Tesla’s AI Day is here. In a few minutes, Tesla watchers would be seeing executives like Elon Musk provide an in-depth discussion on the company’s AI efforts on not just its automotive business but on its energy business and beyond as well. AI Day promises to be yet another tour-de-force of technical information from the electric car manufacturer. Thus, it is no surprise that there is a lot of excitement from the EV community heading into the event.
Tesla has kept the details of AI Day behind closed doors, so the specifics of the actual event are scarce. That being said, an AI Day agenda sent to attendees indicated that they could expect to hear Elon Musk speak during a live keynote, speak with Andrej Karpathy and the rest of Tesla’s AI engineers, and participate in breakout sessions with the teams behind Tesla’s AI development.
Similar to Autonomy Day and Battery Day, Teslarati would be following along on AI Day’s discussions to provide you with an updated account of the highly-anticipated event. Please refresh this page from time to time, as notes, details, and quotes from Elon Musk’s keynote and its following discussions will be posted here.
Simon 19:40 PT – A question about the use cases for the Tesla Bot was asked. Musk notes that the Tesla Bot would start with boring, repetitive, work, or work that people would least like to do.
Simon 19:25 PT – A question about AI and manufacturing is asked and how it potentially relates to the “Alien Dreadnaught” concept. Musk notes that most of Tesla’s manufacturing today is already automated. Musk also noted that humanoid robots would be done either way, so it would be great for Tesla to do this project, and safely as well. “We’re making the pieces that would be useful for a humanoid robot, so we should probably make it. If we don’t someone else will — and we want to make sure it’s safe,” Musk said.
Simon 19:15 PT – And the Q&A starts. First question involves open-sourcing Tesla’s innovations. Musk notes that it’s pretty expensive to develop all this tech, so he’s not sure how things could be open-sourced. But if other car companies would like to license the system, that could be done.
Simon 19:11 PT – There will really be a “Tesla Bot.” It would be built by humans, for humans. It would be friendly, and it would eliminate dangerous, repetitive, boring tasks. This is still petty darn unreal. It uses the systems that are currently being developed for the company’s vehicles. “There will be profound applications for the economy,” Musk said.
Simon 19:06 PT – New products! A whole Tesla suit?! After a fun skit, Elon says the “Tesla Bot” would eventually be real.
Simon 19:00 PT – What is crazy is that Dojo is not even done. This is just what it is today. Dojo is still evolving, and it is going to be way more powerful in the future. Now, it’s Elon Musk’s turn. What’s next for Tesla beyond vehicles.
Simon 19:00 PT – Venkataramanan teases the ExaPOD. Yet another revolutionary solution from Tesla. With all this, it is evident that Tesla’s approach to autonomy is on a whole other level. It would not be surprising if it takes Wall Street and the market a few days to fully absorb what is happening here.
Simon 18:55 PT – The specs of Dojo are insane. Behind its beastly specs, it seems that Dojo’s full potential lies in the fact that all this power is being used to do one thing: to make autonomous cars possible. Dojo is a pure learning machine, with more than 500,000 training nodes being built together. Nine petaflops of compute per tile, 36 terabytes per second of off-tile bandwidth. But this is just the tip of the iceberg for Dojo.
Simon 18:50 PT – Ganesh Venkataramanan, Project Dojo’s lead, takes the stage. He states that Elon Musk wanted a super-fast training computer to train Autopilot. And thus Project Dojo was born. Dojo is a distributed compute architecture connected by network fabric. It also has a large compute plane, extremely high bandwidth with low latencies, and big networks that are partitioned and mapped, to name a few.
Simon 18:45 PT – Milan Kovac, Tesla’s Director of Autopilot Engineering takes the stage. He notes that he would discuss how neural networks are run in the company’s cars. He notes that Tesla’s systems require supercomputers.
Simon 18:40 PT – Ashok notes that simulations have helped Tesla a lot already. It has, for example, helped the company identify pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle detection and kinematics. The networks in the vehicles were traded to 371 million simulated images and 480 million cuboids.
Simon 18:35 PT – Ashok notes that these strategies ultimately helped Tesla retire radar from its FSD and Autopilot suite and adopt a pure vision model. A comparison between a radar+camera system and pure vision shows just how much more refined the company’s current strategy is. The executive also touched on how simulations help Tesla develop its self-driving systems. He states that simulations help when data is difficult to source, difficult to label, or in a closed loop.
Simon 18:30 PT – Ashok returns to discuss Auto Labeling. Simply put, there is so much labeling that needs to be done that it’s impossible to be done manually. He shows how roads and other items on the road are “reconstructed” from a single car that’s driving. This effectively allowed Tesla to label data much faster, while allowing vehicles to navigate safely and accurately even when occlusions are present.
Simon 18:25 PT – Karpathy returns to talk about manual labeling. He notes that manual labeling that’s outsourced to third-party firms is not optimal. Thus, in the spirit of vertical integration, Tesla opted to establish its own labeling team. Karpathy notes that in the beginning, that Tesla was using 2D image labeling. Eventually, Tesla transitioned to 4D labeling, where the company could label in vector space. But even this was not enough, and thus, auto labeling was developed.
Simon 18:23 PT – The executive states that traffic behavior is extremely complicated, especially in several parts of the world. Ashok notes that this partly illustrated by parking lots and how they are actually complex. Summoning a car from a parking lot, for example, used to utilize 400k notes to navigate, resulting in a system whose performance left much to be desired.
Simon 18:18 PT – Ashok notes that when driving alongside other cars, Autopilot must not only think about how they would drive, they must also think about how other cars would operate. He shows a video of a Tesla navigating a road and dealing with multiple vehicles to demonstrate this point.
Simon 18:15 PT – Director of Autopilot Software Ashok Elluswamy takes the stage. He starts off by discussing some key problems in planning in both non-convex and high-dimensional action spaces. He also shows Tesla’s solution to these issues, a “Hybrid Planning System.” He demonstrates this by showing how Autopilot performs a lane change.
Simon 18:10 PT – Karpathy’s discussion notes that today, Tesla’s FSD strategy is a lot more cohesive. This is demonstrated by the fact that the company’s vehicles could effectively draw a map in real-time as it drives. This is a massive difference compared to the pre-mapped strategies employed by rivals in both the automotive and software field like Super Cruise and Waymo.
To solve several problems encountered over the last few years with the previous suite, Tesla re-engineered their NN learning from the ground up and utilized a multi-head route, camera calibrations, caching, queues, and optimizations to streamline all tasks.
(heavily simplified) pic.twitter.com/LG2TRgjxip
— Teslascope (@teslascope) August 20, 2021
Simon 18:05 PT – The AI Director discusses how Tesla practically re-engineered their neural network learning from the ground-up and utilized a multi-head route. These include camera calibrations, caching, queues, and optimizations to streamline all tasks. Do note that this is an extremely simplified iteration of Karpathy’s discussion so far.
Simon 18:00 PT – Karpathy covers more challenges that are involved in even the basics of perception. Needless to say, AI Day is quickly proving to be Tesla’s most technical event right off the bat. That said, multi-camera networks are amazing. They’re just a ton of work, but it may very well be a silver bullet for Tesla’s predictive efforts.
Simon 17:56 PT – Karpathy showcases a video of how Tesla used to process its image data in the past. He shows a popular video for FSD that has been shared in the past. He notes that while great, such a system proved to be inadequate, and this is something that Tesla learned when it launched Smart Summon. While per-camera detection is great, the vector space proves inadequate.
Simon 17:55 PT – Karpathy noted that when Tesla designs the visual cortex in its car, the company is modeling it to how a biological vision is perceived by eyes. He also touches on how Tesla’s visual processing strategies have evolved over the years, and how it is done today. The AI Director also touches on Tesla’s “HydraNets,” on account of their multi-task learning capabilities.
Simon 17:51 PT – Karpathy starts off by discussing the visual component of Tesla’s AI, as characterized by the eight cameras used in the company’s vehicles. The AI director notes that AI could be considered like a biological being, and it’s built from the ground up, including its synthetic visual cortex.
Simon 17:48 PT – Elon Musk takes the stage. He apologizes for the event’s delay. He jokes that Tesla probably needs AI to solve these “technical difficulties.” The CEO highlights that AI Day is a recruitment event. He calls Tesla’s head of AI Andrej Karpathy. There’s no better person to discuss AI.
Simon 17:45 PT – We’re here watching the AI Day FSD preview video and we can’t help but notice that… are those Waypoints?!
Simon 17:38 PT – Looks like we’ve got an Elon sighting! And a preview video too! Here we go, folks!
We’ve got an Elon sighting
— Rob Maurer (@TeslaPodcast) August 20, 2021
Simon 17:30 PT – A 30-minute delay. We haven’t seen this much delay in quite a bit.
Simon 17:20 PT – It’s a good thing that Tesla has great taste in music. Did Grimes mix this track?
Simon 17:15 PT – We’re 15 minutes in. “Elon Time” is going strong on AI Day. To be honest, though, this music would fit the “Rave Cave” in Giga Berlin this coming October.
Simon 17:10 PT – A good thing to keep in mind is that AI Day is a recruitment event. Some food for thought just in case the discussions take a turn for the extremely technical. AI Day is designed to attract individuals who speak Tesla’s language in its rawest form. We’re just fortunate enough to come along for the ride.
Tesla Board Member Hiro Mizuno sums it up in this tweet pretty well.
Anybody passionate about real world AI !! https://t.co/ydaWQlkE4O
— HIRO MIZUNO (@hiromichimizuno) August 20, 2021
Simon 17:05 PT – I guess AI Day is starting on “Elon Time?” We’re on to the next track of chill music.
Simon 17:00 PT – And with 5 p.m. PST here, the music is officially live on the AI Day live stream. Looks like we’re in for some wait. Wonder how many minutes it would take before it starts? Gotta love this chill music though.
Simon 16:58 PT – While waiting, I can’t help but think that a ton of TSLA bears and Wall Street would likely not understand the nuances of what Tesla would be discussing today. Will Tesla go three-for-three? It was certainly the case with Battery Day and Autonomy Day.
Made it pic.twitter.com/aAWqxgf0bP
— Johnna (@JohnnaCrider1) August 19, 2021
Simon 16:55 PT – T-minus 5 minutes. Some attendees of AI Day are now posting some photos on Twitter, but it seems like photos and videos are not allowed on the actual venue of the event. Pretty much expected, I guess.
Simon 16:50 PT – Greetings, everyone, and welcome to another Live Blog. This is Tesla’s most technical event yet, so I expect this one to go extremely in-depth on the company’s AI efforts and the technology behind it. We’re pretty excited.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to tips@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.
News
Tesla Semi gets strange-but-understandable comparison from Jay Leno
In a recent interview with MotorTrend, legendary comedian and automotive enthusiast Jay Leno shared his impressions after driving Tesla’s long-range Semi truck, offering one of the most vivid descriptions to date:
The Tesla Semi recently received a strange-but-understandable comparison from automotive enthusiast and former long-time late-night television show host Jay Leno.
In a recent interview with MotorTrend, legendary comedian and automotive enthusiast Jay Leno shared his impressions after driving Tesla’s long-range Semi truck, offering one of the most vivid descriptions to date:
“It’s like driving an office building.”
The comparison may seem quirky—office buildings evoke images of immobility rather than motion—but it aptly conveys the experience of commanding a massive 23,000-pound Class 8 electric truck that delivers sports-car acceleration.
Lenotested the production-spec Long Range model, which is rated for up to 500 miles of range. He was visibly impressed by its performance, noting how the enormous vehicle moves with surprising urgency.
“It’s as fast as a Tesla, but it’s like driving an office building,” he remarked. “It’s this huge thing that moves like right now. You go 500 miles. You get 60% charge in 30 minutes. You’re saving on fuel costs. It seems quite good.”
Jay Leno in new interview on what it’s like to drive the @Tesla Semi:
“I was quite impressed with that. It’s a fast as a Tesla, but it’s like driving an office building. It’s this huge thing that moves like right now. You go 500 miles. You get 60% charge in 30 mins. You’re… pic.twitter.com/YU7tk6a6pV
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) May 8, 2026
The reaction highlights the cognitive dissonance at the core of the Tesla Semi. Traditional diesel semi-trucks are slow, noisy, and expensive to run. The Semi rewrites the rules with instant torque from its tri-motor electric powertrain, producing up to 800 kW.
Despite its size, the truck feels agile thanks to full electric steering assist, upgraded actuators borrowed from the Cybertruck, and a 48-volt electrical architecture that improves responsiveness and efficiency.
Tesla reports real-world energy consumption below 1.7 kWh per mile for the Long Range version. Megacharger stations can deliver a 60% charge in roughly 30 minutes, making the truck suitable for long-haul operations.
Additional features include an electric Power Take-Off (ePTO) capable of 25 kW for trailer refrigeration or other equipment, and a driver-focused cab with a central seating position for optimal visibility and a quiet, high-tech interior.
Fleet operators stand to benefit significantly from the economics. Diesel trucks often cost nearly one dollar per mile when including fuel, maintenance, and downtime.
Tesla projects the Semi can reduce operating costs to as low as 15 cents per mile through cheaper electricity, regenerative braking that minimizes brake wear, and reduced service requirements. While early deployments, like Pepsi’s, focused on shorter routes, the 500-mile variant targets cross-country applications.
Obstacles remain. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can reach 80,000 pounds, which reduces real-world range compared to the unloaded test conditions. Building out a nationwide Megacharger network will be essential for broader adoption. The Semi also carries a higher upfront price than conventional diesels, though total cost of ownership and available incentives frequently tip the scales in its favor over time.
Tesla Semi hauls fresh Cybercab batch as Robotaxi era takes hold
Leno’s “office building” description resonates because it captures the unexpected thrill of piloting something so large yet so capable. As the trucking industry faces pressure to cut emissions and control rising fuel expenses, the Semi offers a compelling alternative that excels in performance, comfort, and efficiency.
Coming from a man who has driven everything from vintage classics to modern hypercars, Leno’s genuine enthusiasm adds weight to the verdict.
The Tesla Semi is emerging as more than an experimental EV—it represents a practical vision for the future of heavy-duty transport where massive rigs accelerate instantly, and the numbers finally make sense. If fleet results continue to validate the claims, the era of diesel dominance could be drawing to a close.
News
Tesla expands its mass-market color palette in the U.S.
Delivering a fresh splash of color to its lineup, Tesla is giving U.S. buyers two stunning new blue options that are already turning heads.
Tesla has expanded the color palette it offers on its mass market vehicles in the United States, giving buyers of the Model 3 and Model Y a few additional options than before.
Delivering a fresh splash of color to its lineup, Tesla is giving U.S. buyers two stunning new blue options that are already turning heads. Starting on May 8, the automaker updated its North American configurator to introduce Marine Blue on Model Y Premium trims and Frost Blue exclusively on the Model 3 Performance.
Tesla Model Y and Model 3 Premium get Marine Blue for $1000 in the U.S.!
What do you think? pic.twitter.com/3FqMXcnmru
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) May 8, 2026
The move replaces the long-running Deep Blue Metallic, a staple for over eight years, and brings previously exclusive shades stateside.
Marine Blue, a deep, rich oceanic hue formerly limited to Europe and Asia-Pacific markets, is now available on Model 3 and Model Y RWD and Long Range AWD Premium variants. Priced at a $1,000 upgrade—standard for Tesla’s premium paints—it delivers a sophisticated, metallic finish that shifts beautifully under light.
Tesla Model Y and Model 3 Premium get Marine Blue for $1000 in the U.S.!
What do you think? pic.twitter.com/3FqMXcnmru
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) May 8, 2026
Tesla North America highlighted the change directly in an official post, confirming Marine Blue as the new flagship blue for non-Performance models.
Frost Blue, on the other hand, is the real crowd-pleaser for enthusiasts. Previously reserved for the flagship Model S and Model X, this lighter, icy metallic shade is now offered at no extra cost on Model 3 Performance and Model Y Performance trims.
Frost Blue now available on Tesla Model 3 Performance 😤 pic.twitter.com/rLOEh4pTkp
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) May 8, 2026
Performance buyers effectively get a premium color included in the base price, a smart perk that Tesla has extended to higher-end variants across the board. Early in-person sightings and configurator renders show Frost Blue’s cool, modern vibe popping against the cars’ sleek lines, especially with black wheels and red brake calipers.
The timing couldn’t be better. With Tesla pushing refreshed Model 3 and Model Y refreshes amid growing competition, these updates add visual excitement without major redesigns.
Deep Blue Metallic orders are being transitioned to the new shades, according to customer reports and Tesla communications. In the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Mexico, the options are live now; Canada sees limited Frost Blue availability on the Model 3 Performance.
Tesla’s color strategy continues to evolve, borrowing from higher-end models to refresh mass-market EVs. Now that we bid farewell to the Model S and Model X, some of their colors might be available on the more widely available Model 3 and Model Y.
Elon Musk
Tesla Semi’s official battery capacity leaked by California regulators
A California regulatory filing just confirmed the exact battery size inside each Tesla Semi variant.
A regulatory filing published by the California Air Resources Board in April 2026 has put official numbers on what Tesla Semi owners and fleet buyers have long wanted confirmed: the exact battery capacities of both the Long Range and Standard Range Semi truck variants. CARB is California’s independent air quality regulator, and it certifies zero-emission powertrains before they can be sold or operated in the state. When a manufacturer submits a vehicle for certification, the resulting executive order becomes a public document, making it one of the most reliable sources for confirmed production specs on any EV.
The document lists two certified powertrain configurations. The Long Range Semi carries a usable battery capacity of 822 kWh, while the Standard Range version comes in at 548 kWh. Both use lithium-ion NCMA chemistry and share the same peak and steady-state motor output ratings of 800 kW and 525 kW respectively. Cross-referencing Tesla’s published efficiency figure of approximately 1.7 kWh per mile under full load, the 822 kWh pack supports roughly 480 miles of real-world range, which aligns closely with Tesla’s advertised 500-mile figure for the Long Range trim. The 548 kWh Standard Range pack works out to approximately 320 miles, again consistent with Tesla’s stated 325-mile target.
Here is a direct comparison of the two versions based on the CARB filing and published specs:
| Tesla Semi Spec | Long Range | Standard Range |
| Battery Capacity | 822 kWh | 548 kWh |
| Battery Chemistry | NCMA Li-Ion | NCMA Li-Ion |
| Peak Motor Power | 800 kW | 525 kW |
| Estimated Range | ~500 miles | ~325 miles |
| Efficiency | ~1.7 kWh/mile | ~1.7 kWh/mile |
| Est. Price | ~$290,000 | ~$260,000 |
| GVW Rating | 82,000 lbs | 82,000 lbs |
The timing of this certification is not incidental. On April 29, 2026, Semi Programme Director Dan Priestley confirmed on X that high-volume production is now ramping at Tesla’s dedicated 1.7-million-square-foot facility in Sparks, Nevada. A key advantage of the Nevada location is vertical integration: the 4680 battery cells powering the Semi are manufactured in the same complex, eliminating the supply chain bottleneck that had delayed the program for years.
Tesla’s long-term goal is to reach a production capacity of 50,000 trucks annually at the Nevada factory, which would represent roughly 20 percent of the entire North American Class 8 market. With CARB certification now in hand and the production line running, the regulatory and manufacturing groundwork for that target is in place.
Tesla Semi gets strange-but-understandable comparison from Jay Leno
Tesla expands its mass-market color palette in the U.S.
