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Tesla launches its UK Energy Plan, hints at upcoming Virtual Power Plant project
Tesla has launched its Energy Plan for the United Kingdom. This marks one of the first big moves Tesla Energy has taken to become a viable a utility service option in the country.
IT professional and environmentalist Mark W. Tebutt (@mwt2008 on Twitter) received a very intriguing email from the EV automaker about its Tesla Energy Plan. According to the screenshot @mwt2008 shared, Tesla has partnered with Octopus Energy in the UK to administer its energy plan to customers.
Octopus Energy has a lot in common with Tesla, including its disruptive nature. The UK-based energy service provider wrote on its official website that it entered the industry to “disrupt the status quo with energy that’s good for the planet, good for your wallet, and honestly, good for your soul.”
In the UK, energy suppliers set a default price, called tariffs, for services. The Tesla Energy Plan in the UK offers a 24/7 import and export (charging and discharging) rate of 8p(pence)/kWh to Tesla vehicle owners and 11p/kWh for those who are non-Tesla vehicle owners, as per the electric car maker’s FAQ page for its Energy Plan.
According to Octopus Energy, the Tesla Energy Plan has the lowest import flat rate in the UK energy market as of October 2020. UK Power stated that the average tariff is 14.40p/kWh in the UK. The tariff can vary depending on the location.
-->The Energy Plan works with Tesla’s Powerwall, solar panels, and Solar Roof products. Although Tesla Solar Roof is currently not available for purchase in the UK. The email did not mention if the Energy Plan worked exclusively with Tesla products or if customers with solar panels from other companies could use the service as well.
Tesla appears to have designed its Energy Plan to work on two levels in the UK. First, it offers Tesla’s products, notably its Powerwall home battery, to customers. Second, it will help build Tesla’s “large” UK Virtual Power Plant through the Powerwalls.
Octopus Energy broke down the key benefits of the Tesla Energy Plan. They are listed below.
- Power your home and EV with 100% clean energy
- Reduce your electricity bills
- Support the grid when it needs it most
- Reduce reliance on the grid
- Protect your home from power cuts
- Be part of Tesla’s first UK Virtual Power Plant
- Receive introductory offers
In May 2020, Tesla filed to become a full-blown energy provider in the UK. The Tesla Energy Plan it released in conjunction with Octopus Energy may be the first fruits of that application.
Tesla’s Energy division has been lying in the background of the company’s EV manufacturing department for some time. It has made some subtle waves in the US’ residential battery storage market over the years, and high-profile projects like the Hornsdale Power Reserve have caught headlines, but Tesla Energy has really started showing its worth this year.
Since the beginning of the year, Solar Roof V3 installations have been ramping, and the company’s flagship energy storage unit, the Megapack, has become a key component of massive projects such as the giant battery farm in Moss Landing. In its Q3 update letter, Tesla reported reaching record deployments of 759 MWh, and in the company’s earnings call, Elon Musk noted that Solar Roof will prove to be a killer product next year.
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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.
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.
-->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.
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.
-->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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Tesla Semi factory looks almost complete during Thanksgiving weekend
Based on recent drone videos, the Tesla Semi factory looks practically ready to start operations.
It appears that the Tesla Semi factory near Giga Nevada is already hard at work preparing for the initial production of the Class 8 all-electric truck. This was, at least, hinted at in a recent drone flyover of the facility from a longtime watcher.
The Tesla Semi factory after Thanksgiving
Drone operator and Tesla Semi advocate @HinrichsZane recently shared some footage he captured of the upcoming facility during the Thanksgiving weekend. Based on his video, it appears that Tesla gave its employees in the area the weekend off. One thing is evident from the video, however, and that is the fact that the Tesla Semi factory looks practically ready to start operations.
The Tesla Semi watcher did point out that the electric vehicle maker is still busy bringing in production equipment into the facility itself. Once these are installed, it would not be surprising if initial production of the Tesla Semi begins.
A new Tesla Semi
The upcoming completion of the Tesla Semi factory near Gigafactory Nevada seems all but inevitable in the coming months. What would be especially interesting, however, would be the vehicles that would be produced on the site. During Elon Musk’s presentation at the 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting, a glimpse of the production Tesla Semi was shown, and it looks quite a bit different than the Class 8 all-electric truck’s classic appearance.
As could be seen in the graphic from the CEO’s presentation, the updated Tesla Semi will feature slim lightbar headlights similar to the new Tesla Model Y, Cybertruck, and the Cybercab. Tesla also teased a number of aerodynamic improvements that increased the truck’s efficiency to 1.7 kWh per mile. Extended camera units, seemingly for FSD, could also be seen in the graphic.
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Tesla continues growing its Cybercab production team with new job listings
Tesla starts laying the groundwork for FSD tests in Austria
