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Siri can now talk to Tesla's Model 3
Telsa's Model 3 uses a lot of voice and touchscreen rather than physical controls, which makes it a bit harder to operate than it should be, we found. One thing that will help is more voice controls, and Tesla has addressed that with its latest iOS app release -- sort of. The Model 3 now supports Siri, letting you do some functions like unlocking it, flashing the lights and honking the horn by voice without opening the Tesla app. You can also find your car and check the charge levels.
Tesla raised its Supercharger rates across the US
Tesla has increased its Supercharging rates across the US, Electrek reports. And while most states' prices increased by 20 to 40 percent, some experienced more substantial rises in costs. For example, California's rates rose from 20 cents per kWh to 26 cents and New York's rose from 19 cents per kWh to 24 cents, but Oregon's rates doubled from 12 cents per kWh to 24 cents.
Tesla temporarily paused Model 3 production in February
Tesla temporarily halted production of the Model 3 in order to fix crucial bottlenecks in the assembly process. According to Bloomberg, the line at the company's Fremont plant was shut down between February 20th, through to the 24th. In a statement, Tesla said that its plans include pauses in production to "improve automation and systemically address bottlenecks."
Tesla Model 3 review: the fast and infuriating
I was standing next to the Model 3 when a guy on a bike rode by and yelled, "How is it?" My typical interactions with people who ask about Tesla's affordable sedan (so many people ask me about the car) typically take about five minutes. I point out the highlights and issues I've encountered while driving. Without thinking, I threw him a thumbs up. It was a gut reaction to a car I've come to adore but have also been confused by. I should have yelled, "It's complicated!
Elon Musk promises Model 3 safety changes after crash report
Tesla has an excellent reputation for safety and it looks like the Model 3 is just as solid as its other EVs -- but it still needs a few tweaks. Reddit user "Model 3 Crash Dummy" managed to walk away from an accident that totaled his car, despite the fact that "the paramedics said I should be dead," he wrote. However, he also reported that his passenger's arm hit the center display, breaking it and cutting her arm, while also de-activating the glove box. Elon Musk heard about this, however, and promised hardware and software updates to fix the problem.
Tesla targets 2,500 Model 3s a week while posting largest quarterly loss
After its CEO launched one of its Roadsters into space yesterday, Tesla posted its largest quarterly loss while simultaneously posting a jump in revenue. Meanwhile, the company is still working towards its earlier goal of producing 5,000 Model 3s a week.
Tesla says its Model 3 production nightmare is nearly over
In 2016, Tesla managed to ship 83,992 vehicles, narrowly missing its target of pushing 90,000 cars out of its front door that year. Now, the company has revealed its 2017 figures, saying that it produced 101,312 Model S and Xs between January and December. That figure doesn't include the new mass-market Model 3, of which the company was able to crank out 2,425 in the fourth quarter. Which, itself, is a big bump from the meager 260 it made when production began in Q3.
Green tech will be everywhere in 2018
In 2017, clean power gathered unprecedented momentum. Multiple automakers launched entire families of EVs, including the most exciting one yet, Tesla's Model 3. The company also started pre-orders for the Solar Roof, a type of home photovoltaic panel that will make solar panel installations less ugly. With climate change problems mounting, national and local governments are pushing for more renewable energy and an end to fossil-fueled cars -- despite hostile moves in those areas by US President Donald Trump. Elected officials and the public want fewer gas-powered vehicles and coal plants, and more EVs, solar panels and wind turbines. That will ultimately benefit your health, wallet and environment, and you'll be less reliant on large energy and oil corporations, to boot.
Elon Musk vows to build Tesla pickup truck 'right after' Model Y
Tesla has been hyping up the prospect of an electric pickup truck for a long time (you're looking at an artist's rendering above), but when can you expect to see it? You might have a clearer idea. As part of a call for feedback, Elon Musk has promised that the pickup will be made "right after" the Model Y crossover arrives between 2019 and 2020. We'd take that commitment with a grain of salt (remember how Tesla expected widescale Model 3 deliveries to start in 2017?), but it at least gives you an idea of what the EV maker is shooting for.
Tesla’s Model 3 patch adds futuristic features like an FM radio
Tesla's latest update for the Model 3 adds an FM radio and a tripometer. Let that sink in for a bit. Sure, plenty of cars don't have CD players anymore, but a radio is pretty standard equipment. Same goes for the tripometer. Actually, the tripometer missing is a little more egregious than the radio. Typically, the tripometer is used to measure how far you can go on a tank of gas, or, in the Model 3's case, a full charge. This is the sort of thing that illustrates Tesla was in such a rush to get the hardware out the door that it overlooked everyday features we take for granted.
EPA confirms Tesla's Model 3 has a range of 310 miles
Back in August, EPA documents implied that the pricier $44,000 version of Tesla's Model 3 could have a range of 310 miles. Today, the agency confirmed that speculation: The top-tier Model 3 will indeed have a 310-mile range, while the less expensive $35,000 edition will be able to drive an estimated 220 miles before needing to recharge.
Tesla opens Model 3 order process to non-employees
Tesla's Model 3 has technically been on the market since July, but only to employees, their family members or people who are tight with the EV maker. Your pre-order hasn't been very useful if you're one of the hundreds of thousands of regular would-be owners. However, Tesla is finally, slowly opening things up. The company has confirmed that it's now inviting everyday buyers to complete their orders. Only a handful of customers are likely to get one when Tesla is still struggling to ramp up production, and you still have to order a high-spec model with the long-range battery and premium interior. However, you might not have to wait long -- at least some of those who've received an invitation are hearing that they'll get receive cars before the end of 2017, as promised.
Tesla unveils its vision of the future of trucking
At an event adjacent to SpaceX, the Tesla Semi (yes, that's its name) electric truck was introduced with the same pomp and circumstance the company uses for all its automobile launches. The tall, slick big rig follows the Tesla minimalist design language. The only protrusions are the side mirrors and a sensor array that resembles tiny wings situated at the top rear on either side of the truck. It looks like the future. CEO Elon Musk says it's "designed like a bullet."
What you need to know before buying an EV
It's an exciting time for the automotive world. Over the past 15 years, cars have gone from relatively dumb machines that get us to our destinations to electrified, connected gadgets. In the coming decade, the technology being developed by traditional automakers and nascent upstarts will not only transform the way we drive, but change how cities operate.
Can Tesla avoid becoming the BlackBerry of electric cars?
It wasn't that long ago that the idea of a semi-autonomous, or even an electric car, driving on public roads was incredibly far-fetched. Sure, there were hybrids from companies like Toyota and Honda, but nothing that anyone with a straight face would call cool. Tesla changed all that, first with its roadster but then (more importantly) with its Model S and Autopilot. Its cars had an EV range of more than 200 miles and made caring about the environment and driving "the future" a status symbol. Tesla changed everything in the automotive world and now, well now, the industry has caught up and Elon Musk's company is mired in what he calls "production hell."
Tesla buys automation company to mitigate production delays
Tesla is buying private machining company Perbix, possibly in a bid to mitigate the woes the car manufacturer announced last week, when it blamed a $619 million quarterly loss on production "bottlenecks". Perbix has been supplying Tesla with parts for nearly three years, but the acquisition will allow the company to produce more parts in-house, helping it fulfill its ambition to "build the machine that makes the machine".
Tesla Model 3 in-depth video review answers all your questions
There's no shortage of Tesla Model 3 clips out there, but a detailed video review has been sorely missing -- until now, that is. The arrival of a brand-spanking new vid from the folks at the Model 3 Owners Club should tackle any lingering questions you may have about the car. The 70-minute clip is especially useful for anyone mulling a buy or (patiently) waiting for their purchase to arrive.
Tesla fired 'hundreds' of workers this week
Tonight The Mercury News reports that Tesla -- which is in the midst of ramping up production of the Model 3 -- fired hundreds of workers this week at its headquarters and factory. In a statement, the company cited performance reviews as a reason for departures from its workforce of more than 33,000 and said that it is continuing to grow. Workers the paper spoke to estimated some 400 - 700 workers have been fired, however, the company expects that overall attrition will be similar to last year, and that this won't impact Model 3 production. Currently, we're still anticipating updated Model 3 production numbers (it only made 260 in Q3) when Tesla reports its earnings in a few weeks, as well as the unveiling of its electric semi on November 16th.
Tesla has only produced 260 Model 3s so far
Tesla delivered its first batch of Model 3s to their owners at the end of July and production was supposed to steadily ramp up during the following months. Elon Musk predicted that around 100 cars would be produced in August, 1,500 in September and 20,000 in December, with 10,000 cars per week being the production target in 2018. But so far that plan has failed. In a recap on third quarter vehicle production and deliveries, Tesla said that only 260 Model 3s were produced and just 220 were delivered.
Tesla switches from NVIDIA to Intel for its infotainment systems
Ever since Tesla took the wraps off the Model S, its electric cars have had NVIDIA hardware powering the infotainment system and the giant touchscreen that controls it. However, it's apparently breaking with tradition: Bloomberg sources hear that the automaker has switched to Intel. Reportedly, the Model 3 and new versions of other cars will be the first to make the leap. It's not certain what prompted the move (Intel, NVIDIA and Tesla have all declined to comment), but it's a huge coup if true.
