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Tesla Semi prototype’s multiple camera setup highlighted in new video
Tesla expects to start production of the electric Semi truck sometime in 2019, but the company is already getting busy doing some real-world tests using a hand-built prototype version of the vehicle. The Tesla Semi prototype has been spotted in multiple states recently, and when it stopped by CO, it was filmed extensively by Tesla enthusiasts.
The Semi was initially sighted as it was charging at the Brush, CO Supercharger. During its stop, Model 3 owner and recording engineer Erik J. Martin was able to ask questions to the team of engineers who were accompanying the truck as it traveled across the United States. Among the most notable aspects of the vehicle that were related to Martin were its 300-mile range, its lack of a sleeper cabin, its carbon fiber body, and its unique 26-camera system.
These cameras were filmed by Tesla owner-enthusiast Sean Mitchell, who was able to take a very close look at the electric long-hauler while it was parked at the company’s facility in Denver, CO. Mitchell’s video revealed the unique placement of some of the vehicle’s cameras, including those that were installed at the truck’s side mirrors, as well as an array of at least six cameras that were mounted at the back of the truck. The vehicle also featured Tesla’s trademark three-camera array at the front, which would likely be utilized for the vehicle’s semi-autonomous functions.
Tesla is sparing no expense with the Semi, and the vehicle is designed to be one of the most technologically advanced trucks on the road. Since it’s planned for a 2019 release, Tesla is likely ensuring that the vehicle is future-proof as well, which could explain why the company opted to install a very generous number of cameras in the prototype. Cameras would play a significant role in Tesla’s vision for the Semi, particularly since the vehicle was unveiled with a side-mirror-less design. “Convoy Mode,” a key feature that allows the trucks to semi-autonomously draft in close proximity with each other, would likely utilize input from multiple cameras as well.
In a follow-up video on his YouTube channel about his encounter with the vehicle, Erik J. Martin noted that he was informed that the Semi’s production version would likely have fewer cameras. This would be a sensible decision on Tesla’s part, especially since some of the cameras currently in the prototype appear to be redundancies for other cameras on the vehicle.
Tesla is now on full throttle in terms of testing the Semi on actual roads, and the prototype, which has been going around the United States for months now, has likely gathered a healthy amount of mileage. This could be seen when the long-hauler was filmed in Denver, CO, as signs of wear from thousands of miles worth of traveling were evident in the vehicle. These battle scars from the road make the Semi even more impressive, as it shows that Tesla is ensuring that the electric truck will be ready for deployment when it reaches the market.
Elon Musk announced last November that the Semi would enter production sometime in 2019. Such a timeline is hyper-aggressive, and is classic Elon Musk. That said, the fact that the Semi shares several components with the Model 3 such as its electric motors, door handles, air vents, and 15″ touchscreens would likely make the vehicle a little less troublesome to produce at scale than the midsize electric sedan. Thus, even if the Semi’s actual production ends up starting in “Elon time,” there is a good chance that the electric truck’s deliveries would not see the delays that plagued the company’s previous vehicles like the Model X and the Model 3.
Watch Sean Mitchell’s extensive look at the Tesla Semi in the video below.
Tesla has rolled out a new Supercharging safety feature in the United States, one that will answer concerns that some owners may have if they need to leave in a pinch.
It is also a suitable alternative for non-Tesla chargers, like third-party options that feature J1772 or CCS to NACS adapters.
The feature has been available in Europe for some time, but it is now rolling out to Model 3 and Model Y owners in the U.S.
With Software Update 2026.2.3, Tesla is launching the Unlatching Charge Cable function, which will now utilize the left rear door handle to release the charging cable from the port. The release notes state:
“Charging can now be stopped and the charge cable released by pulling and holding the rear left door handle for three seconds, provided the vehicle is unlocked, and a recognized key is nearby. This is especially useful when the charge cable doesn’t have an unlatch button. You can still release the cable using the vehicle touchscreen or the Tesla app.”
The feature was first spotted by Not a Tesla App.
This is an especially nice feature for those who commonly charge at third-party locations that utilize plugs that are not NACS, which is the Tesla standard.
For example, after plugging into a J1772 charger, you will still be required to unlock the port through the touchscreen, which is a minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience nonetheless.
Additionally, it could be viewed as a safety feature, especially if you’re in need of unlocking the charger from your car in a pinch. Simply holding open the handle on the rear driver’s door will now unhatch the port from the car, allowing you to pull it out and place it back in its housing.
This feature is currently only available on the Model 3 and Model Y, so Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck owners will have to wait for a different solution to this particular feature.
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LG Energy Solution pursuing battery deal for Tesla Optimus, other humanoid robots: report
Optimus is expected to be one of Tesla’s most ambitious projects, with Elon Musk estimating that the humanoid robot could be the company’s most important product.
A recent report has suggested that LG Energy Solution is in discussions to supply batteries for Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot.
Optimus is expected to be one of Tesla’s most ambitious projects, with Elon Musk estimating that the humanoid robot could be the company’s most important product.
Humanoid robot battery deals
LG Energy Solution shares jumped more than 11% on the 28th after a report from the Korea Economic Daily claimed that the company is pursuing battery supply and joint development agreements with several humanoid robot makers. These reportedly include Tesla, which is developing Optimus, as well as multiple Chinese robotics companies.
China is already home to several leading battery manufacturers, such as CATL and BYD, making the robot makers’ reported interest in LG Energy Solution quite interesting. Market participants interpreted the reported outreach as a signal that performance requirements for humanoid robots may favor battery chemistries developed by companies like LG.
LF Energy Solution vs rivals
According to the report, energy density is believed to be the primary reason humanoid robot developers are evaluating LG Energy Solution’s batteries. Unlike electric vehicles, humanoid robots have significantly less space available for battery packs while requiring substantial power to operate dozens of joint motors and onboard artificial intelligence processors.
LG Energy Solution’s ternary lithium batteries offer higher energy density compared with rivals’ lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are widely used by Chinese EV manufacturers. That advantage could prove critical for humanoid robots, where runtime, weight, and compact packaging are key design constraints.
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Tesla receives approval for FSD Supervised tests in Sweden
Tesla confirmed that it has been granted permission to test FSD Supervised vehicles across Sweden in a press release.
Tesla has received regulatory approval to begin tests of its Full Self-Driving Supervised system on public roads in Sweden, a notable step in the company’s efforts to secure FSD approval for the wider European market.
FSD Supervised testing in Sweden
Tesla confirmed that it has been granted permission to test FSD Supervised vehicles across Sweden following cooperation with national authorities and local municipalities. The approval covers the Swedish Transport Administration’s entire road network, as well as urban and highways in the Municipality of Nacka.
Tesla shared some insights into its recent FSD approvals in a press release. “The approval shows that cooperation between authorities, municipalities and businesses enables technological leaps and Nacka Municipality is the first to become part of the transport system of the future. The fact that the driving of the future is also being tested on Swedish roads is an important step in the development towards autonomy in real everyday traffic,” the company noted.
With approval secured for FSD tests, Tesla can now evaluate the system’s performance in diverse environments, including dense urban areas and high-speed roadways across Sweden, as noted in a report from Allt Om Elbil. Tesla highlighted that the continued development of advanced driver assistance systems is expected to pave the way for improved traffic safety, increased accessibility, and lower emissions, particularly in populated city centers.
Tesla FSD Supervised Europe rollout
FSD Supervised is already available to drivers in several global markets, including Australia, Canada, China, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United States. The system is capable of handling city and highway driving tasks such as steering, acceleration, braking, and lane changes, though it still requires drivers to supervise the vehicle’s operations.
Tesla has stated that FSD Supervised has accumulated extensive driving data from its existing markets. In Europe, however, deployment remains subject to regulatory approval, with Tesla currently awaiting clearance from relevant authorities.
The company reiterated that it expects to start rolling out FSD Supervised to European customers in early 2026, pending approvals. It would then be unsurprising if the company secures approvals for FSD tests in other European territories in the coming months.
Tesla rolls out new Supercharging safety feature in the U.S.
LG Energy Solution pursuing battery deal for Tesla Optimus, other humanoid robots: report
