Issue 403 - Model S turns 17
Future Vehicles
New family vehicle in development, ‘way cooler than a minivan’
Musk has confirmed that a new family-oriented vehicle is in development and promises it will be 'way cooler than a minivan.' Speculation points to a large electric SUV, possibly a 'CyberSUV,' intended to appeal to families and compete with combustion mainstays like the Chevrolet Tahoe. This move comes as the Model X is being phased out and could position Tesla to disrupt the large SUV segment with a fresh, futuristic design.
FSD
FSD 14.3 is dropping very soon, Musk says
Elon Musk announced that FSD 14.3 has entered employee beta and is likely to reach wide release by the end of this week, an earlier-than-expected timeline. This update is expected to deliver more "human-like" reasoning in the car's neural net, potentially enabling complex features like "Banish," which lets the car autonomously find a parking spot after dropping you off.
New AI breakthrough may bring full FSD v14 to HW3 vehicles
Tesla's older HW3 vehicles have faced a long wait for new FSD updates because their limited memory makes running advanced neural networks difficult. A breakthrough from NVIDIA could enable Tesla to use advanced memory compression, potentially allowing a much more capable FSD v14 to run on HW3 hardware without sacrificing performance or intelligence. If Tesla adopts this technique, it could significantly extend the useful life and feature set of existing HW3 vehicles without forced hardware upgrades.
Don’t question it when your Tesla pulls a quirky move 📹
In the video, we can see a Tesla pull to the side after stopping at a traffic light for what seems like no reason, but a couple of seconds later, an ambulance with its sirens on passes by. Nine eyes see more than two :)
Model S
Model S turns 17 as production comes to an end
The Model S, the car that redefined what electric vehicles could be and sparked an industry shift, is being retired after 17 years. Praised for its record-breaking performance, minimal exterior changes, and relentless interior upgrades, the Model S leaves a major legacy as Tesla shifts resources toward robotics and new models. Its legendary status is well-earned, and its departure marks the end of an era for both Tesla and the broader EV market. Long live the Model S!
Charging & Energy
Google Maps adds AI-powered EV trip planning and battery predictions 📷
Google Maps now offers AI-powered EV trip planning and battery predictions for over 350 models that support Android Auto, bringing key Tesla-like navigation features to a wider range of electric vehicles. The update provides recommendations for charging stops, estimates battery on arrival, and factors in real-time variables like traffic and weather. Having a second option to what the car already offers is always welcome.
Powerwall gets new AI-powered ‘status’ feature in the app
Powerwall now includes a new 'System Status' feature in the app, providing AI-powered explanations for when and why the battery charges or discharges, alongside forecasts for state changes. This upgrade demystifies the once-opaque Time-Based Control mode, giving users clearer insight into energy management, think of it as an Autopilot-like visualization, but for your home's power.
Folding V4 Superchargers signal a smarter, faster, cheaper network expansion 📷
The new folding V4 Superchargers are a practical leap forward. They allow 33% more chargers per delivery truck and cut both installation time and cost significantly. By folding for shipment and unfolding on site, these units overcome the dull but critical logistics bottleneck that has slowed charger rollout, supporting an aggressive push for network growth as more non-Tesla EVs gain access.
Robotaxi
Robotaxi age limit drops as rules tighten for teen riders
The minimum age for Robotaxi passengers has been lowered from 13 to 8, but anyone under 18 must now be accompanied by an adult for the entire ride. This move broadens accessibility, especially for families, but with stricter supervision rules to address safety and compliance concerns. The update reflects a strategy of expanding use cases while staying responsive to regulatory expectations.
🤓 What the acronym
As a Tesla fan, I find myself sometimes having to remember what are all those acronyms, here is a list of the ones you can find in this issue.
EV: Electric Vehicle
FSD: Full Self-Driving