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Good news for Tesla: Consumers are ready for the future of self-driving cars, says study

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Posted on May 20, 2019


Tesla’s Autopilot features frequently make headlines when the latest advancements are released to its all-electric fleet, and media attention from its and other groups’ successes looks to have resulted in a consumer base that’s excited for autonomous cars. A survey of more than 5,500 consumers and 280 auto executives by Capgemini, a consulting group, concluded that automotive consumers are ready for the future of self-driving cars, and 59% of them are even waiting with anticipation.

Capgemini’s study set out to understand more than just whether consumers were ready for self-driving advancements. It also sought to determine the level of understanding those same consumers had for what driverless cars would mean in the bigger picture and what their expectations were for the feature as it applied to their own lives. Positive indications were given in this area as well. Over 50% of study participants said they would trust autonomous cars to make sound decisions during unexpected situations and drop off or pick up non-driving close friends or family members. Nearly 50% would trust their cars to run an errand on their behalf.

According to Capgemini’s results, there’s even more good news for companies like Tesla and Waymo who are hedging their futures on autonomy’s success. Consumers are not only excited for what’s being promised, but they’re also willing to pay a premium for the feature. 56% of study participants said they’d be willing to pay a premium of up to 20% over their current budget for a self-driving car. Tesla’s current price for its Full Self-Driving software looks to be matched to this finding. Priced as a $6,000 option paired with a $39,000 Model 3 Standard Range Plus, Tesla’s customers are already willing to pay a 15% premium in anticipation of a feature that’s not yet available.

Results from Capgemini Research Institute, Self-driving vehicles consumer survey, December 2018- January 2019. | Image: Capgemini
Results from Capgemini Research Institute, Self-driving vehicles consumer survey, December 2018- January 2019. | Image: Capgemini
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Another part of the study pointed to the importance of the consumer experience when it comes to self-driving cars. The prime benefit of the technology isn’t simply to designate a task from a human to a computer – it needs to have perks like convenience and fun added into the mix. “[Companies]…must develop an ecosystem of services to complement consumers’ experience while in a self-driving vehicle,” the study’s summary remarked. 57% of consumers in the survey said they planned to spend their time indulging in entertainment activities in their cars once self-driving was available. This is an area where Tesla can really make its mark.

Tesla ownership already offers several fun and entertaining activities. Internet browsing, music streaming, amusing Easter Eggs, and in-car games are already part of its user experience, and those features will likely be expanded much further once drivers no longer need to keep their attention on the road. Features like “Romance Mode” could be reimagined to include scenic drives, for instance, or TeslAtari could incorporate environmental cues into game play akin to “I Spy” or something similar.

Fully autonomous vehicles still have a long road ahead of both development and regulatory approvals, but knowing there’s a consumer market ready and willing to participate in the future the technology is promising is perhaps enough to keep things moving long enough for it to succeed.

Good news for Tesla: Consumers are ready for the future of self-driving cars, says study


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GM announces ‘exponential jump’ in electronics that will allow OTA updates by 2023

Simon Alvarez

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Posted on May 20, 2019


In an announcement on Monday, General Motors Co stated that most of its global fleet of vehicles would be capable of receiving over-the-air software upgrades by 2023. The upgrades, which were unveiled by General Motors President Mark Reuss, are made possible due to the adoption of an electronic architecture that’s an “exponential jump” from the hardware in the company’s existing lineup of vehicles.

Dubbed as the Digital Vehicle Platform, the next-generation system is expected to be rolled out to all of GM’s vehicles by 2023. The 2020 Cadillac CT5 sport sedan, which is expected to go on sale later this year, is expected to be GM’s first vehicle to be equipped with the new OTA-capable electronics. Al Adams, GM’s director of electronic architecture, described the platform as the “vehicle’s brain and nervous system,” being “five times more capable than today’s system.”

Reuss, who noted back in 2016 that GM will not be utilizing over-the-air updates for critical safety systems such as brakes, emphasized the role of software to the company’s vehicles. “The critical role of software and its importance to our vehicles, both now and for years to come, cannot be overstated. Our new digital vehicle platform and its eventual successors will underpin all our future innovations across a wide range of technological advancements, including EVs and expanded automated driving,” he said.

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GM’s Digital Vehicle Platform is capable of handling 4.5 TB of data per hour. The automaker noted that OTA updates for its cars would allow improvements to engine performance, fuel economy, ride comfort, steering, navigation, as well as safety features. The new hardware will also deliver better image resolution for infotainment systems, and improve the performance of GM’s SuperCruise driver-assist suite.

“Components and systems can be improved throughout the vehicle’s life. Electrical architectures are the next battleground of the auto industry,” Adams said.

Apart from the upcoming 2020 Cadillac CT5, GM’s Digital Vehicle Platform is expected to be fitted on the mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette that is set to debut this coming July. Over 300 electrical engineers from GM’s tech center in Warren and its proving ground in Milford worked on the system.

GM might be among the first veteran carmakers to announce a dedicated initiative to transition its fleet of vehicles into smart cars in the future, but there is no denying that the company is coming into the party quite late. Tesla introduced over-the-air updates with the Model S back in 2012, and this very capability has been one of Tesla’s most prominent strengths ever since. By the time GM completes the rollout of its Digital Vehicle Architecture, Tesla would have already been doing OTA updates for 11 years.

Tesla might not be experienced enough yet to be considered one of the major players in the established auto industry, but what the Silicon Valley-based company lacks in raw experience, it makes up for in tech mastery. This is among the reasons why the tech in the Tesla Model 3 was able to astound industry experts such as Sandy Munro to no end.

GM announces ‘exponential jump’ in electronics that will allow OTA updates by 2023


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X-Rack Tesla Model X cargo carrier: lightweight aluminum and custom fit for the trunk

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Posted on May 17, 2019


Tesla Model X is arguably the gold standard in automotive technology and innovation, but its flashy upswing Falcon Wing door eliminates any possibility of a roof rack and roof-mounted cargo. Activities involving any sort of large luggage or hauling of gear can be a logistical challenge, especially if the excursion involves the use of Model X’s third-row seating, be it for passengers, cargo or the family pet.

Tesla Model X owner, Nick Deninno, with his family of six, knows that all too well.

As an active New York-based Dad to four young children, the trunk area and folding third-row seats of Nick’s Tesla Model X gets plenty of use. But it has its limitations.

“I found quickly that once you have the 3rd-row seat up, all cargo space is all but lost. For a few years, I left one rear seat down on the third row and filled cargo next to my children that would eventually fall on them,” Nick tells Teslarati.

During the day, this Tesla owner runs a successful engineering and design firm. Putting his expertise in action, Nick devised a way to increase the storage capacity of his Tesla Model X, but without compromising battery range, rear-visibility, or parking in tighter locations, including Supercharging.

He called it X-Rack.

X-Rack Tesla Model X Cargo Carrier

Photo: Teslarati

Made in the USA and specifically for the Tesla Model X, the X-Rack incorporates the unique shape of the vehicle’s trunk deck into the cargo carrier’s overall shape. This design enables the rack to be at-the-ready without interfering with rear space when not in use.

X-Rack is manufactured out of lightweight aluminum as opposed to range-robbing steel, and engineered to withstand cargo up to 500 lbs (227 kg).

Give Me Range

Teslarati testing the X-Rack on a Tesla Model X P100D in San Francisco

Weighing only 16.5 lbs for the ultra-light X-Lite Cargo Carrier and 21 lbs for the heavier-duty XHD carrier, both versions are extremely lightweight, corrosion resistant due to the aluminum construction, and has a powder coated finish.

The X-Rack was designed with efficiency in mind, both to maximum battery range and for ease of use. Unlike other steel racks on the market that are often bulky and cumbersome to use, Teslarati found the X-Rack to be relatively simple in use and can be installed or detached in roughly 90 seconds. Most of the time is spent loosening the bolt and pin that secures X-Rack to Model X’s receiver.

There’s also a sliding receiver tube which stores flush in the rack and enables Model X to return to its factory look when not in use.

Put it Away

X-Rack Tesla Model X Cargo Carrier

X-Rack lightweight aluminum cargo carrier designed specifically for the Tesla Model X (Photo: Teslarati)

“The problem with hitch cargo carriers is that most are very large, heavy, and poor quality. But also you had to find a place to put it once you made it to your destination, or forced to drive around with it attached to the car for the entire trip.” – Nick, on why he decided to create X-Rack

The X-Lite and XHD Cargo Carrier can act as a replacement for Model X’s carpeted trunk floor cover or stow beneath it on a lower tier. The X-Rack can also tilt up and mimic the exact function as the factory trunk deck.

Photo: Teslarati

The frame of the X-Rack cargo carrier is powder coated in either black or white, while the deck is offered in black or silver.

Along with color options, the X-Rack frame has a rear receiver port for additional attachments like a fishing rod carrier, a swing-out bike rack, and other lifestyle accessories. There are also mounting points on the frame for the relocation of the license plate bracket. Nick tells us that a snowboard carrier adapter and X-Rack’s snow accessory mounts are on the way, along with a variety of other solutions for nearly any cargo need. Nick also tells Teslarati that he’s glad that he doesn’t get this look from his daughter anymore.

“A photo of my daughter with cargo next to her like the old days. Glad I don’t get those looks anymore. – Nick” (published with permission)

As avid Tesla drivers, we’re all well aware of the perks offered by driving electric, especially when combined with Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. Now, with the added convenience and flexibility of cargo transportation offered by X-Rack, that experience can be made even better.

Visit X-Rack’s website for more information and pricing.

Teslarati was in need of carrying gear for various team activities and media shoots. A big thanks to X-Rack for providing us with the XHD carrier and for sponsoring our video. They’re also offering our readers 10% OFF when purchasing with the discount code TRATI-10.

 

X-Rack Tesla Model X cargo carrier: lightweight aluminum and custom fit for the trunk


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Tesla dashcam saves Model 3 owner from potential insurance scam

Simon Alvarez

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Posted on May 19, 2019


A Tesla owner is thanking his Model 3’s built-in dashcam after his vehicle helped him avoid a potential case of insurance fraud. Armed with recordings of a suspicious accident involving a cyclist who fled the scene, the Tesla owner was able to prove to his insurance company that he was not at fault.

Herman Nagra was driving his Tesla Model 3 at Cedar and Shaw in Fresno, CA, when a cyclist struck his vehicle. The cyclist in question traveled four lanes and crashed into the moving sedan. Recordings from the electric sedan’s built-in dashcam show that the traffic lights were green when the Model 3 driver crossed the intersection. 

After the incident, Nagra promptly pulled over to check on the cyclist, but strangely, the bike rider got up and took off quickly. Police who later questioned the Model 3 owner was suspicious of the story. Speaking to local news, Nagra noted that the authorities questioned him in a “very aggressive demeanor,” asking him about the cyclist whereabouts. “I said I don’t know the accident occurred less than a hundred feet away; he’s not there he’s got on his bike and left. He’s the one that’s actually fled the scene,” the Tesla owner said.

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The police did catch up to the cyclist and confirmed that he was not hurt. The rider even informed the authorities that his bike was undamaged from the accident. The story could have ended there, but a couple of hours later, the cyclist changed his recollection of the accident. “An hour or two later, my insurance company calls and says this person is trying to get some money,” the Model 3 owner said.

Fortunately for Nagra, his Tesla Model 3 recorded the entire incident using its built-in dashcam feature. Thanks to an update that allowed the vehicle’s side cameras to record footage while the car is in motion, the Model 3 was able to clearly capture footage of the cyclist crashing into the electric car, getting up, and fleeing the scene of the accident. With the footage of the incident, Nagra’s insurance provider promptly dealt with the matter.

The incident has the trademark signs of an auto insurance scam. Among the most prominent forms of auto insurance fraud involves scammers pretending to get hit by vehicles and filing for alleged damages. The emergence of dashcams have helped curb some of these scams, but the fraudulent practice has not entirely disappeared. The only surefire way for car owners to evade insurance scams similar to the one Nagra and his Model 3 experience is to fight against these false claims with camera footage.

“You know you don’t have to believe the bicyclist, you don’t have to believe me or the witness, the cameras are what the best non-biased information is this collision, believe the cameras,” Nagra said. 

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Tesla dashcam saves Model 3 owner from potential insurance scam


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Tesla Roadster in stunning blue rips through London streets in concept video

Simon Alvarez

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Posted on May 18, 2019


A concept video from an automotive render specialist has provided a glimpse at what the next-generation Tesla Roadster could look like when it’s accelerating on city streets. The short clip, which appears to be to be set on the streets of London, perfectly captures the instant, explosive ferocity of the all-electric supercar.

The next-gen Roadster’s concept video was shared in social media by concept artist Mihai T. (3dm_automotive), who specializes in creating near-photorealistic 3D renders of vehicles. The artist appears to have a soft spot for Elon Musk’s “hardcore smackdown to gasoline cars,” as suggested by the number of Tesla Roadster renders on 3dm_automotive’s Instagram page.

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Particularly interesting in the new concept video is the stunning blue color of the all-electric supercar. Unlike most renders of the vehicle, which are modeled after Tesla’s existing red prototype, the artist opted to give the supercar a color that’s a couple of shades lighter than the company’s Deep Blue Metallic option. The result is a vehicle that stands out on the street, and one that definitely draws extra attention when it’s burning some rubber.

The next-generation Tesla Roadster is a beautiful vehicle, embodying the company’s trademark all-electric design elements (such as the lack of a grill) while adopting the classic form of a mid-engine Italian-bred supercar. If the recent concept video in any indication, the next-gen Roadster does not only look good when parked; it looks pretty darn good in motion too. It won’t be surprising at all if the vehicle ends up becoming the supercar of choice for car chases in future action films.

The upcoming Tesla Roadster represents the best that Tesla has to offer. The base model of the vehicle is capable of going from 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, and its top speed is listed as above 250 mph. With the instant torque coming from its three electric motors, the next-gen Roadster will likely have every bit of grunt (and possibly even more) as the rendered vehicle in the concept video.

The Roadster also has an insane 10,000 Nm of torque, which Elon Musk candidly dubbed as “stupid” during the vehicle’s unveiling. Thanks to its 200 kWh battery pack, the Roadster is capable of going over 1,000 km per charge. Considering that its electric motors are expected to last a million miles, the Roadster will likely not only outrun its gasoline-powered peers; it will also be capable of outlasting them over the years.

Watch the next-gen Roadster’s rip through city streets in the video below.

Tesla Roadster in stunning blue rips through London streets in concept video


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Tesla dominates carmakers in battery capacity deployed, including state-backed rivals in China

Simon Alvarez

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Posted on May 17, 2019


Tesla might have left the first quarter of 2019 worse for wear due to delivery difficulties with the Model 3’s international ramp, but the carmaker still stands tall among its rivals in one key metric: battery deployment. In March alone, Tesla’s battery deployment completely left behind competitors, including a state-backed electric car maker from China.

Tesla’s rank was determined by Adamas Intelligence, which tracks the battery capacity of electric vehicles and the metals being used in them. The firm’s study covered EVs sold in over 80 countries across the globe, representing roughly 90% of the worldwide electric car market. According to the Toronto-based firm’s report, Tesla is simply far too ahead of the competition when it comes to battery deployments on an MWh-basis.

Tesla’s EV battery deployments compared to its competitors. (Credit: Mining.com)
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Tesla’s deployments were so dominating that the company not only beat its rivals in the United States and the European region; the electric car maker also bested 486 registered electric vehicle manufacturers in China. These include BYD, which is personally backed by billionaire Warren Buffett, as well as BJEV, the electric car brand of state-owned automaker BAIC. Tesla beat BYD two to one on a MWh-basis, while dominating BJEV by a factor of four despite the EV-maker getting direct support from Beijing.

Tesla’s numbers become even more impressive when compared to those of its rivals in the United States and Europe. At 2,889 MWh, Tesla’s battery deployment is close to equaling the combined total of its competitors outside Adamas’ Top 10 list, which include large brands such as Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. It should also be noted that the figures of Tesla’s competitors include batteries that were installed on hybrid vehicles, making the Silicon Valley-based electric car maker’s performance even more notable.

Also impressive is that Tesla was able to deploy 2,889 MWh of electric car batteries during a month when the battery deployment of its flagship vehicles, the Model S and Model X, saw a decline of over 40%. Following a recently-released improvements to the sedan and SUV, Tesla’s deployments for the vehicles could see an increase in the coming months.

While Tesla is now saturating multiple countries with the Model 3, though in the grand scheme of things, the company is only getting started. Another mass-market vehicle, the Model Y, has been unveiled, and it is expected to start production sometime next year. Other high-volume cars such as the Tesla pickup Truck are also coming soon. These, together with vehicles like the next-generation Roadster and the Semi, will inevitably result in Tesla’s EV battery deployments reaching even higher levels in the near future.

Tesla dominates carmakers in battery capacity deployed, including state-backed rivals in China


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‘Tesla killers’ are celebrating 7-year anniversary since Model S debut

Christian Prenzler

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Posted on May 18, 2019


This is a free excerpt of our weekly members-only newsletter. Each week, we give you our take on the biggest stories of the week, our favorite photos & videos and much more. Become a member today receive all of Teslarati’s newsletters.

In just a few weeks, Tesla’s first mass-produced vehicle (Model S) will be celebrating 7 years on the road. Back in June 2012, people would scoff when you would mention Tesla, “Who’s going to buy an electric car, let alone a luxury electric car??” 

A lot has changed since then. The company has sold over 260,000 Model S’ globally since its debut and it has yet to be dethroned as the longest-range electric vehicle on the road. After analysts and naysayers starting paying attention to Tesla in late 2012 (hint: Model S was Motor Trend Car of the Year in 2012), another narrative took shape, The Germans will squash these California guys, just wait a few years.

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So here we are, 7 years later. Audi has just released its first real EV, the e-tron, and Mercedes is in the process of launching their counterpart, the EQC, BMW is nowhere to be found. While the e-tron and the EQC are meaningful ploys to keep Audi and Mercedes customers from fleeing to Tesla, they seem underwhelming and late. The e-tron is equipped with a massive 95 kWh battery, but only erks out 204-miles of EPA range, and the EQC is estimated to land somewhere in between 200-220 miles with an 80 kWh battery.

Elon Musk at the Model S delivery ceremony, June 22, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

Let’s be clear, no one is a bigger fan of automakers entering the EV space. Audi’s e-tron should be considered an overture for the upcoming Audi and Porsche co-developed electric vehicles, which will sport one of the first 800V systems, longer range, and more efficient motors. But one thing is clear here, Tesla is still miles and years ahead of the Germans. Porsche’s upcoming Taycan would have been quite competitive with the 2018 Model S, but with the Model S’s latest platform update sporting 370-miles out of a 100 kWh battery, Tesla’s lead becomes more and more apparent. Things haven’t panned out as 2013 wall street envisioned.

Batteries, Motors, Capacity, and more!

Tesla’s latest range increases are certainly impressive, but it’s important to know where these increases are coming from: motor technology. Tesla has been developing their own motors for 15 years and has a massive lead on existing OEMs and suppliers. From the outside, Tesla’s famed Gigafactory with Panasonic makes it appear as though their battery-cells are the secret sauce, but battery suppliers have been working on lithium-ion technology far longer than Tesla. To find where Tesla is truly leading with battery technology turn to the company’s thermal management systems and packaging of the cells. While Tesla’s cells aren’t the most exciting things on earth (modified-2170 cells), their early investment into production capabilities has allowed them to lower costs and scale battery production in conjunction with vehicle demand.

Tesla’s been ahead of the game since the start and is positioned to stay ahead for many years. Do you think the German automakers or others will ever catch up to Tesla? If so, when and who? Let me know in the comments.

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‘Tesla killers’ are celebrating 7-year anniversary since Model S debut


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Tesla Model 3, S become first EVs to complete One Lap of America rally event

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Posted on May 18, 2019


A Tesla Model 3 Performance and Model S P100D became the first all-electric vehicles to compete in the Tire Rack One Lap America road rally event, completing 18 track races at 9 locations for a total of about 3,500 miles over seven days. Thanks to Tesla’s vast Supercharger Network, the built-in performance features of their cars, and some great planning, both teams finished successfully and even took home a few wins. This year’s event took place from May 3rd through the 11th, marking its 36th year running.

Driving the Model 3 Performance was Team Panel Gap Racing (PGR) with Andrew Dekoning and Chad Martin behind the wheel. Andrew previously took part in the 2006 One Lap driving a Mazda RX-7, and as a veteran of the event and Tesla enthusiast, he knew there were advantages the Model 3 had that would make it competitive against other gas-powered vehicles.

“We had a few things that made us think this year was the year for a Tesla. #1 is that no one has ever completed the One Lap in an electric car, and we thought with the introduction of the Model 3 that it was possible,” he told us while the team was on the road. “With a performance model and Track Mode, it would actually be a pretty good car. This event is part road rally, part transit, and part on-track competition – the best cars excel at all three.”

Team PGR in their Model 3 Performance Supercharging during the One Lap of America event. | Image: Team PGR/Twitter
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The Tire Rack One Lap of America road rally event’s history dates back to the Cannonball Run, a not-quite-legal American highway race from New York City to Redondo Beach, California. It was created by Brock Yates, former senior editor of Car and Driver Magazine, to prove the point that competent, well-trained drivers could safely compete on highways while having a good time reminiscent of barnstorm piloting days. After a few revisions, One Lap was eventually organized into the format it has today. Drivers travel to nine places located in several different states to compete at 18 timed track events including time trials, skid pads, and drag races.

To meet their battery power needs, Team PGR used 27 Superchargers and 22 plug-ins either at the track or hotels they stayed at for a total of 1,500 kWh used to complete the event. Along with the availability of Superchargers and other power sources, the Model 3’s Track Mode gave the team a competitive edge.

“Without Track Mode we likely wouldn’t have made the attempt,” Andrew explained. “We had faith from the development story with Randy Pobst that they had the feature dialed in fairly well…Track Mode (and AWD) allow you to turn with the accelerator which is a fun new challenge and very fast when done right.”

Only minimal aftermarket swaps were made to Team PGR’s midsize sedan before taking on the One Lap challenge to keep the car within “Stock” class requirements. They upgraded the Model 3’s front brake pads and rotors with Racing Brake parts, used racing brake fluid, and opted for Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Aftermarket rear brake pads weren’t available, however, and the stock versions used on the car melted during one of the time trials.

Team PGR in their Model 3 Performance Supercharging during the One Lap of America event. | Image: Team PGR/Twitter

One other hiccup reported was the loss of cruise control, Autopilot, the speed limit display, and automatic wipers about two-thirds of the way into the trip, but those issues only impacted convenience. Tesla’s support service indicated a software bug may have caused the losses, and the issue was fixed after completion of the One Lap with a system reboot.

The tweaks and detailed planning paid off in the end for Andrew and Chad. Team PGR finished first in the Alternative Fuel category, 2nd in the Stock Touring class, and 17th in the One Lap overall out of 77 vehicles competing.

As Tesla enthusiasts, there was more than winning with an all-electric car that motivated Team PGR’s decision to join One Lap this year, namely in sharing everything that comes with the Tesla ownership experience.

“We wanted to show a whole new set of people (enthusiasts) that this was possible, and that the car was very good. At least half the field didn’t know that Superchargers were as prevalent as they are, so they didn’t know how we’d make it. They didn’t know about Track Mode, how well the car works to control the power, cornering, braking, etc. That said, there were a number of people who were very excited/interested to see how we did, who know the performance potential of the car, and [were] rooting for us,” Andrew explained.

The Tesla Model S driving team named Hyliion joined the event as a last-minute entrant after their gas-powered vehicle options became unavailable for the One Lap. The father and son team of Thomas and Brian Healy have their own alternative fuel creds aside from racing their 2017 P100D via Hyliion, their semi truck manufacturing company that’s developing a diesel-electric hybrid Class 8 long hauler. The Model S performed well for the team, although the lack of Track Mode’s thermal protections required adjustments to their driving techniques to compensate during timed trials.

Much like Team PGR, the Hyliion drivers were able to take advantage of Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network to participate successfully in the One Lap and they finished 34th overall.

“The most surprising thing was the abundance of Superchargers that are out there in order to keep the car charged. We weren’t sure going into the event how manageable it was going to be, getting from one track to the next, and being able to do it in the allotted time… Tesla’s done a great job of getting these Superchargers located around the US, where finding a destination to stop at and charge up for 45 minutes is a really feasible thing,” the team told CNET’s Roadshow in comments about the event.

Team PGR with the Tesla Model 3 Performance and Team Hyliion with the Tesla Model S P100D Supercharging during the One Lap of America rally event. | Image: Team PGR/Twitter

As for Andrew and Chad, they plan to participate in future One Lap events with other Tesla vehicles and also expect more of the all-electric cars to meet them on the tracks.

“Because we are newer to running this car on track, and the car is new overall, we believe it has a lot more potential! We are already scheming about how to improve the car and how to find someone with one of the first [Next Generation] Roadsters when it is released so we can ‘borrow’ it for the One Lap…I think by completing the events we will go a ways toward changing some minds toward electric cars in the performance driving community and it will not surprise me if there’s 5 Model 3’s here next year,” Andrew concluded enthusiastically.

For more about TeamPGR, watch their video below with some updates and highlights from the One Lap of America 2019.

Tesla Model 3, S become first EVs to complete One Lap of America rally event


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Tesla Autopilot was engaged during ill-fated Model 3 crash in FL, says NTSB (Update)

Simon Alvarez

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Posted on May 16, 2019


A report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has stated that Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assist system was engaged during a fatal Model 3 crash in Delray Beach, FL last March. Released on Thursday, the NTSB’s report stated that the Model 3’s driver had engaged Autopilot about 10 seconds before the vehicle crashed into a semitrailer.

The driver of the ill-fated Model 3 was traveling about 68 mph on a highway with a 55 mph speed limit, according to the report’s findings. The NTSB further noted that neither the vehicle’s driver nor Autopilot was able to perform any evasive maneuvers in the seconds leading up to the impact.

Tesla requires drivers to constantly put pressure on the steering wheel when Autopilot is engaged, emphasizing that the driver-assist feature is not a full self-driving system. Tesla has also issued constant reminders urging drivers to stay alert and be ready to take over their vehicles at any time. Nevertheless, Reuters notes that some Tesla owners have pointed out that they are able to avoid putting their hands on their vehicles’ steering wheel for extended periods of time while Autopilot is engaged.

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The NTSB’s report noted that the driver operating the semitrailer was attempting to cross the highway’s southbound lanes and turn into the northbound lanes. The truck driver slowed as it crossed into the southbound lanes, blocking the Model 3’s path. The electric sedan crashed into the side of the semitrailer, shearing off its roof as it passed underneath the truck’s trailer. The Model 3 came to a stop on the median, about 1,600 feet away from the truck.

The report issued on Thursday is a preliminary report, and investigations into the crash are still ongoing. The NTSB has declined to place the blame on the accident, at least as of writing.

A Tesla spokesperson has issued a statement following the release of the NTSB’s report.

“We are deeply saddened by this accident and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. Tesla drivers have logged more than one billion miles with Autopilot engaged, and our data shows that, when used properly by an attentive driver who is prepared to take control at all times, drivers supported by Autopilot are safer than those operating without assistance. For the past three quarters we have released quarterly safety data directly from our vehicles which demonstrates that.”

The NTSB’s report could be accessed here.

Tesla Autopilot was engaged during ill-fated Model 3 crash in FL, says NTSB (Update)


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Tesla completes Maxwell acquisition, ushers another era of battery breakthroughs

Simon Alvarez

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Posted on May 16, 2019


Tesla recently confirmed that it had completed the acquisition of Maxwell Technologies Inc., a California-based company that specializes in ultracapacitors and batteries. In a press release on Thursday, the electric car maker noted that it is transferring stocks worth over $235 million to take over Maxwell.

The acquisition of Maxwell Technologies could usher in new improvements in Tesla’s battery technology, which is already among the best in the electric vehicle market today. Before its acquisition by Tesla, Maxwell had been developing dry electrode technologies that could be utilized to create ultracapacitors, which can store large amounts of electrical charge without losing energy. Industry watchers have noted that ultracapacitors could eventually be an alternative to today’s batteries, particularly as they have the potential to be safer and more reliable.

Tesla is in a constant process of improving its vehicles technologies, with President of Automotive Jerome Guillen noting in a previous interview that the batteries of the company are always in a process of improvement. With Maxwell’s technology in its repertoire, Tesla could potentially improve its batteries, widening the gap between itself and its competitors in the electric car market further.

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Maxwell has previously stated that its dry electrode technology has demonstrated an energy density of 300 Wh/kg, and that it had “identified” a path to path to 500 Wh/kg. A Tesla Model 3 battery pack, on the other hand, has an energy density of 272 Wh/liter, with the 2170 cells producing 207 Wh/kg, according to Extreme Tech.

Maxwell Technologies is the fifth company that has been acquired by the electric car maker. Before Maxwell, Tesla had acquired Riviera Tool LLC, a company that specializes in stamping die systems; SolarCity, a provider of solar energy services; Grohmann Engineering, a company that produces Tesla’s robots for production; and Perbix, a company that creates highly automated production equipment.

Following is Tesla’s press release on Maxwell’s acquisition.

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) today announced the successful completion of its previously announced offer to exchange all outstanding shares of common stock of Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (“Maxwell”) for 0.0193 of a share of Tesla common stock, together with cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Tesla common stock, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes.

The exchange offer expired at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on Wednesday, May 15, 2019.  As of the expiration of the exchange offer, a total of approximately 36,764,342 shares of common stock of Maxwell were validly tendered in the exchange offer and not validly withdrawn, representing approximately 79% of the aggregate voting power of the shares of Maxwell common stock outstanding immediately after the consummation of the exchange offer. All shares of Maxwell common stock that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the offer have been accepted by Tesla for payment in accordance with the terms of the exchange offer.

Following to the completion of the exchange offer, Tesla completed the acquisition of Maxwell by consummating the second step merger contemplated by the previously announced merger agreement between Tesla and Maxwell. As a result of this merger, all shares of Maxwell stock that were not tendered in Tesla’s exchange offer were cancelled in exchange for the right to receive the same consideration paid for Maxwell stock in the exchange offer.

Tesla completes Maxwell acquisition, ushers another era of battery breakthroughs


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