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Tesla’s Elon Musk talks final Cybertruck design and new feature that boosts agility

Credit: @aleks3d_art/Instagram

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It’s a few days later than expected, but Elon Musk appears to have stayed true to his word, posting some pertinent updates about the Tesla Cybertruck’s production version. As per the CEO, the production version of the all-electric pickup would be familiar to those who have followed the vehicle since its unveiling, but it would have a pretty cool new feature that would significantly boost its agility. 

While responding to a post by the Tesla Owners Online group on Twitter, Musk mentioned that Fridays are typically Tesla studio design time for him. He also stated that the final version of the Cybertruck would be “almost exactly” the same as what was unveiled back in November 2019. This was not much of a surprise considering that Musk has only mentioned slight possible changes to the vehicle in the past, such as a minor size reduction. 

Interestingly enough, Musk actually specified one of the new features that the Cybertruck’s final iteration would have. According to the CEO, the vehicle would have rear-wheel steering capabilities, which should allow the Cybertruck to perform tight turns and maneuver through tricky terrains with high agility. Such a feature would be incredibly useful, especially among those who are fond of taking their pickups on adventures. Musk also mentioned “lots of other great things” that are coming, though whether this statement was for the Cybertruck alone was unclear. 

Being a large truck, it is pertinent for the Cybertruck to be as maneuverable as possible. Together with its dynamic air suspension feature, the Cybertruck’s four wheel steering could help the vehicle in events such as Baja, which Elon Musk has hinted at in the past. The Baja 500 and Baja 1000 are extreme, deadly endurance races across a literal desert, so the Cybertruck would have to be extremely nimble and capable just to finish the event in one piece. The Tesla Cybertruck has already received a Baja challenge from Glickenhaus, whose hydrogen-powered Boot has already finished the 1000-mile race. 

As Tesla becomes a more mainstream carmaker, the company has started achieving accolades worthy of only the best automakers in the world. Just recently, for example, Tesla’s most powerful production car today, the Model S Plaid, conquered one of America’s deadliest races in the form of the 2021 Pikes Peak Hill Climb. With the help of legendary racer Randy Pobst, who personally helped Tesla develop the Model 3 Performance’s Track Mode, as well as Tesla tuning house Unplugged Performance, the Model S Plaid dominated the 2021 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Exhibition Class

The Tesla Cybertruck is expected to start initial deliveries later this year, though this is dependent on Gigafactory Texas’ progress. So far, however, it appears that Giga Texas’ construction is going well, which means that at least the first batches of the Cybertruck may actually be delivered to customers’ hands before the end of the year.

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Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Tesla Model Y L gains V2L capabilities with software update

The 2025.32.300 update, which is rolling out to Model Y L vehicles in China, introduces several notable additions.

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Tesla has quietly added Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality to the Model Y L through its latest over-the-air update in China, giving owners the ability to power external devices directly from their EVs.

The addition of the feature was highlighted by Tesla in its release notes for China’s 2025.32.300 update.

Model Y L gains V2L and other convenience upgrades

The 2025.32.300 update, which is rolling out to Model Y L vehicles in China, introduces several notable additions. First among them is an “external discharge function,” which enables V2L capability through an official adapter that Tesla plans to release later.

The feature should enable the Model Y L to power appliances, tools, or possibly even other EVs, making it extra useful for camping trips or the occasional power outages. 

Other improvements include a lower temperature limit for Dog Mode, customizable low-battery settings to conserve energy while parked, and expanded personalization for the vehicle’s “Rave Cave” entertainment feature. Tesla noted that certain functions may vary depending on vehicle configuration, and rollout timing could differ by region.

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Model Y L is surging in China’s SUV rankings

Despite being new in the market, the Model Y L is already making some waves in  China’s top-selling mid-to-large SUVs lists. Data from Yiche showed that Tesla sold 8,221 units in September, securing fourth place in the segment behind the Leapmotor C16, Li Auto L6, and the Xiaomi YU7.

The Model Y L’s rapid ascent highlighted its strong market appeal despite a higher price point than most local competitors. Interestingly enough, the Xiaomi YU7, which is positioned closer to the standard Model Y with its five-seat configuration, topped the rankings with 22,244 units sold in September.

With Tesla’s continued free software upgrades, as well as its features like Full Self-Driving (Supervised), however, the Model Y L may have a chance at climbing China’s lists for the best-selling mid-to-large SUVs.

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Investor's Corner

Elon Musk’s 2025 pay package gets support from Tesla’s biggest bull

ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood has previously stated that she is quite confident that the vote on Elon Musk’s 2025 Performance Award would pass.

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Credit: Tesla Singapore/X

Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest and one of Tesla’s most ardent bulls, reiterated her support for Elon Musk’s 2025 CEO Performance Award. 

Wood highlighted that Musk’s leadership attracts incredible talent, and it has allowed the companies he leads such as Tesla to become disruptors in their respective fields.

ARK Invest supports Musk’s leadership

Elon Musk’s 2025 CEO Performance Award has received a mixed reception. Proxy firms such as Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) have stated that they would be voting against Musk’s pay package. Other entities, such as the State Board of Administration of Florida (SBA), have stated that they would be voting in favor of Tesla’s proposals. 

ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood, for her part, has previously stated that she is quite confident that the vote on Elon Musk’s 2025 Performance Award would pass. She also stated that a favorable result to the vote for Musk’s 2025 pay plan would be beneficial for Tesla.

“Elon Musk is the most productive human being on earth. And a human being who attracts incredible talent, people who want to solve the world’s hardest problems. This is a win-win for all of us if Elon succeeds this time,” Wood stated. Musk appreciated Wood’s comments, stating, “Thanks Cathie!” In a post on X.

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ARK Invest has been one of Tesla’s most loyal bulls

Tesla is ARK Invest’s single largest holding, with the firm holding an estimated $1 billion worth of TSLA, as noted in an Insider report. Wood previously said she expects the approval of Musk’s pay package to trigger “super-exponential growth” for the automaker, as new products like the Cybercab and Optimus expand Tesla’s offerings.

“Because think about it. It is a convergence among three of our major platforms. So, robots, energy storage, AI, and it’s not stopping with Robotaxis. There’s a story beyond that with humanoid robots, and our $2,600 number has nothing for humanoid robots. We just thought it’d be an investment, period,” Wood stated during an appearance at Steven Bartlett’s podcast The Diary Of A CEO.

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Investor's Corner

Tesla VP for AI software makes a case for upcoming Elon Musk shareholder vote

Elluswamy reiterated the idea that Tesla is indeed at a critical point in its history.

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla’s Director of Autopilot Software and VP of AI Software Ashok Elluswamy has shared his thoughts about CEO Elon Musk’s 2025 performance award. While the executive typically discusses topics related to the company’s tech and AI initiaives, Elluswamy made it a point to make a case for Musk’s proposed pay package. 

Tesla’s VP for AI Software shares his insights 

In a post on X, Elluswamy reiterated the idea that Tesla is indeed at a critical point in its history. This is because the company is changing from a leader in electric vehicles and a major player in the energy storage market to a powerhouse pioneer in robotics that are powered by real-world AI.  As per the executive, Elon Musk’s leadership of Tesla is more relevant now more than ever. He also reported an X article he previously wrote about Elon Musk and Tesla.

“This note regarding the importance of Elon leading Tesla is more relevant now than ever. Tesla is at a critical juncture, as it is metamorphosing into the world leader in robotics. Creating large-scale, useful robots requires expertise across engineering design, manufacturing, real-world AI software, chips for AI, and more. Elon is, quite likely, the only person on Earth with deep skills and the right instincts across all these domains,” Elluswamy stated.

A push to support Musk’s 2025 performance award

In recent weeks, Tesla executives such as Board Chair Robyn Denholm have been encouraging TSLA shareholders to vote in favor of Elon Musk’s 2025 performance award, as well as other proposals that the company’s directors have argued are critical to the future of the company. These proposals, Tesla executives noted, are necessary to ensure that the company can achieve the ambitious targets of Elon Musk’s Master Plan Part IV. 

Elon Musk’s pay package, as well as the company’s proposals, would be decided at the upcoming 2025 Annual Shareholders Meeting, which would be held at Giga Texas on November 6, 2025. Needless to say, Tesla’s future might very well be decided during the event. 

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