News
Ford cuts Mustang Mach-E prices, increases range as it re-opens orders
Ford has re-opened order banks on the Mustang Mach-E while simultaneously rolling back prices and increasing range.
The ability to order the Mustang Mach-E once again was opened because of plant upgrades that Ford completed, which will help ramp production volume in the second half of 2023.
Ford has boosted the range of the Standard Range battery models to a range of 250 miles for the Rear-Wheel-Drive powertrain, according to EPA estimates, while the e-All-Wheel-Drive (eAWD) will have 226 miles.
Standard Range models are now powered by lithium iron phosphate, or LFP battery cells, which allows the eAWD configuration to utilize 45 additional horsepower while adding the additional mileage to each trim level’s range.
LFP batteries are widely available and have helped automakers avoid supply chain issues and battery cell shortages, as other chemistries are not always in heavy supply. Additionally, LFP cells have the ability to operate more efficiently and like to be at a 100 percent state of charge, and can also charge faster.
Tesla used the same strategy with its Standard Range+ Model 3.
Elon Musk explains Tesla’s LFP Battery strategy for US Model 3 SR+
On top of the upgrades in terms of the range and new battery cell chemistries, Ford also rolled back the prices of Mustang Mach-E trims:
- Select RWD Standard Range – $42,995 (down $3,000)
- Select AWD Standard Range – $45,995 (down $3,000)
- California Route 1 AWD Extended Range – $56,995 (down $1,000)
- Premium RWD Standard Range – $46,995 (down $4,000)
- Premium AWD Standard Range – $49,995 (down $4,000)
- GT AWD Extended Range – $59,995 (down $4,000)
The price cuts come as EV brands continue to battle and refine costs to remain competitive. Tesla has routinely adjusted prices on its vehicles, and Ford has been one of the few to directly respond to the automaker with price cuts of its own on several occasions.
Chief Customer Officer of Ford’s EV unit, Model e, Marin Gjaja, commented on the automaker’s upgrades of the Mustang Mach-E:
“Upgraded BlueCruise rolling out for new and existing Mustang Mach-E owners, increased range, and faster DC charging times on standard range models show how we are relentlessly improving our products for our customers.”We continue to find ways to improve the value of the Mustang Mach-E.”
The Mustang Mach-E also qualifies for federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act, but not the full $7,500. Instead, it qualifies for $3,750 in potential credits.
New Mustang Mach-E purchases will have 90 days of BlueCruise included, which will allow owners to experience hands-free driving on highways. The free trial is included as Ford said the new Mustang Mach-E vehicles will be fitted with all necessary hardware for the BlueCruise capabilities.
“This provides customers the opportunity to try it during the initial months of vehicle ownership and subsequently activate it through a subscription at the time of their choosing. Customers can still include a 3-year subscription as part of the vehicle purchase, if they prefer,” Ford said.
BlueCruise is equipped on 199,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles in North America, which have accumulated over 70 million miles driven hands-free.
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News
Tesla Semi spotted with ground truth validation equipment as launch looms
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:
Spotted the new semi adorned with ground truthing equipment. Haven’t seen anyone post this so figured I’d share.
The future is autonomous!!@SawyerMerritt @wholemars pic.twitter.com/qkPDHPUQZ6
— Danny (@dannywinner1) June 21, 2026
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.
Elon Musk
President Trump touts new Air Force One with Musk technology
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.”
🚨 President Trump confirmed today that the new Air Force One is equipped with Starlink:
“We have communication equipment up there that nobody’s ever seen before, it’s the highest level and including Starlink…my friend Elon is going to be very happy.” pic.twitter.com/IhkDmtr5hL
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 20, 2026
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.
News
Tesla Cybercab launch is imminent after latest sighting at Giga Texas
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 Cybercabs are now getting “Cybercab” logos on the side of them!
Tesla did the same with Model Ys that were given “Robotaxi” logos: https://t.co/DanANtw1m7 pic.twitter.com/FqOhH0S9Ks
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 19, 2026
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.