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Tesla Model X Off-road Testing in Arizona?

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If there was ever any doubt that the Tesla Model X will be a true sport utility vehicle with a tow capacity of nearly 10,000 pounds, then the latest photos just may put that to rest.

Tesla has been spotted testing the Model X SUV crossover throughout much of Northern California over the last several months, as documented in our Model X sightings and spy shots gallery. But the recent video (bottom of the post) taken on July 20th in Chandler, Arizona is the first time the Model X has been spotted outside of its home state of California. What’s even more interesting is the fact that the Model X is seen covered in dirt which leads us to believe that Tesla has been performing off-road testing of the electric crossover.

Why the vehicle is being towed on a flatbed trailer by a Ford F250 is anyone’s guess.

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A dirty Tesla Model X with a rear-mounted trailer hitch is seen in Chandler, AZ.

Tesla-Model-X-Off-Road-Tires2 Tesla-Model-X-Off-Road-Tires Tesla-Model-X-Off-Road-Hitch2

Image source: YouTube screengrabs

The nose on this particular Model X is more stout and resembles that of the Model S versus the sharper and more slanted front-end that’s been spotted on other test mules of the Model X.

We’re starting to get a much clearer picture of what the Model X will eventually be like. Aside from the unique falcon doors, we know it will have dual motors for all wheel drive, a 90kWh battery pack, a ‘Ludicrous Mode’ option that will propel it 0-60 in 3.3 seconds, third row seating, and Class III towing ability.

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It almost sounds too good to be true, mid-duty truck capabilities with supercar performance. Sign me up!

 

I'm friendly. You can email me. gene@teslarati.com

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Starlink gets green light to launch internet services in Vietnam

Vietnam has given Starlink the green light. With mobile & aviation plans in the mix, SpaceX continues its push into Asia.

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(Credit: SpaceX)

Starlink received the green light to launch its internet services in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese government noted SpaceX’s permission to launch Starlink services in the country is on a trial basis. Starlink’s trial period will last until the end of 2030. SpaceX has a subscriber limit of 600,000 within the trial period.

SpaceX can provide Starlink’s fixed and mobile internet service plans throughout Vietnam. It may also offer Starlink Aviation service plans.   

According to Reuters, the Vietnamese government noted that there is no limit to foreign ownership of a service. It is uncertain if SpaceX has applied for a license to launch Starlink services in Vietnam.

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Vietnam’s decision to permit Starlink services in the country differs from Italy’s decision to pause discussions regarding SpaceX’s internet service. According to Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, discussions of a Starlink deal with SpaceX have “come to a standstill. Crosetto cites the controversy surrounding Elon Musk as the reason for the pause on a Starlink deal. Italy was discussing a potential $1.6 billion, 5-year Starlink contract with SpaceX.

SpaceX is also trying to launch Starlink in India. The aerospace company has already signed deals with two of India’s top telecom companies for Starlink services. However, Starlink is still waiting for regulatory approval.

While waiting for regulatory approvals and license processing, SpaceX continues to improve its Starlink services. Recently, news broke that the Elon Musk-led company has plans to launch a new Starlink dish with gigabit speeds.

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Tesla UK celebrates momentous delivery milestone

Tesla just delivered its 250,000th EV in the UK, marking a major milestone! The lucky owners? A family of four who got a Model 3.

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(Credit: Tesla China)

Tesla recently delivered its 250,000th electric vehicle (EV) in the United Kingdom (UK). The American EV maker delivered its 200,000th car in the UK on March 28, 2024.

The 250,00th Tesla vehicle delivered in the UK was handed over to the Cotters, a small family of four with two children. The Cotters received a Tesla Model 3, showing that it still has a place among families.

Tesla UK sales increased by over 20% in February, with almost 4,000 units sold. Last month, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y ranked second and third, respectively, as the UK’s most popular cars. The Mini Cooper was the UK’s most popular car in February.

Tesla’s brand in the United Kingdom appears untainted by the recent controversy surrounding Musk, leading people in the United States to vandalize Tesla vehicles, stores, and Superchargers.

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In the United States, the FBI has created a task force to squash Tesla attacks and end the acts of “domestic terrorism.” At least four people have been arrested related to Tesla attacks, one of which drove a car into a group of people protesting in front of a Tesla store. The other three allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at Tesla vehicles, stores, and Superchargers.

Wall Street analysts have acknowledged the adverse effect anti-Tesla sentiments could have on the company stock. However, the Tesla attacks have little to no impact on analysts’ recent Tesla target price estimates or predictions.

A few analysts have reduced their Tesla price targets as the first quarter ends. Wells Fargo’s Colin Langan cut Tesla’s price target to $130, while RBC slashed it to $320. However, some analysts maintained their price target, like Canaccord Genuity.

“Our estimate is informed by our opinion that some consumers are delaying vehicle purchases to access the new Model Y and 4Q24 earnings call commentary regarding Model Y-related factory retooling limiting production…We wonder whether purchase decision delays and production limitations are being misinterpreted as halted overall momentum for Tesla,” Canaccord analysts noted.

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Here’s where Waymo is launching autonomous robotaxis next

Waymo has its sights set on three new U.S. cities in the months to come.

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Credit: Waymo

Google parent company Waymo has announced plans to bring its self-driving robotaxis to yet another U.S. city, adding to the list of those it plans to deploy the service to in the next several months.

On Tuesday, Waymo announced in a press release that it will be bringing its autonomous ride-hailing vehicles to Washington D.C. in 2026, after it recently announced plans to start deploying the services in Atlanta, Georgia, and Miami, Florida, sometime in 2025. The D.C. services will utilize the Waymo One app, unlike some of the cities which will roll out through a partnership agreement.

“Waymo One is making fully autonomous driving a reality for millions of people across the U.S.” said Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo Co-CEO. “We’re excited to bring the comfort, consistency, and safety of Waymo One to Washingtonians, those who work and play in the city every day, and the millions of people from around the world who travel to the District every year.”

The company says it plans to continue working closely with legislators on regulations needed to operate driverless vehicles in D.C. Additionally, Waymo says it’s currently operating over 200,000 fully autonomous, paid driverless ride-hails per week, as Tesla and others aim to enter the commercial robotaxi space in the coming months.

READ MORE ON WAYMO: Ex-Waymo CEO dismisses Tesla, Cybercab: ‘They’re a car company with a driver-assist system’

“I’ve experienced firsthand how safely the Waymo Driver operates around pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users,” writes Jonathan Adkins, the CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association. “Waymo has worked with GHSA and our first responder network as they’ve expanded their service, always putting safety first. As someone who walks to work almost every day, I’m excited to share the road with Waymo in Washington, D.C.”

Waymo also recently launched its robotaxi services will deploy in a partnership with Uber in Austin, Texas, where Tesla also has a so-called Gigafactory and plans to roll out its own robotaxi services later this year. The company currently operates paid driverless ride-hailing or early testing in the following cities, primarily in the U.S.:

The news also comes as Tesla aims to roll out its first unsupervised drives with its in-house Full Self-Driving (FSD) software this summer, along with rolling out initial robotaxi ride-hailing services. While the company doesn’t currently operate any paid ride-hailing like Waymo One, the company’s vehicles can generate real-time training data from drivers with FSD Supervised engaged.

Waymo study analyzes collisions with vulnerable road users

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