Exploring the Latest Tesla News
Tesla is back in the news with a raft of updates and announcements. In the following paragraphs, we’ll touch on some of the biggest developments, including the arrival of the Model Y, a new supplier, and an autopilot recall. Keep reading to find out more.
Model Y 2.0 Delivers to Customers
For what seems like an age, Tesla has been hinting at the arrival of Model Y 2.0. Excitement reached fever pitch at the recent cyber rodeo when Tesla employees were the first to receive the Model Y with a structural battery pack and 4680 cells.
Now, the first customers have received their Model Y cars. The new configuration, which is not yet available on the Tesla online configurator, comes with a standard range 4680 cell battery pack and a choice of standard or induction wheels.
Each Model Y 2.0 delivers a top EPA range of 279 miles with standard wheels and 269 miles with induction wheels. The cars can accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 5 seconds.
Tesla has put a lower energy battery pack in the Model Y, resulting in a combination of range, performance, and price that suits many customers. This is in line with Tesla’s mission to make vehicles more accessible.
Samsung Launches as a Huge Tesla Supplier
Samsung has won a significant contract to supply cameras for Tesla vehicles. The Korean conglomerate already makes EV batteries and cameras for many automakers in the market. But for Tesla, cameras are increasingly critical for its Autopilot system.
In every Tesla vehicle, there are eight exterior cameras and one interior camera that contribute to the capabilities of the Autopilot system. According to reports, Samsung has won a bid to supply all camera modules for the Cybertruck and Tesla Semi as they enter production.
This contract is a significant coup for Samsung. It also shows that Tesla is securing parts for the Cybertruck as the company gears up for real-world production.
Tesla Files to Put Radar Back in Cars
For years, radar has been a crucial component for self-driving in Tesla and many other automakers’ vehicles. Tesla, like others, used radar and cameras to enable Autopilot. But last year, Tesla dropped radar sensors potentially due to supply chain issues.
Following the move, Elon Musk made a statement saying that vision, when paired with Tesla’s neural net technology, could replace radar sensors. Musk said, “A very high-resolution radar would be better than pure vision, but such a radar does not exist.”
Now, it seems that Tesla has officially filed with the FCC to use a new radar sensor in its cars. Tesla may be seeking to secure better radar sensors for Autopilot to continue to develop its capabilities beyond what vision offers.
Autopilot Recall Possible
Tesla is also facing a possible recall of its Autopilot system. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating why Autopilot sometimes activates without driver intervention.
The investigation follows a series of crashes that occurred while the vehicles were in Autopilot mode. The NHTSA is looking at various models, including the Model S, Model Y, and Model 3.
The agency’s probe will look into how the vehicles’ sensors and cameras fail to detect roadside hazards. Tesla, for its part, states that its driver-assist system has an excellent safety record. It remains to be seen how this issue might impact Tesla’s Autopilot feature.
Tesla’s Expansion Continues
Tesla’s expansion continues, with new developments, system upgrades, supplier news, and recalls. As a leader in the electric vehicle market, Tesla’s innovations and performance improvements will undoubtedly continue to shape the industry.
Whether you’re a Tesla fan eagerly anticipating the next vehicular release or a curious onlooker, it’s an exciting time for the electric vehicle market. With Tesla’s recent developments, other automakers must step up their game, ensuring they don’t get left behind.