow. Tesla execs on the call did not deny a prior Reuters report that the first cheaper EV would resemble an existing Model Y SUV, saying only that the company was focusing on affordability and that these efforts would resemble some of the existing Tesla models. One of the biggest reasons why the cheaper Tesla EV will look familiar is that Tesla will use its current manufacturing footprint and assembly lines, as opposed to the next-generation "unboxed" manufacturing process the company will use for the Cybercab in 2026. "The real thing which we are trying to focus on is affordability, and using our existing [production] lines, there's always limitations as to how many different form factors you can bring," Taneja said on the earnings call. "So that's the way you should think about it." Some Tesla commentators had predicted the newer vehicles would resemble the Cybercab in some fashion, meaning a mix of Tesla's old and new design language. Lars Moravy, Tesla VP of vehicle engineering, added a bit more context. "With the recent upgrades to the Model 3 and Model Y platforms, we've made some pretty great cars at pretty great prices, and we've added a bunch of features ... Models that come out in the next months will resemble in form and shape the cars that we currently make, and the key is that they will be affordable and that you'll be able to buy one," Moravy added. That's good enough for Wall Street, apparently. "Tesla confirmed that a more affordable vehicle is currently in the making and the unveil is on track for start of production in 1H25. It appears from company management that this affordable vehicle will be largely based on stripped down version of the Model Y and Model 3," Bank of America's John Murphy said in a note to clients. Whether a new, cheaper model will move the needle for Tesla's sales, which were decidedly weak in Q1, is up for debate. The bigger question: How fast can Tesla get these vehicles into showrooms? "We assume a very modest ramp of new products, forecasting just 3.5k units produced in 2025 and 50k units in 2026," Barclays' Dan Levy wrote in a note after Tesla's earnings call. For context, Tesla produced 362,615 EVs globally in Q1 alone. Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on X and on Instagram. Sign in to access your portfolio
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Elon Musk's 'unfulfilled' Tesla promises listed and what he said on them
Tesla has long sought to establish a presence in India, the world's third-largest automotive market. (AI image) Tesla CEO Elon Musk, known for his ambitious vision and bold claims, has faced criticism for several delayed or unfulfilled promises regarding Tesla's innovations. While Musk describes himself as 'pathologically optimistic,' many of his high-profile projects remain incomplete or behind schedule. Elon Musk's 'unfulfilled' Tesla promises Full Self-Driving (FSD) Technology: Musk first promised self-driving Tesla cars by 2018, but the goal has been repeatedly delayed. Despite incremental updates, Tesla's FSD software is yet to achieve full autonomy. Musk recently admitted to being the 'boy who cried FSD,' acknowledging the missed deadlines. Affordable Tesla EV : In 2020, Musk announced plans for a $25,000 mass-market Tesla, often referred to as the 'Model 2.' However, production has been postponed to 2025, with reports suggesting further delays. Cybercab Robotaxis : Musk confidently predicted operational robotaxis by 2020. The project, now branded as 'Cybercab,' is slated for production in 2026, but tariff issues and supply chain challenges could cause further disruptions. Cybertruck: Introduced in 2019, the Cybertruck was initially expected to launch in 2021. Production only began in 2023, with deliveries still ramping up. Next-Generation Roadster : Announced in 2017 with a planned 2020 launch, the Roadster has faced multiple delays. Musk now aims to begin production in 2025. Elon Musk's perspective on delays Musk has defended the delays, emphasising that while timelines may slip, Tesla ultimately delivers on its promises. He attributes the setbacks to supply chain bottlenecks, regulatory hurdles, and the inherent challenges of pioneering new technologies. Musk maintains that his focus remains on innovation, stating, 'We do deliver in the end, which is the important thing.'
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla updates long-awaited safety feature with surprise shift: 'If your vehicle has the necessary hardware…'
American Tesla owners will soon get the benefit of a new suite of safety features that have already been rolled out in Europe, including the long-awaited Adaptive High-Beam Headlights, InsideEVs reported. This feature debuted in European models in 2024. It manually controls the individual pixels of a Tesla's headlights, brightening the ones not aimed at other cars or cyclists while dimming the ones that might interfere with the vision of other people on the road. This allows maximum visibility — and maximum safety — for everyone while driving at night. Tesla sales have been struggling mightily in 2025 compared to the usual, with CEO Elon Musk's political activities being cited as a likely factor. It's still among the world's most popular EV brands, however, and these improvements will go out to drivers of new models and select existing ones. The update will be part of the 2024.2 software version, which will be uploaded to existing EVs wirelessly this year. To meet the hardware requirements, the car needs to be outfitted with matrix headlights, so this feature will only be active in cars manufactured in 2022 and beyond with factory headlights. If you were to install home solar panels, which of these factors would be your primary motivation? Energy independence Lower power bills Helping the planet No chance I ever go solar Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. One Tesla EV is shipping with this feature already enabled: the Model Y. "If your vehicle has the necessary hardware, you will see the setting under Controls > Lights > Adaptive Headlights," Tesla said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another safety feature in this update for the Model S and Model X is the Blind Spot Camera on Driver Screen. This will activate a live video display of the car's blind spot when you turn on your indicator light so you can check for cars and obstacles in your blind spot. Meanwhile, the Cybertruck is being updated with a new feature for Lane Departure Avoidance. On the digital display, when you cross a lane marker, it will now turn up in blue on the touchscreen to prompt you back into the lane. Finally, the Cybertruck, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and Model S will all receive a quality-of-life update allowing owners to set the height they want their trunk to open to, so that if they park in an enclosed space, the trunk door won't hit the wall or ceiling when opening. Tesla is also re-enabling the use of its EVs' 12-volt outlets when the car is locked, after backlash about the decision to disable them in a previous update. The more improvements Tesla and other EV companies make to its vehicles, the easier it gets for drivers to make their next car electric. That's good for the planet, given how much pollution gas-powered vehicles produce compared to EVs, even after taking into account battery manufacturing and charging with dirty energy. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
