Tesla Inc. had started receiving complaints from customers which were actually meant for Tesla Power.

According to media reports, American EV giant Tesla has filed a lawsuit against an Indian battery company named 'Tesla Power', alleging trademark infringement.

The EV maker is already said to have sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Indian company in 2022, which has a global office in Delaware, under the name 'Tesla Power USA'.*However, the company continues to use the name even now and argues that it manufactures "lead acid batteries" and not electric vehicle batteries and that it has no aspirations of entering the EV industry.

Tesla Inc., however, states that the use of the name by the Indian company is causing confusion in the country. The EV maker's senior counsel, Chander Lall, stated that Tesla Inc. had started receiving complaints from customers which were actually meant for Tesla Power.

The judge has barred Tesla Power from releasing any promotional material with the "Tesla" name until its next hearing scheduled for May 22. The battery company will also have to give a written response for its defence by then.

Source: FoxBusiness

I cannot even begin to describe the WOW factor I have as a car owner or petrolhead to imagine this kind of 'useful' integration of tech and cars.

BHPian svsantosh recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

A senior colleague in my UAE office has a 2023 Tesla Model Y. He has owned it new from the Dubai Sheikh Zayed road showroom for the last 6 months and put in about 10,000 Kms on it. A very happy customer indeed.

Last week he got a call on his mobile and the person on the line identified himself as a Tesla Roadside Assistance mobile mechanic and said 'Sir your rear right tail lamp is not working and I need to come to your location now to change it'.

Obviously, we are not used to such kinds of calls and my colleague went blank for a few seconds. He agreed to receive him in the next 30 mins and the person arrived in his fully decked-out service van. In 15 mins he changed the full assembly and off we went.

Now...

See the level of tech integration Musk has pulled off with a few satellites and the internet. Sitting at a laptop in the A.S.S, a mechanic saw a tail lamp failing on his customer's car and came in an hour and gone! I cannot even begin to describe the WOW factor I have as a car owner or petrolhead to imagine this kind of 'useful' integration of tech and cars.

Between 2016 and 2022, I was associated with IOT & M2M projects in the conventional mechanical engineering industry, linking large turbines to one's mobile phone and giving real-time data on Pressure, Power, RPM, Kw, Temperature, Oil life, etc.

Now I am seeing that kind of tech coming full circle. Now that's called Customer-Centric Service. Kudos to Tesla!

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

Great story, thanks for sharing. That is really exemplary service. Not just the call to fix the light (a safety issue), but also the offer to come to the customer's home / office to fix it.

For everyone who is excessively worried about privacy, drive this (or any older non-connected car):

Use this phone:

And don't ever connect to the internet, or use Google services, or social media, or online shopping:

Truth is, privacy is a myth today.

Here's what BHPian Night Raven had to say about the matter:

Somehow I am more horrified than excited about this. If this happens to me I will be uneasy every time I sit in that car because I don’t know what all information the technicians at the service centre can access about my car. If my location can be continuously monitored by some stranger, how safe should I feel?

Here's what BHPian Fuldagap had to say about the matter:

It's exciting to read this experience. But I'm curious to know how a mechanic 'saw' the taillight is not working. Did the car 'inform' the service guys?

Did the owner get a notification too via any app or email that his taillight wasn't working prior to receiving a call from the service personnel?

One day a car will 'calculate' it is idle for hours, the owner sleeping at home or working at the office and would say to the owner, hey my tail light isn't working, I'm off to get it done by the time you need me. I'll be back in a couple of hours.

Here's what BHPian poloman had to say about the matter:

Some one other than you keeping track of your possessions is called creepy behavior. Nothing to get excited about. The fault should be flashed to the owner and he should take a call to fix it or not.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

This EV handles “almost” like a sports car. On the other hand, I have driven larger BMW SUVs like the X5 and X7 and in my opinion, the X3 is a lot more enjoyable.

BHPian mobike008 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance vs. 2021 BMW X3M40i

Thanks to TorroRosso asking this question, “How does the Tesla Model 3 Performance fare compared to my BMW X3 M40i”. Well, it’s not the first time I got this question and surprisingly, I can never provide a straight answer to folks who ask me “Which one of these 2 performance cars is better" because it’s truly a very difficult answer as both are really fast cars and have many upsides with negligible downsides.

I decided to finally put a rest to this quandary and have been collecting my thoughts to see if I can nail down which of these 2 cars is better. I have owned both cars for a reasonably long time to tell the difference between each of them.

The final result may be surprising, keep reading and try to put yourself in my shoes and feel free to comment if you own any one (doubt if someone will have the exact same combo at home...haha!) of these amazing machines. Will your final result be different?

BMW X3M40i has clocked 34,000 miles (~ 55,000kms) in 3 years and Tesla Model 3 Performance is approaching 16,000 miles (~ 26,000kms) so that’s 80,000kms combined in 3 years with just me as the single driver (not counting the limited driving of my better half). This comparison is most certainly not an apples-to-apples type of comparison but, will have factors like emotional, tangible, placebo effect and not to mention the overall feel playing key roles.

Let’s look at the broad categories/parameters that we generally consider when selecting a car (All my car purchases till date have always focused on a single parameter for decision-making- “Performance” because I enjoy driving fast and love a good handling automobile. Other parameters are good to have but, they have never swayed my decision when buying any automobile).

Performance

Tesla Model 3 Performance

This is a drag strip king and will demolish everything that is stock that comes into its path- Be it a BMW M3/M4, Lamborghini or a Ferrari. Its instantaneous acceleration that propels you to 60mph (96kph) from a standstill in 3.1 seconds is an experience not for the faint-hearted. This acceleration is the #1 factor for purchasing this car. It’s simply an other-worldly experience.

BMW X3 M40i

This car is no slouch. A stock version does 60mph (96kph) in 4 seconds which is ridiculously fast as well. The feeling of how this accelerates is very different from the Tesla. It is loud, has lots of pops and bangs, rattles your internals and brings a thrill to your body that is felt till the bones. On the other hand, Tesla’s acceleration feel like you are sitting in an airplane and being propelled forward in complete silence which is quite eerie but, exhilarating at the same time.

Winner

Both have exhilarating acceleration but, giving it to Tesla Model 3 Performance purely for reasons of it being faster.

Handling

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Firstly, it’s a compact sedan and secondly, it’s lighter than the BMW so it has 2 primary factors favoring it. Obviously, it handles better than the BMW. Being a performance model, it has stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and can also be used as a RWD or AWD as the bias can be changed by flick of a switch (via. an internal computer). It’s easy to make this change when you want the tail to step out in corners.

In short, the Tesla Model 3 handles “almost” like a sports car. With a little bit of modifications to its suspension which I personally feel needs to be tauter (It isn’t even as taut as the X3M40i) and it can be compared with any Porsche in the handling department.

BMW X3 M40i

Well, it’s a BMW. It feels tight, crisp, and better than good handlers. It’s a Compact SUV, It’s heavier than the Tesla. Despite all these odds, It handles better than 90% of sedans out there. Having driven the larger SUVs in BMW stable like the X5 & X7, in my opinion, the X3 is nimble, changes direction pretty fast and being smaller it is a lot more enjoyable handling experience.

It certainly has some body roll (felt especially during the roundabouts near home) but, for 90% of regular road driving including tight cornering in mountains which I have been doing ever since I got this car, it feels absolutely marvelous. Its technology is highly reliable, and its AWD system never made the car miss a step even in horrible conditions (Snow Blizzards, Heavy Rains) in the mountains where I have never curtailed my speeds. In short, it can shame many sedans in the handling department.

Winner

Tesla Model 3 Performance as it’s definitely a better handler than the BMW.

Ride, Comfort & Braking

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Tesla has premium vegan seats (Optional) and they are big, soft, cushy and really comfortable. As I had mentioned before, it was designed with the big “American backside” in mind. It almost feels like sitting on a couch at home as they are that comfortable.

Ride on the 20” Uberturbine wheels is comfortable on “Tar” highways but, the moment the car traverses on cemented freeways, road joints, or patchy sections, the ride is not that cushy anymore and you can feel a bit of harshness creep in. However, it’s not really uncomfortable or harsh in any sense, especially on WA road infrastructure.

BMW X3 M40i

Leather Seats are BMW M spec leather which means it’s harder on touch and feel and also feels premium than the Tesla seats. Overall seat construction is on the harder side & the bucket-styled seats somewhat snug into your thighs (Including the hard pull of seat belts when you start from a standstill) so, it’s not as comfortable as the Tesla. Ride is better than Tesla being on 19” wheels and now with Michelins, it just glides over patchy roads. Washington state road infrastructure is excellent including in the mountains.

I was never impressed with Tesla’s braking power. Even though my Tesla has all round discs, bigger pads, bigger calipers etc. being a performance model. On the other hand, BMW brakes which are M-spec brakes are fabulous and have the correct bite and power. Its stopping power is phenomenal. It is a pleasure to use the BMW brakes compared to that on the Tesla.

Winner

BMW X3M40i as its ride and braking is better.

Safety Aids

Tesla Model 3 Performance

This car is loaded with safety aids. 12 different cameras, Blind Spot Monitoring, Auto Pilot, Auto Steering, Forward Collision Warning, Auto Braking, Sentry Mode and the shebang.

BMW X3 M40i

Mine is a full spec’d car (meaning with all options) with all safety aids. HUD, Heated Steering Wheel, Cooling Seats, Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, DSC, ASC, Forward Collision Warning, Auto Braking.

Winner

Tesla Model 3 Performance for the sheer long list of technology & safety aids.

Technology

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Tesla is not a car but, a computer on wheels and is renowned in the industry for best all-round safety and technology features and has been rated as the “safest car” to drive in all important forums. I cannot list the entire list of technology features as it’s just too many. I just have to highlight that you can enjoy YouTube, Netflix, HULU etc. in the car with premium audio that makes you feel that you are not sitting in a car but, an IMAX theatre for it to win this category. Lol!

BMW X3 M40i

It has all the features that BMW has provided as options, so it’s pretty much loaded from a technology aspect. But it’s still no match for the technology features of a Tesla.

Winner

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Space & Comfort

Tesla Model 3 Performance

This may come as a surprise but, many times family and friends who rode in the car have mentioned to me that there is more space in Tesla than the BMW. Yes, it’s true. It’s an extremely spacious car and has good space at the back for 3 adults for leg and headroom.

BMW X3 M40i

This car also has decent space for leg and headroom both in front and back and is more than enough for 4 adults. In the back, it’s best enjoyed by 2-adults and fitting a 3rd adult would be a bit challenging and tight.

Winner

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Build Quality

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Tesla had quality issues in the beginning but, they have improved a lot over the years. Double paned window glass has been added to improve NVH, panel gaps have been reduced considerably, paint quality has improved, and overall quality levels have risen.

BMW X3 M40i

BMW build quality is several notches above the Tesla inside and out. Everything feels premium and it’s a clear “Winner” for this category.

Redlight Acceleration

Call me immature or childish. I have this habit of launching at every red light (whenever I am the first car at the red light). As soon as the lights turn green and I hear the chime, A simple dab to the accelerator on the Tesla, it just rockets forward and within a few seconds, I don’t see anybody in my RVM. I accelerate from 0-60mph (speed limit) and probably go up to 70mph. It’s absolutely eerie to see nobody behind me. Lol!

Same is the case of BMW, when I accelerate on the greenlight, the drama is much more, and the entertainment factor is several notches above as it’s loud as hell and B58 makes some ridiculously loud pops and bangs and it’s with some kind of childish pleasure I love seeing an empty Rear-View Mirror.

Winner

I would give this to BMW as it commands more respect than the Tesla on the road.

BMW Trivia

• Whenever I am in a fast lane, I always see the car in front of me give way (move into the slower lane) after they notice the quintessential “BMW Headlights” in their rearview mirror. This happens so often that I tell my wife by instinct that the car in front of us will move. We had a wager on this topic a few times and I won always. That’s the power of the “BMW” and I love it.
• I always park next to a BMW if I find one and I see that happens with me also so many times when I return to the parking lot, I see another BMW next to me.
• In the US, this is common. If I see another BMW on the road, he is either going fast, not giving indicators (Though, I personally follow all rules to the T) OR, wants to race you. This rather childish behavior is what the BMW brand has imbibed in the owners, and everyone seems to do it in some form or fashion. LOL!

Fuel Consumption

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Tesla has time and again proved that it can save 80% ++ of fuel consumption costs. That’s a pretty big claim…right? And it’s 100% true.

BMW X3 M40i

For a performance car, the fuel consumption of the X3M40i is applaudworthy as no other car with these performance specs can return a gas mileage as the X3M40i. The worst gas mileage I got was 19mpg and the best was 27mpg. But it’s safe to say that an average of 22mpg is what I get each tankful and it’s quite good for this performance beast.

Winner

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Maintenance Costs & Issues till Date

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Completed 15,000 miles and there has been no maintenance till date. No tire rotations, alignment or any kind of service done. I spent $0 till date.

BMW X3 M40i

Completed 34,000 miles and have got it serviced at BMW 4 times till date for regular stuff. Here as well, I have spent $0 till date. I recently changed the tires to Michelin Pilot Sport AS 4 costing $1200 for 4-tires which is the only money spent on maintenance till date.

Winner

For now, it’s a TIE!

Longevity (Life of the Car)

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Tesla claims that the original battery will easily last for 300,000-500,000 miles and/or, 1500 times charging or discharging. Well, I think this car can be passed down for at least one generation if not, two. A battery replacement for a Tesla Model 3 Performance will cost $14,000.

BMW X3 M40i

The biggest reason for failure for a gasoline car is the engine giving up and B58 has been proven time and again that it’s the most reliable engine coming out of the BMW stable ever. There are plenty of examples of X3M40i owners driving this car without any issues up to 180,000 miles (~ 300,000 kms). Stock power is 382HP but, it can handle modification up to 650 Horsepower without breaking sweat.

Winner

Tesla Model 3 Performance

Overall Thrill & Final Summary

This may come as a total surprise after seeing that the Tesla Model 3 Performance winning literally every category that I listed above. But, from an overall thrill, emotion and feel perspective, I enjoy driving the BMW X3M40i more than the Tesla Model 3 Performance and the primary reason for that is the relentless power, torque across every inch of the rev range, that amazing B58 exhaust note, the pleasure of using those paddle shifters to play with the rev range and finally, of course, the badge value which I feel is more prestigious than the Tesla.

B58 Exhaust (This is what makes you love this more than anything else in the world).

• BMW X3 M40i exhaust sound in sports mode
• BMW X3 M40i cold start

Driving the BMW X3 M40i for 50 miles in one of the craziest blizzards that I encountered in my life.

A useless feature from Tesla- But this makes you love it equally as much.

Well, I have several acceleration videos of both cars which I have always refrained from sharing on the forum so as not to break any rules.

Hope you enjoyed this "Apple-2-Oranges" comparison.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The EV's autopilot works flawlessly and I haven't had a scary moment so far.

BHPian mobike008 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

15,000 Miles Completed - Brief Report

Last weekend, I completed 15,000 miles/24,000 kms in 17 months of ownership. Well, as some of you know, I work mostly from home. So, the majority of these miles have been "pleasure" miles and I have enjoyed every moment of it. It’s been an absolutely flawless run of owning this beast of a performance electric car. Touchwood, not a single issue till date that is worth losing sleep over.

15,000 Miles completed.

Let’s go ahead and dive straight into the feedback and cover a few points on things that could have been better.

Performance

This is the sole reason that I enjoy this car so much. I have driven the regular Teslas (RWD and Long-Range) and they are good in performance but, are no match to the blistering fast Model 3 Performance which performs like a rocket launched out of a launch pad. Lol!

Handling

Tesla Model 3 Performance handles like a sports car. Period!

The steering wheel feels nicely weighted in Sports and due to the lower center of gravity and no engine, this car feels totally planted and moves like an eel. A satisfactory enthusiast's car for enjoying the high speeds, handling and thrills minus the gasoline combustion engine noises which for some is a big deal. But, mature people who know what this vehicle’s purpose is will accept its traits and enjoy it for the purpose it’s built.

My route to home (Don't miss the snow-capped mountains in the background)- There are 6-roundabouts that I cross each day. It's fun to throw the car in these roundabouts.

Every single day, I have to drive through 6 of these roundabouts and I throw the Tesla into these roundabouts at higher than required speeds just to test its handling. It just slithers in and out of the roundabout like a rockstar with negligible body roll.

Range

Well, I have been mostly using the Tesla for local city driving which is usually 50-60 miles roundtrips and other errands which is about 10-20 miles a day. I charge the Tesla once in 3-days and is always up to 80% and typically plug it back in when the battery drops to 20%.

With a 60% usable charge, I get around 150-170 miles which is good for 3-4 days of usage. Tesla claims the Model 3 Performance's range is 315 Miles. I have long ago given up hopes on that range and stick to a realistic figure of 250 miles (0%-100% battery charge) which is acceptable for my usage.

Long distance- I have done just 2 trips to Vancouver, Canada till date which isn’t a long distance in any sense. Need to plan a proper long-distance trip which means driving at least 600 miles one-way. Hopefully, sometime this year. Incidentally, travelling to Vancouver again on March 23 so it will get charged again in Vancouver.

Charging Time

I always charge at home which charges at speeds of 35 kWh (Compared to Tesla Super chargers which charge between 300 kWh- 500 kWh per hour). I normally start the charging (scheduled on phone) at 11:00pm and it charges from 20% to 80% battery in about 4 hours. When I get up in the morning, the car is fully juiced up to drive for the next 150 miles.

Charging Cost

I prefer charging during off-peak hours so the rate is $0.08 dollar per kWh.

Simple math: I spend ~ $5 for every 170 miles (275 kms) of driving which is insane cost savings.

Gas to EV Comparison : 90% savings on gas costs.

Trivia : I have used a supercharger only twice in my Tesla Ownership and both times during my trip to Vancouver. Otherwise, it’s always charged at home and is not subjected to the brutal tortures of DC supercharging.

Tires

Pirelli Summer Performance tires are like leech during summer and in rains. However, they become equally useless in snowy conditions. Tires have never been rotated, balanced nor aligned till date. There isn’t any uneven wear and tear so I am a happy puppy.

Touchwood- Zero punctures till date since I got out of the showroom.

Autopilot

Works flawlessly and never a scary moment. I experienced phantom braking just once in this entire period. Whenever we are going back home from a party, autopilot drives us safely back home.

Autopilot gets confused in a few scenarios:

• Roundabout (We have plenty of them near home)
• Peculiar lanes in some areas where the lane markers are intertwined.

Regenerative Braking

Driving with just one foot is a pleasure. I hardly use the brakes in the Tesla. In fact, I keep checking if I can stop without using a brake. 9/10 times, I am able to stop if I am in “Chill” mode.

In “Sports” mode, it’s difficult to stop the car even with full regen mode, it will not stop on time as the regen power is not enough to bring the car to a halt in time.

As an example- I step on the brake pedal, a total of 4-5 times in my one full charge of 150-170 miles. This means the brakes will last “forever”.

ICE

I covered the In-Car-Entertainment/Music System of Premium Audio in a Tesla. This has to be the best music system (at this price point) in any car be it EV or Gasoline. The audio and video experience in the Tesla is second to none.

Space

Tesla Model 3 is spacious inside and out. Due to no hump running in the back-seat, 3 tall adults can sit comfortably. The space in the boot is very good and with seats down, we have transported living room size carpets, pots, plants and other home goods with ease. The frunk (under the bonnet) is also spacious and most grocery shopping stuff can be easily accommodated here.

Tesla Annual Renewal

I pay $99 per year for Internet Connectivity each year. It’s totally worth it as this gives you access to all the goodies (Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, TikTok etc) which is important when you are waiting somewhere in the car.

Niggles/Things Could have been Better

• 17 months of Ownership- Tesla froze just once in the first 12 months. Last 5 months, it froze 4 times. What I mean by froze is the screen becomes frozen and it needs to be re-booted/re-started. Darn, just like our phones. Lol!. The reboot process is a 2-minute procedure so it’s a minor inconvenience. In my opinion, this freezing business is acceptable if it happens once or twice a year. Anytime more is not acceptable.
• Sometimes the doors won’t unlock when I approach the car and try to unlock it. I have to then fish out my phone and unlock it from the Tesla app on the phone. Same thing with the charge port. This happened a few times so again a minor niggle.
• Insurance costs- For some weird reason, the insurance costs for a Tesla are higher than a gas car. I pay about $1600/year just for insurance. Compared to about $1200/year for a gas car.
• Rattles & Squeaks- 15,000 miles up and there is no hint of any squeaks or rattles. Sometimes I hear some minor squeak from my driving seat position only when I move around in my seat a lot. This could be possible due to my 100+ kg weight.

Summary

Owning a Tesla Model 3 Performance has been a flawless experience with 90% savings in gas (if I had owned a gas car). Performance and Technology is the biggest drivers for overall satisfaction.

Here are a few favorite pictures of "Rosso Diablo". Cheers!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Companies will be allowed to import 8,000 EVs per year at a lower import duty of 15%.

The Government of India has approved a new EV policy that will pave the way for global brands like Tesla to enter the Indian market. A statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry states that the policy will help attract investments in the e-vehicle space from reputed global EV manufacturers. 

According to the government, companies will have to invest a minimum of Rs 4,150 crore in the country. They will have 3 years to set up a local manufacturing unit for EVs with at least 25% localization. 

Under the new policy, companies will be allowed to import 8,000 EVs per year at a lower import duty of 15% on cars costing $35,000 and above, which is significantly lower than the 70-100% currently levied on imported cars.

The duty waiver on EVs, which can be imported is capped at the annual PLI incentive (Rs 6,484 crore) or the investment made by the entity, whichever will be lower. 

The investment commitment made by the company will have to be backed up by a bank guarantee in lieu of the custom duty forgone. The bank guarantee will be invoked in case of non-achievement of DVA and minimum investment criteria defined under the scheme guidelines.

Source: Moneycontrol

I told my friend that Teslas can drive for 30 miles even after reaching 0% battery so let's take a risk and drive the EV home without using a supercharger.

BHPian mobike008 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Experience with Tesla Model 3 Long Range: Battery & Charging

Last week, I was in New York City for some work. Post the work-related stuff, I decided to spend a day or two with some pals in New Jersey.

One of the days, we drove from Princeton, New Jersey to Soho, New York City for dinner in one of the fine-dine restaurants. We were in a friend's Tesla Model 3 Long Range which we were driving the whole day in NJ as the initial plan was to take the train to the city. But, due to getting late after meeting some friends, at the last moment we decided to take the Tesla as our reservation was for 9:00 pm and it's tough to get one.

Post dinner, we continued partying in a different location in New York City and around midnight, I got myself a lovely Gyro from the street vendor (Mandatory whenever I am in NYC). We started driving back to Princeton which was about 60 miles away. After crossing New York, my friend said let's stop at the supercharger and bump up the battery a bit before we head home.

I thought of an adventure and told him that Tesla can drive for 30 miles even after reaching 0% battery (which he was not aware of even after owning the car for 2.5 years) and told him, let's take a risk and drive home without using a supercharger. He initially agreed but, as he saw the battery % dropping (it was bloody cold, -3 Degrees Celsius), he panicked and backed off and said let's not take the risk.

I cajoled and convinced him to go the furthest and not take the first supercharger that came our way. So, we drove to Woodbridge, New Jersey and battery % dropped to 3%. We stayed exactly for 6 minutes and the battery was juiced up from 3% to 24 % and we enjoyed the drive back home in "Standard" mode. (He was driving in Chill to save up on the juice).

It was a wonderful experiment that involved all the ingredients of a thriller movie- Excitement, Fear, Panic, Anxiousness and finally the wonderful moment of Elation once the Tesla was juiced up.

Summary: After this experience, I am now not scared to drive the car until 0% battery.

Quintessential New York City Gyros--Delicious.

Battery was just going to be 3% when we reached the supercharger. It was showing, that it would be -4% battery to reach home (Princeton, NJ).

6- Minutes Supercharging Break.

Added the battery from 3% to 24% or 61 Miles (We were just 20-odd miles away from home).

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I have started getting notifications on my smartphone and smartwatch to charge my EV.

BHPian mobike008 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I come back from a trip over the weekend and see a "candy" waiting for me.

Yup, it's none other than yet another software update from Tesla.

Some minor yet significant updates.

Reminder to plug in the car to charge. This is a good update as many folks forget to charge and they realize with a "Gosh, I forgot expression in the morning"

Already getting notifications on my phone and watch.

More statistics added to the battery information. Lovely!

As you may have read the news, Tesla took a lot of flak for losing range during winters. I reckon this update is to improve that situation and the battery not dropping range drastically.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Is it because the EV has no gears or the P function is not enough to hold the car in a slightly uphill position?

BHPian mobike008 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Couple of days ago a crazy incident happened.

It's snowing a bit here (not much) and roads have become dangerously icy with a lot of black sleet.

I came home and parked the car in the driveway. After an hour, I just happened to glance outside and I was shocked to see the Tesla had slid back quite a bit and almost into the community roadway.

Immediately, I parked the car inside the garage.

In the evening, I came back home and stopped in the driveway. Car was in Park (P) mode. And, with me inside, the car kept sliding back.

Is it because of no gears or P function is not enough to hold the car in a slightly uphill position?

Any Tesla owners faced this situation?

Late afternoon it was sunny and beautiful sun rays fell on mountains behind home.

Within a few hours, the weather changes to snow/hail/rain and the same roads become absolutely treacherous. That's Seattle weather for you.

I had parked close to the garage door (2 inches away- I always test the parking sensors) and look how far it slid back. Phew!

Same situation in the evening...

Here's what BHPian ex-innova-guy had to say about the matter:

Interesting that you hadn’t faced this yet. Had seen a couple of instances- 1, 2 sometime back on Reddit and had also seen a YouTube video in which the car rolled down into a parked car. Luckily yours wasn’t charging or could have been worse too. Looks like you will need to do the traditional jugaad of putting stones under the tyres.

Here's what BHPian pratik1992 had to say about the matter:

Those look like the P Zero summer tires that came with the car, right? They do warn about not using them below 45F.

Mine started sliding in turns on a cold Dec 1 in NJ. Was enough to get me to purchase a winter wheels + snow-rated tires (19s) set. Now it drives like a champ no matter what surface. I had to manually put it in drift mode to make them break traction in a parking lot when I wanted to try doing donuts. Quite fun.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

For gaming in the car, new arcade games have been added and Cybertruck can be seen as one of them.

BHPian mobike008 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Elon Musk is like Salman Khan or Aamir Khan movie producer, he drops a major update just before Christmas to ring in the festivities and also to usher in the new year.

Last weekend, Musk dropped a comprehensive & amazing software update that brings in some nice, unique and good-to-have features to the car.

This is what makes the ownership of a Tesla interesting as every few weeks tons of new features keep getting added making you feel like driving a new car each month.

What are these new features? Let's take a look at them.

Firstly, Rosso Diablo crossed 12,000 miles last week.

This is the most useful and awesome update- Now the surroundings can be fully viewed in 3D. This update is available only to 2023 cars which have Tesla Vision.

Apple Podcasts come to Tesla as a NATIVE APP.

New Arcade games have been added and CYBERTRUCK can be seen as one of them. Now connect PS5 or Xbox Controller to get the real feel of console gaming in the car.

Important Update- In the event of an accident, an automatic call goes to 911.

More cameras added for increased viewing of the car via the Cellphone App.

Important Update and Long Due- Now Traffic Signals and Speed Camera warnings on the Tesla MAP UI.

On the fly Navigation route change options.

New LIGHTSHOW added.

This is crazy- Customize the lock sound with 10-15 different sounds inbuilt.

Here is the list of sounds that can be used to customize the lock sound of the car.

This is super useful- Red Shading on the screen to warn blindspot when changing lanes.

Trip Planner on Cellphone app. Super Useful.

One of the recall features- Suspension for 1 week if the driver doesn't pay attention to the road when in Autopilot after 5-Warnings. Stringent, huh?

Minor Updates.

Single Pull to enable Autopilot (Previously, it was double pull).

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The new-gen Optimus robot also walks 30% faster and is 10 kg lighter, without having to sacrifice any of its abilities.

Tesla recently unveiled the Gen 2 iteration of its Optimus bot. The new-generation humanoid robot is a continuation of its bot program, which was announced in 2021 during Tesla's AI Day. Although there was no prototype ready back then, Tesla did introduce 'Bumblebee' an early prototype of the Optimus bot, a year later at the 2022 AI Day.

Bumblebee though was a rough representation of the Optimus bot, which couldn't do anything more than just wave to the crowd when brought on stage via a wheeled platform.

However, Tesla has now unveiled the Optimus Gen 2 bot, which is said to be capable of a lot more. The new bot is said to have learned a lot, even acquiring new skills with no programming involved, rather just by observing humans. The Optimus bot uses artificial intelligence like Tesla's FSD tech - meaning the bot tracks human movements and learns from the interactions.

As per reports, Tesla has changed everything inside and out on the Optimus Gen 2, allowing the robot to replicate human-like gestures. Tesla has also installed new custom-designed actuators & sensors, which are especially noticeable on the robot's hands. They now have 11 degrees of freedom, which enables the robot to make delicate & precise movements. The fingers also have tactile sensing, which allows delicate handling of objects. Elon Musk stated that in a year, the robot will be able to thread a needle.

The new-gen Optimus robot also walks 30% faster and is 10 kg lighter, without having to sacrifice any of its abilities. The video released on social media looked so good to be true that the team from the Optimus project had to clarify that there was no CGI involved in making the videos.

Source: AutoEvolution