WebProNews

Tag: model 3

  • Ford Mustang Mach-E Topples Tesla Model 3 in Consumer Reports Ranking

    Ford Mustang Mach-E Topples Tesla Model 3 in Consumer Reports Ranking

    Tesla has been knocked off its throne, with Consumer Reports (CR) now recommending the Ford Mustang Mach-E as its top electric vehicle (EV).

    The Tesla Model 3 has been CR’s EV Top Pick for the last two years. The Model 3 was a departure from previous models, being far more affordable, a point which helped it become the top-selling EV in the world.

    Ford has made no secret about setting its sights on Tesla, coming out swinging with the Mustang Mach-E. The EV has now taken the coveted EV Top Pick award.

    “The Mach-E crossover is wrapped in Mustang heritage and executed with the detail associated with a century-old automaker,” writes CR’s Jeff S. Bartlett. “We took instant notice, and so did car buyers. As a result, the Mustang Mach-E effectively bumped Tesla from the 10 Top Picks list this year.”

    That doesn’t mean CR doesn’t recommend the Model 3. In fact, CR praises the vehicle’s range, technology, charging network, and a ride experience that’s closer to sports car than sedan. But the features Ford packed into the Mustang Mach-E helped push it over the edge.

    “But the Mustang Mach-E is also very sporty, plus it’s more practical and easier to live with. The Ford is also quieter and rides better,” continues Bartlett. “Both cars have large infotainment center screens, but the Mach-E’s is far easier to operate and doesn’t require multiple steps to activate routine features, such as using the defroster or adjusting the mirrors, as with the Tesla. Also, the Mach-E has an edge when it comes to reliability, according to first-year results in our Annual Auto Surveys of CR members.”

    One thing is clear: Ford has dealt Tesla a major blow, and will likely continue to make inroads against the original EV maker.

  • Tesla Recalls Almost 500,000 Cars Over Rear Camera and Front Trunk

    Tesla Recalls Almost 500,000 Cars Over Rear Camera and Front Trunk

    Tesla has issued a recall for more than 475,000 vehicles for two separate issues involving the rear camera and front trunk.

    According to Gizmodo, 356,309 Model 3 sedans have a faulty connection to the rear camera. This connection can be damaged as a result of opening and closing the rear trunk. Once the connection is damaged, users may lose rear camera functionality.

    Meanwhile, 119,009 Model S vehicles appear to have a misaligned front trunk latch that may prevent it from properly closing.

    The camera issue impacts Model 3s made between 2017 and 2020. Vehicles made in 2021 are not affected. The front trunk issue impacts Model S vehicles manufactured between 2014 and 2021.

  • Hertz Purchasing 100,000 Teslas for Its Fleet and Partnering With Tom Brady

    Hertz Purchasing 100,000 Teslas for Its Fleet and Partnering With Tom Brady

    Hertz is looking to leapfrog the competition following its bankruptcy, ordering 100,000 Teslas and partnering with Tom Brady for an ad campaign.

    Hertz has been through some difficult times in recent years, culminating in the company’s bankruptcy and reorganization. Coming out of that, the company clearly wants to get a leg up on its competitors and is tapping into consumer interest in electric vehicles (EVs) to do that.

    The company announced it is placing “an initial order of 100,000 Teslas by the end of 2022,” and plans to build out its own charging network. Customers who rent one of the Tesla Model 3’s will also have access to Tesla’s super-charging network in the US and Europe.

    “Electric vehicles are now mainstream, and we’ve only just begun to see rising global demand and interest,” said Hertz interim CEO Mark Fields. “The new Hertz is going to lead the way as a mobility company, starting with the largest EV rental fleet in North America and a commitment to grow our EV fleet and provide the best rental and recharging experience for leisure and business customers around the world.”

    Hertz is also partnering with Tom Brady for a “Hertz, Let’s Go!” ad campaign, one that will combine humor and Brady’s signature “Let’s Go” rallying cry.

    “Hertz is changing the game when it comes to the future of mobility and has come through for me time and time again,” said Tom Brady. “Although the company has been around for over 100 years, their constant evolution, especially now, is something that is amazing to be a part of. I’ve been driving an EV for years and knowing Hertz is leading the way with their electric fleet speaks to how the world is changing and the way companies are approaching being environmentally and socially conscious. I’ve always loved how easy and convenient Hertz makes it for me when I’m traveling to my favorite places like New York, LA and Tampa and can’t wait to see what they continue to have in store.”

  • Not So Fast: Tesla Plows Into Overturned Truck in Autopilot Failure

    Not So Fast: Tesla Plows Into Overturned Truck in Autopilot Failure

    Autonomous driving critics were handed another example supporting their skepticism, as a Tesla Model 3 plowed into an overturned truck.

    The accident occurred in Taiwan, on the National Highway 1. In video provided by a Twitter user, a truck is clearly overturned in the far left lane. Rather than braking or moving to avoid it, the Tesla continues toward it at full speed, with only a single attempt at braking shortly before the impact. Whether that was the Autopilot system or the driver attempting to brake at the last minute remains to be seen. Whatever the case, it was too little, too late.

    In the second video in the Twitter thread, the Tesla is shown completely impacted into the roof of the overturned truck. Even more distributing, despite the crash occurring at reasonably high speeds, the Tesla’s airbag doesn’t seem to have deployed.

    As Jalopnik points out, this isn’t the first time this kind of accident has happened, as Tesla’s Autopilot system seems to have trouble discerning large, immovable objects in its way.

    Needless to say, Tesla will need to make some serious improvements to its system before Autopilot can be completely trusted.

  • Tesla Electronics Tech Six Years Ahead of Competitors

    Tesla Electronics Tech Six Years Ahead of Competitors

    Tesla may not have nearly the size or market penetration of its more established rivals, but the company is years ahead of them in electronics technology.

    Nikkei Business Publication did a teardown of the Tesla Model 3, giving engineers from competitors the opportunity to examine the electronic components. In particular, the teardown looked at the integrated central control unit, the brains of the car. Tesla created the Full Self-Driving (FSD) Computer, or Hardware 3, after finding there were no existing solutions available.

    According to Nikkei, “one stunned engineer from a major Japanese automaker examined the computer and declared, ‘We cannot do it.’”

    As electric vehicles and self-driving cars become the standard, FSD-type hardware will be in high demand and be one of the single most critical components of such vehicles. As Nikkei highlights, however, industry experts don’t expect the technology to be widely used until 2025, giving Tesla a six-year head start.

    Nikkei’s sources claim companies such as Toyota and VW have the technological ability to roll out similar hardware, but feel indebted to the supply chain they have spent decades building up. That supply chain will be devastated by FSD-style hardware that will greatly simplify the electronic design of vehicles, cutting down the number of components needed.

    Tesla has already been credited with a significant advantage in its battery technology, allowing it to spend roughly $50 per kilowatt hour less than competitors. Now with it having an equally significant advantage in its electronics tech, competitors will have to play catchup on multiple fronts—whether for technical reasons or not.

  • Teslaquila Tequila ‘Should Be Good To Go’ According to Elon Musk

    Teslaquila Tequila ‘Should Be Good To Go’ According to Elon Musk

    Tesla owners looking for the perfect alcoholic compliment to their vehicles (not while in them of course) may not have long to wait, according to the International Business Times (IBT).

    What began as an April Fool’s joke in 2018 seems on the verge of becoming a reality. According to Teslarati, Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s April Fool’s prank in 2018 was a tweet saying the company had gone bankrupt and showing a picture of Musk passed out surrounded by Teslaquilla bottles. The prank was an instant hit, with individuals clamoring for the company to actually make the tequila, and Musk promising they would.

    Months later, TechCrunch reported that Tesla had filed an “intent to use” trademark for the tequila, with Musk once again confirming it was “coming soon.”

    According to IBT, a Tesla Model 3 owner reached out to Musk via Twitter to find out the latest about the distilled pure agave liquor.

    “Slight tweak to the glass needed & then it should be good to go,” Musk tweeted in reply on Sunday.

  • Tesla Confirms Model 3, Its $35,000 Car Slated for 2017

    Tesla Confirms Model 3, Its $35,000 Car Slated for 2017

    Tesla Motors has confirmed the name of its third-gen electric car. It’ll be called the Model 3 and will retail for around $35,000 – much cheaper than the Model S.

    Tesla confirmed a report from Auto Express on Twitter, noting that it will hit showrooms after their Model X SUV.

    So, why the Model 3? Elon Musk says that it has to do with sex and Ford.

    “We had the model S for sedan and X for crossover SUV, then a friend asked what we were going to call the third car. So I said we had the model S and X, we might as well have the E,” Musk told Auto Express. “We were going to call it model E for a while and then Ford sued us saying it wanted to use the Model E – I thought this is crazy, Ford’s trying to kill sex! So we’ll have to think of another name. The new model is going to be called Model 3, we’ll have three bars to represent it and it’ll be S III X!”

    I don’t know, Mr. Musk – Model 3 sounds like it could piss off Ford as well.

    Musk says that the Model 3 could have a “realistic range” of over 200 miles, and the lower price point comes from the fact that it’s going to be about 20 percent smaller than the Model S and be produced with cheaper battery technology.

    You can expect the Model 3 to be unveiled in 2016, and be available to purchase in 2017.

    Image via Tesla Motors, Twitter