News
Lane detection put to the test in latest Tesla Autopilot 8.0 benchmark [Video]
Model S early adopter and YouTube personality KmanAuto brings to light through a new video that Tesla’s latest Autopilot under Version 8.0 might not be all that better than the previous generation 7.0. At least when it comes to its ability to keep a Tesla in its lane when not tracking another vehicle.
Having previously tested Autopilot 7.0’s ability to navigate through a curvy road in his home state of Wisconsin, Kman took to the same road this time with Autopilot under 8.0 to benchmark how well the new radar-based technology compares to the previous generation of Autopilot which relied more heavily on cameras.
Kman admits that his demonstration of Autopilot on a winding road is an extreme case and outside of Tesla’s recommended use, however the test provides a good apples to apples comparison of the two versions of Autopilot being used on a familiar local road under like-kind conditions. “While I know autopilot was not designed for the road in this video, it provides a safer, worst case scenario road, that I’m able to mostly recreate conditions. Sun, weather, lines, traffic, speeds). Testing on this road, I know it will generally ‘fail’ in its ability to fully navigate me, however, it also allows me to show how each version of the firmware and autopilot (and in the future, full autonomous) can handle the same failure situations. also weather one version is more failure prone in comparison to others.”, says Kman.
As seen through the video, the Model S being tested under Version 8.0 has a difficult time when attempting to keep to a lane despite having a positive lock on roadside markings. The vehicle is seen wandering within the lane and often times veering into the opposing lane as it attempts to Autosteer through a bend. “On roads I travel excessively, and which previous autopilot worked flawless (or as flawless as one could hope for the current hardware suite), the vehicle is now having considerable problems keeping in its lane, despite a good positive hard lock on either one or both lanes. It wonders and ‘pings’ back and fourth considerably.”
While we think this video provides an interesting before and after look of how Autopilot adapts to lane markings between the two major versions, it by no means discredits the amazing achievements Tesla has been able to make, and continues to make, in advancing its Autopilot suite of features. Traffic-aware cruise control (TACC) is significantly smoother in 8.0, along with an overall faster response when lane changing with Autosteer enabled.
Rumors being circulated throughout the Tesla community point to a new Autopilot related product that the company is said to unveil next Monday, October 17.
Elon Musk
Tesla Cybercab coming next to Giga Berlin, Optimus possibly after
“From a next major product standpoint, I think most likely is the Tesla Cybercab,” Musk said.
Tesla could add the Cybercab and Optimus humanoid robot to the production lineup at Giga Berlin, as per recent comments from CEO Elon Musk.
During a recent interview with Giga Berlin plant manager André Thierig, Musk identified the Cybercab as the most likely next major product for the German factory, with Optimus potentially following after.
“From a next major product standpoint, I think most likely is the Tesla Cybercab,” Musk said. He added that there are also “possibilities of Tesla Optimus” being produced in the facility.
Tesla has already begun production of the Cybercab in Giga Texas, with volume production expected to ramp this year. Based on Musk’s comments, it appears that if conditions align in Europe, Giga Berlin could eventually join that effort.
The CEO’s comments about Optimus coming to Gigafactory Berlin are quite unsurprising too considering that Musk has mentioned in the past that the humanoid robot will likely be Tesla’s highest volume product in the long run.
Giga Berlin will likely be able to produce mass volumes of Optimus, as the Model S and Model X lines being converted to an Optimus line in the Fremont Factory are already expected to produce 1 million units of the humanoid robot annually.
Apart from his comments about the Cybercab and Optimus, Elon Musk also confirmed that Giga Berlin has started ramping battery cell production and will continue expanding Model Y output, particularly as supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) gains regulatory approvals in Europe.
Taken together, the remarks suggest Berlin’s role could evolve beyond vehicle assembly into a broader multi-product manufacturing hub, not just a regional Model Y plant.
Energy
Tesla Powerwall distribution expands in Australia
Inventory is expected to arrive in late February and official sales are expected to start mid-March 2026.
Supply Partners Group has secured a distribution agreement for the Tesla Powerwall in Australia, with inventory expected to arrive in late February and official sales beginning in mid-March 2026.
Under the new agreement, Supply Partners will distribute Tesla Powerwall units and related accessories across its national footprint, as noted in an ecogeneration report. The company said the addition strengthens its position as a distributor focused on premium, established brands.
“We are proud to officially welcome Tesla Powerwall into the Supply Partners portfolio,” Lliam Ricketts, Co-Founder and Director of Innovation at Supply Partners Group, stated.
“Tesla sets a high bar, and we’ve worked hard to earn the opportunity to represent a brand that customers actively ask for. This partnership reflects the strength of our logistics, technical services and customer experience, and it’s a win for installers who want premium options they can trust.”
Supply Partners noted that initial Tesla Powerwall stock will be warehoused locally before full commercial rollout in March. The distributor stated that the timing aligns with renewed growth momentum for the Powerwall, supported by competitive installer pricing, consumer rebates, and continued product and software updates.
“Powerwall is already a category-defining product, and what’s ahead makes it even more compelling,” Ricketts stated. “As pricing sharpens and capability expands, we see a clear runway for installers to confidently spec Powerwall for premium residential installs, backed by Supply Partners’ national distribution footprint and service model.”
Supply Partners noted that a joint go-to-market launch is planned, including Tesla-led training for its sales and technical teams to support installers during the home battery system’s domestic rollout.
Elon Musk
Tesla Giga Berlin growth could stall if not “free from external influences”: Elon Musk
The comments were delivered in a pre-recorded video discussion.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reportedly warned that future expansion of Gigafactory Berlin could be jeopardized if the site does not remain “free from external influences.”
Musk’s comments were delivered in a pre-recorded video discussion with employees and came at a sensitive moment for the facility, where union representation has been a recurring issue.
According to reports from Handelsblatt and Der Spiegel, citing participants at the event, Musk suggested that if Giga Berlin is no longer “free from external influences,” further expansion would become unlikely. He did not, however, hint that the plant would shut down.
While Musk did not name IG Metall directly, his remarks were widely interpreted as referencing the union, which is currently the largest faction on the works council but does not hold a majority, as noted in an electrive report.
The video conversation was conducted between Musk in Austin and Grünheide plant manager André Thierig, then played back to the workforce in Germany. Works council elections are scheduled for early March, heightening the tension between management and organized labor.
The CEO has previously voiced concerns that stronger union influence could limit Tesla’s operational flexibility and long-term strategy in Germany.
Despite the warning on expansion, Musk praised the Giga Berlin site during the same address, describing it as one of the most advanced factories worldwide and highlighting its cleanliness and team culture.
The discussion also reportedly touched on battery cell production. According to attendees cited in German media, Musk indicated that Tesla has begun ramping cell production at the site. That would mark a notable shift from earlier expectations that large-scale cell manufacturing in Brandenburg would not begin until 2027.
Tesla Cybercab coming next to Giga Berlin, Optimus possibly after
Tesla Powerwall distribution expands in Australia
