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This Tesla Model 3 just set a new EV “Cannonball Run” record

Alex Roy and Daniel Zorrilla set EV Cannonball Run record in a Tesla Model 3 [Credit: Alex Roy via Twitter]

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A blue Tesla Model 3 unit with Aero Wheels has just set a new EV Cannonball Run record, traveling from California all the way to New York in 50 hours, 16 minutes and 32 seconds.

The 2,860-mile trip was pulled off by automotive journalist Alex Roy, along with Model 3 owner, Daniel Zorrilla, as noted in a report from The Drive. The pair started their journey on December 28, 2017, departing from the Portofino Inn in Redondo Beach, California and arriving at the Red Ball Garage in Manhattan, or a route otherwise recognized as the official course for a Cannonball Run.

Considering that Roy and Zorrilla did the cross-country run in the dead of winter, the two-day journey also ended up becoming an intense real-world test for the Model 3’s reliability and capability to survive in cold weather. The vehicle performed admirably during the record-setting journey, though Roy did tell his followers on Twitter that extreme cold “negatively affects” the Model 3. Roy asserted, however, that warmth also benefits the car. 

Regardless of Roy’s observations about the negative effects of extreme cold to the electric car, however, the Model 3’s feat is undeniable. Tesla’s newest vehicle, after all, not only reached its destination without any problems along the way; Roy and Zorrilla’s Model 3 also broke the records achieved by another Model 3 and multiple Model S.

The last Cannonball Run attempt in a Tesla involved a mysterious orange-wrapped Model 3 that was spotted driving across the country last October. The unofficial, unannounced attempt was reported by Teslarati during that time, and practically everything about the journey, from the vehicle’s owner to the specs of the Model 3 involved, were unknown. All that was stated then was that the electric car finished the run in 51 hours, 17 minutes.

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Before the unannounced Model 3 Cannonball Run back in October, the record for the fastest EV to cross the United States was held by Jordan Hart and Bradly D’Souza, who finished the epic journey in 51 hours, 47 minutes in a Model S 85D. Unlike the orange Model 3’s attempt, Hart and D’Souza’s Cannonball Run was well documented, especially since the feat was accomplished as a way to raise awareness for victims of human trafficking.

What is particularly noteworthy is the fact that the Long Range Model 3 has already broken the Cannonball Run record for EVs twice in a row, beating out the times set by its larger, more expensive sibling. Interestingly, both the orange-clad Model 3 last October, as well as Roy and Zorrilla’s blue Model 3 this December, were both equipped with Aero Wheels, which is rumored to provide a 10% increase in driving range.

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Lifestyle

Tesla Cybertruck slapped with world’s least intimidating ticket, and it’s pure cringe

One cannot help but cringe and feel second-hand embarrassment at the idea of a person just driving around with a stack of these babies.

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Credit: Ryan Torres/X

A Cybertruck parked at Stanford Shopping Center in California was recently hit with what might be the most try-hard piece of paper ever slipped under a wiper blade: a “fake citation” accusing the driver of supporting a “fascist car.” 

The note, shared on X by Tesla staff program manager Ryan Torres, quickly made the rounds on X, where it quickly gained attention as an example of how not to protest.

The world’s least intimidating ticket

According to the citation, the supposed “violation” was “driving a fascist car.” The remedial action? Take the bus, call an Uber, or ride a bike. The note also dubbed Elon Musk a “chainsaw-wielding Nazi billionaire.” Now, protests against Tesla and Elon Musk have become commonplace this year, but one cannot help but cringe and feel second-hand embarrassment at the idea of a person just driving around with a stack of fake anti-Tesla/Musk citations.

Torres pointed out the irony himself in his post on X. Tesla currently employs over 140,000 Americans, and SpaceX has put the U.S. firmly back at the top of space technology. As Torres put it, maybe the person behind the world’s least intimidating ticket should “read a book on innovation before vandalizing” other people’s property.

Peak performative clownery

Not to mention that the fake ticket’s logic collapses under its own weight. EVs like the Cybertruck are literally designed to reduce emissions, not “destroy the economy.” If anything, Tesla has bolstered the United States’ economy by fueling jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and clean energy. It’s not the first time a Tesla has been the target of vandalism or politically charged notes, but this one stands out for sheer cringe value. 

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Torres summed it up neatly: “Peak clownery.” On that point, at least, the citation earns full marks. In a way, though, perhaps cringe fake tickets are not as bad as the literal firebombs that were being thrown at Tesla stores and cars earlier this year because some critics were gleefully misinformed about Elon Musk.

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Lifestyle

Tesla brings perhaps the coolest interior feature to cars in latest update

Tesla adds on to the “fun” aspect of its vehicles.

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla has brought perhaps the coolest interior feature to its cars in a new update that is rolling out to vehicles now.

The feature will require a newer vehicle that has interior ambient lighting, which is present on the new Model S, Model X, Model 3 “Highland,” and Model Y “Juniper.” The Cybertruck also has ambient lighting strips throughout.

Tesla Model Y’s ambient lighting design changes revealed in leaked video

With the Version 2025.26+ Software Update, Tesla is rolling out a new “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music” feature, which is available on the Tesla Toybox:

To enable the feature, you’ll access the Toybox, choose “Light Sync,” and then choose “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music.”

Although it does not improve the performance of the vehicle, it is yet another example of Tesla making one of the coolest cars out there. This is truly a cool add-on that can be used to impress your friends and family.

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Elon Musk

xAI, Musk Foundation helps schools near Memphis supercomputer site

Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.

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(Credit: xAI)

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI and the Musk Foundation have been supporting Memphis-Shelby County Schools with HVAC repairs and facility upgrades, while also funding youth programs for students in the area. 

Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.

xAI’s school visits lead to facility repairs

Representatives from xAI visited John P. Freeman Optional School, Fairley High School, and Westwood High School, all of which are located near its Colossus supercomputer site, to assess HVAC systems, plumbing, gym facilities, and athletic fields. The visits resulted in a list of priority repairs, some of which were completed in April and May.

In addition to the repairs, xAI also shared a number of initiatives that are planned for students in the area, as stated in a Commercial Appeal report.

“xAI is working on providing STEM workshops for local students, donating equipment to technical training programs, and supporting job fairs to boost employment opportunities. These initiatives reflect xAl’s commitment to fostering education and economic growth in Memphis,” xAI noted in a statement.

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Musk Foundation donation

Apart from xAI, the Musk Foundation also donated $350,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, enabling the reopening of two club sites located at Booker T. Washington High School and Westwood High School. Both locations had closed earlier this year due to lapses in funding. As per xAI, the Musk Foundation’s donation allows clubs to reopen for almost 1,000 students. 

The donation will fund staffing, supplies, and transportation, among others. “Kids are the future of humanity,” Elon Musk said in a statement, adding that students need “every chance to shoot for the stars.”

“We’re honored to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis in reopening these sites, giving kids in underserved communities the tools to build brighter futures,” Musk said.

The gift was praised by local officials, including Boys & Girls Clubs board chair Michael Garriga, who stated that the “commitment will ensure the youth of our community have the opportunities they need to develop their skills and talents to become successful students and future citizens.”

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