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Uber and Tesla partner to make Tesla Semi electrify logistics and supply chain

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Uber and Tesla partner to make Tesla Semi electrify logistics and supply chain
Uber and Tesla partner to make Tesla Semi electrify logistics and supply chain

Uber’s subdivision, named Uber Freight, is now a Tesla Semi customer. The transportation, logistics, and supply chain company has taken its first step towards EV adoption for its heavy-duty commercial trucks.

Uber Freight announced the news of including Tesla Semi class-8 electric haulers into its logistics fleet on LinkedIn and Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter). However, the company did not disclose the exact number of Tesla Semi-truck units it acquired in the first phase of this transition.

A partnership between Tesla and Uber is a surprising one, as both companies are now competitors in the ride-sharing business, especially autonomous ride-hailing (robotaxis).

Uber Freight shared the following picture of multiple Tesla Semi-trucks at an unspecified location. These trucks are seen charging at a Megacharger station.

The location of the above picture of Tesla Semis charging is most probably Giga Nevada, where the automaker has made a dedicated manufacturing facility for its class-8 electric semi trucks. Uber Freight is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and there is no confirmed report of a Megacharger station in this city.

However, Tesla has planned on building 46 Tesla Semi Megacharger stations across the US by 2027. This charging infrastructure will enable companies like Uber Freight to run their logistics and supply chain operations smoothly across states.

For logistics freight operators, Uber and Tesla are offering Tesla Semi-trucks at a subsidized price. This means a lower upfront cost for companies and Uber Freight partners.

In its official announcement, Uber Freight wrote:

Uber Freight and Tesla are reshaping how fleets electrify.

The new Dedicated EV Fleet Accelerator Program with Tesla is designed to make EV adoption practical and profitable by tackling the two biggest hurdles: cost and utilization. Carriers in the program gain:

– Subsidized Tesla Semis with recognized Total Cost of Ownership savings
– Dedicated freight demand through Uber Freight
– A direct path to serve shippers seeking zero-emission transport

By addressing these challenges head-on, we’re making it possible for carriers to adopt EVs with confidence and realize benefits from day one.

With years of experience deploying electric trucks on real routes, Uber Freight is building on that foundation to advance a smarter, more efficient freight ecosystem.

Above graph: Tesla Semi cost-savings with mileage up to 800k miles. Source: Tesla Internal Data and Modeling. Credit: Uber Freight (Uber Technologies Inc.).

The interesting fact is that, besides being more reliable and compared to diesel trucks, Tesla Semi is also cost-effective both in fuel efficiency and maintenance.

The graph above shows that a Tesla Semi-truck can save you up to $300K over the course of 800,000 miles of usage. This also shows that Tesla’s electric hauler can last up to 1 million miles ideally.

Tesla Semi also reduces stress for drivers, owners, and fleet operators by eliminating regular engine maintenance.

Senior Manager of the Tesla Semi Program, Dan Priestly, wrote on LinkedIn:

Semi can drop into freight lanes with no compromises at lower operating costs. With Uber Freight matching shippers + carriers and removing revenue and utilization uncertainty, EV adoption will accelerate as operators realize the cost and maintenance benefits Semi offers.

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Featured image: Nic Cruze Patane / X (Twitter).

Note: This article was published earlier on Tesla Oracle. Author: Iqtidar Ali.

Ideal Power increases B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power rating, targeting EV contactor applications 

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Ideal Power increases B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power rating, targeting EV contactor applications 
Ideal Power increases B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power rating, targeting EV contactor applications 

Ideal Power has the power rating of its discrete B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power switch from 50 A to 75 A. The company says that the higher rating is supported by extensive internal and third-party testing, and no design or packaging changes were required.

While the official rating is now 75 A, the device has been subjected to long-term, continuous testing at up to 150 A. The discrete B-TRAN and the SymCool power module—which uses the same B-TRAN dies—are both targeted at solid-state circuit breaker and EV contactor applications.

Ideal Power expects to announce an increase in the SymCool module’s power rating later in 2025, with updated technical documentation. Ideal Power’s B-TRAN technology is a double-sided, bidirectional alternating current (AC) switch. The company syas B-TRAN improves performance compared to conventional power semiconductors by reducing conduction and switching losses, simplifying thermal management, and potentially lowering operational costs in switching and control circuitry.

Source: Ideal Power

Pando Electric’s new Smart Outlet Gen2 EV charger is purpose-built for multifamily properties

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Pando Electric’s new Smart Outlet Gen2 EV charger is purpose-built for multifamily properties
Pando Electric’s new Smart Outlet Gen2 EV charger is purpose-built for multifamily properties

EV charging hardware provider Pando Electric is “laser-focused on the multifamily market,” as CEO Aaron Li told Charged in March. Now the company has launched the Pando Smart Outlet Gen2, an EV charging platform engineered specifically for multifamily housing.

The new charger is designed to eliminate what Pando calls the three biggest barriers to EV charging adoption: power constraints, connectivity issues and maintenance failures.

Pando Gen2 does not require costly panel upgrades, dedicated WiFi/cellular networks, or ongoing servicing. “Each outlet intelligently manages building power loads, operates offline when needed, and features a modular design that eliminates maintenance,” says Pando.

Pando Gen2 can operate even in buildings without WiFi or cellular coverage—residents activate charging with a phone, watch, or fob. The device’s load management system dynamically reroutes unused building power to EV charging. Its modular design means that damaged cables can be quickly replaced, with no need for an electrician.

“Multifamily buildings have been stuck with EV solutions designed for shopping malls and restaurants,” said Aaron Li, CEO of Pando Electric. “Gen2 changes that. No WiFi. No upgrades. No maintenance. We designed Gen2 to be the first charger that works with the building and its residents, not against them.”

Source: Pando Electric

EVs Just Got Cheaper Than Gas Cars in the U.S. – But Don’t Blink

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This summer, something wild happened: EVs in the U.S. dipped below the price of gas cars. For years, battery costs and luxury positioning kept EVs out of reach for the average buyer. But thanks to hefty tax credits and big manufacturer incentives, the tables finally turned at least for a couple of months. It’s the kind of shift that shows how fast the EV market can change when price becomes less of a barrier.

In August, the average EV sold for $44,908, while gas cars averaged $45,521, according to J.D. Power data. That’s about $600 cheaper. Compare that to early 2023, when EVs cost over $16,000 more on average, and you can see why analysts are calling this a turning point. As Tyson Jominy, senior VP of data and analytics at J.D. Power, put it:

“It is fairly recent and rare that we’re actually seeing EV transaction prices fall below ICE.”

The deals were no accident. Automakers stacked cash on the hood to move inventory before tax credits expired. Add in federal incentives, and buyers scored some serious bargains. Incentives hit record highs at nearly $7,500 per EV in August, compared to $2,500 for gas cars. The average savings from federal tax credits jumped to $5,124 in 2024, up from $4,302 the year before. Leasing became the go-to move, since all EV leases qualified for the full $7,500 credit. By July, leases made up 70% of EV transactions. For buyers who never thought they’d see EVs priced below gas models, this was a rare window.

But don’t expect this price gap to stick. With the EV tax credit sunsetting and political winds shifting, automakers are already signaling supply cuts and fewer discounts. J.D. Power expects EVs to climb back above gas vehicle prices as early as next year. Still, the short-term surge is undeniable: EVs made up 9.9% of U.S. sales in August, the highest ever, according to Cox Automotive. That echoes what happened in Norway and China when EVs undercut gas vehicles. Norway used incentives to push EVs to nearly 90% market share, while China saw annual sales jump eightfold between 2018 and 2024 as costs fell. The U.S., though, still lags with only two models under $30,000 compared to 50 gas-powered options.

Affordability is the missing link for mainstream adoption. Surveys show that cost, more than charging or range anxiety, is the biggest reason Americans hesitate on EVs. As long as large trucks and SUVs dominate the market, battery packs will need to be bigger, and that drives prices higher. Still, as battery tech improves and more budget-friendly models hit showrooms, parity with gas cars will come back for good.

Even if this summer proves to be a blip, the long game looks strong. Battery prices continue to fall, charging infrastructure keeps expanding, and every major automaker has long-term EV commitments they can’t just abandon. More affordable EVs like the new Nissan Leaf and upcoming electric trucks are entering the market, and when supply finally catches up with demand, the price gap will close naturally. As Jominy summed it up:

“In the short term, EVs will probably, at best, go sideways. But over the long term, we are still optimistic about EVs. We do not believe that this is the end.”

For now, EV shoppers in the U.S. are in a rare sweet spot. Lower prices, fat incentives, and the chance to get behind the wheel of something faster, cleaner, and future-proof. But once the credits expire and discounts disappear, the scales will tip back. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to switch, this might be the best deal window you’ll see for years.

 

Source: InsideEVs

Electric van exceeds official efficiency ratings in 1,000-mile real-world test

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Three Farizon SV electric vans exceeded their official efficiency ratings during a five-day, 1,000-mile test across the UK, according to data collected during the Greenfleet Explorer EV Rally held from […]

The post Electric van exceeds official efficiency ratings in 1,000-mile real-world test appeared first on Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International.

Ultion Technologies’ new LFP battery cells are made entirely with North American materials

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Ultion Technologies’ new LFP battery cells are made entirely with North American materials
Ultion Technologies’ new LFP battery cells are made entirely with North American materials

Ultion Technologies has launched commercial-scale production and validation of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells manufactured entirely from North American materials. Ultion says these cells meet or exceed the performance of leading imported alternatives, especially at high discharge rates.

The project involved a supply chain partnership with First Phosphate, which provided high-purity phosphate and iron for cathode manufacturing. Ultion designed, assembled and tested the cells at its Nevada facility.

The current LFP battery market is dominated by China, with over 90 percent of global production.

The battery cells are produced in a 18650 cylindrical format. Independent tests reported a stable capacity of 1.6 amp-hours per cell, a projected cycle life of 2,000 cycles with 80 percent capacity retention, minimal cell-to-cell variation and strong stability at a 5C discharge rate. The company says this high-rate capability is targeted for applications that demand rapid power delivery, such as grid storage, data centers and defense systems.

Torus, a Utah-based manufacturer of hybrid flywheel and battery storage systems, has invested in Ultion and has committed to buying the North American cells for its utility, data center and commercial projects.

“Ultion’s progress gives us reliable supply, strong performance and a clear competitive edge,” said Nate Walkingshaw, CEO of Torus. “What excites us most is the combination of performance and strategic value. We can now offer our utility and data center customers storage systems that are built in America and exceed the capabilities of imported alternatives.”

Source: Ultion Technologies

zSpace expands automotive training with new EV applications

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zSpace expands automotive training with new EV applications
zSpace expands automotive training with new EV applications

US-based zSpace, which provides immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences for education, has introduced two new applications designed to support training in electric and hybrid vehicle service and repair.

The Electric Vehicle Maintenance application helps learners build skills in fault diagnosis and safety procedures specific to EVs. Students can practice component recognition, perform safety inspections and work through simulated fault scenarios in a virtual environment. This approach reduces equipment costs and mitigates real-world safety risks.

The Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Structure Technology application offers a look at how electric and hybrid vehicles are built and operated. Students can use interactive 3D models and animations to explore engines, powertrains, transmissions and structural components to better understand complex automotive systems.

The applications feature exploded views and animated workflows for steering, suspension and powertrain systems. Flexible licensing options are available for both applications through the zSpace App Manager. Multilingual support is provided in English, Chinese (Simplified), and Spanish.

Source: zSpace

Tesla Reworks Its Controversial Door Handles After Safety Scrutiny

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Tesla’s flush door handles are one of the brand’s signature design elements. They sit sleekly against the body, helping with aerodynamics and giving the cars a futuristic look. But while they score points for style, they’ve often been criticized for being confusing in day-to-day use especially when safety is on the line.

Tesla’s design chief confirmed that the company is working on a new version of the handles. The update will combine the electronic and manual release mechanisms into a single spot, making them easier to use in emergencies.

“The decision is intended to make the handles more intuitive for occupants in a panic situation,” said Tesla’s design lead.

This announcement closely follows news from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which recently opened an investigation into about 174,000 Model Y vehicles from the 2021 model year. The agency is looking into reports that electronic door handles can become inoperative, preventing occupants from exiting the car.

Tesla vehicles already have manual releases inside, but regulators raised a concern: children in the back seat may not be able to reach or operate them, even if the driver knows they exist. That could pose a real-world risk for families who rely on the Model Y as their daily driver.

The NHTSA has received more than 140 complaints about Tesla doors since 2018, including reports of handles sticking, failing to open, or malfunctioning. The concerns have also led to recalls. In 2023, Tesla recalled over 120,000 Model S and Model X vehicles due to the possibility that doors could become unlocked and open during a crash.

International regulators are also weighing in. In China, officials have reportedly considered restrictions on fully concealed door handles, reflecting broader skepticism about the safety of hidden designs.

For Tesla owners, the redesign could bring much-needed clarity. By unifying the release mechanisms, the new handles promise to reduce confusion, speed up response times in emergencies, and make everyday use more straightforward. And for anyone who has had to point out the hidden lever to a puzzled passenger, it’s a practical improvement that goes beyond looks.

As Tesla balances design innovation with safety, owners can expect to see more changes like this. For now, it’s another reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most important.

 

Source: Reuters

Wolfspeed targets automotive with its commercial launch of 200 mm SiC materials portfolio

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Wolfspeed targets automotive with its commercial launch of 200 mm SiC materials portfolio
Wolfspeed targets automotive with its commercial launch of 200 mm SiC materials portfolio

US-based silicon carbide (SiC) technology firm Wolfspeed has announced the commercial launch of its 200 mm SiC materials products.

The move is part of the company’s strategy to help the industry transition from silicon to silicon carbide. After initially offering 200 mm SiC to certain customers, the company decided to release the products to the wider market. Wolfspeed is also offering 200 mm SiC epitaxy for immediate qualification, which can be paired with its 200 mm bare wafers for high quality and scalability in next-generation power devices, according to the company.

The improved parametric specifications of the 200 mm SiC bare wafers at 350 µm thickness and enhanced doping and thickness uniformity of the 200 mm epitaxy enable device makers to improve MOSFET yields, accelerate time-to-market, and deliver more competitive solutions in automotive and other applications, the company said.

These product and performance advancements for 200 mm SiC can also be applied to the company’s 150 mm SiC materials products.

“Wolfspeed’s 200 mm SiC wafers are more than an expansion of wafer diameter—it represents a materials innovation that empowers our customers to accelerate their device roadmaps with confidence,” said Dr. Cengiz Balkas, Wolfspeed’s Chief Business Officer. “By delivering quality at scale, Wolfspeed is enabling power electronics manufacturers to meet growing demand for higher-performing, more efficient silicon carbide solutions.”

Source: Wolfspeed