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Mark Zuckerberg shades Elon Musk as Meta’s Threads gain 10M users

Credit: TED/YouTube

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has shared some criticism of rival Elon Musk’s Twitter. Zuckerberg described Twitter as an unfriendly platform that is falling short of its full potential. The Meta CEO also noted that Threads could be a public conversations app with over a billion people on it.

“It’ll take some time, but I think there should be a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people on it,” Zuckerberg wrote when asked if he believed Threads would be “bigger than Twitter.”

“Twitter has had the opportunity to do this but hasn’t nailed it. Hopefully, we will,” the Meta CEO added.

Zuckerberg’s comments come amidst the successful launch of Threads, which gained over 10 million users in just seven hours. The Meta CEO also hinted that Threads would be a kinder alternative to Twitter, which Zuckerberg noted could be key to reaching the newly-launched platform’s potential.

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“The goal is to keep it friendly as it expands. I think it’s possible and will ultimately be the key to its success. That’s one reason why Twitter never succeeded as much as I think it should have, and we want to do it differently,” Zuckerberg wrote.

Elon Musk appears to have responded to the successful launch of Threads, responding to a Twitter post about his deletion of his Instagram account several years ago that “It is infinitely preferable to be attacked by strangers on Twitter than indulge in the false happiness of hide-the-pain Instagram.”

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Despite his apparent challenge to Twitter and shade towards Musk, Zuckerberg appears to be taking a lighthearted stance about Threads’ rivalry with the Tesla CEO’s social media platform. This was hinted at when Zuckerberg posted on his Twitter page for the first time in over a decade. The Meta CEO posted the Spider-Man pointing at Spider-Man meme, seemingly admitting to the similarities between Twitter and Threads.

Threads is a notable challenger to Twitter, though it is hardly the first. Following Musk’s turbulent takeover of Twitter last year, critics of the Tesla CEO promoted potential alternatives to the social media company. These include Mastodon, which was presented as the next big thing after Twitter, and Bluesky, which is founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.

Despite the hype, however, neither has really caught on as much. Within the two months following its launch, Bluesky saw 375,000 downloads from the Apple App Store. Mastodon’s downloads, on the other hand, have seen a 99% decline from their highs in November last year.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up. 

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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 executive teases plan to further electrify supply chain

One of Tesla’s top executive hints at how Tesla is further electrifying its supply chain.

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Credit: Andrea Conway/X

A high-level Tesla executive has said the company is working to further electrify its supply chain, following a successful road test with the Semi this week.

After Tesla supplier thyssenkrupp completed a successful 5,000-mile winter trial with the Semi this week, Dan Priestley, the company’s Director of Semi Engineering, noted on X that the demonstration is a part of larger efforts to electrify more of the supply chain. The executive said that the company is already working to help suppliers like thyssenkrupp implement the Semi into their operations, particularly due to its cost savings and reliability.

Following the thyssenkrupp demo, the supply chain company has also begun integrating the Semi into its fleet, and Priestley suggests that more are still to come:

Working with our suppliers and logistics partners to electrify Tesla’s supply chain. With lower cost and higher reliability, it just makes sense. thyssenkrupp pushed the truck hard over this demo and now plans to integrate Semi into their fleet.

READ MORE ON TESLA SEMI: Tesla Full Self-Driving displays impressive collision avoidance with Semi

Tesla Semi factory nears official production as trials continue to impress

Tesla’s early Semi trials received positive results from both thyssenkrup and ArcBest’s ABF Freight this week, with the latter company logging 4,494 miles during a pilot period, and averaging 321 miles per day despite a 7,200-foot climb over Donner Pass.

The company has also been constructing a factory for volume Semi production at its Gigafactory in Nevada, and in recent weeks, the plant is looking nearly complete. Semi frames have been spotted in increasing numbers outside the facility recently, suggesting that Tesla is nearing early production on site.

The company also hired more than 1,000 workers for the Semi factory in April, while the plant is eventually expected to produce as many as 50,000 Semi units annually.

Tesla reveals Semi fleet data, shows off new feature and infrastructure plans

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Tesla Semi completes 5,000-mile winter trial with thyssenkrupp

The test covered nearly 5,000 miles in winter conditions.

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Credit: Tesla Semi/X

thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services has completed a three-week pilot of the Tesla Semi at one of its California logistics hubs, marking a new step in the company’s sustainability push. The test covered nearly 5,000 miles in winter conditions and focused on evaluating the electric Class 8 truck’s efficiency, transparency, and operational performance.

Tesla Semi offers efficiency gains and real-time logistics visibility

During the pilot, the Tesla Semi was used for active freight delivery, including routes over the Altamont Pass. thyssenkrupp evaluated the vehicle’s ability to reduce downtime, enhance delivery speed, and offer greater real-time supply chain visibility, the company noted in a press release.

Live diagnostics and performance monitoring allowed the logistics provider to track metrics such as speed, routes, and overall efficiency—data that supports smarter and more transparent logistics operations.

“The Tesla Semi aligns with our ongoing commitment to sustainability and operational excellence,” said Bob Denehy, Chief Commercial Officer at thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services. “Its efficiency and diagnostic features, and low environmental impact make it a natural fit for our evolving logistics strategy.”

Pilot builds on long-term partnership with Tesla and green energy goals

A logistics partner to Tesla since 2015, thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services was one of the first companies selected to test the Tesla Semi in a real-world setting. The trial reinforces the company’s push into renewable energy logistics and reflects its long-term goal of integrating alternative-fuel technologies across its operations. 

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Plans are now underway to begin adding electric Semis to its fleet as part of a wider emissions-reduction effort. The pilot is thus the latest example of how logistics providers are embracing next-generation transport technologies to meet environmental goals and enhance supply chain performance.

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Tesla Semi shows strong results in ArcBest’s real-world freight trial

The truck handled varied terrain, including a 7,200-foot climb over Donner Pass.

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Credit: ArcBest/X

ArcBest has successfully wrapped up a three-week pilot program testing a Class 8 Tesla Semi in over-the-road applications. The trial was conducted through ArcBest’s ABF Freight division, and it covered routes between Reno and Sacramento and regional operations around the Bay Area.

Tesla Semi pilot sees strong performance and positive driver feedback

The Tesla Semi logged 4,494 miles during the pilot, averaging 321 miles per day with an energy efficiency of 1.55 kWh per mile. The Tesla Semi handled varied terrain, including a 7,200-foot climb over Donner Pass, and delivered performance comparable to diesel counterparts. 

Drivers who participated in the pilot also gave positive feedback to the Tesla Semi, citing the Class 8 all-electric truck’s comfort, safety, and visibility thanks to features like a center seating position and intuitive controls. Matt Godfrey, president of ABF Freight, shared his thoughts on the pilot in a press release

“We’re not looking for a truck that performs well ‘for an EV.’ It must meet or exceed the performance and total cost of ownership targets of our most efficient diesel units. This pilot gives us great insight into the potential of EV semis in our operations,” he said. 

ArcBest highlights need for more charging infrastructure

While the pilot met expectations, ArcBest noted that broader deployment of Class 8 all-electric trucks like the Tesla Semi will still depend on improvements in charging infrastructure. This way, longer-haul operations become more than feasible.

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The pilot marks another step in ArcBest’s investment in sustainable logistics technologies. In addition to testing the Tesla Semi, the company operates a small fleet of EVs, including nine electric yard tractors, two electric forklifts, and two Class 6 electric straight trucks. Dennis Anderson, ArcBest chief innovation officer, noted that vehicles like the Tesla Semi are notable developments in the transportation sector.

“Freight transportation is a vital part of the global economy, and we know it also plays a significant role in overall greenhouse gas emissions. While the path to decarbonization presents complex challenges — such as infrastructure needs and alternative fuel development — it also opens the door to innovation. Vehicles like the Tesla Semi highlight the progress being made and expand the boundaries of what’s possible as we work toward a more sustainable future for freight,” he stated.

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