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Enhanced Volkswagen ID.3 launches with increased range and more tech

(Credit: Volkswagen)

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The enhanced Volkswagen ID.3 launched with an increased range and more tech. The enhanced VW ID.3 has an improved range of up to 374 miles with the Pro S variant based on the WLTP standard. The German automaker has also incorporated updated technology in the electric vehicle. 

The new Volkswagen ID.3 is still built on the company’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB). It also comes with VW’s ID. Software. The German car manufacturer has upgraded the ID. 3’s charging functions.

VW Connect or We Connect is available on the ID.3 after purchase. It is Volkswagen’s latest generation of mobile online services. We Connect offers navigation, convenience, entertainment, safety, and vehicle status functions. It also allows ID.3 owners to connect their vehicles to their smartphones via Volkswagen’s app. We Connect also offers upgrades to users for additional vehicle functions. 

Volkswagen also packed the ID.3 with a collection of Driver Assist systems. The enhanced ID.3 comes with a memory function for Park Assist Plus. It allows drivers to teach the recurring parking maneuvers to the ID.3. The vehicle also has an augmented Reality Head-up Display that can display directions to drivers within their field of vision. 

The enhanced Volkswagen ID.3 launched with two variants: Pro and Pro S. The ID.3 Pro 204PS has a 58kWh battery, delivering 266 miles of range based on the WLTP standard. It comes with the following features: 

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  • Alloy wheels 18″ ‘East Derry` Black
  •  High Beam Assist, automatic sensing for switching between dipped and main beam
  •  Wireless smartphone charger
  •  10 colour ambient lighting
  •  Remote electrically foldable door mirrors, puddle lights, and reverse activated passenger’s door mirror
  •  2 USB-C ports in the front, 2 USB-C charging sockets on the center console in the rear, charging capacity up to 45 W

Meanwhile, the ID.3 Pro S 204PS has a 77kWh battery for 347 miles of range. The Pro S variant comes with the features listed below. 

  • High Beam Assist, automatic sensing for switching between dipped and main beam
  •  Wireless smartphone charger
  •  10 colour ambient lighting
  • Remote electrically foldable door mirrors, puddle lights, and reverse activated passenger’s door mirror
  •  2 USB-C ports in the front, 2 USB-C charging sockets on the center console in the rear, charging capacity up to 45 W

Volkswagen’s starting price for the ID.3 Pro is £37,115.00 ($46,822.24), while the Pro S starts at £42,870.00 ($54,082.43).

The Teslarati team would appreciate hearing from you. If you have any tips, contact me at maria@teslarati.com or via X @Writer_01001101.

Maria--aka "M"-- is an experienced writer and book editor. She's written about several topics including health, tech, and politics. As a book editor, she's worked with authors who write Sci-Fi, Romance, and Dark Fantasy. M loves hearing from TESLARATI readers. If you have any tips or article ideas, contact her at maria@teslarati.com or via X, @Writer_01001101.

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Tesla Semi spotted with ground truth validation equipment as launch looms

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Credit: Tesla

The Tesla Semi was spotted mounted with ground truth validation equipment as the company nears its looming launch. The Semi is Tesla’s Class 8 all-electric truck, and has been utilized in its earlier stages by many companies like PepsiCo. and Frito-Lay, who have been using it in a pilot program.

The Semi was spotted in Sunnyvale, California, and sports a typical ground truth validation unit that Tesla routinely uses on its vehicles. Ground truth validation is essentially the process of training supervised algorithms to ensure they can perform reliably. Tesla typically performs this on vehicles that are being released soon:

The Semi being spotted with this type of validation rig is important because it means the company is working on solidifying a Full Self-Driving model for its commercial vehicle offering. This would be a massive development for not only Tesla but also the logistics industry as a whole.

There are strict regulations on driving hours for commercial truck drivers, and autonomy is a way to potentially combat these issues. FSD is already a widely effective way that owners of typical passenger vehicles take stress out of travel. Even launching a semi-autonomous platform for truck drivers to use to increase safety, reduce fatigue, and increase productivity would be a huge development.

Tesla Semi gets strange-but-understandable comparison from Jay Leno

The Semi has already proven to be an ideal solution for companies that use commercial logistics. It has increased efficiency and reduced operating costs for many companies that have been able to use it in pilot programs.

There are expected to be some bumps along the way. Tesla saw some challenges with FSD on the Cybertruck, as it had never had a vehicle with cameras at that height, so some of the features with FSD were not immediately available. Just a week ago, Tesla launched Actually Smart Summon (ASS) for Cybertruck, nearly three years after the vehicle was first delivered to customers.

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President Trump touts new Air Force One with Musk technology

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Credit: Air Force

President Donald Trump unveiled an upgraded Boeing 747-8 at Joint Base Andrews on June 19, 2026, describing the Qatar-gifted aircraft as an interim Air Force One equipped with advanced communications systems, including Starlink, Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite internet service.

The plane, valued at around $400 million and modified for presidential use, serves as a bridge until the delayed VC-25B replacements arrive. Trump highlighted its luxury features and new technology during remarks to service members.

Trump stated:

“We have communication equipment up there that nobody’s ever seen before. It’s the highest level and, uh, including Starlink. My friend Elon is going to be very happy, but, uh, Starlink and we have, uh, four or five different sets of double and triple communications like people haven’t seen.”

He added:

“And it represents what can happen with hard work, innovation, and aggressive timelines because we did this quickly and yet there’s never been communication like is on this plane.”

The aircraft features a redesigned red, white, and blue livery and has been outfitted with Starlink satellite connectivity alongside other secure systems.

Trump praised the plane’s uniqueness, calling it among the world’s most luxurious. The gift from Qatar and subsequent modifications have drawn attention, with the jet positioned as a solution for presidential travel. It is expected to support operations, including potential ceremonial roles such as Fourth of July flyovers.

The event marked the formal introduction of the converted jet, which will help maintain capabilities while the primary Air Force One fleet undergoes modernization. Defense observers note the inclusion of commercial satellite technology like Starlink as part of efforts to ensure resilient communications, crucial to keep the country running as the President is in the sky.

President Trump’s comments underscored appreciation for rapid upgrades and innovation in equipping the aircraft. The plane remains a U.S. government asset and is slated for eventual transfer related to presidential library purposes after its service.

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Tesla Cybercab launch is imminent after latest sighting at Giga Texas

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Credit: Joe Tegtmeyer | X

Tesla just gave what is perhaps its biggest signal yet that the launch of the Cybercab, its autonomous ride-hailing-geared car, is imminent.

The Cybercab has been spotted outside of Gigafactory Texas in massive numbers over the past few days, with hundreds of units being stored on property just days after the vehicle received a Certificate of Conformity from the EPA.

Today, things were a bit different.

Cybercabs spotted on Giga Texas property today had an addition: a Cybercab decal on the side, reminiscent of the “Robotaxi” ones that were placed on Model Ys just as the company launched its ride-sharing platform about a year ago.

Giga Texas drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer noticed the change today:

Tesla could be signaling that the Cybercab is preparing to enter the Robotaxi fleet in the coming weeks or months with this move. It seems more symbolic than anything; Tesla is ready to throw Cybercabs in the ride-hailing platform just as it did with Model Ys last year.

The addition of the Certificate of Conformity awarded to the Cybercab is another major factor working to Tesla’s advantage. The company now has permission from the EPA to allow the vehicle to operate on public roads and enter the chain of commerce. It’s officially street legal.

Tesla Cybercab specs revealed: range, curb weight, range ratings, and more

The big question that remains is whether Tesla will be able to operate the car without a safety monitor, especially considering it plans to put the car out there without a steering wheel or pedals. With the Cybercab only having a seating capacity of two, it is hard to believe Tesla will even consider putting a Safety Monitor in the car.

It did recently self-certify as Level 4 and has the ability to operate driverless vehicles in the State of Texas under a law that took effect on May 28. You can read more about that here:

Tesla’s Robotaxi dreams just took a massive step toward reality

We’d imagine Cybercabs will be on the roads as soon as July, but August will likely be a better estimate of when the car will be entered into the Cybercab fleet. It all depends at where Tesla is, as they’ve truly prioritized safety with the rollout of the Robotaxi platform.

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