Blogger Toyota has unveiled the Aygo X Hybrid, marking the introduction of full hybrid technology to the A-segment city car category. Set to go on sale in the UK and parts […]
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The electric vehicle landscape is constantly evolving, but a new player, Slate Auto, has just rolled onto the scene with a refreshing proposition: an affordable, highly modular EV that’s turning heads and sparking conversations about the future of personal transportation. At Evannex, we’re keenly observing the emergence of the Slate EV, particularly its potential to disrupt the market and empower owners in unprecedented ways.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Slate EV, slated for a late 2026 launch, is its dedication to being an easily moddable platform. In an industry increasingly characterized by proprietary systems and limited user customization, Slate stands out by embracing a philosophy of open adaptation. This isn’t just about choosing a trim level; it’s about a vehicle designed from the ground up to be reconfigured and personalized by its owner. Imagine a base pickup truck that can be transformed into a five-passenger SUV with a DIY kit, adding rear seats, airbags, and even a roll cage. Or applying custom vinyl wraps with ease, allowing for aesthetic changes that go beyond a simple paint job. This level of owner involvement is a breath of fresh air and promises to foster a vibrant community of customizers and innovators, much like the early days of personal computing.
Beyond its transformative capabilities, the Slate EV also offers reasonable range options that address the practical needs of most drivers. While the base model is expected to offer a projected 150 miles of range with its 52.7 kWh battery, an available 84.3 kWh extended battery pack boosts that estimate to a respectable 240 miles. For many, especially those with typical daily commutes and access to home charging, these ranges are more than sufficient, making the Slate a truly viable option for everyday use without the range anxiety often associated with entry-level EVs. The inclusion of a NACS (North American Charging Standard) port also ensures seamless integration with the expanding Supercharger network, a significant convenience for prospective owners.
This combination of affordability, modularity, and practical range has led to an inevitable, tantalizing question: could the Slate EV be a Tesla killer? With a projected starting price of “just under” $27,500 (potentially dropping to under $20,000 after federal tax incentives, though the long-term future of these incentives remains to be seen), the Slate positions itself as a truly accessible electric vehicle. While Tesla has long championed affordability in the EV space, the upcoming Model 2 is still a future promise, and its modularity is unlikely to rival Slate’s “Lego-like” approach.
The Slate EV is not trying to be a luxury performance vehicle; it’s focused on utility, customization, and cost-effectiveness. This “back-to-basics” approach, with manual crank windows and a minimalist interior designed around smartphone integration rather than a large built-in touchscreen, directly challenges the trend of increasingly complex and expensive vehicles. For those seeking a no-frills, dependable, and adaptable electric workhorse or personal transporter, the Slate could indeed carve out a significant niche and, in doing so, force established automakers, including Tesla, to rethink their strategies for the entry-level EV market.
As we look towards late 2026, the arrival of the Slate EV promises to be a pivotal moment for the electric vehicle industry. Its commitment to empowering owners through unprecedented modularity, coupled with its attractive price point and practical range, makes it a vehicle to watch closely. In fact, this author has already preordered his own and is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to transform his Slate into a sleek fastback SUV. Evannex is excited about the possibilities this new platform presents for EV enthusiasts and the broader adoption of electric transportation.
Japan-based Yokogawa Test & Measurement has introduced its SL2000 High-Speed Data Acquisition Unit, a ScopeCorder series product with a wide range of data logging functionalities for evaluation and test applications, including high-speed sampling and analysis for automotive.
The SL2000 is a modular platform that combines the functions of a mixed signal oscilloscope and a data acquisition recorder. It is designed to capture fast signal transients and long-term trends.
Applications include electrical analysis and control signal evaluation, durability and reliability testing of components and vehicles requiring high sampling rates and multi-channel simultaneous measurement of analog signals and in-vehicle bus signals such as CAN and CAN FD, and simultaneous measurement and evaluation of temperature, vibration and other mechanical signals that change relatively slowly.
The SL2000 can be used separately or in combination with the DL950 ScopeCorder, depending on the application, to meet requirements to simultaneously measure multiple parameters and for the systemization of mechatronic measurements in product development. For example, in the development of motors for industrial and EV systems, the durability test requires a highly reliable measuring instrument and high sampling rates.
The unit has eight available slots and up to 32 channels, for which over 20 types of input modules are available to enable measurements of electrical signals, mechanical performance parameters indicated by sensors and decoded vehicle serial bus signals. Up to five SL2000 and DL950 units can be synchronized to increase the number of measurement channels.
The unit performs long-duration multi-channel measurements while precisely analyzing detailed waveform aspects. Its dual capture function can perform durability tests over long periods of time at speeds of up to 200 MS/s.
Using the IS8000 integrated software platform makes it easier to perform the long-term measurements required for durability testing, helping to improve the efficiency of product design and evaluation work. Isolation measurement technology ensures the noise resistance required for durability testing in harsh environments.
Source: Yokogawa Test & Measurement
Oakland Airport (OAK) in California has introduced the first electric shuttle buses to its parking shuttle fleet.
Five electric buses, sourced from Chinese automaker BYD‘s RIDE division, will serve passenger and employee parking lots at the airport. The buses will help OAK meet California’s electrification regulations and represent a step towards the eventual electrification of the airport’s remaining shuttle buses, which are currently powered by renewable natural gas (RNG), over the next decade.
The buses are wrapped with OAK-branded graphics that emphasize the benefits of the electric vehicles.
The buses and associated charging infrastructure are partially funded by three different grant programs. Approximately $1.5 million has been granted in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) program funding; $600,000 came from the California Air Resources Board Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP); and nearly $600,000 was awarded by the California Energy Commission Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Project (EnergIIZE) Project.
OAK is completing the construction of a charging depot and has commissioned five new Heliox 180 kW DC fast chargers at the airport. OAK has partnered with The Mobility House to deploy ChargePilot load management software to reduce peak loads, minimize charging costs and reduce the need for costly future infrastructure upgrades.
“We look forward to continuing our path towards an all-electric bus fleet in the coming years,” said Port of Oakland Director of Aviation Craig Simon.
Source: Port of Oakland
SAE International has published a new standard, SAE J3400/2—Connectors and Inlets for the North American Charging System (NACS) for Electric Vehicles. Developed by SAE’s Hybrid-EV Committee, the new standard defines the physical architectural and mechanical specifications of the EV connector and inlet. SAE J3400/2 standardizes the physical architecture of EV connectors and inlets using 2D mechanical drawings and 3D modeling. This gives OEM and charging equipment engineers the specifications needed to develop interoperable hardware.
“The publication of SAE J3400/2 as an SAE International standard represents our confidence in the maturity of the 1,000-volt-capable NACS coupler for reliable and safe bidirectional power transfer,” said Dr. Rodney McGee, Chairman of the SAE J3400 NACS Task Force. “During our open-to-the-public meetings, our group will continue to lead the development of industry-led vehicle standards.”
“By standardizing these mechanical details, J3400/2 allows manufacturers to design and deploy EV charging infrastructure more rapidly,” said Christian Thiele, Sr. Director, Global Ground Vehicle Standards, SAE International. “The broader J3400 standard also ensures system-level consistency, covering communications, AC/DC power delivery, cybersecurity and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capabilities.”
Source: SAE International
Finnish measurement instruments supplier Vaisala has introduced its new DMP1 Dew Point and Temperature Probe to monitor environmental conditions in manufacturing rooms and spaces.
The DMP1 provides precise measurements in demanding dry processing conditions, such as those found in lithium-ion battery production, where humidity control is critical to the performance of manufactured batteries. The compact probe has dew point measurement capability down to -70° C and a faster response than other competing measurement technologies, making it well suited to dry rooms, according to the company.
The DMP1 can be easily integrated into centralized production, safety, and quality monitoring systems. The DMP1 has a low maintenance requirement and can withstand accidental humidity spikes caused by humans, machines or external air conditions.
The probe is part of the modular Vaisala Indigo measurement ecosystem, offering plug-and-play compatibility with connected smart devices. For example, it can be connected to an Indigo300 transmitter to display data locally and transmit measurement values to automation and control systems. The probe can also be connected to an Indigo80 handheld device for maintenance work. Interchangeable probes limit downtime.
“The fast response of the new probe means that customers’ control systems are able to respond quickly, in a timely manner, ensuring the protection of product quality and safety,” said Juhani Lehto, Product Manager for Precision Instruments, Vaisala. “Customers can control any deviations in the dry room dew point efficiently. Quick reaction times translate into improved workplace safety in battery manufacturing, maintaining high product quality as well as avoiding waste in the production process.”
Source: Vaisala
German commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus, a subsidiary of Volkswagen’s TRATON, has made its new MAN Charge&Go charging service available to all customers, regardless of brand.
The service is designed to make it easier to find truck-compatible charging points throughout Europe and enables simple payment using a charging card. MAN has developed an eTruck-ready standard to help customers find truck-compatible charging points suitable for their maneuverability and height and weight restrictions.
In the MAN Charge&Go digital map, the truck-compatible charging points are listed in two levels: eTruck ready and eTruck limited. While eTruck ready shows unrestricted charging points, the charging points labeled as eTruck limited have restrictions, for example in terms of vehicle length.
The truck-compatible charging network currently comprises around 650 locations and the company aims to expand this to 1,000 charging locations by the end of 2025. MAN Charge&Go uses the charging network with Preferred Partners from TRATON Charging Solutions. The MAN Charge&Go charging card is also accepted at over 15,000 other charging locations across Europe.
The service centers on a simple and reliable process at charging points from different providers. Charging locations can be displayed in the vehicle or in the MAN DriverApp. The eTruck driver authenticates their identity at the charging station using the MAN Charge&Go charging card.
The payment process is handled in the background and a consolidated invoice at the end of the month provides an overview of the charging costs for a company’s entire fleet at all charging points used. Customers also have access to 24/7 support from MAN Mobile24. The MAN Charge&Go Service Portal displays charging costs and an overview of the charging cards at all times.
Source: MAN Truck & Bus
Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk just made an announcement: starting in July 2025, some new Tesla vehicles might drive themselves directly to customers.
Yup, you read that right. According to Musk, Tesla EVs will soon be able to deliver themselves from the factory. No delivery driver, no car hauler, no dealership middleman. Just a car that shows up at your doorstep.
Musk made the claim on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “Next month, first self-delivery from factory to customer.”
For the past several days, Tesla has been testing self-driving Model Y cars (no one in driver’s seat) on Austin public streets with no incidents.
A month ahead of schedule.
Next month, first self-delivery from factory to customer.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 29, 2025
But how exactly would this work? That part remains unclear.
At the start of 2024, Tesla shared videos of new EVs – like the Model Y – driving without human drivers on a 1.2-mile route inside the Fremont factory grounds. These videos showed cars navigating from the production line to their designated delivery docks with no one behind the wheel.
So far, though, that’s all happening on private property, not public roads.
That’s the big question. If Tesla intends to deliver vehicles across public streets to customers’ homes, it would need to overcome some serious legal and regulatory hurdles. Most states in the U.S. don’t allow fully autonomous vehicles on public roads without a safety driver or teleoperator.
Tesla hasn’t shared how it plans to make this happen, or whether the “self-delivery” Musk mentioned just means getting the car to a nearby pickup zone on factory grounds.
Still, even that would be a novel twist on the delivery process. No sales rep, no dealership, just a car making its way to you on its own.
This announcement comes just as Tesla prepares to launch a commercial robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas. Starting next month, a small fleet of 10–12 driverless Teslas will hit the streets, monitored by remote operators. Musk says thousands more vehicles could follow soon after.
The bigger vision? You buy a Tesla, and it eventually becomes a money-making robotaxi that drives itself around while you’re at work.
That dream isn’t new, it’s been promised for years. But if this “self-delivering Tesla” idea pans out, it could be a small step toward that larger goal.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has been in development for years, with a track record of missed deadlines and overhyped claims. So, while Musk’s latest statement sounds exciting, many are watching with caution.
Still, if Tesla manages even partial self-delivery, it’s a sign that the future of car buying might look very different.
Source: InsideEVs
Tesla (TSLA) is offering the owners of the new Model Y refresh an option to give their cars an extra push while accelerating.
This optional premium upgrade is called Acceleration Boost, and it was previously available for Model 3 and the previous generation Model Y vehicles as well.
New Tesla Model Y owners from the United States reported the availability of the Acceleration Boost software update on Elon Musk-owned social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Over the years, Tesla has kept the pricing of the Acceleration Boost upgrade consistent at $2,000. Now, Model Y Juniper owners can pay this amount via their Tesla phone app or from inside the vehicle (center display) and enjoy the extra juice of performance.
For Tesla, as an auto manufacturer and technology company, these paid updates open an extra stream of revenue.
Acceleration Boost unlocks an extra punch of performance at launch. For the new Model Y refresh vehicles, it shoves an entire 0.4 seconds off the 0-60 mph figure.
The out-of-the-box 0-60 mph of the new Model Y Long Range AWD is 4.6 seconds. After installing the $2,000 Acceleration Boost, the new Model Y does it in just 4.2 seconds. It is not as swift as a Plaid Model S off the line, but it is still pretty quick for a mid-sized SUV.
Reportedly, this paid Acceleration Boost upgrade adds an additional 100 horsepower to the new Model Y Juniper. Compared to the old generation, the new Model Y AWD is already 0.2 seconds faster (0-60 mph in 4.6 vs 4.8 seconds). The aerodynamics and engineering improvements over the previous generation make it lighter and more powerful.
So, if you want your new Model Y to jump a bit faster off the start line and you wanna brag at the dragstrip, this Acceleration Boost update is for you.
Although most of Tesla’s over-the-air (OTA) software updates are entirely free of cost (you get them for the lifetime of the vehicle), Tesla introduced paid software updates back in 2020.
To get the Acceleration Boost on your Tesla Model Y, from your Tesla mobile app, go to Upgrades > Software Upgrades > Acceleration Boost.
The other method of getting the paid updates is from your vehicle’s screen interface. However, you first need to enable the ‘In-Car Upgrades’ from your Tesla phone app. From your Tesla screen, go to Controls > Upgrades, choose the Acceleration Boost, pay, and that’s it.
As Tesla has just rolled out the new Acceleration Boost upgrade, it’s only available for new Model Y Long Range AWD in the United States and Canada as of now. However, like the previous update, it will eventually be rolled out for the global customer base.
The Acceleration Boost upgrade is not available for the base Model Y Juniper Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant because it has just one motor at the rear axle. The lack of a motor at the front makes it unable to unlock the power this upgrade provides.
In the US, the Acceleration Boost upgrade costs $2,000 and in Canada it’s priced at CA$ 2,700.
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Featured image: Matthew Donegan-Ryan via X (Twitter).
Note: This article was published earlier on Tesla Oracle. Author: Iqtidar Ali.
Multiple Tesla Model Y electric SUVs were spotted roaming the streets of Austin, Texas in the last couple of days. This would be a normal sight if there wasn’t something unusual about these cars.
These specific vehicles caught the attention of Tesla owners and fans as they housed rooftop equipment. At least two Model Ys were spotted with testing and validation hardware installed on the roof of the vehicles. All this is happening as the hype of Tesla Robotaxi (Cybercab) service launch is nearing in June.
More interestingly, there’s even some variation between this equipment. The new 2nd-gen Model Y Juniper was seen with different rooftop hardware, and the 1st-gen legacy Model Y was spotted with hardware that can easily be labeled as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) equipment.
Tesla (TSLA) testing its Cybercab robotaxi equipment on both the old and new Model Y vehicles makes these sightings even more interesting.
The new redesigned Model Y has a front bumper camera for Autopilot/FSD use. The legacy Model Y lacks this from the bumper camera. With the validation testing on both these generations, Tesla is likely going to use both models for its robotaxi service.
According to Elon Musk, Tesla is going to gradually increase the number of Tesla Robotaxis in Austin and later in San Francisco as Unsupervised FSD proves to be safe enough.
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Above: A Tesla Model Y spotted with FSD validation hardware in Austin, Texas, before Robotaxi service launch.
Tesla plans to deploy up to 1,000 robotaxis in Austin, Texas. The smaller Tesla Cybercab vehicle is currently not in production. Tesla is going to use the existing mass production or inventory cars for this service initially.
Although the old Model Y does not have a front bumper camera, Tesla has apparently installed cameras in these robotaxi test legacy Model Ys. A user pointed out extra gadgets installed on the front bumper of the legacy Model Y.
To enable unsupervised (without a human in the driver’s seat) robotaxi service with older Teslas, the automaker might have installed extra cameras. Hardware 4 (HW4/AI4) Tesla cars have a redundant camera port in the vehicle’s FSD computer, so the possibility of an additional front camera is not out of the question.
As we reported yesterday, Elon Musk is positive that the Tesla Robotaxi service will start in Austin, Texas in June. However, with potential hurdles in the way, the launch can be delayed till the end of June (2025).
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Above: An X user points out additional hardware (probably cameras) installed on the front bumper.
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Featured image: omg_FSD via X (Twitter).
Note: This article was published earlier on Tesla Oracle. Author: Iqtidar Ali.