Connect with us
Elon Musk Elon Musk

News

Tesla and Elon Musk passed up on 2023 ‘World’s Greatest Disruptors’ list

Credit: Tesla

Published

on

Newsweek has published its annual “World’s Greatest Disruptors” list for the automotive industry, notably excluding both Tesla and Elon Musk.

No matter how you view Tesla CEO Elon Musk, his impact on the automotive industry and the world is clear, and at no time has it been more so than this year. Every significant automaker globally now plans to produce electric vehicles, and the man and company that started this process were Elon Musk and Tesla. Nonetheless, Musk’s impact is still debated, which is on clear display today, as Newsweek passed up on the CEO and his company on its annual “World’s Greatest Disruptors” list.

Newsweek’s Disruptors list comprises nine categories, including both brands and their executives. This year’s winners are as follows:

  • Visionary of the Year Award – Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of BMW
  • Executive of the Year Award – Akio Toyoda, Chairman of the Board of Toyota Motor Corporation
  • Designer of the Year Award – Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer, Hyundai Motor Group
  • R&D Team of the Year Award – BMW
  • Powertrain of the Year Award – Lucid Motors
  • Marketing of the Year Award – Genesis
  • Sustainability of the Year Award – Lamborghini
  • The Technology of the Year Award – Ford Pro
  • Legacy of Disruption Award – Torsten Muller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce

“These auto disruptors are changing not just the way we drive but the way we live,” said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief, Newsweek. “Most of us spend a lot of time in our cars. Our honorees are making cars more sustainable, safer, more accessible, more comfortable and even more interactive.”

Ironically, Tesla has won numerous awards and recognitions globally for its focus on sustainability, safety, and accessibility. Most recently, Tesla outlined how it continues to reduce its global carbon emissions and rare earth materials use at its Investor Day event earlier this year, both of which are industry-leading actions.

Further, Tesla’s most popular models, the Model 3 and Model Y, have consistently been awarded top safety scores in Europe and the United States.

Advertisement

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Tesla vehicles have become more accessible than ever, not only because of software improvements but also because of incredible price cuts. These dramatic improvements have allowed more people to electrify transport globally than ever before.

There is no doubt that Tesla has a lot of work to do to achieve its goals of carbon neutrality and helping shift the world to an “electrified economy.” Nonetheless, the company and its founder’s absence from traditional awards is troubling. Hopefully, the work that Tesla has put in to improve humanity can be recognized in the near future, but there is no doubt that with or without the awards, the effects of Tesla’s actions are being felt worldwide.

What do you think of the article? Do you have any comments, questions, or concerns? Shoot me an email at william@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @WilliamWritin. If you have news tips, email us at tips@teslarati.com!

Will is an auto enthusiast, a gear head, and an EV enthusiast above all. From racing, to industry data, to the most advanced EV tech on earth, he now covers it at Teslarati.

Elon Musk

Tesla Supercharger Diner food menu gets a sneak peek as construction closes out

What are you ordering at the Tesla Diner?

Published

on

Credit: BradGoldbergMD | X

The Tesla Supercharger Diner in Los Angeles is nearing completion as construction appears to be winding down significantly. However, the more minor details, such as what the company will serve at its 50s-style diner for food, are starting to be revealed.

Tesla’s Supercharger Diner is set to open soon, seven years after CEO Elon Musk first drafted the idea in a post on X in 2018. Musk has largely come through on most of what he envisioned for the project: the diner, the massive movie screens, and the intended vibe are all present, thanks to the aerial and ground footage shared on social media.

We already know the Diner will be open 24/7, based on decals placed on the front door of the restaurant that were shared earlier this week. We assume that Tesla Optimus will come into play for these long and uninterrupted hours.

The Tesla Diner is basically finished—here’s what it looks like

As far as the food, Tesla does have an email also printed on the front door of the Diner, but we did not receive any response back (yet) about what cuisine it will be offering. We figured it would be nothing fancy and it would be typical diner staples: burgers, fries, wings, milkshakes, etc.

Advertisement

According to pictures taken by @Tesla_lighting_, which were shared by Not a Tesla App, the food will be just that: quick and affordable meals that diners do well. It’s nothing crazy, just typical staples you’d find at any diner, just with a Tesla twist:

As the food menu is finalized, we will be sure to share any details Tesla provides, including a full list of what will be served and its prices.

Additionally, the entire property appears to be nearing its final construction stages, and it seems it may even be nearing completion. The movie screens are already up and showing videos of things like SpaceX launches.

Advertisement

There are many cars already using the Superchargers at the restaurant, and employees inside the facility look to be putting the finishing touches on the interior.

It’s almost reminiscent of a Tesla version of a Buc-ee’s, a southern staple convenience store that offers much more than a traditional gas station. Of course, Tesla’s version is futuristic and more catered to the company’s image, but the idea is the same.

Advertisement

It’s a one-stop shop for anything you’d need to recharge as a Tesla owner. Los Angeles building permits have not yet revealed the date for the restaurant’s initial operation, but Tesla may have its eye on a target date that will likely be announced during next week’s Earnings Call.

Continue Reading

News

Tesla’s longer Model Y did not scale back requests for this vehicle type from fans

Tesla fans are happy with the new Model Y, but they’re still vocal about the need for something else.

Published

on

Credit: AlwinArt/Twitter

Tesla launched a slightly longer version of the Model Y all-electric crossover in China, and with it being extremely likely that the vehicle will make its way to other markets, including the United States, fans are still looking for something more.

The new Model Y L in China boasts a slightly larger wheelbase than its original version, giving slightly more interior room with a sixth seat, thanks to a third row.

Tesla exec hints at useful and potentially killer Model Y L feature

Tesla has said throughout the past year that it would focus on developing its affordable, compact models, which were set to begin production in the first half of the year. The company has not indicated whether it met that timeline or not, but many are hoping to see unveilings of those designs potentially during the Q3 earnings call.

However, the modifications to the Model Y, which have not yet been officially announced for any markets outside of China, still don’t seem to be what owners and fans are looking forward to. Instead, they are hoping for something larger.

Advertisement

A few months ago, I reported on the overall consensus within the Tesla community that the company needs a full-size SUV, minivan, or even a cargo van that would be ideal for camping or business use.

Tesla is missing one type of vehicle in its lineup and fans want it fast

That mentality still seems very present amongst fans and owners, who state that a full-size SUV with enough seating for a larger family, more capability in terms of cargo space for camping or business operation, and something to compete with gas cars like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, or electric ones like the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ.

We asked the question on X, and Tesla fans were nearly unanimously in support of a larger SUV or minivan-type vehicle for the company’s lineup:

Here’s what some of the respondents said:

Tesla is certainly aware that many of its owners would like the company to develop something larger that competes with the large SUVs on the market.

However, it has not stated that anything like that is in the current plans for future vehicles, as it has made a concerted effort to develop Robotaxi alongside the affordable, compact models that it claims are in development.

It has already unveiled the Robovan, a people-mover that can seat up to 20 passengers in a lounge-like interior.

The Robovan will be completely driverless, so it’s unlikely we will see it before the release of a fully autonomous Full Self-Driving suite from Tesla.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Energy

Tesla launches first Virtual Power Plant in UK – get paid to use solar

Tesla has launched its first-ever Virtual Power Plant program in the United Kingdom.

Published

on

Credit: Tesla Energy | X

Tesla has launched its first-ever Virtual Power Plant program in the United Kingdom. This feature enables users of solar panels and energy storage systems to sell their excess energy back to the grid.

Tesla is utilizing Octopus Energy, a British renewable energy company that operates in multiple markets, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States, as the provider for the VPP launch in the region.

The company states that those who enroll in the program can earn up to £300 per month.

Tesla has operated several VPP programs worldwide, most notably in California, Texas, Connecticut, and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. This is not the first time Tesla has operated a VPP outside the United States, as there are programs in Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

This is its first in the UK:

Advertisement

Advertisement

Tesla is not the only company that is working with Octopus Energy in the UK for the VPP, as it joins SolarEdge, GivEnergy, and Enphase as other companies that utilize the Octopus platform for their project operations.

It has been six years since Tesla launched its first VPP, as it started its first in Australia back in 2019. In 2024, Tesla paid out over $10 million to those participating in the program.

Tesla VPP program in California hits new capacity milestone

Participating in the VPP program that Tesla offers not only provides enrolled individuals with the opportunity to earn money, but it also contributes to grid stabilization by supporting local energy grids.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending