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Porsche Taycan test mules spotted winter driving in Norway

(Photo: NexpFPV/Reddit)

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Porsche appears to be set on covering the bases when it releases its first all-electric car — the Taycan — later this year. Apart from frequent track tests on the Nurburgring, Porsche also seems to be ensuring that the Taycan performs well in cold weather. This was recently highlighted by images recently captured of the upcoming EV’s test mules as they were being driven on the icy, snowy roads of Norway.

The Taycan’s recent images were shared on the r/Cars subreddit by auto enthusiast u/NexpFPV.  Several images were captured of the vehicle out in the cold. It was spotted being test driven on the snow and at a charging station. In one picture, two Taycan prototypes appeared to be stopped on the road, and one of the vehicles had its hood open. Just like other sightings of the cars, the test mules in the recent Norway sighting were fitted with faux exhaust pipes.  

Porsche Taycan test mules being driven in Norway. (Photo: NexpFPV/Reddit)

Despite the cars being test mules, it is evident that the units spotted in the recent sightings appeared to be more refined versions of the rough prototypes frequently spotted on the Nurburgring in the past. If any, the Taycan test mules still invoke a classic Porsche stance — wide, aggressive, and giving the impression that it would stick on the road despite some spirited driving.

Amidst these tests, Porsche is currently in full throttle with its preparations for the Taycan. In the company’s historic Zuffenhausen site alone, the veteran carmaker has announced that it is investing  €700 million (over $797 million) to prepare for the Taycan’s ramp. Included in these improvements is a conveyor system that transports drive system components, a new assembly and logistics hall, a new paint shop, and a dedicated body shop.

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The German carmaker initially announced that it would be building 20,000 units of the all-electric car per year. Though, Porsche noted that the reception to the vehicle has been overwhelmingly positive.  As the demand for the electric sedan became evident, Porsche eventually adjusted its estimates. According to German news media outlet WirtschaftsWoche, the carmaker is now looking at producing 40,000 units of the Taycan per year — twice its initial estimate.

Pricing for the Taycan is yet to be annnounced. That said, a Porsche Global Brand Ambassador has reportedly stated that the Taycan would be offered in three models — the Taycan, the Taycan 4S, and (the) Taycan Turbo. Pricing will reportedly start in the low $90,000 for the Taycan, high $90,000 for the 4S, and over $130,000 for the Turbo before options.

In a press release, Porsche stated that the Taycan would have coast-to-coast travel capabilities in the United States, thanks to a partnership with Electrify America. Dealers across the US would also be installing fast chargers on their outlets. The company would be releasing home charging equipment as well, to allow owners to charge their vehicles at home.

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

Elon Musk sends stern warning to Tesla vandals, doubters

Elon Musk sent another warning to vandals that have attacked Tesla for political reasons.

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NORAD and USNORTHCOM Public Affairs, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Elon Musk has sent a stern warning to Tesla vandals, doubters, and attackers, who have subjected the company and its owners to political violence through arson and other modes of retaliation.

Over the past few months, Tesla showrooms and vehicles have been hit with numerous attacks from those who have opposed Musk and his political involvement with the Trump Administration. Although Musk has stepped back from his role within government significantly since the start of May, the company is still looked at as a political target.

While the White House has put a clear-cut line on the acts, calling them domestic terrorism and holding those responsible for the damage they have done, there are still numerous and daily instances of keying cars or worse.

Yesterday, Musk continued to send stern warnings to those who oppose Tesla and choose to handle their distaste for the company with violence and vandalism. In a Bloomberg interview at the Qatar Economic Forum, Musk was asked if he took what has happened to Tesla “over the past few months personally.”

Musk replied simply but sternly: “Yes.”

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He went on to say that not only will those who vandalized the company and its products owned by consumers be held to the fullest extent of the law, but also those who fund it.

Musk also said during a CNBC interview yesterday that very few people buy a company’s products because of the CEO’s political beliefs, and many people do not even know where those CEOs stand on various social issues.

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Although Musk has gone out of his way to be transparent about his beliefs, he has a valid point. He obviously felt that, because of his influence, he held a duty to uphold American values and protect what he felt was an attack on free speech and human rights.

Disagreeing with Musk and his political stances is totally reasonable, but damaging products that consumers bought from his companies is not impacting him directly. Instead, it is making consumers’ lives more difficult.

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Tesla Model 3 gets perfect 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating

Tesla prides itself on producing some of the safest vehicles on the road today.

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Credit: Tesla Singapore/X

Tesla prides itself on producing some of the safest vehicles on the road today. Based on recent findings from the Euro NCAP, the 2025 Model 3 sedan continues this tradition, with the vehicle earning a 5-star overall safety rating from the agency.

Standout Safety Features

As could be seen on the Euro NCAP’s official website, the 2025 Model 3 achieved an overall score of 90% for Adult Occupants, 93% for Child Occupants, 89% for Vulnerable Road Users, and 87% for Safety Assist. This rating, as per the Euro NCAP, applies to the Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive, Long Range Rear Wheel Drive, Long Range All Wheel Drive, and Performance All Wheel Drive.

The Euro NCAP highlighted a number of the Model 3’s safety features, such as its Active Hood, which automatically lifts during collisions to mitigate injury risks to vulnerable road users, and Automatic Emergency Braking System, which now detects motorcycles through an upgraded algorithm. The Euro NCAP also mentioned the Model 3’s feature that prevents initial door opening if someone is approaching the vehicle’s blind spot.

Standout Safety Features

In a post on its official Tesla Europe & Middle East account, Tesla noted that the company is also introducing new features that make the Model 3 even safer than it is today. These include functions like head-on collision avoidance and crossing traffic AEB, as well as Child Left Alone Detection, among other safety features.

“We also introduced new features to improve Safety Assist functionality even further – like head-on collision avoidance & crossing traffic AEB – to detect & respond to potential hazards faster, helping avoid accidents in the first place. 

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“Lastly, we released Child Left Alone Detection – if an unattended child is detected, the vehicle will turn on HVAC & alert caregivers via phone app & the vehicle itself (flashing lights/audible alert). Because we’re using novel in-cabin radar sensing, your Tesla is able to distinguish between adult vs child – reduced annoyance to adults, yet critical safety feature for kids,” Tesla wrote in its post on X.

Below is the Euro NCAP’s safety report on the 2025 Tesla Model 3 sedan.

Euroncap 2025 Tesla Model 3 Datasheet by Simon Alvarez on Scribd

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Elon Musk

USDOT Secretary visits Tesla Giga Texas, hints at national autonomous vehicle standards

The Transportation Secretary also toured the factory’s production lines and spoke with CEO Elon Musk.

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Credit: Elon Musk/X

United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy recently visited Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas complex, where he toured the factory’s production lines and spoke with CEO Elon Musk. In a video posted following his Giga Texas visit, Duffy noted that he believes there should be a national standard for autonomous vehicles in the United States.

Duffy’s Giga Texas Visit

As could be seen in videos of his Giga Texas visit, the Transportation Secretary seemed to appreciate the work Tesla has been doing to put the United States in the forefront of innovation. “Tesla is one of the many companies helping our country reach new heights. USDOT will be right there all the way to make sure Americans stay safe,” Duffy wrote in a post on X. 

He also praised Tesla for its autonomous vehicle program, highlighting that “We need American companies to keep innovating so we can outcompete the rest of the world.”

National Standard

While speaking with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the Transportation Secretary stated that other autonomous ride-hailing companies have been lobbying for a national standard for self-driving cars. Musk shared the sentiment, stating that “It’d be wonderful for the United States to have a national set of rules for autonomous driving as opposed to 50 independent sets of rules on a state-by-state rules basis.”

Duffy agreed with the CEO’s point, stating that, “You can’t have 50 different rules for 50 different states. You need one standard.” He also noted that the Transportation Department has asked autonomous vehicle companies to submit data. By doing so, the USDOT could develop a standard for the entire United States, allowing self-driving cars to operate in a manner that is natural and safe.

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