Breaking Down the Latest Tesla News: Design Updates, Factory Expansions, FSD Beta Updates, and More
Introduction
Tesla is one of the most innovative companies in the world, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with electric vehicles. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the latest updates from the company, including design updates to the Model S and X, factory expansions in China and Germany, a new US battery deal, and more. Let’s get started.
Tesla’s Proprietary Connector and Charging Options
One of the most interesting aspects of Tesla is how they manufacture cars with their own proprietary connector in North America, but ship them with CCS and other connectors in other markets. While Tesla’s proprietary connector is smaller and arguably better than any other EV connector on the market, it’s proprietary, which means Tesla vehicles need adapters to work with any other chargers. This limits the charging options for Tesla owners, particularly when ccs is the only available option.
In late 2020, Tesla announced a CCS adapter for Korea, which allowed Tesla owners to use third-party fast chargers with CCS connectors. While Tesla has yet to sell this adapter in North America, some owners have imported it to make use of it with Electrify America’s CCS chargers.
Recently, an owner with the CCS adapter was spotted using an EVgo charger to charge their Model Y at a max rate of 205 kilowatts, which is much faster than the 150 kilowatts the adapter was supposedly rated at. This evidence indicates that the adapter works well, and Tesla should consider selling it in North America to expand charging options for Tesla owners.
Model S and X Screen Tilt Feature
When Tesla launched the refreshed Model S and X, they promised the screen would have “ultra-bright true colors, exceptional responsiveness, and left-right tilt.” However, when the cars were actually launched, there was no mention of the screen tilting. It later became evident that the cars shipped with the hardware to tilt the screen, but lacked the motor to make it fully functional.
Now, it appears that Tesla is officially adding the screen tilt feature, after a video from Tesla Frunk showed a Model S with the screen swivel feature. The screen can go left, right, or center depending on which you tap on screen, and it tilts out a bit as it moves. This feature will be helpful for drivers or passengers to access certain features while driving or riding. The feature has been added to the Model S and is expected to come to the Model X at the same time.
Factory Expansions in China and Germany
Tesla is currently delivering cars from two main factories: the Fremont factory and the Shanghai factory, which they have turned into their export hub. Recently, Tesla began deliveries out of Giga Texas and Giga Berlin, which are focused on the Model Y production line.
In Shanghai, rumors are that Tesla is adding another factory, which could ramp up quickly due to their experience in the region and their ability to open factories quickly. The new factory is expected to add an annual capacity of 450,000 cars, including Model 3s and Model Ys, making Shanghai the world’s largest vehicle export hub.
Additionally, Tesla has acquired a piece of land adjacent to its new Giga Berlin factory, which they acquired in 2020. This new land acquisition will allow Tesla to expand further in Germany, and plans include having as many supplier products as possible delivered to the Giga Berlin plant by train, with completed Teslas transported away by rail as well.
Conclusion
Tesla continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible with electric vehicles. From charging options to design updates, and factory expansions, the company is constantly improving and finding ways to expand its vision. We’re excited to see what they’ll come up with next.