The Auto Xone

By Simon Alvarez Posted on August 31, 2024 Brazil’s ongoing ban against Elon Musk’s social media platform X has attracted its fair share of critics. These include a Dutch Member of Parliament and legal advocacy group ADF International.  Amidst the fallout of Brazil’s ban on X and Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes’ threat of a R$50,000 ($8,900) daily fine for users who access the social media platform through VPN, a number of elected Brazilian officials have continued to express their thoughts on X. The social media platform, for its part, has also released copies of the letter from de Moraes, which demanded the censorship of several X accounts, including that of a sitting official. In a post on the social media platform, Dutch MP Geert Wilders slammed Brazil for banning X. As per the official in his post, a country that does not grant freedom of expression to its citizens is a dictatorship. “Banning X in Brazil is unacceptable and proof of total

Calling itself the world’s first “AI-driven solar company,” Monalee is cutting the soft costs associated with solar by more than 50%, and they’re passing those savings – sometimes thousands of dollars – directly to the homeowner. The solar industry has seen a number of high-profile closures and bankruptcies in recent months, but Monalee is a venture-backed, digital-first startup that’s just getting started … and that’s significant in an industry where most of the work is still done offline. How does being “digital-first” shape the home solar experience for customers? It starts with they get a quote for solar – a process that takes just seconds with Monalee. A person just enters the address that they want to add solar to and they’ll receive an instant design and quote. From there, Monalee’s technology takes over: Monalee’s AI-powered machine learning software uses satellite imagery to figure out a roof’s plane, azimuth, and pitch the software identifies roof obstacles like ch

By Joey Klender Posted on August 29, 2024 General Motors is delaying its jointly-run electric vehicle factory with Samsung SDI by one year, a move that shows another legacy automaker tempering their expectations as the U.S. EV market seems to be derailed by consumer interest in hybrids. GM and Samsung SDI said on Tuesday that they would still build the factory, slated to be located in New Carlisle, Indiana , but it will now be ready to produce battery cells in 2027 instead of 2026. The reasons for the delay are “market conditions and contract details,” GM said. Market Conditions Several automakers have admitted that the consumer interest trends have pointed in the direction of hybrid electric vehicles and not pure EVs. Ford recently announced that it would push its EV plans back and would instead focus on building out more hybrids in the coming years. It will still build EVs, including a new, all-electric pickup, but it won’t come until the latter half

Chinese EV automaker ZEEKR is inching closer to the first deliveries of its new 7X EV. The classically styled five-seat SUV is peppered without advanced technology inside and out and will hit “global markets” as a new EV model that brings the luxury of premium models to consumers at an affordable price… we’re just not sure what that price is yet. In true ZEEKR ($ZK) fashion, it is moving quickly with the launch of its latest EV model, the 7X. It was merely July when we got our first glimpse at camouflaged images of the new SUV, initially codenamed the “CX1e.” Two days later, ZEEKR confirmed the new EV, called the 7X, will join its X SUV sibling as the second all-electric model to be sold globally . Two days after that, ZEEKR shared even more details and uncamouflaged images of the new “family-friendly” SUV, sharing that it will be the first to feature the automaker’s new LFP batteries that can recharge from 10-80% in 10.5 minutes. We also learned that the dual-motor version of

By Simon Alvarez Posted on August 27, 2024 Tesla’s electric vehicles tend to be well-received, though some of their tech-forward features, like their steering wheel-based turn signals, have attracted a lot of criticism over the years. This was one of the reasons why a Norway-based driving school has opted to design a workaround for Tesla’s controversial turn signals — and it has paid off well so far.  Norway-based driving school Elite Trafikkskole AS has a number of Teslas in its fleet, and while its previous vehicles, like the Model Y, use traditional turn signals, its new Model 3 had turn signals on its steering wheel. Jon Kjetil Kallekodt, the daily manager of Elite Trafikkskole, noted that the school was not very happy with the touch-based turn signals on the new Model 3’s steering wheel. The school acquired a third-party turn signal lever that can be retrofitted on the new Model 3, and it also tried installing programmable, wireless buttons to the

A Tesla Cybertruck caught on fire after hitting a fire hydrant in a bizarre crash and one of two known Cybertruck fires to date. According to official statistics, electric vehicles don’t catch fire at a higher rate than fossil fuel-powered vehicles. However, they do catch fire for different reasons and burn differently, which requires first responders to adapt. There have also been occasions when EV fires were linked to battery defects, like in the Bolt EV situation. Earlier this month, we reported on a tragic fatal Cybertruck accident that resulted in a fire. Now, we learn of another Tesla Cybertruck crash that resulted in a fire, but this one is quite ironic since the Cybertruck driver crashed into a fire hydrant. The crash happened yesterday afternoon in Harlingen, Texas. Assistant Fire Chief Ruben Balboa and the Harlingen Police Department said that the Cybertruck driver ran into a fire hydrant between Sam’s Club and Bass Pro Shop, off of Spur 54 and Bass Pro Drive. A vide

By Zachary Visconti Posted on August 26, 2024 Tesla has gained another Megapack contract in Australia, coming as the latest of the company’s commitments to build new energy storage sites and expand existing ones. The contract will oversee the expansion of the recently finished Western Downs battery in Queensland, Australia, increase the energy storage site’s size to 540 MW / 1,080 MWh, as detailed in a report from Renew Economy . In total, Tesla will provide 140 Megapack units for the project, expected to be valued at about $133 million, while developers expect the second stage of the project to be operational by 2026. The site is being operated by French renewables company Neoen, which signed a 10-year contract with AGL Energy, which is the country’s largest coal generator. The contract signs into place the addition of Megapack power from Tesla, and it will expand what is Queensland’s largest battery project—for now, at least. Tesla Megapacks to help g

Commercial leasing company Volt Mobility boasts clients that include UPS, DHL, and FedEx. And now, they’ll be able to boast about having one of the largest electric vehicle fleets in the world – because they just ordered 3,000 electric trucks from Mullen. Volt Mobility placed a $210 million order for 3,000 class 1 and class 3 electric cargo vans to be delivered over the next sixteen months. From there, Volt will lease the vehicles to its corporate customer base throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”) region, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “Volt is reshaping the way people and businesses move across the UAE and GCC,” said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive . “This landmark agreement provides Mullen with exposure to leading global transportation companies and the opportunity for utilizing Mullen EVs across the UAE and other areas of the Middle East.” Mullen says Volt Mobility’s vehicles will b

By Zachary Visconti Posted on August 24, 2024 Tesla has launched its new referral program, after the company did away with its previous version of the program just a few months ago. On Saturday, Tesla launched the new referral program via its mobile app, following its decision to end the previous referral program in May . Instead of offering referral credits, the new program essentially offers a flat-out gift card that can be redeemed for a wide range of products, including merch, Supercharging, and more. Under the newly launched system, the first ten people to use a person’s referral link will receive $1,000 off on purchases of a new Tesla, while those being referred earn $500 toward Supercharging, products, merchandise, service payments, or a new vehicle. Those who purchase a referral vehicle will also gain a chance to win an invite to upcoming Tesla events. Earn $500 by giving anyone $1000 off a new Tesla Can be used toward Supercharging, software

Located in Perth, Western Australia, EPCA became famous for its “Green Machine,” a CAT 777 100-ton haul truck it converted to electric power. Now, the company says it has plans to produce 50-70 more of the battery electric mining trucks … each year. After showcasing its Green Machine at two major mining events in Australia recently, EPCA (an acronym that stands for Electric Power Conversion Australia) a recent case study commissioned by one of the company’s key suppliers says it has plans to produce 50-70 of its 100-ton battery electric mining trucks annually. There might be demand, too. Switching the CAT from diesel to battery electric power boosts the haul truck’s horsepower from 1,000 hp to 1,120 hp, and bumps torque from 4,700 Nm (3,400 lb ft) to 5,200 Nm (3,835 lb ft), and that torque increase comes at 0 rpm. The electrons powering those motors are provided courtesy of six 290 kWh Xerotech batteries running in parallel. The combined battery pack is good for some 1740 kWh of

By Joey Klender Posted on August 23, 2024 Tesla owners are complaining about extended wait times for service visits, which, in some cases, can keep owners waiting for as long as two months. It is a grim reality for those who need their all-electric vehicles taken care of by the company. Tesla Service was at one time one of the most common complaints of owners. At first, there were not enough Service Centers to accommodate the number of owners. After Tesla made an effort to expedite service by approaching issues with an “F1 Service Strategy,” it seems not many things have improved, although there are more owners than ever. Tesla’s ‘F1’ Service strategy eliminates same-day loaner vehicles, Uber credits According to several Tesla owners on X, they are being forced to wait up to two months to get into Service Centers to have their vehicles repaired: Even with a brand new service center, Tesla service in Charlotte is booked 52 days out. That is insane. pi

Photo: Oregon Department of Transportation, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons The US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has broken ground on a $150 million grant project to repair and upgrade 4,500 EV charging ports. The Joint Office broke ground on its first Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility (EVC-RAA) program-funded project yesterday – an inoperable charging station in Washington, DC. The repaired station will be able to charge four vehicles simultaneously using either CCS or NACS connectors at speeds of 150 kW, an upgrade from its previous 50 kW capacity. Located near a convenience store, a riverfront park, trails, and a Capital Bikeshare station, the station is well-positioned to serve both residents and visitors. Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office, emphasized the importance of reliable charging infrastructure, stating, “These upgraded chargers offer faster speeds, serve more drivers, and are part of projects creating jobs across t

By Joey Klender Posted on August 21, 2024 SpaceX’s Starlink provides high-speed satellite internet in Earth’s most rural areas — even in the middle of the ocean. Sailors in the United States Navy are now finding this out for themselves, as ships are now being equipped with Sailor Edge Afloat and Ashore, also known as SEA2, which uses low-orbit satellites to bring high-speed internet access to ships and shore sites. On the USSA Abraham Lincoln, sailors are getting access to the internet so they can keep in touch with their family and friends who are perhaps thousands of miles away . Resorts World Cruises embraces Starlink satellite internet Rob Wolborsky, Chief Engineer at the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR), said (via dvidshub ): “This is a once-in-a-lifetime transformation for the warfighter, and we are pressing to deliver it to the fleet as fast and aggressively as possible. We are also focusing on getting the maximum value from

Tesla has lost one of its top long-time leaders in the financial department and one of only two female vice presidents. Earlier this year, Tesla suffered a purge of talent, both intentionally and unintentionally. Elon Musk started several waves of layoffs that resulted in 15 to 20% of Tesla’s workforce exiting. However, we also reported that employees left after the layoffs because company morale was hit . A few months later, we learn of another executive leaving Tesla: Sreela Venkataratnam. Venkataratnam joined Tesla more than a decade ago as a director of financial operations. She held several major roles in Tesla’s finance department, including as Vice President, Finance and Business Operations for the last 5 years. She announced that she is leaving Tesla in a LinkedIn post : I joined as Director of Finance Operations in early 2013, when Tesla was a company with less than $1B in yearly revenues, a market cap of ~$4B and less than 3000 cars delivered in a year. Leaving as a

By Zachary Visconti Posted on August 20, 2024 A former executive at Rivian has departed from the electric vehicle (EV) maker to join multinational automaker Stellantis, heading up North American operations. Rivian’s VP of Manufacturing Operations Tim Fallon has left the company after just two years, and will now join Stellantis as the company’s North America Head of Manufacturing. The news comes as the latest in executive shake-ups at Rivian, after the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Kjell Gruner, left the company just weeks ago . Automotive News confirmed Fallon’s departure with a Rivian spokesperson on Tuesday, after seeing an internal memo about the news written by CEO RJ Scaringe. Stellantis has already announced that Fallon will join the company ahead of accelerated EV plans. Rivian pauses production of Amazon EDV units due to parts shortage “Tim brings his relentless pursuit of operational excellence and strong track record of manufacturing

By Maria Merano Posted on August 18, 2024 Tesla FSD (Full Self-Driving) 12.5.3’s performance has received mixed reviews from drivers, revealing that there are still some kinks to work out with the autonomous driving software.  The recent Tesla FSD 12.5.3 update received varied reviews, but all of them will likely improve the software. Starting with all the good notes, users have commented that v.12.5.3 is adept at avoiding unusual objects obstructing the road, meaning obstacle detection works smoothly. Like previous releases, Tesla FSD v 12.5.3 handles driving through complex scenarios like constriction zones and overtaking on the well.  A few users have commented on Tesla FSD’s hesitation with lane changes, stating that it lacks assertiveness. Some users have called for a more “assertive mode.” In the past a FSD users have noticed that their vehicle switches lanes constantly when on a more assertive setting. Many experienced FSD users prefer remaining o

The absolutely bonkers, 1,000 hp McMurtry Speirling fan car has crossed the Atlantic, and it’s doing the same thing here that it did in Europe: go scary fast and shatter hillclimb records . The impossibly fast McMurtry Speirling electric fan car that wowed crowds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed two years ago has made a lot of progress since . For one, it’s gone from prototype to limited production – and, for another, it’s now shattered records on this side of the pond, racing at the third annual Reverse Corkscrew Hillclimb. The McMurtry was so fast, in fact, that and its hot-shoe driver (ex-Formula 1 and IndyCar driver, Max Chilton) set not one, but two records. Small, but mighty McMurtry Speirling electric fan car next to its nearest rivals; by McMurtry, via New Atlas . The Speirling fan car absolutely dominated Laguna Seca ‘s previous long-layout record, blasting its way up Laguna Seca’s famous Corkscrew in 28.6 seconds. That run beat the previous record, set by an ICE-p