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Tesla in talks with new LFP cell supplier for low-cost battery deal: report

Credit: Tesla/YouTube

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Tesla is reportedly in talks with Chinese battery maker EVE Energy Co for a potential supply deal for low-cost batteries. EVE’s batteries will reportedly be used to boost Gigafactory Shanghai’s supply chain, as per information related to Reuters by individuals familiar with the matter. 

EVE is noted for producing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, which are affordable to produce but generally have lower density than NCA (nickel cobalt aluminum) batteries, which Tesla also uses. Tesla is already using LFP batteries for its vehicles such as the Made-in-China Model 3 Standard Range Plus currently produced in Gigafactory Shanghai. Tesla’s LFP batteries have so far been supplied by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co (CATL). 

EVE Energy could then become Tesla’s second supplier for LFP batteries. Reuters‘ sources, who have opted to remain anonymous, also noted that the talks between the EV maker and the battery supplier are already advanced, with Tesla looking to finalize the partnership in the third quarter. 

One of the news outlet’s sources also noted that EVE Energy is now running some final-stage tests for the LFP batteries that Tesla would potentially use. So far, however, neither EVE nor Tesla has issued a comment about the potential battery supply deal. 

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been pretty open about the company’s need to secure more battery supply. This is despite the fact that Tesla itself is making its own batteries in the form of its custom 4680 cells, which are expected to be used in vehicles like the Made-in-Germany Model Y, the Cybertruck, the Semi, and possibly the Model S Plaid+. 

This was highlighted in the fourth quarter and full-year 2020 earnings call. “I want to be really clear, Tesla wants to increase purchases from cell suppliers. And we’ve been very clear with our cell suppliers, whether it be CATL or Panasonic or LG, that we will take as many batteries as they can produce. So — and we urge them to increase their production, and we will buy as much as they can send to us,” Elon Musk said

A greater supply for low-cost batteries in China would likely play a role in improving Tesla’s capability to produce more of its base vehicles in Gigafactory Shanghai. CATL’s LFP cells are already being used in the Model 3 Standard Range Plus. EVE’s cells may then be used in more affordable variants of the Made-in-China Model Y, or perhaps even the $25,000 car that’s expected to be unveiled soon. 

With EVE Energy as a supplier, Tesla could take a step towards its goal of producing 20 million vehicles across the globe per year before 2030. 

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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 Full Self-Driving is taking over Europe: fourth country gets FSD approval

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla has secured regulatory approval for its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system in Denmark, marking a significant step in the technology’s expansion across Europe.

Announced on June 9, the approval positions Denmark as the fourth European country to greenlight FSD Supervised, following the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Estonia.

Rollout to Danish vehicle owners is expected to begin soon, the company said.

The Danish Road Traffic Authority granted provisional approval after reviewing the original type approval issued by the Dutch vehicle authority (RDW) on April 10, 2026.

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This national recognition approach allows individual countries to bypass slower EU-wide harmonization processes, accelerating deployment. Lithuania activated the system on May 20, with Estonia following on May 29, demonstrating a rapid domino effect across the region.

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FSD Supervised enables advanced driver assistance capabilities, including automatic steering, acceleration, braking, lane changes, and navigation through complex urban and rural environments. The system is designed for supervised use, as its name states, meaning drivers must remain attentive and ready to intervene at all times.

It adapts to diverse conditions, such as rain, night driving, and varied road types common in Denmark, but it is important to note that the tech is not fully autonomous.

Following a launch in Europe just a few months ago, with its first approval coming in the Netherlands, Tesla is just now highlighting the successful start.

Early data from the Netherlands highlights strong safety performance. Between April 10 and June 5, vehicles using FSD Supervised recorded 3.5 times fewer collisions than manual driving overall, with zero crashes reported on highways across more than 16.6 million kilometers driven.

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These results underscore the potential of the technology to enhance road safety when properly supervised.

Tesla’s European push builds on its global footprint, now reaching 12 countries with FSD Supervised availability. The software receives continuous over-the-air updates, improving performance based on real-world data from millions of miles.

In Denmark, owners with compatible hardware—particularly newer vehicles equipped with Hardware 4 (HW4)—are anticipated to gain access first, though exact timelines and eligibility details will be confirmed during rollout.

This approval reflects growing regulatory confidence in supervised autonomy across Europe. As more nations recognize the Dutch certification, Tesla continues to demonstrate how its AI-driven approach can navigate real-world driving scenarios effectively. Denmark’s addition strengthens Tesla’s position in the region, paving the way for broader adoption on a continent that his been surprisingly slow to adopt the technology.

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With FSD Supervised now approved in four European markets in just two months, the technology is steadily advancing toward wider availability. Tesla aims to refine the system further through ongoing data collection and software iterations, supporting its vision for safer and more efficient transportation.

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Tesla revises FSD transfer policy on new Cybertruck trim, causing cancellations

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla has apparently revised the policy it previously had listed for Full Self-Driving transfers on the newest All-Wheel-Drive Cybertruck that the company had sold for a steal price of just $59,000 earlier this year.

After initially stating that customers who bought the pickup would be able to transfer FSD purchases, Tesla recently changed the language in those terms and conditions to reflect that this would no longer be the case.

Tesla launches new Cybertruck trim with more features than ever for a low price

The adjustment in terminology has caused a handful of orderers to cancel their reservations due to the loss of FSD transfer:

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Tesla said orders for the new Cybertruck AWD must be placed by March 31, 2026, to qualify for the FSD transfer. The language in the document from earlier this year explicitly states that they “may qualify” for the transfer program, but the date of March 31 is explicitly mentioned.

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Additionally, Tesla Delivery Advisors reached out to some orderers of the AWD Cybertruck, who were told there was “an update to the eligibility of the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) transfer.” Tesla stated they could:

  • proceed without the transfer,
  • upgrade to a Premium or Cyberbeast trim and request an FSD Transfer
  • cancel the order and be refunded the $250 order fee.

Tesla turning around and changing these terms will undoubtedly result in a handful of cancellations on the part of those who have placed an order for this truck. They could pay $99 per month for an FSD subscription, which is now the only option available, but having purchased the suite outright on another vehicle and being told the transfer policy would be upheld, only to have it cancelled, is a tough pill to swallow.

These moves were also made by Tesla just before deliveries were set to begin on the Cybertruck AWD configuration. Reservation holders have started receiving VINs for their trucks, and Tesla is preparing to hand over the first units.

It’s a disappointing move from Tesla that will undoubtedly make some of its fans who have bought the truck frustrated.

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Tesla tipped its hand at where Robotaxi is heading next

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Tesla Cybercab production units rolling off the factory line in Gigafactory Texas (Credit: Tesla)
Tesla Cybercab production units rolling off the factory line in Gigafactory Texas (Credit: Tesla)

In the world of autonomous ride-hailing, there are only a handful of names. Among those few companies lies a strategy play by each to keep the opposition on their toes. Tesla, on the other hand, already tipped its hand at where it is headed next.

Tesla has signaled its next major push in the autonomous ride-hailing market by filing for an Autonomous Vehicle Network Company permit in Nevada (Docket 26-05015). Through Tesla Robotaxi, LLC, the company seeks approval to operate up to 5,000 robotaxis in Clark County, including high-traffic areas like Las Vegas and Henderson airports, within the first 12 months of launch.

This filing builds on Tesla’s earlier testing approvals from the Nevada DMV in September 2025 and preparations such as maintenance hubs in the Las Vegas area. Nevada represents a strategic expansion into a major tourist destination, where high visitor volumes could drive strong utilization and showcase the reliability of unsupervised autonomy to a broad audience.

Approval would mark a significant step toward commercial operations in a new state, following progress in Texas.

Tesla’s shareholder decks and earnings calls have clearly outlined these ambitions. In the Q4 2025 shareholder deck, the company listed planned Robotaxi coverage for the first half of 2026, explicitly naming Las Vegas alongside Phoenix, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, with Dallas and Houston already advancing. Austin was noted as “ramping unsupervised,” while the Bay Area remained in safety-driver mode.

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By Q1 2026, the deck updated statuses to reflect launches in Dallas and Houston, with “preparations underway” for the remaining cities, including Las Vegas. Paid Robotaxi miles nearly doubled sequentially in Q1, underscoring momentum even as broader timelines adjusted slightly for regulatory and operational readiness.

On earnings calls, CEO Elon Musk and executives have emphasized a phased rollout prioritizing safety. Unsupervised operations in Texas have shown strong results with no reported accidents or injuries in the program. Tesla continues groundwork in additional major U.S. metros through testing and permitting, positioning it to scale quickly once approvals clear.

This Nevada move aligns with Tesla’s vision of transforming from an EV maker into an AI and robotics leader. The forthcoming Cybercab, which started production at Giga Texas in April, is expected to eventually dominate the fleet, replacing many Model Y vehicles and driving down costs to enable affordable rides.

For investors and the industry, this signals Tesla’s intent to dominate key Sun Belt and tourist markets where weather, regulations, and demand favor rapid scaling. Success in Las Vegas could validate the model for denser urban and high-tourism environments, accelerating the shift toward a future where robotaxis generate meaningful revenue.

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Las Vegas will also expand knowledge among the general public at Tesla’s capabilities, helping people experience driverless ride-hailing from several companies during their time on The Strip.

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