Exploring the Latest Tesla News: Design Updates, New Factories, and More
Tesla is a company that is always in the news. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the latest Tesla news, including design updates to the Model S and X, news about upcoming factories, a new US battery deal, and updates about FSD Beta. So, let’s get started!
Proprietary Connector Updates
One of the interesting aspects of owning a Tesla is its proprietary connector in North America. While it is smaller and better than any other EV connector on the market, it is not universal. This means that Teslas need adapters to work with any other chargers, limiting the options on trips. Tesla announced a CCS adapter in late 2020, which came to Korea but hasn’t been seen in North America. However, some owners have imported the CCS adapter to North America to expand charging options.
According to an Instagram post by Tesla Model Y owner Chanan Bos, a CCS adapter owner was spotted using an EVgo charger to charge their Model Y. The max charging rate seen with this adapter was 205kW, which is very fast for this adapter, which was supposedly rated at 150kW. This proves that the CCS adapter works, which is why many Tesla owners are calling for Tesla to sell the adapter.
Design Updates to the Model S and X
Tesla is always striving to improve its vehicles. In January 2021, when Tesla launched the refreshed Model S and X, it promised a screen with “ultra-bright true colors, exceptional responsiveness, and left-right tilt.” However, by the time the cars actually launched in June, there was no mention of the screen tilting. While the screen functions well fixed in the middle, many noticed that the Model S and X actually ship with the hardware to tilt the screen, but it was just missing the motor.
Tesla is officially adding the screen tilt to the Model S and X. A video posted by Tesla Frunk on YouTube shows a Model S that features a third-party powered front trunk, as well as Tesla’s factory screen swivel that can go left, right, or center depending on which area you tap on the screen. From the side, a Model S was spotted on display at the Tesla store in Taiwan sporting the updated screen, tilted towards the driver. Reportedly, this change was made as of late April, and production is fully there for this feature on both cars, with the software pre-installed from the factory.
New Factories
Tesla is already delivering cars at scale from two main factories: Fremont and Shanghai. Tesla has turned its Shanghai factory into its export hub and is beginning deliveries out of Giga Texas and Giga Berlin. Rumors of another factory opening up in Shanghai have been circulating for a while. According to a letter obtained by Reuters, Tesla will build a new plant on nearby land in the same area that will add an annual capacity of 450,000 cars, including Model 3s and Model Ys, becoming the world’s largest vehicle export hub.
As of right now, there are no timelines for this expansion, but Tesla already has plans to expand their existing production capacity at Giga Shanghai. With a second plant right next to the existing one, they could exceed one million cars per year in Shanghai. In addition, Tesla acquired another 100 acres next to its new Giga Berlin facility, planning to massively expand its property in Grünheide.
New US Battery Deal
Tesla has reportedly signed a new deal with the US government to produce batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) at scale. The US Department of Energy announced that it would provide a $5 million grant to Tesla to manufacture new, higher-capacity batteries that will reduce the cost of EVs. The grant is part of a $60 million effort to boost domestic EV battery manufacturing. The batteries will be made at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada, with Tesla contributing an additional $13 million to the project.
FSD Beta Updates
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta program has been one of the most talked-about topics in recent months. FSD Beta has been rolled out to a select group of Tesla owners to test the technology and provide feedback. After a few setbacks, the latest FSD Beta 9.2 was released to testers, and they have been sharing their experiences online.
In conclusion, Tesla continues to make headlines with its exciting updates to its cars and factories. From expanding production to new battery deals and FSD Beta updates, there is always something new to look forward to from Tesla.