SpaceX sues US government to protest mystery launch or rocket R&D contracts


SpaceX has filed a lawsuit – technically a “Bid Protest Complaint” – against the United States government and successfully petitioned for the file to remain sealed, restricting access to additional case details for the time being.

This development follows a quiet series of bid protests SpaceX filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in February 2019, shortly after NASA announced that it had awarded ULA a ~$150M launch contract for Lucy (a robotic Trojan asteroid explorer). SpaceX believed that it could perform the mission at a “dramatically lower” price, potentially saving the federal government tens of millions of dollars. SpaceX withdrew both of its GAO bid protests without comment on April 4th. Whether those prior protests are related to SpaceX’s May 2019 lawsuit is unclear.

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Adding even more complexity and uncertainty to the series of events, NASA awarded SpaceX the launch contract for its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft on April 20th, about two weeks after SpaceX retracted its Lucy protests. The cause-and-effect relationship between both events is wholly ambiguous. Perhaps SpaceX withdrew before the company was made aware of their DART win. Perhaps they withdrew their protest because they learned of NASA’s award.

Regardless of what did or did not trigger the contract award, the fact remains that SpaceX’s DART launch will cost NASA ~$70M, less than half the price of ULA’s ~$150M Lucy launch contract. As such, it seems likely that launching Lucy on Falcon 9 could have saved the US government as much as $50M, assuming an expendable profile (~$100M per SpaceX’s latest GPS III launch contracts).

Falcon 9’s upper stage and NASA’s 600 kg DART asteroid impactor. (SpaceX/NASA)

Returning to the topic at hand, the simplest explanation is that SpaceX’s GAO bid protests and May 2019 lawsuit are in some way related. Although SpaceX was clearly correct when it insinuated that it could launch Lucy far more affordably than ULA, the company was criticized for its GAO protests because they effectively froze – or at least complicated – work on the NASA spacecraft. In the event that the withdrawals and lawsuit are related, SpaceX would have backed down after entering into the slow GAO protest process, essentially conceding the contract to ULA and allowing spacecraft work to continue without disruption.

Replaced with a lawsuit against the US government, SpaceX could instead be attempting to change the processes that lead NASA to award ULA the Lucy launch contract in spite of potential savings on the order of ~$50M. SpaceX has done something similar once before when it sued the US Air Force for its uncompetitive launch procurement processes, a largely successful endeavor that has helped force some competition back into USAF/DoD launch contracts.

Atlas V lifts off with the USAF AFSPC-11 spacecraft, April 2018. (Ben Cooper)
Falcon 9 supported its first certified USAF launch – carrying the ~$600M GPS III SV01 spacecraft – in December 2018. (SpaceX)

However, there are several additional possibilities for the actual subject of SpaceX’s latest sealed suit. Most recently, NASA distributed ~$46M among 11 companies for studies and prototypes of lunar landers, transfer vehicles, and in-space refueling technology. SpaceX tied with Aerojet Rocketdyne for the least substantial awards out of those 11 companies, each receiving funds for a single study, while most other awardees were contracted for multiple studies and/or prototypes. This is a stretch, however.

The most likely alternative to a continuation of SpaceX’s Lucy protest is a lawsuit focused on the USAF’s latest EELV/NSSL development contracts and its proposed continuation of block-buy launch procurement. Of the four companies involved, Blue Origin and SpaceX have both criticized the USAF for a variety of reasons. Both did agree, however, in their dislike of the USAF’s inexplicable desire to award all launch contracts to two victors, despite there being as many as four different launch vehicles that could feasibly compete for those several-dozen contracts.

The USAF awarded major vehicle development funding to ULA, Orbital ATK (now NGIS), and Blue Origin. SpaceX was snubbed but is still eligible to compete for Phase 2 launch contracts. (Teslarati – ULA/NGIS/Blue Origin/SpaceX)

For now, details of SpaceX’s latest lawsuit will remain sealed, leaving the company’s motivations veiled in mystery. SpaceX’s next USAF mission could occur as early as June 22nd. Known as STP-2, it will mark Falcon Heavy’s third flight, the rocket’s first defense-related launch, and the USAF’s first use of flight-proven SpaceX boosters. If successful, SpaceX will effectively be able to compete with ULA for all conceivable future launch contracts.

Check out Teslarati’s newsletters for prompt updates, on-the-ground perspectives, and unique glimpses of SpaceX’s rocket launch and recovery processes

SpaceX sues US government to protest mystery launch or rocket R&D contracts


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Tesla is blazing a trail for in-car gaming with Unity and Unreal Engine ports


A series of updates from Elon Musk this past weekend hinted at what could very well be a serious initiative to push Tesla’s in-car gaming capabilities. Through a series of tweets, Musk announced that Tesla is porting Unity and Unreal Engine for the company’s vehicles, and popular sandbox titles such as Minecraft and Roblox might be coming too. If the electric car maker pulls this off, it will make Tesla’s vehicles as the largest, arguably coolest gaming rigs on the planet.

Musk’s gaming announcements began as a response to a Tesla owner who expressed his thanks for TeslAtari’s Asteroids, which is now capable of being controlled using a gaming controller. Musk noted that more games are coming to Tesla’s electric cars once the company is finished porting Unity. In a later tweet, Musk stated that Tesla was also porting Unreal Engine, which could open a portal to an even larger library of premium games.

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In following tweets, Musk mentioned that popular sandbox-type titles such as Minecraft and Roblox would be great for Tesla’s in-car gaming systems as well. Minecraft has not issued a response to Musk’s invitation as of yet, though Roblox‘s official Twitter account has already responded positively to the CEO’s invitation.

The quick response from the Roblox team was unsurprising, considering that some of the prolific creators on its platform are avid fans of Tesla. One of Roblox’s most popular games, Jailbreak, for example, features the Tesla Model 3, and the game’s developers even took the time to make the vehicle’s attributes as close to the real electric car as possible. The Model 3 is among the popular cars in Jailbreak, since it’s almost as quick as a supercar, affordable, large enough to hold four players, and incredibly quiet (making it very practical for team getaways).

Tesla’s gaming features today are quite basic, with only a handful of titles available, but with the addition of Unity and Unreal Engine ports, the company could very well blaze a trail in the in-car gaming market. The idea of gaming subscription services is starting to become mainstream, as proven by the announcement of services such as Apple Arcade. Perhaps Tesla could roll out a similar service for AAA Unreal Engine and Unity titles in the future? Such an idea is not too farfetched.  

Tesla’s more robust in-car gaming system is a perfect match for the company’s Full Self-Driving efforts, particularly Elon Musk’s idea for a Robotaxi service. During long trips, passengers in full self-driving vehicles will require compelling forms of entertainment. Games and video streaming services (another feature announced by Musk on Twitter) are definitely among the best ways to foster a fun and enjoyable drive.

Tesla is blazing a trail for in-car gaming with Unity and Unreal Engine ports


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Tesla dashcam saves Model 3 owner from potential insurance scam


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


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


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


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.

Stay ahead of the curve, the most important EV trends every week.

We give our take on the biggest news stories of the week and everything you need to know as a Teslarati Superfan.

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


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


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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SpaceX’s Starlink satellites need a software update but Falcon 9 is doing fine


After wind shear pushed SpaceX’s Starlink launch debut from May 15th to May 16th, issues with satellite software have forced the company to scrub the second attempt, delaying the launch another ~7 days.

For a mission as spectacularly ambitious as SpaceX’s 60-satellite Starlink launch, delays due to those satellites should come as little to no surprise. Given the sheer numbers involved and the fact that this is the first flight-hardware based on SpaceX’s radically redesigned Starlink satellite bus, this scrub is just a part of the process of developing new spacecraft.

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For the time being, this scrub can effectively be considered indefinite. Troubleshooting 60 high-performance satellites – some with possible software or hardware faults – could understandably be a very time-consuming process, particularly if these specific spacecraft are closer to a beta-test than an actual final product. Based on comments made by CEO Elon Musk, that is likely the case. As such, troubleshooting hardware/software faults at the launch site while still mated to Falcon 9 will likely provide excellent experience for all involved.

When dealing with the number of satellites SpaceX will need to realize their Starlink constellation, the company will need to be able to handle the anomalies that will inevitably follow the preparation and launch of 1000 or more satellites annually. Starlink v0.9 is simply the first step – albeit a shockingly large one – in that direction.

Falcon 9 B1049 stands at LC-40 ahead of SpaceX’s first dedicated Starlink launch. (SpaceX)

Far more important and far less guaranteed is Falcon 9’s wholly unremarkable flow up to launch. Despite it being SpaceX’s third attempt at launching a Falcon 9 booster three times, Falcon 9 B1049 has remained ready to launch throughout the last ~60 hours of operations. Weather is weather and the first batch of dozens of advanced, custom-built communications satellites will inevitably experience bugs, but Falcon 9’s stoic performance is somewhat less guaranteed.

For Starlink to succeed, the launch component of the equation is going to be just as critical – if not more critical – than ensuring that every single satellite is perfect prior to launch, at least within reason. A failure to act as a good steward of the space debris environment could have major regulatory consequences. However, nothing will kill Starlink faster than unreliable, delay-ridden launches, seemingly an unlikely proposition in SpaceX’s current condition.

Falcon 9 B1049 and 60 Starlink satellites stand vertical and LC-40 prior to their second scrubbed launch attempt. (SpaceX)

So long as Falcon 9 Block 5 remains as reliable and consistent as it has thus far proven to be, even fairly serious issues with aspects of the Starlink constellation itself should be more akin to roadblocks than showstoppers. If all goes well with SpaceX’s aforementioned software updates and triple-checks, Starlink v0.9 could be ready to launch around May 22-24. Stay tuned as SpaceX continues to provide updates.

Check out Teslarati’s newsletters for prompt updates, on-the-ground perspectives, and unique glimpses of SpaceX’s rocket launch and recovery processes

SpaceX’s Starlink satellites need a software update but Falcon 9 is doing fine


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Nissan sides with Tesla on camera-based self-driving approach, LiDAR not needed


Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co Ltd stated on Thursday that it would be using cameras and radar in the development of its full self-driving technologies. Seemingly siding with American electric car maker Tesla, Nissan argued that LiDAR, a key component in the autonomous driving systems of competitors such as GM and Ford, is too expensive for its capabilities.

Nissan’s announcement comes roughly a month after Tesla held its Autonomy Day, where Elon Musk dubbed LiDAR a “fool’s errand.” During the event, Musk predicted that companies relying on the light-based sensors would likely abandon the technology in the future. For his part, Tetsuya Iijima, general manager of advanced technology at Nissan, noted in a statement to reporters that LiDAR’s capabilities currently fail to match up to advanced camera and radar solutions.

“At the moment, LiDAR lacks the capabilities to exceed the capabilities of the latest technology in radar and cameras. It would be fantastic if LiDAR technology was at the level that we could use it in our systems, but it’s not. There’s an imbalance between its cost and its capabilities,” Iijima said.

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Iijima’s statements about LiDAR are not just empty words from the Japanese carmaker, as Nissan has unveiled its own camera and radar-focused self-driving technology recently. Unlike Tesla’s current Autopilot system, which requires drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel, Nissan’s system allows hands-free driving in single lanes on highways on predefined routes.

To enable this technology, Nissan utilizes cameras, radar, and sonar sensors to compile three-dimensional mapping data, enabling the company’s vehicles to “see” their surroundings accurately. The Japanese carmaker is also developing a “Tri-Cam” system that focuses on three points to the front and sides of a vehicle, allowing cars to capture a wide area of view.

Nissan plans to roll out its self-driving technology even to its lineup of affordable vehicles in the future. By doing so, the carmaker expects to see a boost in sales, enabling it to recover from a profit slump. Nissan’s earnings have been rough as of late, with the company noting during a recent report that it had hit “rock bottom” amidst the aftermath of a financial scandal related to its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn.

Tesla’s full self-driving strategy, which uses cameras and artificial intelligence, was explained by Sr. Director of AI Andrej Karpathy during the electric car maker’s Autonomy Day event last month. Karpathy likened Tesla’s full self-driving approach to the way humans operate a vehicle, even joking that the event’s attendees only used their biological cameras (eyes) and neural networks (brain) to drive to the event’s venue. “You all used your own neural network in your brains to get here. You didn’t shoot lasers from your eyes to drive,” Karpathy lightly said.

Nissan sides with Tesla on camera-based self-driving approach, LiDAR not needed


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