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Tesla Model S P100DL racing series Electric GT hits another delay

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Back in April, the Electric Production Car Series, better known as Electric GT, revealed an eight-round calendar for its inaugural season, which was expected to begin this November at Jerez, Spain. The organization later unveiled its first race-ready vehicle, a highly-modified Tesla Model S P100DL, that is optimized for the track. Unfortunately, recent updates from Electric GT indicates that the racing series would be delayed yet again. 

Electric GT was originally expected to begin in 2017, but delays forced the organization to push back the debut of the all-electric, Tesla-exclusive racing series. This time around, EGT noted that it was delaying the launch of the series since it is still seeking a lead investor. In a statement to Autosport, EGT CEO Mark Gemmell stated that almost everything is ready — from the series’ racing categories, FIA approval, and technical and broadcast partners. With an investor in the picture, Gemmell noted that the racing series could begin as early as the first half of 2019.

“Accelerating development in both electric mobility and sustainable energy means ‘The Age of Light’ will fast be with us. The Age of Light is a vision that has driven us for over three years to build an Electric Production Car Series that excites and inspires, and it is now close to final launch. Almost everything is ready: we’ve developed three fantastic race categories, received FIA approval and welcomed new technical and broadcast partners.

“The final ingredient is confirming a great lead investor who shares our vision of clean energy and transport, which is fundamental to launching the championship at the highest level possible. The championship start date will be set once this lead investor has been confirmed. As any start-up, we adapt and test our strategy to make sure the timing is right and the market ready. In creating an engaging and inclusive championship, we want to be open with our fans and supporters as we close in on this final step to bring the racing we all want to see.”

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Last July, Electric GT showcased its first track-optimized Tesla Model S P100DL, where it was test-driven by veteran auto host Tiff Needell, who drove the vehicle around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona. Needell, a former racing driver and presenter for programs such as Top Gear and Fifth Gear, was largely impressed with the track-optimized Model S P100DL, as the vehicle was powerful and it remained planted on the road despite performing aggressive maneuvers on the racetrack.

Unfortunately, Needell’s track session was cut short when Electric GT’s race-modified Model S P100DL exhibited heating issues after one lap and a half of hard driving, forcing the former racecar driver to head over to the pits, where the P100DL had to be cooled down. A spokesperson from EGT later issued a statement about the incident, explaining that the heating issue was caused by one of the vehicle’s outdoor temperature sensors from the air conditioning system being disconnected.  

The Tesla Model S P100DL is a monster on straight-line races, but its limitations on the track are well documented. Electric GT is aware of this, and it has developed a system that could address the vehicles’ heating issues. The organization plans to introduce a system that would allow drivers to manage how much of the vehicle’s power they wish to use. Thus, to avoid overheating, drivers could opt to drive with a more manageable 470 hp, and only unleash the Model S P100DL’s full 778 hp when sprinting or overtaking. The Electric GT spokesperson noted that for the inaugural season, at least, the system will be “part of the strategy and part of the show.”

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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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Tesla preps to build its most massive Supercharger yet: 400+ V4 stalls

The project will be an expansion of the current Eddie World Supercharger in Yermo, California, and will take place in several stages.

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(Credit: Tesla)

Tesla is preparing to build its most massive Supercharger yet, as it recently submitted plans for an over 400-stall Supercharging station in California, which would dwarf its massive 168-stall location in Lost Hills, California.

The project will be an expansion of the current Eddie World Supercharger in Yermo, California, and will take place in several stages.

The expansion, adjacent to the existing Eddie World Supercharger, which is currently comprised of 22 older V2 and V3 stalls limited to 150 kW, unfolds across six phases.

Construction on Phase 1 begins later this year with 72 V4 stalls. Subsequent stages will progressively add hundreds more, culminating in over 400 next-generation chargers. Site plans label expansive parking arrays across Phases 1–5 along Calico Boulevard, with Phase 6 design still to be determined.

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The project was first flagged by MarcoRP, a notable Tesla Supercharger watcher.

Strategically located midway on I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the station targets heavy EV traffic on this high-demand corridor.

The surrounding 20-mile stretch already hosts over 200 high-power stalls (including 40 at 250 kW, 120 at 325 kW, and more), plus 96 in nearby Baker—yet bottlenecks persist during peak travel.

In scale, it eclipses all existing Tesla Superchargers. The current record holder, the solar- and Megapack-powered “Project Oasis” in Lost Hills, California, offers 164 stalls. Barstow’s former leader had 120. Eddie World 2 will be more than double that size, cementing Tesla’s dominance in ultra-high-capacity charging.

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Tesla finishes its biggest Supercharger ever with 168 stalls

Development blends charging with convenience. Architectural drawings show integrated retail: a 10,100 square foot Cracker Barrel, a 4,300 square foot McDonald’s, a 3,800 square foot convenience store, additional restaurants, drive-thrus, outdoor dining, and lease space.

EV-centric features include pull-through bays for Cybertrucks and trailers, ensuring accessibility for larger vehicles and future Semi trucks.

This phased approach minimizes disruption while scaling capacity. It supports Tesla’s broader vision amid rising EV adoption, Robotaxi corridors, and long-haul needs. Once complete, Eddie World 2 won’t just charge vehicles; it will redefine highway stops, turning a dusty desert exit into a futuristic EV oasis.
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Tesla makes latest move to remove Model S and Model X from its lineup

Tesla’s latest decisive step toward phasing out its flagship sedan and SUV was quietly removing the Model S and Model X from its U.S. referral program earlier this week.

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla has made its latest move that indicates the Model S and Model X are being removed from the company’s lineup, an action that was confirmed by the company earlier this quarter, that the two flagship vehicles would no longer be produced.

Tesla has ultimately started phasing out the Model S and Model X in several ways, as it recently indicated it had sold out of a paint color for the two vehicles.

Now, the company is making even more moves that show its plans for the two vehicles are being eliminated slowly but surely.

Tesla’s latest decisive step toward phasing out its flagship sedan and SUV was quietly removing the Model S and Model X from its U.S. referral program earlier this week.

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The change eliminates the $1,000 referral discount previously available to new buyers of these vehicles. Existing Tesla owners purchasing a new Model S or Model X will now only receive a halved loyalty discount of $500, down from $1,000.

The updates extend beyond the two flagship vehicles. New Cybertruck buyers using a referral code on Premium AWD or Cyberbeast configurations will no longer get $1,000 off. Instead, both referrer and buyer receive three months of Full Self-Driving (Supervised).

The loyalty discount for Cybertruck purchases, excluding the new Dual Motor AWD trim level, has also been cut to $500.

These adjustments apply only in the United States, and reflect Tesla’s broader strategy to optimize margins while boosting adoption of its autonomous driving software.

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The timing is no coincidence. Tesla confirmed earlier this year that Model S and Model X production will end in the second quarter of 2026, roughly June, as the company reallocates factory capacity toward its Optimus humanoid robot and next-generation vehicles.

With annual sales of the low-volume flagships already declining (just 53,900 units in 2025), incentives are no longer needed to drive demand. Production is winding down, and Tesla expects strong remaining interest without subsidies.

Industry observers see this as the clearest sign yet of an “end-of-life” phase for the vehicles that once defined Tesla’s luxury segment. Community reactions on X range from nostalgia, “Rest in power S and X”, to frustration among long-time owners who feel perks are eroding just as the models approach discontinuation.

Some buyers are rushing orders to lock in final discounts before they vanish entirely.

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For Tesla, the move prioritizes efficiency: fewer discounts on outgoing models, a stronger push for FSD subscriptions, and a focus on high-margin Cybertruck trims amid surging orders.

Loyalists still have a narrow window to purchase a refreshed Plaid or Long Range model with remaining incentives, but the message is clear: Tesla’s lineup is evolving, and the era of the original flagships is drawing to a close. 

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Tesla Australia confirms six-seat Model Y L launch in 2026

Compared with the standard five-seat Model Y, the Model Y L features a longer body and extended wheelbase to accommodate an additional row of seating.

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Credit: Tesla China

Tesla has confirmed that the larger six-seat Model Y L will launch in Australia and New Zealand in 2026. 

The confirmation was shared by techAU through a media release from Tesla Australia and New Zealand.

The Model Y L expands the Model Y lineup by offering additional seating capacity for customers seeking a larger electric SUV. Compared with the standard five-seat Model Y, the Model Y L features a longer body and extended wheelbase to accommodate an additional row of seating.

The Model Y L is already being produced at Tesla’s Gigafactory Shanghai for the Chinese market, though the vehicle will be manufactured in right-hand-drive configuration for markets such as Australia and New Zealand.

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Tesla Australia and New Zealand confirmed the vehicle will feature seating for six passengers.

“As shown in pictures from its launch in China, Model Y L will have a new seating configuration providing room for 6 occupants,” Tesla Australia and New Zealand said in comments shared with techAU.

Instead of a traditional seven-seat arrangement, the Model Y L uses a 2-2-2 layout. The middle row features two individual seats, allowing easier access to the third row while providing additional space for passengers.

Tesla Australia and New Zealand also confirmed that the Model Y L will be covered by the company’s updated warranty structure beginning in 2026.

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“As with all new Tesla Vehicles from the start of 2026, the Model Y L will come with a 5-year unlimited km vehicle warranty and 8 years for the battery,” the company said.

The updated policy increases Tesla’s vehicle warranty from the previous four-year or 80,000-kilometer coverage.

Battery and drive unit warranties remain unchanged depending on the variant. Rear-wheel-drive models carry an eight-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty, while Long Range and Performance variants are covered for eight years or 192,000 kilometers.

Tesla has not yet announced official pricing or range figures for the Model Y L in Australia.

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