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Musk confirms Tesla Minibus will be based on Model X chassis

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Tesla Minibus

The cat is out of the bag. Elon Musk confirmed via Twitter that a future Tesla Minibus will be built on a Model X chassis. How this came to light is interesting. Last week, Jason Torchinsky of Jalopnik picked up on something Elon Musk said in his Master Plan, Part Deux:

“With the advent of autonomy, it will probably make sense to shrink the size of buses and transition the role of bus driver to that of fleet manager. Traffic congestion would improve due to increased passenger areal density by eliminating the center aisle and putting seats where there are currently entryways, and matching acceleration and braking to other vehicles, thus avoiding the inertial impedance to smooth traffic flow of traditional heavy buses.

“It would also take people all the way to their destination. Fixed summon buttons at existing bus stops would serve those who don’t have a phone. Design accommodates wheelchairs, strollers and bikes.”

Torchinsky thought about that and decided the Model X would make the perfect platform for just such a minibus. So he penned a concept sketch and included it in a Jalopnik article. In his view, the Tesla could be a worthy successor to the original Volkswagen Kombi/Transporter so beloved by the Woodstock Generation. Then this happened:

Now we know Tesla has plans to build a minibus but we don’t know when. If it waits until fully autonomous vehicles get the blessing of state and federal regulators, it could be years away from production. But if Tesla decides to bring it to market sooner as a people mover for those who need maximum carrying capacity, it could well have a best seller on its hands.

Elon is known to strongly dislike the sliding side doors common on most minivans, but perhaps a minibus with sliding doors could be manufactured for less money than the one with falcon wing doors? The difference in mechanical complexity between the two systems must be substantial.

The fact that Elon acknowledged the Minibus idea on Twitter indicates it has gotten more than passing consideration internally. Could this be the much anticipated Model Y?

Photo credit: Jason Torchinsky

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Tesla reveals its first Semi customer after launch

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla revealed its first customer for the all-electric Semi truck after it launches next year. Who it truly is should not be a surprise.

The Semi is going to finally start deliveries to new companies outside of Tesla’s pilot program starting in 2026. The company has been building a dedicated production facility in Reno, Nevada, that has finally taken shape, but Tesla was evidently not finished with the Semi’s development.

Tesla shares rare peek at Semi factory’s interior

Last week at the Annual Shareholder Meeting, Tesla said it had implemented some new designs into the Semi, helping with efficiency, updating its design, and making it a more suitable vehicle for hauling loads, as the changes also helped increase payload.

Tesla has obtained a lengthy list of companies that have committed to implementing the Semi in their own fleets, hoping to bring their logistics lineups up to date with electric powertrains and autonomous technologies.

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While it is already operating a pilot program with PepsiCo. and Frito-Lay, Tesla will expand to other businesses, primarily using it internally after its launch.

Head of the Semi program at Tesla, Dan Priestley, said the company would be the first user of the vehicle after its launch next year. It has been using it to a certain extent, but the company has not been able to completely abandon gas haulers.

Instead, it will implement the Semi into its fleet for more sustainable vehicle logistics starting next year:

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Tesla has already received orders for the Semi from a variety of large companies, including Walmart, Sysco, Anheuser-Busch, UPS, DHL, J.B. Hunt, among others.

Many analysts see the Tesla Semi as a major contributor to future growth and increasing value within the company, especially from a Wall Street perspective. Some firms say the Semi is one of several near and medium-term contributors to the company increasing its market cap.

Cantor Fitzgerald is just one of those firms, as last week it explicitly listed the Semi as a catalyst.

Analyst Andres Sheppard said, “Overall, we remain bullish on TSLA over the medium to long term. We continue to see meaningful future upside from Energy Storage & Deployment, FSD, Robotaxis/Cybercab, Semis, and Optimus Bots.”

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Tesla China rolls out Model Y L V2L adapter, and it’s free for early owners

Tesla China announced the rollout of the Model Y L’s AC external power adapter on social media platforms such as Weibo.

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Credit: Tesla China

Tesla China has released a useful new accessory for the Model Y L, and it is free for some owners. With the accessory, the Model Y L effectively becomes a giant power bank that owners can use to power appliances when they are camping, or if their homes are hit by a power outage. 

Tesla Model Y L V2L adapter

Tesla China announced the rollout of the Model Y L’s AC external power adapter on social media platforms such as Weibo. As per the product’s advertisement, the Model Y L could provide up to 2,200W of power with its adapter, allowing it to support numerous appliances on the go. Of course, but could also be used to charge devices during power outages. 

Tesla China notes that the adapter’s current is 220V, and it also features an IP44 protection grade. Tesla notes that the adapter could operate at temperatures between -30℃ ~ +50℃. The Model Y L’s V2L functionality would not work if the vehicle’s battery is less than 10%, however. 

Tesla China’s official shop is selling its AC external power adapter for a reasonable price. The product could be purchased for RMB599, which is equivalent to $85. That’s a great price for an accessory that could make car camping sessions several times more convenient.

Free for early Model Y L owners

While the Model Y L’s AC external power adapter is priced reasonably at the Tesla China shop, the accessory is available for free for early owners of the extended wheelbase six-seat all-electric crossover. This was highlighted in a message that Tesla China reportedly sent to owners of the vehicle.

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“Your Tesla account is eligible for a free Model Y L dedicated AC external power adapter. Please log in to the online store to add the adapter to your cart. Once the system verifies it correctly, the price will automatically change to 0 yuan before placing the order. We will send it to you via express delivery subsequently. 

“This free qualification is only for the first owner of the Model YL who did not receive an AC external power adapter at pickup, valid until February 28, 2026. Failure to place an order upon expiration will be considered as a waiver of eligibility. If there is a temporary shortage of goods, please be patient and we will reschedule the replenishment by the end of January 2026,” Tesla China wrote. 

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Tesla Cybertruck and Model 3 program manager steps down

The now-former executive played a central role in several of Tesla’s key milestones.

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Siddhant Awasthi, Tesla’s Program Manager for the Cybertruck and Model 3, has announced his departure after eight years with the company. Starting as an intern, Awasthi played a central role in several of Tesla’s key milestones, from the ramp-up of the Model 3 and Giga Shanghai to the launch of the long-awaited Cybertruck.

From intern to program leader

In a social media post, Awasthi described leaving Tesla as “one of the hardest decisions” of his life. He credited CEO Elon Musk, Tesla’s leadership team, and his colleagues for helping turn ambitious ideas into tangible vehicles. During his tenure, Awasthi contributed to Tesla’s global expansion and the evolution of its vehicle electronics and wireless systems, culminating in the Cybertruck’s long-anticipated rollout in late 2023.

He noted the intensity and innovation of his Tesla years, calling the experience “a thrilling journey” that shaped his career before the age of 30. “It’s been an absolute privilege,” he wrote, adding that working with “rockstar colleagues” made even the most demanding days worthwhile.

Tesla’s leadership transitions

Awasthi’s departure comes as Tesla continues to scale global operations and prepare for major product updates, including next-gen vehicle platforms and software-driven improvements. Despite stepping away, Awasthi voiced confidence in Tesla’s future. “I’m confident Tesla will nail its next big mission,” he said, highlighting his belief in the company’s capacity to deliver breakthrough products and improve safety for drivers worldwide.

“This decision wasn’t easy, especially with so much exciting growth on the horizon. Tesla vehicles are incredibly complex systems that often don’t get the credit they deserve, but I’ve witnessed firsthand how they’ve changed lives—for our customers, my friends, and my family—adding real value and, above all, improving safety. I’m confident Tesla will nail its next big mission (especially after last week), and I’m truly excited for the next chapter of my life,” the former Tesla executive wrote.

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