The Tesla Model 3 has been recognized by Edmunds as the Best Electric Vehicle of the Year in its 2020 #TopRated list.
Edmunds recognized the Model 3 as “unlike any other vehicle on sale, electric or ICE.” According to the publication, the all-electric sedan’s features, technology, price and driving dynamics make it an “impossible force to ignore” in the auto industry. Edmunds also stated the Model 3 was more fun to drive than other premium sedans at the same price point like the BMW 3-Series.
“For around $40,000, no other EV even comes close to matching the all-round appeal of the Model 3,” the publication wrote.
The Edmunds 2020 #TopRated best EV of the year is the @Tesla Model 3.
The Model 3 is unlike any other vehicle on sale, electric or ICE. Its features, technology, price and driving dynamics make it an impossible force to ignore. https://t.co/RPfxDAIwD0 pic.twitter.com/hv0eZ74hNM
— Edmunds (@edmunds) December 11, 2019
In 2017, Edmunds stated that the Model 3 had too many issues that made it tough to recommend to buyers. In Dan Edmunds’ initial Model 3 review, he noted the service and build quality of the vehicle were not up to par compared to the competition. “Body panel gaps are inconsistent, reflecting a lack of attention to detail, and this applies not only to our own car but even to Model 3s we’ve seen on display,” he said.
Tesla has since improved on these aspects. These improvements in production were highlighted in a recent Bloomberg poll, where 5,000 Model 3 owners were asked to give feedback on their opinions of the car. Many of those polled were impressed with Tesla’s improved build quality. Even auto industry veteran Bob Lutz, a known Tesla critic, has admitted that the Model 3’s build quality is now “world-class.”
For around $40,000, no other EV even comes close to matching the all-round appeal of the Model 3.@Tesla Model 3, Edmunds Top Rated EV of the year. pic.twitter.com/tjOe3p7rFQ
— Edmunds (@edmunds) December 11, 2019
Edmunds‘ initial review of the Model 3 also listed complaints about Tesla’s service, another aspect of the company that continues to improve. The expansion of Tesla’s mobile service units that drive to customers’ location to address maintenance and basic repairs has been well-received. In a separate edition of the Bloomberg poll of Model 3 owners, many reported improvements in the availability of appointments and increased speed of service as well.
The Model 3’s range has always been appealing to the publication, even in its initial 2017 review. While the battery performance and availability of Tesla’s Supercharger network have improved since 2017, Edmunds’ positive ratings of the vehicle’s range have only gone up. In the Model 3’s review page on Edmunds.com, the publication suggested that buyers should “strongly consider” versions with the Long Range Battery since they will “undoubtedly help as you hop from Supercharger to Supercharger on long road trips.”
Edmunds is just the next publication to rank the Model 3 as “Vehicle of the Year” in one capacity or another. Previously, the all-electric sedan was named Car of the Year by Auto Express Magazine, 2020 Car of the Year by the UK-based Parkers magazine, and was also recognized as Best Mid-sized Sedan at the 2019 Golden Steering Wheel Awards in Berlin, Germany. Edmunds‘ “2020 EV of the Year” award is yet another feather in Tesla’s cap, and it stands as additional proof that the company’s aim of fostering sustainable driving machines that offer performance and affordability is becoming more and more real.
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Tesla starts showing how FSD will change lives in Europe
Local officials tested the system on narrow country roads and were impressed by FSD’s smooth, human-like driving, with some calling the service a game-changer for everyday life in areas that are far from urban centers.
Tesla has launched Europe’s first public shuttle service using Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in the rural Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm region of Germany, demonstrating how the technology can restore independence and mobility for people who struggle with limited transport options.
Local officials tested the system on narrow country roads and were impressed by FSD’s smooth, human-like driving, with some calling the service a game-changer for everyday life in areas that are far from urban centers.
Officials see real impact on rural residents
Arzfeld Mayor Johannes Kuhl and District Administrator Andreas Kruppert personally tested the Tesla shuttle service. This allowed them to see just how well FSD navigated winding lanes and rural roads confidently. Kruppert said, “Autonomous driving sounds like science fiction to many, but we simply see here that it works totally well in rural regions too.” Kuhl, for his part, also noted that FSD “feels like a very experienced driver.”
The pilot complements the area’s “Citizen Bus” program, which provides on-demand rides for elderly residents who can no longer drive themselves. Tesla Europe shared a video of a demonstration of the service, highlighting how FSD gives people their freedom back, even in places where public transport is not as prevalent.
What the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Transport says
Rhineland-Palatinate’s Minister Daniela Schmitt supported the project, praising the collaboration that made this “first of its kind in Europe” possible. As per the ministry, the rural rollout for the service shows FSD’s potential beyond major cities, and it delivers tangible benefits like grocery runs, doctor visits, and social connections for isolated residents.
“Reliable and flexible mobility is especially vital in rural areas. With the launch of a shuttle service using self-driving vehicles (FSD supervised) by Tesla in the Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm, an innovative pilot project is now getting underway that complements local community bus services. It is the first project of its kind in Europe.
“The result is a real gain for rural mobility: greater accessibility, more flexibility and tangible benefits for everyday life. A strong signal for innovation, cooperation and future-oriented mobility beyond urban centers,” the ministry wrote in a LinkedIn post.
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Tesla China quietly posts Robotaxi-related job listing
Tesla China is currently seeking a Low Voltage Electrical Engineer to work on circuit board design for the company’s autonomous vehicles.
Tesla has posted a new job listing in Shanghai explicitly tied to its Robotaxi program, fueling speculation that the company is preparing to launch its dedicated autonomous ride-hailing service in China.
As noted in the listing, Tesla China is currently seeking a Low Voltage Electrical Engineer to work on circuit board design for the company’s autonomous vehicles.
Robotaxi-specific role
The listing, which was shared on social media platform X by industry watcher @tslaming, suggested that Tesla China is looking to fill the role urgently. The job listing itself specifically mentions that the person hired for the role will be working on the Low Voltage Hardware team, which would design the circuit boards that would serve as the nervous system of the Robotaxi.
Key tasks for the role, as indicated in the job listing, include collaboration with PCB layout, firmware, mechanical, program management, and validation teams, among other responsibilities. The role is based in Shanghai.
China Robotaxi launch
China represents a massive potential market for robotaxis, with its dense urban centers and supportive policies in select cities. Tesla has limited permission to roll out FSD in the country, though despite this, its vehicles have been hailed as among the best in the market when it comes to autonomous features. So far, at least, it appears that China supports Tesla’s FSD and Robotaxi rollout.
This was hinted at in November, when Tesla brought the Cybercab to the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, marking the first time that the autonomous two-seater was brought to the Asia-Pacific region. The vehicle, despite not having a release date in China, received a significant amount of interest among the event’s attendees.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk and Tesla AI Director share insights after empty driver seat Robotaxi rides
The executives’ unoccupied tests hint at the rapid progress of Tesla’s unsupervised Robotaxi efforts.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and AI Director Ashok Elluswamy celebrated Christmas Eve by sharing personal experiences with Robotaxi vehicles that had no safety monitor or occupant in the driver’s seat. Musk described the system’s “perfect driving” around Austin, while Elluswamy posted video from the back seat, calling it “an amazing experience.”
The executives’ unoccupied tests hint at the rapid progress of Tesla’s unsupervised Robotaxi efforts.
Elon and Ashok’s firsthand Robotaxi insights
Prior to Musk and the Tesla AI Director’s posts, sightings of unmanned Teslas navigating public roads were widely shared on social media. One such vehicle was spotted in Austin, Texas, which Elon Musk acknowleged by stating that “Testing is underway with no occupants in the car.”
Based on his Christmas Eve post, Musk seemed to have tested an unmanned Tesla himself. “A Tesla with no safety monitor in the car and me sitting in the passenger seat took me all around Austin on Sunday with perfect driving,” Musk wrote in his post.
Elluswamy responded with a 2-minute video showing himself in the rear of an unmanned Tesla. The video featured the vehicle’s empty front seats, as well as its smooth handling through real-world traffic. He captioned his video with the words, “It’s an amazing experience!”
Towards Unsupervised operations
During an xAI Hackathon earlier this month, Elon Musk mentioned that Tesla owed be removing Safety Monitors from its Robotaxis in Austin in just three weeks. “Unsupervised is pretty much solved at this point. So there will be Tesla Robotaxis operating in Austin with no one in them. Not even anyone in the passenger seat in about three weeks,” he said. Musk echoed similar estimates at the 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting and the Q3 2025 earnings call.
Considering the insights that were posted Musk and Elluswamy, it does appear that Tesla is working hard towards operating its Robotaxis with no safety monitors. This is quite impressive considering that the service was launched just earlier this year.
Tesla starts showing how FSD will change lives in Europe
Tesla China quietly posts Robotaxi-related job listing
