Tesla News Page

   On May 6, news broke regarding the largest order to date for the 2026 Tesla Semi electric Class 8 trucks. In terms of scale, this order significantly surpasses all previous purchases of similar vehicles and, in essence, sets a new benchmark for the heavy-duty Class 8 segment in California.

   The announcement was made by WattEV, an American company recognized as a prominent operator in the electric freight sector that is simultaneously developing charging infrastructure. Over the coming years, the company plans to deploy a fleet of 370 Semi trucks across the state. The total value of the deal is estimated at approximately $100 million, and local experts are already hailing it as the single largest purchase of electric trucks in California history. This move serves as a clear indication of the accelerating transition of long-haul logistics toward a zero-emission model.

    The delivery schedule is staggered over a two-year period. WattEV expects to receive the first 50 vehicles in 2026, with the company aiming to have the entire fleet fully operational by the end of 2027.  Notably, more than 300 of these units have been earmarked for a specific joint project with the Port of Oakland; this initiative focuses on the complete electrification of short-haul port operations and regional freight routes—a goal that aligns perfectly with California’s broader objective of achieving carbon-neutral freight logistics.

 Speaking at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, WattEV CEO Salim Youssef Zadeh emphasized that the selection was made following an open tender process. According to Youssef Zadeh, the decisive factors were the total cost of ownership, vehicle performance specifications, and the manufacturer's proven ability to fulfill delivery commitments. He also pointed out that the Semi is already in full-scale production and has been receiving high marks from fleet operators across the United States. Furthermore, Youssef Zadeh highlighted WattEV’s vertically integrated business model, which combines vehicle deployment, megawatt-scale charging infrastructure, and full-service leasing—thereby offering carriers a turnkey solution that allows them to avoid the financial risks associated with making substantial capital investments.       A key element of the program will be the new MCS charging hubs. These facilities will be constructed in Oakland, Fresno, Stockton, and Sacramento. These stations are capable of providing approximately 300 miles (or roughly 482.8 km) of range in about 30 minutes—an energy replenishment rate comparable to refueling a diesel semi-truck. Construction has already begun in Oakland; this specific site is slated to serve as the central hub for the Northern and Central California corridor, connecting the port with inland logistics centers and more distant destinations.

  The project draws upon practical experience: in Southern California, WattEV has already logged millions of miles using electric trucks and previously deployed the first Tesla Semi units at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. The company is confident that combining efficient semi-trucks with strategically positioned fast-charging stations will demonstrate that fully electric long-haul trucks can not only match their diesel counterparts in terms of operating economics but actually surpass them, while simultaneously achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions. Against the backdrop of this order, Tesla, for its part, is accelerating the ramp-up of Tesla Semi production capacity at its Nevada factory, with the aim of entering large-scale serial production as early as 2026.

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.