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Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX has considerably more range than any EV offered currently
German automaker Mercedes-Benz unveiled an electric car with 620 miles, or 1,000 kilometers, of range on Monday. The VISION EQXX has the potential to revolutionize electric vehicle road trips and overall adoption, offering considerably more range than any other EV on the market.
While the current projections for range are extending far past any electrified model currently offered by any company on the market, the figures were obtained by using internal digital simulations or real-life traffic conditions.
“The technology program behind the VISION EQXX will define and enable future Mercedes-Benz models and features,” Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Procurement, said. “As a halo car, the VISION EQXX firmly establishes Mercedes-Benz as the brand that pairs luxury with technology in the automotive world and beyond. And the way we developed it is as revolutionary as the vehicle itself. VISION EQXX has seen the best minds from our R&D centers work together with engineers from our Formula 1 and Formula E programs. They are proving that innovations from motorsport – where powertrains are already highly electrified – have immediate relevance for road car development. We are challenging current development processes with innovative spirit and outside-the-box thinking. This truly is the way forward.”
There is a lot to unpack in Mercedes’ lengthy press release, which features all of the fine points of the vehicle. However, the vehicle has lofty and somewhat groundbreaking expectations, even for a company that has as much story and tradition as Mercedes-Benz does. Executives have no issues looking at it as something that will undoubtedly be on the roads in the future. “All the elements that we see in this car will make it into series production,” Schäfer added.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- VISION EQXX Außenspiegel // VISION EQXX exterior mirror
- UI/UX im VISION EQXX: Das Benutzererlebnis im VISION EQXX katapultiert uns in eine intelligente, softwaregesteuerte Zukunft. Mit einem beeindruckenden Design und intuitiv bedienbar erstreckt sich das erste komplett nahtlose Display in einem Mercedes-Benz über 47,5 Zoll von einer A-Säule zur anderen. // UI/UX in the VISION EQXX: The user interface and user experience inside the VISION EQXX catapults us into a highly responsive, intelligent and software-driven future. Stunning to look at, intuitive to work with and in tune with the human mind, the first ever completely seamless display in a Mercedes-Benz spans 47.5 inches from one A-pillar to the other.
- UI/UX im VISION EQXX: Das Benutzererlebnis im VISION EQXX katapultiert uns in eine intelligente, softwaregesteuerte Zukunft. Mit einem beeindruckenden Design und intuitiv bedienbar erstreckt sich das erste komplett nahtlose Display in einem Mercedes-Benz über 47,5 Zoll von einer A-Säule zur anderen. // UI/UX in the VISION EQXX: The user interface and user experience inside the VISION EQXX catapults us into a highly responsive, intelligent and software-driven future. Stunning to look at, intuitive to work with and in tune with the human mind, the first ever completely seamless display in a Mercedes-Benz spans 47.5 inches from one A-pillar to the other.
- UI/UX im VISION EQXX: Das Benutzererlebnis im VISION EQXX katapultiert uns in eine intelligente, softwaregesteuerte Zukunft. Mit einem beeindruckenden Design und intuitiv bedienbar erstreckt sich das erste komplett nahtlose Display in einem Mercedes-Benz über 47,5 Zoll von einer A-Säule zur anderen. // UI/UX in the VISION EQXX: The user interface and user experience inside the VISION EQXX catapults us into a highly responsive, intelligent and software-driven future. Stunning to look at, intuitive to work with and in tune with the human mind, the first ever completely seamless display in a Mercedes-Benz spans 47.5 inches from one A-pillar to the other.
- UI/UX im VISION EQXX: Das Benutzererlebnis im VISION EQXX katapultiert uns in eine intelligente, softwaregesteuerte Zukunft. Mit einem beeindruckenden Design und intuitiv bedienbar erstreckt sich das erste komplett nahtlose Display in einem Mercedes-Benz über 47,5 Zoll von einer A-Säule zur anderen. // UI/UX in the VISION EQXX: The user interface and user experience inside the VISION EQXX catapults us into a highly responsive, intelligent and software-driven future. Stunning to look at, intuitive to work with and in tune with the human mind, the first ever completely seamless display in a Mercedes-Benz spans 47.5 inches from one A-pillar to the other.
- VISION EQXX Interieur // VISION EQXX interior
- UI/UX im VISION EQXX: Das Benutzererlebnis im VISION EQXX katapultiert uns in eine intelligente, softwaregesteuerte Zukunft. Mit einem beeindruckenden Design und intuitiv bedienbar erstreckt sich das erste komplett nahtlose Display in einem Mercedes-Benz über 47,5 Zoll von einer A-Säule zur anderen. // UI/UX in the VISION EQXX: The user interface and user experience inside the VISION EQXX catapults us into a highly responsive, intelligent and software-driven future. Stunning to look at, intuitive to work with and in tune with the human mind, the first ever completely seamless display in a Mercedes-Benz spans 47.5 inches from one A-pillar to the other.
- Das Batteriepaket des VISION EQXX speichert annähernd 100 kWh Energie bei 50 Prozent weniger Volumen und 30 Prozent weniger Gewicht als das in dieser Hinsicht weltbeste Batteriepaket des EQS. // The battery pack in the VISION EQXX holds almost 100 kWh of energy, yet has 50% less volume and is 30% lighter than the already benchmark pack in EQS.
- Wegweisender Antriebsstrang für das Elektrozeitalter: Das radikal neue, von Mercedes-Benz entwickelte Antriebskonzept erreicht einen Benchmark-Wirkungsgrad von 95 Prozent von der Batterie bis zu den Rädern. // Pioneering drivetrain for the electric era: Radical new Mercedes-Benz electric drive system achieves benchmark efficiency of 95% from battery to wheels
- BIONEQXXTM Gussteil – optimale Funktionalität auf kleinstem Raum: Das im Aluminium-Gussverfahren hergestellte BIONEQXX Element ist das derzeit größte Leichtmetall-Strukturbauteil bei Mercedes-Benz und bildet die Hauptkomponente im Heck des VISION EQXX – den Heckboden. // BIONEQXXTM casting: Currently the largest aluminium structural casting at Mercedes-Benz, BIONEQXX is the major structural component at the rear end of the VISION EQXX – the rear floor.
- BIONICAST ist ein eingetragenes Markenzeichen von Mercedes-Benz für Gussteile, die nach natürliche, bionischen Prinzipien konstruiert sind. Beispielsweise sind die Träger der Scheibenwischer des VISION EQXX nach bionischen Prinzipien gestaltet. // BIONICAST is a Mercedes-Benz registered trademark applied to structural castings engineered according to the principles of nature. For example, the bracket carrying the windscreen wipers of the VISION EQXX is designed using principles of bionic engineering.
- Der Leichtbaugedanke wurde beim VISION EQXX konsequent umgesetzt. Neue glasfaserverstärkte Kunststofffedern, die in Zusammenarbeit mit Rheinmetall Automotive entwickelt wurden, sorgen für eine Gewichtseinsparung im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen Schraubenfedern. // Lightweight design thinking was applied throughout the VISION EQXX. Meanwhile, new advanced glass-fibre-reinforced plastic springs developed in partnership with Rheinmetall Automotive remove further weight compared with conventional coil springs.
- Von Pilzen bis hin zu veganer Seide – nachhaltige Werkstoffe im VISION EQXX Interieur: Beispielsweise sind die Türgriffe im VISION EQXX aus Biosteel-Faser gefertigt. Dabei handelt es sich um ein hochfestes, biotechnologisch erzeugtes und als vegan zertifiziertes seidenähnliches Gewebe. // From mushrooms to vegan silk, nature’s influence continues in the VISION EQXX interior. For instance, the door pulls in the VISION EQXX are made from Biosteel fibre. This is a high-strength, biotechnology-based and certified-vegan silk-like fabric.
- Das Batteriepaket des VISION EQXX speichert annähernd 100 kWh Energie bei 50 Prozent weniger Volumen und 30 Prozent weniger Gewicht als das in dieser Hinsicht weltbeste Batteriepaket des EQS. // The battery pack in the VISION EQXX holds almost 100 kWh of energy, yet has 50% less volume and is 30% lighter than the already benchmark pack in EQS.
- Im Innenraum des VISION EQXX kommt UBQ-Material zum Einsatz, ein nachhaltiger Kunststoffersatz, der aus Haushaltsabfällen hergestellt wird. // The interior oft he VISION EQXX features UBQ material, a sustainable plastic substitute made from household and municipal landfill waste.
- Der VISION EQXX verdankt seinen herausragenden cW-Wert von 0,17 der strömungsförmigen Grundform, der innovativen, aerodynamisch neutralen Kühlplatte im Unterboden und der aufwändigen Integration von passiven und aktiven Aero-Elementen in die Karosserie. // The VISION EQXX owes its outstanding drag coefficient of 0.17 to its streamlined basic shape, the innovative, aerodynamically neutral cooling plate in the underbody and the elaborate integration of passive and active aero elements in the body.
- Der VISION EQXX verdankt seinen herausragenden cW-Wert von 0,17 der strömungsförmigen Grundform, der innovativen, aerodynamisch neutralen Kühlplatte im Unterboden und der aufwändigen Integration von passiven und aktiven Aero-Elementen in die Karosserie. // The VISION EQXX owes its outstanding drag coefficient of 0.17 to its streamlined basic shape, the innovative, aerodynamically neutral cooling plate in the underbody and the elaborate integration of passive and active aero elements in the body.
- Der VISION EQXX verdankt seinen herausragenden cW-Wert von 0,17 der strömungsförmigen Grundform, der innovativen, aerodynamisch neutralen Kühlplatte im Unterboden und der aufwändigen Integration von passiven und aktiven Aero-Elementen in die Karosserie. // The VISION EQXX owes its outstanding drag coefficient of 0.17 to its streamlined basic shape, the innovative, aerodynamically neutral cooling plate in the underbody and the elaborate integration of passive and active aero elements in the body.
- Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, Exterieur // Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, exterior
- Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, Exterieur // Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, exterior
- Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, Exterieur // Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, exterior
- Der VISION EQXX zeigt, wie sich Mercedes-Benz die Zukunft des Elektroautos vorstellt. Das Auto hat eine Reichweite von mehr als 1.000 Kilometern und einen Energieverbrauch von weniger als 10 kWh pro 100 Kilometer. Der VISION EQXX steht für neue Maßstäbe hinsichtlich Energieeffizienz und Reichweite im realen Straßenverkehr sowie für die revolutionäre Entwicklung von Elektroautos. // The VISION EQXX is how Mercedes-Benz imagines the future of electric cars. The car has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. The VISION EQXX stands for major new advances: it sets new standards in terms of energy efficiency and range in real-life traffic, and revolutionises the development of electric cars.
- Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, Interieur // Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, interior
- Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, Interieur // Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX, interior
- Das UI/UX im VISION EQXX bietet ein neues Maß an digitalem Luxus. Es liefert den Insassen die Informationen, die sie brauchen. Und zwar genau dann, wenn sie sie brauchen – nicht mehr und nicht weniger. // The UI/UX in the VISION EQXX offers a new level of digital luxury, providing the occupants with the information they need when they need it – no more no less.
Among the most interesting features, apart from the massive range estimation and other efficiency ratings that will put it among the “who’s who” of the EV industry, is Mercedes’ plan to utilize solar cells to supplement additional needs. The car will draw additional energy from 117 solar cells installed on the roof. Developed alongside the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE — the largest solar energy research institute in Europe — the solar cells will reduce the energy drain on the high-voltage system. Under ideal conditions, Mercedes-Benz says, an additional 15 miles, or 25 km, will be generated from the solar cells.
Mercedes is coming off of a huge announcement last month where it unveiled it had officially received approval for the first SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system with DRIVE PILOT. The system, which will act as a “traffic jam chauffer,” according to SAE guidelines, is the first conditionally automated driving system to meet the requirements of Global Automotive Regulation No. 157, which concerns the approval of vehicles with regards to Automated Lane-Keeping Systems.
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News
Tesla gives HW3 owners another massive update
It was an “at last” moment for HW 3 owners, who have waited for an update on the capabilities of their vehicles for some time. After CEO Elon Musk finally admitted last week that the HW3 vehicles would not be capable of unsupervised FSD, it appears Tesla is bringing a new, more transparent tone to those owners.
Tesla is giving Hardware 3 vehicle owners another massive update, the second major communication the company has given to those drivers after what seemed like years of being left out to dry.
The company, which plans to launch a Full Self-Driving version 14 iteration that is compatible with these cars, which have older chips, is now planning to expand the rollout of the v14 Lite offering to other markets, it said on X.
Tesla said:
“Following future rollout of FSD V14 Lite for HW3 vehicles in the US, we plan on expanding V14 Lite to additional international markets. This update ensures that HW3 vehicle owners will continue to benefit from ongoing software updates. Since international rollout is subject to several factors (completion of technical verification, regional adaptation & relevant regulatory approvals), we can’t provide definitive dates at the moment, but will provide updates on a rolling basis.”
This announcement comes at a critical time for HW3 owners, many of whom purchased Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability years ago with promises of ongoing support and future-proofing.
Following future rollout of FSD V14 Lite for HW3 vehicles in the US, we plan on expanding V14 Lite to additional international markets.
This update ensures that HW3 vehicle owners will continue to benefit from ongoing software updates.
Since international rollout is subject to…
— Tesla (@Tesla) April 29, 2026
HW3, introduced in 2019, powers vehicles from roughly 2019 to early 2023 models. While newer AI4 hardware has advanced rapidly, HW3 owners have felt increasingly left behind, with their last major update stuck around version 12.6 since early 2025.
It was an “at last” moment for HW 3 owners, who have waited for an update on the capabilities of their vehicles for some time. After CEO Elon Musk finally admitted last week that the HW3 vehicles would not be capable of unsupervised FSD, it appears Tesla is bringing a new, more transparent tone to those owners.
V14 Lite represents a significant optimization effort. Tesla has confirmed it will bring many core features of the full V14 release, currently running on more powerful hardware, to the more constrained HW3 platform.
Expected capabilities include improved handling of complex urban scenarios, better reverse driving, enhanced parking features, and smoother overall autonomy, albeit in a “lite” form tailored to HW3’s compute limits. Tesla’s head of Autopilot, Ashok Elluswamy, noted during the Q1 2026 earnings call that the update is targeted for late June in the U.S.
Tesla is releasing a modified version of FSD v14 for Hardware 3 owners: here’s when
The international expansion is particularly meaningful for owners in Europe, Asia, Australia, and other regions where FSD rollout has lagged due to regulatory hurdles.
Tesla emphasized that timing remains fluid, dependent on “technical verification, regional adaptation & relevant regulatory approvals.” No firm dates were provided, but the company pledged rolling updates as milestones are achieved.
This move addresses growing concerns that Tesla might abandon legacy hardware. With the recent admission that its capabilities are limited and not capable of Tesla’s grand autonomy ambitions, owners are finally in the light of truth, with more honesty being put forth as the company navigates this chapter.
For Tesla, keeping HW3 relevant strengthens customer loyalty and protects the value of older vehicles. It also buys time as the company pushes toward broader regulatory approvals and unsupervised autonomy on newer platforms.
While V14 Lite isn’t the full unsupervised experience once promised, it delivers tangible improvements and signals that HW3 owners are not being forgotten.
As Tesla continues its rapid AI and autonomy evolution, this update underscores a key principle: software can breathe new life into existing hardware. For tens of thousands of HW3 drivers worldwide, V14 Lite could mark the beginning of a renewed era of confidence in their vehicles.
Elon Musk
SpaceX Board has set a Mars bonus for Elon Musk
SpaceX has given Elon Musk the goal to put one million people on Mars.
SpaceX’s board approved a compensation plan for Elon Musk that ties his pay directly to colonizing Mars and building data centers in outer space. The details surfaced this week after Reuters reviewed SpaceX’s confidential registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, making it one of the first concrete looks inside the company’s financials ahead of a public offering.
The pay package will reportedly award Musk 200 million super-voting restricted shares if the company hits a market valuation milestone, with the most ambitious targets going further. To unlock the full award, SpaceX would need to reach a $7.5 trillion valuation and help establish a permanent human settlement on Mars with at least one million residents. Additional incentives are tied to developing space-based computing infrastructure capable of delivering at least 100 terawatts of processing power.
SpaceX wins its first MARS contract but it comes with a catch
Long before SpaceX filed anything with the SEC, Elon Musk had already spent years framing Mars colonization as an insurance policy against human extinction. The philosophy traces back to at least 2001, when Musk first began researching Mars missions independently, before SpaceX even existed. By 2002 he had founded the company with Mars as the stated long-term goal.
In a 2017 presentation at the International Astronautical Congress, Musk outlined the specific vision that still underpins SpaceX’s architecture today. He described a self-sustaining city on Mars requiring roughly one million people to become viable, the same number now written into his compensation package.
SpaceX’s Starship, still in active development, was designed from the ground up to support the eventual colonization of Mars. Musk has stated publicly that getting the cost per ton to Mars below $100,000 is necessary to make mass migration economically feasible. Everything from Starship’s payload capacity to its full reusability targets flows from that single constraint. One can say that Musk’s latest compensation package has put a formal valuation on Mars for the first time.
SpaceX is targeting an IPO around June 28, Musk’s birthday, at a valuation of approximately $1.75 trillion. Between the Mars rover contract, the Golden Dome software group, Space Force satellite launches, and now a pay structure built around interplanetary colonization, SpaceX has become the single most consequential contractor in American space and defense. The IPO will put a public price tag on all of it for the first time.
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Tesla’s biggest rivals fights charging wait times with a modern approach
Earlier this week, we wrote a story on how Tesla is launching a new Supercharging Queue system to mitigate problems between drivers when there is a wait to charge.
Rather than potentially having people end up in a physical conflict, Tesla’s approach is to determine who is next to charge based on geographic data.
Tesla launches solution to end Supercharger fights once and for all
But some companies, notably Tesla’s biggest rival in China, BYD, are taking a different approach, focusing on charging speeds rather than how they will manage delays.
BYD’s approach, especially with its tests of ultra-fast “Flash Charging” technology, is to eliminate the length of a charging session. At the heart of this strategy is BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery paired with 1,500-kW Flash Chargers.
Real-world FLASH Charging in action.
⚡ 10% → 70% in 5 minutes
⚡ 10% → 97% in 9 minutesIntroducing BYD’s 2nd Generation Blade Battery + FLASH Charging Technology.
20,000 stations will bring faster, safer, and smarter EV charging across China by the end of 2026. pic.twitter.com/uzQC8q1xGf
— BYD (@BYDCompany) March 9, 2026
Unveiled earlier this year, the system charges compatible vehicles from 10 percent to 70 percent state of charge in just five minutes and from 10 percent to 97 percent in nine minutes.
Real-world demonstrations on models like the Yangwang U7 and Denza Z9 GT have shown the tech delivering roughly 250 miles (400 kilometers) of range in just five minutes. This would essentially match or beat the time it takes to fill a gas tank.
Sometimes, gas pumps get congested, and there are lines. You rarely see conflicts at pumps because filling up a tank rarely takes more than five minutes.
Tesla’s fastest Supercharger build currently is the v4, which can deliver up to 325 kW for Cybertruck and 250 kW for other models, but there are “true” sites that are capable of up to 500 kW. This enables speeds of up to 1,000 miles per hour, or 1,400 miles for 350 kW-capable vehicles.
The breakthrough stems from BYD’s vertically integrated ecosystem: a new 1,000-volt architecture, 10C charging rates, and proprietary silicon-carbide chips that minimize internal resistance while protecting battery health.
The company plans to install 20,000 Flash Charging stations across China by the end of 2026, with thousands already operational and global expansion eyed for Europe and beyond later this year.
Early rollout targets popular models, including upgrades to high-volume sellers like the Seal and Sealion series, bringing five-minute charging to mainstream prices around 100,000 yuan (about $14,000).
This approach contrasts sharply with Tesla’s software solution. Tesla’s Virtual Queue uses geofencing and the app to assign turns at crowded sites, addressing driver disputes and idle time. It’s a clever fix for today’s network realities.
Yet, BYD’s philosophy is simpler: make charging so fast that waits barely exist. A five-minute stop becomes as convenient as a gas-station visit, reducing station dwell time, easing grid strain, and lowering range anxiety for long trips.
For consumers, the difference is potentially tangible. They’ll spend more time driving and less time parked. It is just another way Tesla and BYD are pushing one another to improve the overall experience of EV ownership.









































