Tesla News Page

Tesla reintroduced the Mad Max profile in the FSD 14.1.2 update, a mode removed in 2018 for safety reasons.
In this mode, Autopilot is prone to more abrupt and frequent lane changes, as well as minor speeding violations. Outside city limits, FSD limits speeds to 137 km/h (85 mph).
Opinions were divided, but the company stated that this mode is justified in situations where a person is in a hurry, such as running late for a flight. Even with manual control, the driver will speed, so isn't it better to entrust safety to automation?

Tesla accounts for half of the US electric vehicle market.
Despite the overall sales decline, Tesla accounted for 48.5% of US electric vehicle sales in the second quarter of 2025, representing half the market.
Tesla's sales totaled nearly 143,535 units, more than the combined sales of four brands.
Chevrolet, GM's flagship brand, ranked second with sales of over 27,000 vehicles. Including Cadillac and GMC, GM's combined market share in the US electric vehicle market reached 15.2%, up from 10.8% in the first quarter.
Ford and Hyundai accounted for 5.5% and 5.3% of the market, respectively.
The US electric vehicle market remains under Tesla's complete control, despite the growing number of automakers entering the second quarter of 2025.

Tesla Roadster: The Long-Awaited Electric Supercar Nears Production in 2025

The Tesla Roadster, first unveiled as a concept in November 2017, has been one of the most anticipated electric vehicles (EVs) in the automotive world. Promising unprecedented performance and futuristic technology, the second-generation Roadster has faced multiple delays, leaving fans and reservation holders eagerly awaiting its arrival. However, recent updates from Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, suggest that the Roadster is finally on track for production in 2025, with a potential debut as a 2026 model. Here’s the latest news on this groundbreaking electric supercar.

A Brief History of Delays

When Tesla revealed the Roadster prototype in 2017, it was touted as the fastest production car ever, with a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds, a top speed exceeding 250 mph, and a range of 620 miles. Originally slated for a 2020 launch, the project was repeatedly postponed due to Tesla’s focus on scaling production of the Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, and other initiatives like the Tesla Semi and Optimus robot. Supply chain challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed progress.

In 2024, Musk provided several updates, signaling renewed momentum. During Tesla’s Q2 2024 earnings call in July, he stated that most of the Roadster’s engineering was complete, with production expected to begin in 2025. By the Q3 2024 earnings call in October, Musk reiterated that the design was close to finalization, though he emphasized that the Roadster remains a lower priority compared to projects like the autonomous Cybercab.

Groundbreaking Performance and SpaceX Collaboration

The Roadster’s specs continue to captivate enthusiasts. Tesla claims it will feature a 200 kWh battery pack, offering up to 620 miles of range, supported by 350 kW DC fast charging. The car is expected to have all-wheel drive, potentially with a quad-motor setup, delivering a staggering 7,376 lb-ft of wheel torque. Musk’s boldest claim is a 0-60 mph time of under one second, a figure that would dethrone even the fastest hypercars.

A standout feature is the optional “SpaceX package,” which includes approximately 10 cold gas thrusters integrated around the car. These thrusters, derived from SpaceX’s rocket technology, are designed to enhance acceleration, top speed, braking, and cornering. Musk has even hinted that the thrusters could allow the Roadster to “fly a little,” though it’s unclear if this is literal or metaphorical. Tesla’s Senior VP of Engineering, Lars Moravy, confirmed in February 2025 that work on the thrusters is ongoing, describing them as a way to “break the laws of motor physics.”

Design and Features

The Roadster’s sleek, aerodynamic design remains a crowd-pleaser. It features a removable glass roof that stows in the trunk for a convertible experience and a minimalist interior with a large touchscreen extending from the dashboard to the center console. The car offers a 2+2 seating configuration, though the rear seats are likely cramped for adults. A yoke-style steering system, similar to the Cybertruck’s steer-by-wire setup, is expected, though Tesla may offer a traditional steering wheel option due to mixed reception of the yoke.

The Roadster will likely lack features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AM radio, or SiriusXM, consistent with Tesla’s current lineup. Instead, it will rely on Tesla’s proprietary infotainment system and advanced driver-assistance systems, including Autopilot and potentially Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities.

Pricing and Availability

The base Roadster is listed at $200,000, with the first 1,000 units, dubbed the Founder’s Series, priced at $250,000. Pre-orders began in 2017 with a $50,000 deposit, and some Tesla referral program participants earned discounts or even free Roadsters. Despite the long wait, many reservation holders remain committed, though skepticism persists on platforms like Reddit, where some speculate the project could be canceled or further delayed.

Musk has promised a “mind-blowing” demo of the Roadster’s capabilities in 2025, potentially by year-end. Tesla’s website and recent statements indicate that production is targeted for 2025, with deliveries possibly starting in early 2026. However, given Tesla’s history of missing deadlines, some analysts remain cautious.

Competitive Landscape

The Roadster will enter a competitive EV hypercar market, facing rivals like the Rimac Nevera (0-60 mph in 1.74 seconds) and the Automobili Pininfarina Battista (under 2 seconds). Its sub-one-second acceleration and SpaceX-derived tech could give it an edge, but competitors have already delivered production models while Tesla’s Roadster remains in development. Musk’s claim that the Roadster will be “something spectacular” and “not even really a car” sets high expectations.

Challenges and Skepticism

The Roadster’s repeated delays have fueled skepticism. Some Reddit users in the r/teslamotors community have called it “the Duke Nukem: Forever of cars,” referencing a famously delayed video game. Others question whether Tesla can deliver on its ambitious specs without facing legal or financial repercussions if the car underperforms. There’s also speculation that Tesla is holding off to avoid refunding deposits, though Musk has acknowledged the patience of “long-suffering” reservation holders.

Analysts like Jacob Bourne from Emarketer note that delays are not uncommon for Musk’s ventures, citing similar patterns across Tesla and SpaceX. Meanwhile, Tesla bull Dan Ives from Wedbush remains optimistic, predicting the Roadster will hit the road within 12 months alongside other projects like the Tesla Semi.

The Road Ahead

The Tesla Roadster represents more than just a high-performance EV; it’s a symbol of Tesla’s ambition to redefine automotive engineering. With its SpaceX collaboration, record-breaking specs, and futuristic design, the Roadster has the potential to set a new benchmark for electric supercars—if Tesla can deliver. As 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on Tesla’s promised demo and whether the Roadster can finally live up to nearly a decade of hype.

For now, reservation holders and fans can only wait, but the prospect of a sub-one-second, rocket-thruster-equipped Roadster keeps the excitement alive. Stay tuned for updates as Tesla inches closer to making this automotive enigma a reality.

       Tesla's Robotaxi Service to Launch in Austin on June 22

Tesla is set to launch its highly anticipated robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, on June 22, 2025, following regulatory approval from the Texas Department of Transportation. The service will initially operate in downtown Austin and near the Tesla Gigafactory, using a fleet of modified Model Y vehicles equipped with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and advanced sensors.

       The robotaxi service, part of Tesla’s autonomous driving push, will allow users to book rides via a dedicated app, with fares expected to be competitive with traditional ride-hailing services. Tesla aims to scale the service across Texas cities by 2026, pending further approvals. This launch marks a key milestone in Tesla’s vision for a fully autonomous ride-sharing network, though challenges like regulatory hurdles and public trust in self-driving technology remain.

What is the Tesla Semi?

The Tesla Semi is Tesla’s big leap into the heavy-duty electric trucking game, first teased back in 2017. Fast forward to 2025, and this Class 8 electric hauler is finally moving from low-volume novelty to high-volume production reality. It’s built to haul freight with zero emissions, a 500-mile (805 km) range on a single charge, and a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) sprint in just 20 seconds while loaded.

The Semi packs a massive 1,000-volt architecture and taps into Tesla’s 750 kW megacharger network to juice up 70% of its range in about 30 minutes. Big names like PepsiCo and US Foods are already taking delivery, but Tesla’s still playing catch-up with Freightliner and Volvo in terms of actual units on the road.

Electric Semi Truck Range and Charging Efficiency

Let’s talk range and charging—because if a truck can’t haul long and hard, what’s the point? Tesla says the Semi will do 500 miles (805 km) on a full battery, though that’s best-case, no-wind, no-hills conditions. In the real world, weight and terrain eat into that figure. But don’t write it off. One test run clocked over 1,000 miles (1,609 km) in a day with fast top-ups. The 750 kW megachargers are key here, juicing the battery up to 70% in half an hour—just enough time to grab a burrito and hit the road again. Tesla plans 46 of these chargers across key U.S. freight corridors by 2027, focusing first on the southern belt.

Tesla Semi Specs and Production Timeline

Production’s finally heating up at Gigafactory Nevada. After years of delays, Tesla aims to crank out 50,000 Semis annually by 2026. That’s a big leap from the estimated 140 units built since 2022. The factory buildout is moving fast—HVAC, walls, and even the light poles are in. Tesla’s also staffing up, hiring over 1,000 folks in Nevada to make it happen. The Semi’s got a 25 kW e-PTO system to run refrigeration units, perfect for companies like US Foods. And it’s not just for show—these trucks are hauling real loads. PepsiCo's been fielding units since late 2022 with solid feedback on efficiency and handling.

Electric Freight Truck Market Competition

Tesla’s not cruising alone on the electric highway. Volvo’s already sold 5,000 electric trucks, and Freightliner’s eCascadia has logged over 6 million miles across 50 fleets. Then there’s Mack with its Pioneer model, offering 300 miles (483 km) of range. What gives those brands an edge? Legacy manufacturing muscle and—maybe more importantly—real units already out working. Meanwhile, Tesla Semi’s sticker shock has climbed to $415,000 (€381,500), pricing out some potential buyers. The fuel savings—around $200,000 over three years—helps soften that, but upfront cost still matters when you’re buying a fleet.

Tesla Semi Price and Adoption Challenges

Let’s not sugarcoat it—$415K is a tough pill to swallow, even if the Semi shaves six figures off your fuel bill. Ryder and others have voiced concerns about delays and cost hikes, and some fleets are holding back. Then there’s the infrastructure: 750 kW chargers sound great, but you still need them on your route. Critics compare Tesla’s production promises to the Roadster and Full Self-Driving—big on vision, slow on delivery. And if Musk’s side hustles and politics weren’t enough of a distraction, Tesla’s Q4 2024 revenue dip (down 8%) adds more pressure to get the Semi rolling in volume, not just headlines.

Conclusion

Pros and Cons of the Tesla Semi

• Impressive 500-mile (805 km) range with rapid megacharging
• Major fleet interest from PepsiCo, US Foods, and others
• 750 kW megacharger network cuts downtime dramatically
• Estimated $200,000 fuel savings over three years
• Built in Nevada with U.S.-China supply chain stabilizing

• Production delays since original 2019 target
• High base price of $415,000 (€381,500)
• Limited charging infrastructure still a hurdle
• Strong competition from Volvo and Freightliner
• Customer frustration with rollout pace and communication

Final thoughts

The Tesla Semi isn’t just a flashy electric rig—it’s a bet on the future of freight. For fleet operators looking to slash fuel bills and emissions, it’s compelling. But Tesla’s got to stop overpromising and start delivering, fast. If the Gigafactory delivers and megachargers roll out on schedule, the Semi might finally live up to the hype—and change the way America moves goods, one silent haul at a time.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving, or FSD, is the tech world’s closest thing to turning a car into a robot—except it still needs a babysitter. It’s an advanced driver-assistance system that builds on Tesla’s Autopilot and layers in features like auto lane changes, stoplight recognition, and city navigation. But here’s the catch: it’s not fully autonomous yet. It’s a Level 2+ system, meaning the car does a lot of the work, but the driver still has to be ready to grab the wheel. Tesla’s latest breakthrough? Bringing FSD to the chaotic, tram-laced, right-hand drive streets of Melbourne, Australia.

Melbourne’s streets are no cakewalk, even for seasoned locals. Tesla decided to throw its FSD into the deep end—testing it on right-hand drive roads, roundabouts, and the infamous hook turn. A hook what? It's a bizarre Aussie maneuver where you turn right from the left lane to avoid blocking trams. Surprisingly, Tesla’s Model 3 executed it like a local. The trial footage, posted on X by Tesla’s AI team, showed FSD smoothly weaving around trams, cyclists, and clueless pedestrians—no awkward jolts or panic stops. For a system born in the orderly lanes of California, that’s a big leap.

No radar. No LiDAR. Just pure camera vision—Tesla Vision, that is. Tesla’s FSD runs entirely on a neural network trained with video from eight external cameras. It sees, it learns, and it reacts in real-time. This AI-based approach lets the car detect lanes, interpret traffic lights, and respond to spontaneous hazards like a jaywalking pedestrian or a wayward tram. In Melbourne, the system adapted to local road rules with impressive fluidity. But it’s not perfect. It still needs an alert driver behind the wheel. And while Tesla fans cheer each new release, critics keep pointing out that camera-only systems have limits.

What’s helped Tesla hit the streets in Melbourne? Simple: Australia isn’t standing in the way. According to Tesla’s Country Director for Australia and New Zealand, there are no regulatory “blockers” to deploying FSD (Supervised) in the country. That’s a rare situation—most regions either stall or overregulate autonomous tech. Australia’s laid-back approach gives Tesla a fast lane to testing. That said, the company still needs to gather localized data. Melbourne’s urban sprawl, tram systems, and RHD layout all demand customized calibration before a full rollout happens across the continent.

Until now, FSD was a North America-centric feature. That changed when China got a taste—briefly—before regulators slammed the brakes. Now, Australia becomes the third major market and the first in a right-hand drive environment to try it out. Elon Musk says full, unsupervised autonomy is “just around the corner,” but that’s a promise we’ve heard since 2016. Still, the Melbourne rollout marks serious progress. It’s not just about cars driving themselves—it’s about getting them to do it legally, safely, and confidently anywhere in the world, not just on the 405 freeway in LA.

For every fanboy posting perfect hook-turn videos, there’s someone tracking FSD’s bugs. Critics argue that relying on cameras alone creates blind spots—literally. In the U.S., multiple reports cite erratic lane changes, phantom braking, and 17 safety errors logged in just 58 miles. China fined Tesla for driving infractions like hopping bike lanes. Skeptics say Tesla needs to slow down, not speed up. The challenge is global adaptation: what works in Arizona traffic doesn’t always fly in downtown Melbourne or the roundabouts of London. Tesla’s got the ambition—but now it has to prove it can stick the landing, consistently.

Pros and Cons of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD)

• Successfully trialed in a complex right-hand drive city (Melbourne)
• Uses Tesla Vision AI for real-time environment detection
• No radar or LiDAR needed for urban navigation
• Regulatory environment in Australia allows quick deployment
• Potential to enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue

• Still requires driver supervision—Level 2+, not fully autonomous
• Camera-only system criticized for lack of redundancy
• Past safety incidents and regulatory pushback in other markets
• Unrealized timelines for fully autonomous versions
• Performance still inconsistent across diverse conditions

Final thoughts