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Mercedes-Benz joins the Tesla “NACS coalition”

Credit: Tesla

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Last month, Mercedes-Benz stated that it was considering the adoption of Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its electric vehicles. Based on an announcement from the German luxury electric vehicle maker on Friday, it would appear that Mercedes-Benz has come to a decision about NACS. 

The automaker is joining the “NACS coalition.”

As per the automaker, Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicles in North America will adopt Tesla’s charging standard starting in 2025. This move follows the footsteps of American competitors Ford and General Motors, both of which have embraced the North American Charging Standard to improve their EVs’ charging options.

Mercedes-Benz will be the first German automaker to integrate Tesla’s charging standard for its North American customer base. The luxury carmaker may not be alone for long, however, as discussions are underway for fellow German automaker Volkswagen to adopt the NACS as well, as noted in a Reuters report.

To facilitate the transition, Mercedes-Benz will initially provide an adapter for its existing EVs equipped with the Combined Charging System (CCS) in North America. This adapter will enable the vehicles to charge on the NACS network starting in 2024. CCS serves as a widely utilized plug for DC fast-charging, serving as a competitor to Tesla’s connectors.

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In addition to embracing Tesla’s charging technology, Mercedes-Benz drivers will have access to information about Tesla Superchargers through their vehicle’s navigation system. This feature is expected to display the locations, availability status, and prices of Tesla Superchargers, providing an enhanced charging experience for Mercedes-Benz EV owners.

Interestingly enough, Tesla has already taken steps to extend its Supercharger Network to owners of CCS-equipped electric vehicles through the Magic Dock, which provides an adapter for non-Tesla cars. But while the Magic Dock is a novel solution for non-Teslas to access the Supercharger Network, fully adopting the NACS is still a superior solution.

As noted by Tesla, the NACS has inherent advantages over CCS. It’s sleeker, easier to use, and more affordable. It is also capable of up to 1 MW DC charging. Tesla Superchargers are also populous as well, accounting for about 60% of the total number of fast chargers in the United States, as reported by the US Department of Energy.

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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Elon Musk reiterates why Tesla will never make an electric motorcycle

Tesla CEO Elon Musk preemptively shut down speculations about a Tesla road bike once more.

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk preemptively shut down speculations about a Tesla road bike once more, highlighting that the electric vehicle maker has no plans to enter the electric motorcycle market.  

Musk posted his clarification in a post on X.

Musk’s reply to a fun AI video

X user @Moandbhr posted an AI video featuring the Tesla CEO on the social media platform, captioning it with “Mr. Elon Musk Just Revealed the Game-Changing Tesla Motorcycle.” The short clip depicted Musk approaching a sleek, single-wheeled vehicle, stepping onto it, and gliding off into the distance amid cheers. The fun video received a lot of traction on X, gaining 3.1 million views as of writing. 

Musk replied to the post, stating that a Tesla motorcycle is not going to happen. “Never happening, as we can’t make motorcycles safe. For Community Notes, my near death experience was on a road bike. Dirt bikes are safe if you ride carefully, as you can’t be smashed by a truck,” Musk wrote in his reply. 

Musk’s Past Comments on Two-Wheelers

Musk also detailed his reservations about motorcycles in a December 2019 X post while responding to questions about Tesla’s potential ATV. At the time, he responded positively to an electric ATV, though he also opposed the idea of a Tesla road-going motorcycle. Musk did state that electric dirt bikes might be cool, since they do not operate in areas where large vehicles like Class 8 trucks are present. 

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“Electric dirt bikes would be cool too. We won’t do road bikes, as too dangerous. I was hit by a truck & almost died on one when I was 17,” Musk wrote in his post. 

Considering Musk’s comments about dirt bikes, however, perhaps Tesla would eventually offer a road bike as a recreational vehicle. Such a two-wheeler would be a good fit for the Cybertruck, as well as future products like the Robovan, which could be converted into an RV.

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Tesla continues growing its Cybercab production team with new job listings

Both positions are based in Gigafactory Texas, the site of the Cybercab’s initial production.

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Credit: Tesla/X

Tesla continues to build out its workforce for the upcoming Cybercab, with two new job listings for quality inspectors for the autonomous two-seater being listed in the company’s official Careers website. 

Both positions are based in Gigafactory Texas, the site of the Cybercab’s initial production.

New Cybercab listings

Tesla recently added openings for “Quality Inspector, Cybercab” and “Quality Inspector, Cybercab – Incoming Quality” on its Careers website. The roles involve detailed inspections of Cybercab components using precision tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges, among others. Candidates must also identify non-conformances, document findings in Tesla’s quality management  system and collaborate with production teams to resolve issues swiftly.

Overall, these new Cybercab-related roles highlight Tesla’s emphasis on precision for the two-seater’s innovative features, such as its inductive charging setup, which is not available on any Tesla consumer vehicle today. If any, the Cybercab’s Quality Inspectors will likely be operating in uncharted territory as the vehicle is being produced using Tesla’s new Unboxed process. Elon Musk has also noted that the Cybercab’s production line will resemble a high-speed consumer electronics line instead of a conventional automotive line.

Recent Cybercab Design Evolutions

Since its October 2024 unveiling, the Cybercab has undergone several refinements visible in recent prototypes, enhancing aerodynamics and manufacturability ahead of production. The tail design now rises slightly for better airflow, with a shortened rear body panel and repositioned red reflectors farther from the wheel arches. 

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Front-end updates include segmented daytime running lights, actual turn signals and a sharper splitter, while side repeater cameras have shifted forward for improved visibility. Tesla has also enlarged door panels for easier ingress and egress, swapped to unpainted tires without extended covers and adjusted the B-pillar forward and lower, likely to foster a more open cabin feel.

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Tesla starts laying the groundwork for FSD tests in Austria

The job opening comes as the company pushes regulatory approvals and data collection in new European markets.

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Credit: Grok Imagine

Tesla seems to be ramping its efforts to hire key personnel for FSD’s eventual expansion in Europe. This was hinted at in a new job listing for a vehicle operator role in Vienna, Austria. 

The job opening comes as the company pushes regulatory approvals and data collection in new European markets.

Vienna’s vehicle operator role

Tesla posted the job for “Fahrer (Vehicle Operator) (m/w/d)” in its Vienna office on its Careers website, seeking candidates to drive and monitor test vehicles as part of the Autopilot and AI team. The role involves collecting real-world driving data to refine Full Self-Driving systems for the country’s local roads. Responsibilities include operating vehicles in urban and highway environments, documenting system performance, among other tasks.

Applicants need a valid Austrian driver’s license and at least two years of driving experience. Fluency in English is essential, along with a familiarity with driver assist systems. Tesla noted that the position offers a minimum annual gross salary of EUR 32,000, though relevant professional experience and qualifications will be taken into account. Similar to other Tesla roles, the position also offers TSLA stock as an incentive.

Tesla’s FSD Push in Europe

Tesla’s FSD efforts in Europe have accelerated in recent months, with significant progress in Spain serving as a key milestone. In July 2025, Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic launched the ES-AV framework to standardize automated vehicle testing, authorizing Tesla for nationwide FSD trials with 19 vehicles under Phase 3, which allows optional onboard safety operators and remote monitoring. 

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The program, running through November 2027, aims to position Spain as a leader in the field, as DGT stated: “The program is designed to complement and enhance oversight, regulation, research, and transparency efforts, as well as to support innovation and advancements in automotive technology and industry.”

Beyond Spain, Tesla has conducted FSD demonstrations in Germany, France and Italy for consumers, while pursuing national approval in the Netherlands for early 2026.

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