News
Tesla extends battery range for drivers in South Florida until October 1
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Tesla sent out an over-the-air software update that allowed Model S/X 60D drivers to extend their 75 kWh battery range from 210 to 249 miles. Tesla issued the update to help drivers flee from the hurricane, and apparently the company is allowing its drivers to enjoy the extended range through the end of the month.
Tesla drivers in South Florida received a notification from explaining that they would be able to continue using the 249-mile battery capacity until Oct. 1, according to a post from Ludachris9000 on the Tesla Subreddit.
“With the passing of Hurricane Irma, our thoughts are with you, your fellow Tesla drivers and all those affected by the storm,” the notification reads. “So that you may focus on what’s most important to you, we will return your vehicle’s battery to its original capacity on Oct. 1.”
The extended battery range is likely in response to the storm’s aftermath as well as the potential for more hurricanes in the near future.
Ludachris9000 was among the first to question the battery update once it was issued roughly two weeks ago.
“I’m in South Florida and I own a MS60. I just checked my app and look what it says. I’ve never been higher that 215 miles. Did Tesla do this for evacuations?” asked Redditor Ludachris9000.
Despite Tesla’s efforts to provide a beneficial upgrade for those who may have really needed it, many were bothered by Tesla’s decision. In the past, it was assumed that the vehicle range was the direct result of the battery size.
By providing an over-the-air range upgrade, Tesla conceded that the battery size in the Model S/X 60D is not what’s holding the vehicle back from better range. Instead, software prohibits that model from extending its range.
The unlockable battery upgrade was one of several features that could be enabled through a Tesla over-the-air software update. The program was designed to minimize the price barrier of entry by allowing buyers to pay less up front and have the option to upgrade at a later time through an in-car purchase.
While some Redditors were excited to have increased range through the end of the month, others were less than pleased.
BraveRock, a Reddit user, said “Tesla you just lost yourself a customer in AZ. I will never buy a car that is no longer offered by you!”
The user also linked to a separate thread by Arizona-Willie, which details the extent of Tesla’s ethical dilemma.
“Tesla is a very unethical company that rips off customers,” Redditor Arizona-Willie said. “They charge $7,000 dollars more if you want the maximum [battery] capacity. Most people presume it is a bigger battery and they were willing to pay for a bigger battery. NOT TRUE it’s the same damn battery but partially disconnected via software. All it takes is a software command to connect the entire battery and give you the full capacity.”
Despite the continued discussion, Tesla drivers in South Florida still get to enjoy the extended range until October.
News
Tesla China focuses on exports as Q2 begins
Year-to-date, Tesla China’s registrations are up 3%.
With the second quarter of 2025 now starting, Tesla China appears to have shifted gears, allocating Giga Shanghai’s Model 3 and Model Y output to foreign territories.
This was hinted at in Tesla China’s new vehicle registrations in the week of March 31 to April 6, 2025.
Tesla China Registrations
In the week ending April 6, Tesla China saw 3,600 new vehicle registrations. This represents a 82.6% week-over-week drop from the 21,000 insurance registrations that the company saw in the week ending March 30, but it also represents a 91.5% improvement compared to the registrations from the first week of Q2 2024. Year-to-date, Tesla China’s registrations are up 3%, which is impressive considering Giga Shanghai’s changeover to the new Model Y.
Tesla China does not report its weekly sales data, though a general idea of the company’s performance in the overall Chinese automotive market can be inferred through new vehicle registrations. Fortunately, these registrations are tracked closely by industry watchers as well as automakers like Li Auto.
Vehicle Export Hub
While the notable week-over-week drop in Tesla China’s registrations for the week ending April 6 may seem jarring, it should be noted that Giga Shanghai is the company’s vehicle export hub. Thus, it allocates a significant portion of its output to markets that are supplied by the factory. This is one of the reasons why Giga Shanghai only saw over 1,900 registrations in the first week of Q2 2024.
Tesla China typically spends the first weeks of a quarter exporting vehicles to foreign territories, before focusing Giga Shanghai’s output for domestic orders. Considering that the new Model Y has just been introduced to the market, it would not be surprising if Giga Shanghai starts focusing on the local market in the weeks to come.
News
Ford Launches Power Promise Program in the UK
The Ford Power Promise program is in the UK! Customers can get a free charger and save on home charging via Octopus Energy or ChargeGuru.
Ford launches its Power Promise program in the UK, boosting EV ownership perks.
“Last Oct., we launched the Ford Power Promise, with complementary home chargers and installation for new electric vehicle customers. Today, the program is launching in the UK! I’m excited more customers will be able to fill up at home to save time & money!” CEO Jim Farley posted on X.
The initiative rolls out across Great Britain and Northern Ireland with tailored partnerships.
In Great Britain, Ford Power Promise partnered with Octopus Energy to offer a free home charger and up to 10,000 miles of charging credit on the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff for eligible retail buyers of all-electric passenger cars ordered by June 30, 2025. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, Ford partnered with ChargeGuru for charger installations. The program excludes the Channel Islands.
Ford customers may receive some cost-saving benefits. Octopus Energy’s Go tariff and Ford’s Dynamic Charging capabilities could slash costs by up to 70%, alongside optional home charger setups. The legacy automaker’s push mirrors rivals like Volkswagen, which is taking advantage of expanding EV incentives in Europe.
The UK launch builds on Ford Power Promise’s debut, aiming to ease range anxiety and hook cost-conscious drivers. With Octopus and ChargeGuru in play, Ford’s EV strategy gains traction globally.
News
Elon Musk reportedly appealed to Trump over aggressive tariff policy: WaPo
The Washington Post cited two anonymous sources reportedly familiar with the matter.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reportedly made personal appeals to U.S. President Donald Trump over his aggressive tariffs policy.
The report was initially shared by The Washington Post, which cited two anonymous sources reportedly familiar with the matter.
The WaPo’s Claims
As per the Post, Musk’s personal appeals to Trump have not been successful so far, with the U.S. President stating on Monday that he could add new 50% tariffs on imports from China on top of the 34% he previously announced.
Trump did, however, also hint that he was open to negotiations on some aspects of his policy.
Musk and the Trump Administration
Musk’s alleged reservations about Trump’s tariffs would mark yet another time the CEO has found himself opposing some members of the U.S. President’s administration. Previously, Musk had also disagreed with some of Trump’s allies over issues like H1-B visas for skilled immigrants.
Recent reports have also suggested that Elon Musk’s role as a special government employee is ending, though the Trump administration has noted that the Tesla CEO will still play a pivotal role in the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
What the White House Press Secretary Says
In a statement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Trump administration is comprised of individuals who bring different ideas to the table.
“The President has put together a remarkable team of highly talented and experienced individuals who bring different ideas to the table, knowing that President Trump is the ultimate decision maker. When he makes a decision everyone rows in the same direction to execute. That’s why this Administration has done more in two months than the previous Admin did in four years,” she stated.
Tesla China focuses on exports as Q2 begins
Ford Launches Power Promise Program in the UK
Elon Musk reportedly appealed to Trump over aggressive tariff policy: WaPo
-
News4 days agoTesla rolls out new, more affordable trim of the Model Y Juniper in U.S.
-
Elon Musk2 weeks agoTesla CEO Elon Musk’s simple message to vandals
-
News6 days agoTesla shares Optimus’ improved walk in new update video
-
Elon Musk2 weeks agoTesla vandal who lit Las Vegas repair center on fire arrested
-
Elon Musk2 weeks agoElon Musk clarifies Trump tariff effect on Tesla: “The cost impact is not trivial”
-
News2 weeks agoTesla US Gigafactories shields from Trump’s 25% Tariffs
-
Elon Musk1 week agoMusk says xAI has acquired X in $33 billion stock deal
-
Elon Musk5 days agoTesla Germany reports 4,935 units sold in Q1 2025