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Tesla Semi glides over to Addison, IL for hands-on time with UPS employees

[Credit: IllinoisUPSers/Twitter]

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Not long after visiting J.B. Hunt’s headquarters in Arkansas and getting spotted at Chicago’s Rolling Meadows Supercharger, the Tesla Semi has been sighted visiting UPS’ hub in Addison, IL. Just like its previous visits to the facilities of other reservation holders, UPS employees were given a chance to get some hands-on experience with the electric long-hauler.

Images and video clips of the Semi’s visit to the UPS Addison hub were uploaded by the parcel service’s official Twitter account in the state, @IllinoisUPSers. Pictures of the event uploaded on Monday show that Tesla’s VP for Truck and Programs Jerome Guillen accompanied the vehicle during its visit as well. One of the videos uploaded by UPS further referenced “rides,” which suggest that Tesla might have given some lucky employees a chance to experience the Semi firsthand.

https://twitter.com/IllinoisUPSers/status/1034163909484335105

https://twitter.com/IllinoisUPSers/status/1034162962611752970

Tesla appears to be starting its push for the Tesla Semi to its reservation holders. As of the Q1 2018 earnings call last May, Tesla has revealed that it has around 2,000 pre-orders for the vehicle. The company has not announced an updated number of reservations for the Semi yet, though Tesla did state during the Q2 2018 earnings call that the electric truck had now been given several improvements since its unveiling last year. Real-world tests of the vehicle are continuing as well, with the all-electric truck being spotted across several states in the US.

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While there have been numerous sightings of the Semi since the vehicle was unveiled last November, the recent batch of sightings also indicates that Tesla personnel accompanying and operating the truck are now very willing to answer questions about the vehicle. As noted by Tesla enthusiast @Rec1pr0city on Twitter, the company’s employees answered every question about the Semi and openly allowed photos to be taken while the truck was making a stopover at Rolling Hills Supercharger in Chicago. Coupled with what appears to be an increasing frequency of visits to reservation holders, it appears that Tesla is now starting to increase its push for the electric truck.

The Tesla Semi at UPS’ Addison, IL hub. [Credit: IllinoisUPSers/Twitter]

The Tesla Semi could very well be the company’s most disruptive vehicle in its lineup. The American trucking industry is vast, responsible for handling the transportation of up to 71% of food, retail goods, construction supplies, as well as other cargo delivered to customers and businesses every day — and it continues to grow by the year. In 2017 alone, the US trucking industry generated $700.3 billion in economic activity, a 3.5% increase compared to the $676.6 billion it made in 2016. This is a market that Tesla could tap into with the Semi.

That said, there remains a number of dedicated doubters who are betting against the Tesla Semi. In a recent statement to Bloomberg, Jon Mills, a spokesman for Cummins Inc., a prominent engine-maker, argued that all-electric trucks like the Semi still have a long way to go before they can be considered as a real competition for diesel trucks. Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum trade group, is also highly skeptical of the Semi’s quoted specs and operating costs. According to the diesel veteran, Elon Musk’s quotes for the Semi’s estimated $1.26 per mile operating cost have no proof.

The Tesla Semi might look very sleek and futuristic, but it is a vehicle designed from the ground up to be a tough machine. The Semi is equipped with four Model 3-derived electric motors, which give the vehicle instant torque and a 0-60 mph time of 5 seconds without cargo. The long-hauler is also classified as a Class 8 truck, which allows it to haul as much load as conventional diesel trucks. Tesla also listed a range of 300-500 miles per charge for the Semi, though Elon Musk has since noted that the truck’s long-range variant would probably have closer to 600 miles of range per charge.

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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 attackers face 5-20 years in prison if convicted, warns DOJ

Burning Tesla cars & Superchargers isn’t just a protest—it’s a federal offense. The DOJ warns Tesla attackers could get 5-20 years in prison.

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(Credit: One Tire Fire)

Alleged Tesla attackers could face between 5 to 20 years in prison if convicted, warns the Justice Department.

According to U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, three people have been accused of using Molotov cocktails to set Tesla vehicles and charging stations on fire. Prosecutors recently announced the arrests of the three defendants.

“Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars,” noted Bondi.

Bondi echoed the words of Special Agent Spencer Evans from the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office. Evans emphasized to the public that setting Tesla vehicles and charging stations on fire is a federal crime.

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The first defendant in the Tesla arson cases is Lucy Grace Nelson who has pleaded not guilty and been released on bond. A criminal complaint states that Nelson was spotted at a Tesla dealership in Loveland, Colorado, a few times in January and February 2025. The 42-year-old was charged with possession of a destructive device and malicious destruction of property after police found a container of gasoline, a box of bottles, and wicks in Nelson’s car.

The second person arrested in Tesla’s arson cases is Adam Matthew Lansky, who has been accused of throwing eight Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership in Salem, Oregon. The 41-year-old is detained while awaiting trial and has not entered a plea.

The last alleged Tesla arsonist is Daniel Clarke-Pounder, who has been charged with throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla charging stations in North Charleston, South Carolina. Witnesses reported seeing a man spray-paint a profane message about President Trump and the words “Long Live Ukraine,” in the Tesla parking lot. The 24-year-old was released on a $10,000 bond and has not yet entered a plea.

Attacks on Tesla cars, charging stations, and stores have spread throughout the United States recently as more people take their anger for Elon Musk out on the American car manufacturer. Luckily, no one has been injured or died from any of the attacks.

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Honda and Acura EVs to gain Tesla Supercharger access this June 2025

This provides Honda and Acura EVs access to over 20,000 Superchargers across the United States.

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Autosdeprimera, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Honda and Acura electric vehicles will soon be plugging into Tesla’s Supercharger network, with approved NACS-CCS adapters rolling out to Prologue and ZDX owners in June 2025.

This provides Honda and Acura EVs access to over 20,000 Superchargers across the United States.

Adapters Ensure Safety

Starting June 2025, Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX drivers can acquire a Honda-approved NACS-CCS DC fast-charging adapter at authorized U.S. dealerships, with pricing set closer to launch. Tested for safety and compatibility, it’s the only DC adapter that Honda recommends for its EVs at NACS stations, as noted in a press release

Ryan Harty, assistant vice president of Sustainability & Business Development at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., shared his thoughts on the matter. “Adding Tesla Supercharger network access to the charging networks already available to our EV customers means industry-leading fast-charging access for Honda and Acura EV drivers,” he said.

Tesla requires approved NACS adapters at its Superchargers, and Honda strongly recommends that Prologue and ZDX owners use approved adapters. Honda also noted that damage caused by using unapproved adapters may not be covered by cars’ limited warranties.  

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Honda’s Big Charging Vision by 2030

Honda’s not stopping at Tesla’s network. By 2030, Prologue and ZDX owners are expected to tap roughly 100,000 DC fast-charge points across North America, blending Tesla Superchargers with IONNA’s new network, EVgo, and Electrify America. 

“By the end of this decade, we strive to provide Honda and Acura EV drivers with the most convenient and easy charging at more than 100,000 charge points nationwide, helping people choose to purchase an EV for the many benefits of driving one,” Harty stated.

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“Tesla Takedown” movement plans 500 protests in 277 stores, Superchargers

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) stated that March 29 is her birthday, and “all I want to see happen on my birthday is for Elon to be taken down.”

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Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The “Tesla Takedown” group is aiming to hold its “biggest day of action” in over 277 Tesla stores, as well as Supercharger stations.

During a mass call on Wednesday, organizers, filmmakers, members of Congress, and other key individuals banded together to call for a mass demonstration against the electric vehicle maker this coming March 29, as noted in a report from The Verge.

Tesla Takedown

The Tesla Takedown movement emerged from critics’ opposition to Elon Musk’s increasingly political nature, his close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is aimed at cutting unnecessary government spending and waste. Members of the Tesla Takedown movement have targeted the EV maker since a notable portion of Musk’s net worth is tied to his Tesla holdings.

Unfortunately, protests against the electric vehicle maker and Musk have become increasingly violent, with Tesla stores being shot up and vehicles being burned in acts of arson. Supercharger stations have also been targeted in arson attacks. Tesla owners’ vehicles have been vandalized and set on fire as well.

Amidst these attacks, Trump has noted that he considers such actions as domestic terrorism. Attorney General Pam Bondi has also noted that those behind the arson and vandalism against Teslas will be caught and persecuted.

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LFG! #teslatakedown GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION March 29Every showroom in America500+ around the worldLet's send these techno-fascists, broligarchs and old fashioned Nazis a message loud and clear. NO WAYPlan an action or find one near you: teslatakedown.com— #TeslaTakedown (@teslatakedown.com) 2025-03-20T01:48:34.522Z

“No Conspiracy,” but Still Wishing For Musk Takedown

During the hour-long call, actor and filmmaker Alex Winter, who promoted the Tesla Takedown movement on BlueSky, stated that there is no conspiracy to take down the electric vehicle maker. “There is no conspiracy, there is no well-funded cabal. It’s just Elon Musk who has taken Tesla down,” he said.

Alice Hu, executive director of Planet Over Profit, noted that protesters are looking to hold over 500 events across the world on March 29, with 277 Tesla stores expected to see demonstrations. She also stated that protesters should feel free to demonstrate at Supercharger stations. 

“We need to show Elon that he can throw a tantrum online because his stocks are tanking. He can get Trump to put on a humiliating used car show in front of the White House. These wannabe authoritarians can try to intimidate us from exercising our First Amendment rights, but they can’t stop us from fighting back,” Hu said.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) called for participants to fight, though she was quick to state that protests should be nonviolent. “The things that we’re fighting for, we are fighting for our country. We’re fighting for democracy. We’re fighting for our freedoms. And when I say fighting, I’m saying that figuratively. Obviously, everything that I am promoting is nonviolent,” she said. Interestingly enough, Crockett also stated that March 29 is her birthday, and “all I want to see happen on my birthday is for Elon to be taken down.”

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