Stories by Sarah Lee-Jones

Tesla has provided an update on the status of its next-generation 4680 battery cells on Monday, at its Q2 2021 earnings. In a letter to investors, Tesla explains, “we have successfully validated performance and lifetime of our 4680 cells produced at our Kato facility in California.” “We are nearing the end of manufacturing validation at […]

Back in June, Tesla updated its website to bring changes to the new refresh Model S and Model X. Both Plaid versions of these vehicles saw red brake calipers removed, while a new revised design was unveiled for the 19-inch Tempest wheel for the Model S, with these aero covers now showing as greyed-out. According […]

During Tesla’s Q2 2021 earnings call webcast, CEO Elon Musk clarified how the company’s Superchargers will be able to be used by other electric vehicles. Musk said these other electric vehicles would need to download the Tesla app, head to a Supercharger and indicate which stall they’re parked in. The EV owner would then use […]

Tesla announced during its Q2 earnings call its installed annual capacity has now increased greater than 1.05 million cars. The breakdown stands the same as Q1, but for Giga Shanghai, the number is now “greater” than 450,00: California – Model S/X: 100,000 California – Model 3/Y: 500,000 Shanghai – Model 3/Y: > 450,000 With Gigafactories […]

During Tesla’s Q2 earnings call webcast, CEO Elon Musk shared some opening remarks on the company’s quarter, plus also detailed the ongoing global chip shortage. In a somewhat of a surprise mention, Musk said that to better make use of his limited time, “going forward I won’t be on earnings calls unless there’s something important […]

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said some opening remarks during its Q2 webcast the global chip shortage situation “remains quite serious”. Musk said the growth rate of Tesla is being controlled by chips, which are the slowest to appear in its supply chain. The company said all parts are ready except for these chips, with Musk […]

With an unofficial order tracker for Tesla’s Cybertruck showing over 1 million pre-orders, what’s the latest update for the company’s futuristic electric truck? In Tesla’s Q2 2021 letter to investors, the company says Cybertruck production will follow Model Y production at its upcoming Gigafactory under construction in Austin, Texas. “We are also making progress on […]

For those following the constructions of Tesla’s upcoming Gigafactories in Berlin, Germany, and Austin, Texas, the company provided a production update during its Q2 earnings today. Tesla says “we believe we remain on track to build our first Model Y vehicles in Berlin and Austin in 2021.” Update: During Tesla’s earning call today, Elon Musk […]

After announcing a record Q2 with net income hitting $1.1 billion for the first time and overall revenue reaching $11.9 billion, there are more details to share from Tesla. Tesla says its number of Supercharger stations worldwide reached 2,966, up 46% year-over-year. The company’s individual Supercharger connectors reached 26,900, up 49% year-over year. The electric […]

Tesla has announced its quarterly earnings for Q2 2021 and the company has “broke new and notable records.” Tesla saw a total of $11.9 billion in total revenue for Q2. The electric automaker achieved an operating margin of 11% and exceeded $1 billion of GAAP net income for the first time in its history, despite […]

For some Tesla owners, it appears their vehicles are now appreciating assets on the used car market. With what appears to be heavy demand for used vehicles and also pressure on Tesla’s parts supply chain, some owners in the United States are seeing their trade-in values increase over time. According to The Kilowatts on Saturday […]

Electric automaker Rivian announced on Friday it has closed a $2.5 billion USD funding round, led by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, D1 Capital Partners, Ford Motor Company and funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. Others in this private funding round included Third Point, Fidelity Management and Research Company, Dragoneer Investment Group, […]

NASA announced on Friday it has selected SpaceX and the latter’s Falcon Heavy for “Earth’s first mission to conduct detailed investigations of Jupiter’s moon Europa.” According to NASA, the Europa Clipper mission is pegged for launch in October 2024, from Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy will send NASA’s Europa […]

The new Tesla Model S refresh and its yoke steering wheel, in particular, have drawn mixed opinions, as the new design requires revamped muscle memory from those that have actually tried it. Will Tesla offer a regular round steering wheel option for the Tesla Model S refresh? In a response to MKBHD’s review of the […]

Tesla has increased the price of its Model 3 and Model Y, yet again. This time around, the Long Range versions of each vehicle have increased in price by $1,000 USD (via @SawyerMerritt). Model Y  Long Range: $53,990 USD (+$1000; was $52,990) Performance: $60,990 USD – no change Model 3 Standard Range Plus: $39,990 USD; […]