Latest Updates

Tesla Moves Into India: What It Means for the Global EV Market

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Tesla has officially set its sights on India. After years of speculation and regulatory hurdles, the EV giant is now actively hiring and scouting locations for showrooms in Mumbai and New Delhi. This marks a major shift in Tesla’s global strategy and could significantly impact the electric vehicle market—not just in India, but worldwide.

Why India?

India is one of the fastest-growing automotive markets, with a strong push towards electrification. The country aims for 30% of its car sales to be electric by 2030, making it a prime target for Tesla’s expansion. However, until now, high import duties (up to 100% on foreign-made cars) have kept Tesla from entering the market competitively.

That might be changing. Following a recent meeting between Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tesla has accelerated its hiring efforts, posting job openings in Mumbai across sales, customer support, and operations. At the same time, reports suggest Tesla is finalizing plans for its first showrooms, with sites in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex and New Delhi’s Aerocity.

A Game-Changer for EV Adoption in India

Tesla’s presence in India could have a ripple effect, boosting EV adoption in a market historically dominated by gasoline-powered vehicles. India has already seen strong demand for electric two-wheelers, but the entry of a premium EV brand like Tesla could redefine consumer expectations and encourage local manufacturers to step up their game.

Additionally, Tesla’s presence might influence government policies on EV incentives and charging infrastructure expansion, making it easier for both domestic and international players to thrive.

How Does This Impact Tesla Owners in North America?

For EV enthusiasts in North America, this move could bring some exciting changes:

  • Cheaper Tesla Models? With India being a price-sensitive market, Tesla might introduce more affordable variants to compete with local players like Tata Motors and Mahindra. If successful, these cost-efficient models could make their way to global markets.
  • New Supply Chain Opportunities: Tesla’s India expansion could mean new manufacturing and battery partnerships, potentially reducing costs and improving supply chain efficiency.
  • Supercharger Network Growth: Tesla’s entry into India may encourage a faster expansion of fast-charging networks, which could serve as a model for improving infrastructure in other emerging markets.

What’s Next?

While Tesla has yet to announce exact launch dates, its recent hiring spree and showroom plans indicate that the company is moving quickly. If things go smoothly, we might see Tesla’s first deliveries in India by late 2025 or early 2026.

As Tesla continues its global expansion, its India entry could be one of its most significant moves yet—one that shapes the future of EV adoption in emerging markets while strengthening its position as the world’s leading electric automaker.

Would you consider buying a Tesla built for the Indian market if it came with a lower price tag? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Is Your Model Y Eligible for a Front Camera Upgrade?

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Is Your Model Y Eligible for a Front Camera Upgrade?
Is Your Model Y Eligible for a Front Camera Upgrade?

The Front Camera Retrofit: What We Know So Far

Tesla’s latest Model Y refresh (codenamed Juniper) now includes a front bumper camera, similar to what was introduced with the Cybertruck. However, new evidence suggests that Tesla may extend this feature to older Model Y vehicles as a possible retrofit option. Renown Tesla hacker @greentheonly recently uncovered a new AI4 Autopilot computer variant labeled “MY Reloaded,” which includes a new connector designed to accommodate a front bumper camera.

Additionally, this updated AI4 unit appears to have already been included in  older Model Y vehicles rather than the refreshed Juniper version. Notably, this newer unit lacks the second screen connector found in newer models but it does include some backward-compatible elements such as an integrated LTE modem and a USB 3.0 port instead of the USB-C found in the latest Teslas. This suggests that Tesla may be developing an upgrade path for existing Model Y owners who want to add the front bumper camera at a later date.

While there’s no official confirmation from Tesla yet, the presence of a dedicated bumper camera connector in this retrofit-friendly AI4 unit strongly suggests that a front camera upgrade could become a viable option in the near future.

So is your car eligible for this advanced new upgrade?  Well, the first step in determining your eligibility is identifying which version of Model Y you purchased.  Checkout the clues outlined below to find out more. Who knows? You may have lucked out!  

 

How to Identify Your Model Y Hardware Version

Before considering the front camera retrofit, owners should first determine whether their Model Y is equipped with Hardware 3 (HW3) or the newer AI4 (HW4) system. Tesla does not provide this information directly in its app or from within the vehicle, but there are several ways to uncover this information: 

 

OPTION 1:  Check Your Build Date:

If your Model Y was built in the U.S. after late May 2023, it likely has AI4. Older models built between 2020–early 2023 were equipped with the HW3 processing unit. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPTION 2: Check Your Camera Lenses:

All AI4 vehicles feature new red-tinted cameras. The front camera setup includes two red lenses and now one fake black lens, as Tesla removed the need for the third camera with it’s new and improved AI4 cameras.  Another option worth noting is that the HW4 repeater cameras also have a red tint to the lenses and feature a narrower turn indicator housing versus their HW3 counterparts, as shown below.

 

HW3 vs HW4 Autopilot Differences 

AI4 introduces upgraded electrical and wiring harnesses, enhanced processing power, and higher-resolution cameras. For example, the AI4 rear camera resolution is 1448×938, compared to HW3’s 1280×960, while the front cameras see a significant jump to 2896×1876.

Elon Musk has stated that AI4 is 3-5 times faster than HW3, though its full potential has yet to be unlocked. However, HW3 owners need not fear, as Tesla said it remains committed to supporting HW3, but the fact remains: AI4 will receive those major FSD updates ahead of the older hardware system. 

 

What This Means for Model Y Owners

For owners of older Model Y vehicles, this potential retrofit could provide an additional camera to enhance future FSD capabilities and improve overall system visibility. Those interested in pursuing this future upgrade should:

Determine Their Vehicle’s Hardware Version – Use the identification methods above to check whether you car operates on the HW3 or HW4 platform.

Monitor Tesla Announcements – Keep an eye on Tesla’s official communications and parts catalog updates for any official retrofit offerings.

Check with Service Centers – If Tesla rolls out an official retrofit program, service centers will likely be the one providing details on pricing and overall vehicle eligibility.  Given the known bugs uncovered in early AI4 processors, it is possible that these vehicles will become the first eligible recipients for any upgrades.  

As Tesla continues evolving its vehicles with new hardware and features, it’s becoming increasingly important for owners to stay informed about potential upgrade paths. Whether or not the front camera retrofit becomes widely available, understanding your Model Y’s hardware is key to making the most of Tesla’s advancements in Full Self-Driving technology

 

It’s FINALLY Here! Model Y “Reloaded” Makes FSDreams a Reality

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Tesla is once again pushing the self-driving envelope, and the laws governing such, with its latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) AI4 computer, potentially marking a pivotal moment in the company’s pursuit of autonomous vehicles. This new development, internally referred to as the “Model Y Reloaded” or “MY Reloaded” isn’t just an incremental update—it’s a full-fledged evolution of the hardware defining the capabilities of self-driving cars—across the entire Tesla lineup. 

Recently uncovered by ingenious Tesla hacker @greentheonly, the new AI4 processing unit appears to be a replacement or direct retrofit specifically for Hardware 4 (HW4) equipped Model Y vehicles. Unfortunately, this latest advance does not appear to provide an upgrade path for older Hardware 3 (HW3) models. 

At the heart of this advancement is the appearance of a standardized integration for a front bumper camera—a feature previously reserved for the Cybertruck—facilitated by a dedicated connector on the new AI4 computer module. This isn’t merely an additional lens; either, this new capability expands the vehicle’s perceptual horizon. By capturing low-lying obstacles and objects in close proximity—areas that higher-placed cameras often overlook—the front bumper camera augments the car’s ability to navigate more complex environments with greater precision.

Imagine driving through congested urban streets, where unpredictability lurks around every corner. The enhanced perception could allow Tesla vehicles to detect subtle changes in the environment, from small debris on the road to nuanced gestures from pedestrians. This new hardware is not just about seeing the road ahead, but interpreting that road in much richer detail.

 

Beyond the front bumper camera, the “Model Y Reloaded” upgrade introduces several other hardware changes as well, notably:

Integrated LTE Modem: Departing from the design where the modem is embedded within the Telematics Control Unit (TCU), this version includes a standalone cellular modem that can enhance OTA and intervehicle connectivity, improving data redundancy and communication speeds throughout Tesla’s network.

USB 3.0 Port: Interestingly, the unit retains a USB 3.0 port instead of transitioning to USB-C, suggesting a deliberate choice by Tesla engineers to maintain a backward compatibility with older Model Y configurations. It’s a nod to existing customers, ensuring that new advancements don’t render their vehicles obsolete.

Service Replacement and Catalog Updates: Labeled as a serviceable replacement part, the “Reloaded” unit has now become the sole AI4 option in the Model Y electronic parts catalog. This suggests Tesla’s intention to streamline its hardware offerings and possibly address issues found in earlier HW4 computers that stymied previous promises of FSD capabilities. 

 

A Solution to HW4 Challenges?

The timing of the “Model Y Reloaded” release raises intriguing possibilities. Tesla recently faced recalls of its original AI4 computers due to hardware and software glitches. This new FSD computer appears to be Tesla’s response—a refined unit that actually pushes the overall hardware capabilities even further. By providing a retrofit option for existing HW4 vehicles, Tesla is demonstrating its commitment to continuous improvement while keeping existing customers in the loop.  It’s refreshing to see companies like Tesla focusing on both new and old customers alike.

There’s also some bad news though:  The form factor of this new module is notably different than that of the HW3 found in earlier vehicle architecture. While HW4 showcases Tesla’s rapid advancements, it also highlights a gap in the upgrade path for older models. The new unit lacks backward compatibility with HW3 vehicles, leaving a substantial portion of the Tesla fleet without a clear route to the latest autonomous features.

It’s not all bad news, however, as Tesla said it remains committed to its original plans for eventually upgrading HW3 to FSD. However, some fear that the release of HW4 suggests that such an upgrade isn’t as imminent as once thought. That is not to say Tesla won’t one-day release the highly sought after HW3 update, but as it stands, this latest news raises questions about Tesla’s true long-term support strategy (promise?) and how it plans to balance innovation with retroactive inclusivity.

 

Broader Implications for Tesla’s Autonomous Vision

The ‘Reloaded’ FSD computer certainly enhances Tesla’s hardware capabilities for more tackling more sophisticated software algorithms, enhanced machine learning integration, and ultimately, a safer and more reliable FSD experience.

These latest developments translate to increasing pressure on competitors to accelerate their own developments. As Tesla raises the bar, it fosters a more dynamic industry environment where innovation becomes the currency of success. Consumers stand to benefit from this technological arms race, with faster industry-wide access to cutting-edge improvements in FSD safety and performance.

Advancements in Autonomous Driving Technologies: The Future of EVs

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The electric vehicle (EV) industry continues to innovate, and one of the most exciting advancements is the development of autonomous driving technology. With major players like Tesla leading the way, others, including Rivian, are stepping into the spotlight with ambitious plans for hands-free and “eyes-off” driving systems. Here’s what you need to know about these cutting-edge developments and what they mean for EV enthusiasts like you.

What is Autonomous Driving?

Autonomous driving refers to technology that enables a car to operate without human intervention. These systems use cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence to navigate roads, avoid obstacles, and even make split-second decisions. While we’ve seen advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like Tesla’s Autopilot, the future aims for true autonomy where drivers can sit back and let the car take full control.

Rivian’s “Eyes-Off” Driving System

Rivian, known for its rugged R1T and R1S electric vehicles, recently announced plans to roll out an “eyes-off” driving system by 2026. This system would allow drivers to completely disengage while the vehicle takes over. Rivian also aims to launch an advanced hands-free driver-assistance system as early as 2025.

While Rivian’s vehicles currently include features like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, these updates could place the brand in direct competition with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities.

What Does “Eyes-Off” Really Mean?

“Eyes-off” driving is a term used to describe Level 3 or higher autonomous systems. At this stage, the car handles most driving tasks, though a human driver may need to intervene in certain situations. This is a leap forward from hands-free driving, which still requires the driver to pay attention to the road.

Tesla vs. Rivian: Who’s Leading the Race?

Tesla has long been the frontrunner in autonomous driving technology with its FSD software. However, Rivian’s announcement signals that competition is heating up. Here’s how they compare:

  • Tesla: Offers robust FSD features like auto lane change, traffic-aware cruise control, and parking assist. Tesla’s systems have been tested extensively on public roads.
  • Rivian: Rivian is entering the race with a promise of an “eyes-off” system tailored to its adventure-oriented vehicles. While still in development, Rivian’s focus on delivering safe, user-friendly autonomy could make it a serious competitor.

Why Does This Matter to EV Enthusiasts?

For EV owners, autonomous driving technology isn’t just about convenience—it’s about redefining the driving experience. Imagine being able to relax on a long road trip, letting your car handle the tedious stretches, or navigating through tricky urban traffic with ease. Autonomous systems also promise improved safety by reducing human error, which is a factor in most accidents.

Additionally, advanced autonomy could open new possibilities for EV adoption in rural areas, where long-distance drives are more common. These features make the EV lifestyle more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.

The Road Ahead

While Tesla and Rivian lead the charge, other automakers are also investing heavily in autonomous driving. However, the path to full autonomy still faces challenges, including regulatory approval, consumer trust, and ensuring safety standards.

For now, the progress made by companies like Rivian and Tesla represents a giant leap forward. As these systems become more refined, EV enthusiasts can look forward to a future where driving is safer, more efficient, and—dare we say—more enjoyable.

The race to perfect autonomous driving technology is not just a competition between automakers; it’s a revolution that’s reshaping how we think about transportation. Whether you’re a die-hard Tesla fan or rooting for Rivian’s underdog story, one thing is certain: the future of EVs is autonomous, and it’s closer than you think.

WEX partners with Qmerit for EV charger installation at fleet drivers’ homes

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WEX partners with Qmerit for EV charger installation at fleet drivers’ homes
WEX partners with Qmerit for EV charger installation at fleet drivers’ homes

Global commerce platform WEX has formed a partnership with EV charger installation provider Qmerit to streamline the installation of chargers at the homes of commercial fleet drivers.

Qmerit will provide end-to-end home EV charging installation and integration services from its national network of more than 23,000 electricians.

WEX EV At-Home provides access to WEX’s fleet management software portal using a single WEX credit line and unified billing and now also includes Qmerit’s charger installation functionality.

Fleets can minimize expenses by accessing the most cost-effective EV charging and residential electricity rates. WEX EV At-Home calculates what each driver should be reimbursed by using their live utility rate and distributes funds to a reimbursement account. Fleet managers can approve reimbursement for charging sessions with manual, bulk or automatic options.

Florida-based construction company Dallas 1 has estimated cost savings of around over 60% per vehicle for fuel and maintenance costs as the result of fleet drivers charging their vehicles at home.

WEX EV At-Home is the latest advancement from WEX in the commercial fleet mobility space following an announcement that its fleet mobile payments app now processes EV charging payments for a mixed-energy fleet, its acquisition of Sawatch Labs and its fleet electrification analytics software, as well as partnerships with EV charging providers.

“We’re seeing considerable cost savings in the unleaded vehicles we have swapped out for EVs thanks to at-home EV charging with WEX,” said BJ Azzarelli, President of Dallas 1. “Employees simply bring their work trucks home after their shift—and WEX’s detailed reporting and automated employee reimbursement is not only fully automated, it also seamlessly integrates into our existing bill and fleet management software portal.”

Source: WEX

Tesla’s Winter Upgrade: Faster Charging for Model 3 and Y in Cold Weather

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Tesla is making winter EV driving more convenient with a new feature for its Superchargers. Select Model 3 and Model Y vehicles will now benefit from pre-heated batteries, speeding up charging times even in freezing conditions.

What’s the Update?

Tesla announced that Supercharger battery heating is now live at its V3 and V4 Supercharger stations in cold climates. This feature is designed for standard-range rear-wheel drive Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, which use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

Instead of relying on the car’s internal system to warm the battery, these Superchargers send an AC ripple current to the battery, heating it up externally. This helps minimize charging delays caused by cold weather, allowing EV drivers to get back on the road up to four times faster.

“This feature may seem small, but it’s pretty incredible,” said Max de Zegher, Tesla’s Director of Charging.

How to Maximize Winter Charging

While the new heating feature improves charging efficiency, Tesla recommends pre-conditioning your battery before arriving at a Supercharger to achieve the best results. Pre-conditioning warms the battery as you approach the charging station, further enhancing speed and performance.

Why It Matters

Cold weather has long been a challenge for EV drivers, slowing charging times and reducing range. Tesla’s innovation tackles this head-on, making winter charging faster and less frustrating.

The update comes just in time for the holiday season, when Tesla expects a surge in Supercharger use. To meet demand, Tesla is also:

  • Ensuring 100% uptime for its chargers.
  • Adding attendants and Tesla Megapack-powered chargers at busy sites.
  • Continuing to open new Superchargers through the holidays.

More Winter Perks for Tesla Owners

Tesla recently reduced Supercharger prices, making EV ownership even more affordable. The company aims to accelerate EV adoption while ensuring its charging network remains sustainable for future growth.

With over 30,000 Supercharger ports in the U.S., Tesla continues to lead the charge in creating a reliable and fast EV charging experience—even in the coldest months.

ChargeLab to take over support for discontinued Shell Sky charge point management system

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ChargeLab to take over support for discontinued Shell Sky charge point management system
ChargeLab to take over support for discontinued Shell Sky charge point management system

Shell Recharge recently notified North American customers that its Shell Sky CPMS will discontinue services on April 30, 2025.

Shell Sky is a cloud-based back-end EV charger management system. Such a system, often called a charge point management system (CPMS) or charging station management system (CSMS), provides site hosts with such features as power management, proactive alerts and reports on EV charger usage. The Shell Sky software product was originally created by Greenlots, which was acquired by Shell in 2019.

Note that this move affects Shell Recharge site hosts, not drivers who use the Shell Recharge public charging network, which will continue to operate and to expand.

Shell Sky customers now have about four months to make other arrangements for managing their EV charging stations. ChargeLab, the provider of a competing CPMS, is offering a “turnkey migration service” for Shell Sky customers.

ChargeLab is a hardware-agnostic EV charger management platform that supports over 100 charger models built by dozens of manufacturers. ChargeLab’s software and Shell Sky both use the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), so “most Shell Recharge customers can seamlessly migrate to ChargeLab either through remote or on-site reconfiguration of EV chargers,” according to ChargeLab.

“ChargeLab recently completed the migration of over 1,400 JuiceBox EV chargers following a similar shutdown announcement from Enel X Way,” says the company. “ChargeLab has also migrated large networks of EV chargers from Shell Recharge in the past.”

ChargeLab’s offering includes new software that “meets or exceeds the capabilities of Shell Sky,” 24/7 EV driver support, and on-site migration support as needed. ChargeLab partners with ChargerHelp, a company that provides comprehensive O&M plans that can replace legacy Shell Sky Care maintenance plans.

“We applaud Shell’s decision to notify customers at least 90 days before turning off its software,” said Shaun Stewart, ChargeLab’s President. “At the same time, this remains a short window to complete the steps necessary to migrate to a new back end. We encourage customers using Shell Sky to contact us as soon as possible to start the migration process.”

Source: ChargeLab

Which EVs Can Use Tesla Superchargers? Here’s the Latest Update

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Tesla’s Supercharger network is no longer exclusive to Tesla owners. In the past year, major automakers like Ford, GM, Rivian, and Hyundai have struck deals to make their EVs compatible with Tesla’s charging standard. If you’re an EV owner—or considering becoming one—here’s what you need to know about accessing the most extensive and reliable fast-charging network in North America.

A Big Shift: From CCS to Tesla’s NACS

Tesla opened its North American Charging Standard (NACS) to other automakers in 2022, and it didn’t take long for brands to jump on board. Previously, most EVs used the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) in North America, but Tesla’s user-friendly design, faster charging speeds, and easy payment system made NACS an attractive option.

Ford led the charge in 2023, becoming the first automaker to secure access to Tesla’s Superchargers. Soon after, big names like GM, Rivian, Hyundai, and Nissan followed, with many announcing plans to integrate NACS ports directly into their future EVs.

Why This Matters for EV Owners

Tesla’s Supercharger network includes over 36,000 NACS charging ports across the U.S. and Canada—more than double the number of public CCS chargers. For non-Tesla EV drivers, this opens up a new world of convenience and reliability.

However, there’s a catch. If your EV still uses a CCS port, you’ll need an adapter to charge at a Tesla Supercharger. While some automakers offer free adapters, others require you to purchase one.

Automakers and Tesla Supercharger Access

Here’s a quick rundown of which brands currently have or are working toward Supercharger access:

Ford

  • Access: Available since February 2024.
  • Adapter Cost: Free for select Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners who order via the FordPass app.
  • Future Plans: New Ford EVs will come with NACS ports starting in 2025.

General Motors (GM)

  • Access: Available as of September 2024.
  • Adapter Cost: $225 via the GM app.
  • Future Plans: GM EVs will include NACS ports starting in 2025.

Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis)

  • Access: Adapters for current EVs will be available in 2025.
  • Future Plans: New models like the 2025 Kia EV6 and 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 will come with NACS ports.

Nissan

  • Access: Adapters for Nissan Ariya owners expected by late 2024.
  • Future Plans: NACS ports will be standard on new models starting in 2025.

Rivian

  • Access: Available since March 2024. Adapters provided free for existing owners and included with new vehicles.

Volvo and Polestar

  • Access: Available since October 2024.
  • Adapter Cost: Free for new Volvo EX90, EX40, and Polestar models; $230 for existing owners.

What About Adapters?

If your EV doesn’t have a NACS port, an adapter is your ticket to using Tesla Superchargers. Automakers like GM and Ford are offering their own manufacturer-approved adapters for purchase, ensuring compatibility and protecting warranties.

While some third-party adapters exist, Tesla and most automakers recommend using official adapters to avoid potential battery damage or voiding warranties.

What’s Next for Tesla Superchargers?

With more automakers embracing Tesla’s charging standard, the future of EV charging looks brighter—and faster. By 2025, many new EVs will come equipped with NACS ports, eliminating the need for adapters altogether.

For now, if you’re planning a road trip or just want the convenience of Tesla’s extensive network, check with your automaker to see how soon you can join the Supercharging club.