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Tesla launches Bitcoin payments for vehicle orders in US, other territories to follow

Credit: Tesla

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Tesla has formally launched Bitcoin payments for its lineup of all-electric vehicles in the United States. The update stands as a significant step for Tesla and CEO Elon Musk, whose support for cryptocurrencies has been evident recently. 

Initial reports about Tesla’s Bitcoin payment option for vehicle orders were first reported by several EV enthusiasts on social media. It wasn’t long before numerous Tesla supporters confirmed that Bitcoin is now an actual payment option in the company’s online US configurator. 

In a post on his personal Twitter account, CEO Elon Musk promoted Tesla’s launch of its Bitcoin payment support, noting that customers could now purchase their electric cars using the cryptocurrency. Musk later stated that Bitcoin payments should be available outside the United States later this year. 

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While Elon Musk typically tweets about Dogecoin, a joke cryptocurrency created as a satire for actual cryptocurrencies, the CEO has noted that he actually supports digital currencies. Elon Musk expressed as much during a Clubhouse session back in February, when he noted that he is a Bitcoin supporter. “I do at this point think Bitcoin is a good thing, and I am a supporter of Bitcoin. I think Bitcoin is really on the verge of getting broad acceptance by conventional finance people,” Musk said. 

While Tesla’s support for Bitcoin payments seems to have been received positively, the move might present some challenges for the company in territories such as China and India. Tesla already has a prominent presence in China thanks to Gigafactory Shanghai, and the company is making preparations to enter India later this year. Bitcoin is poised to meet some potential roadblocks in China amid the country’s efforts to create a digital version of its currency, while India is pondering a Bitcoin ban

Regardless of potential challenges in areas like China and India, however, Tesla definitely deserves credit for being a trailblazer once more. And considering the company’s tendency to set trends among automakers, it would not be surprising if other carmakers start offering Bitcoin payments in the near future as well. 

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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 continues growing its Cybercab production team with new job listings

Both positions are based in Gigafactory Texas, the site of the Cybercab’s initial production.

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Credit: Tesla/X

Tesla continues to build out its workforce for the upcoming Cybercab, with two new job listings for quality inspectors for the autonomous two-seater being listed in the company’s official Careers website. 

Both positions are based in Gigafactory Texas, the site of the Cybercab’s initial production.

New Cybercab listings

Tesla recently added openings for “Quality Inspector, Cybercab” and “Quality Inspector, Cybercab – Incoming Quality” on its Careers website. The roles involve detailed inspections of Cybercab components using precision tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges, among others. Candidates must also identify non-conformances, document findings in Tesla’s quality management  system and collaborate with production teams to resolve issues swiftly.

Overall, these new Cybercab-related roles highlight Tesla’s emphasis on precision for the two-seater’s innovative features, such as its inductive charging setup, which is not available on any Tesla consumer vehicle today. If any, the Cybercab’s Quality Inspectors will likely be operating in uncharted territory as the vehicle is being produced using Tesla’s new Unboxed process. Elon Musk has also noted that the Cybercab’s production line will resemble a high-speed consumer electronics line instead of a conventional automotive line.

Recent Cybercab Design Evolutions

Since its October 2024 unveiling, the Cybercab has undergone several refinements visible in recent prototypes, enhancing aerodynamics and manufacturability ahead of production. The tail design now rises slightly for better airflow, with a shortened rear body panel and repositioned red reflectors farther from the wheel arches. 

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Front-end updates include segmented daytime running lights, actual turn signals and a sharper splitter, while side repeater cameras have shifted forward for improved visibility. Tesla has also enlarged door panels for easier ingress and egress, swapped to unpainted tires without extended covers and adjusted the B-pillar forward and lower, likely to foster a more open cabin feel.

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Tesla starts laying the groundwork for FSD tests in Austria

The job opening comes as the company pushes regulatory approvals and data collection in new European markets.

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Credit: Grok Imagine

Tesla seems to be ramping its efforts to hire key personnel for FSD’s eventual expansion in Europe. This was hinted at in a new job listing for a vehicle operator role in Vienna, Austria. 

The job opening comes as the company pushes regulatory approvals and data collection in new European markets.

Vienna’s vehicle operator role

Tesla posted the job for “Fahrer (Vehicle Operator) (m/w/d)” in its Vienna office on its Careers website, seeking candidates to drive and monitor test vehicles as part of the Autopilot and AI team. The role involves collecting real-world driving data to refine Full Self-Driving systems for the country’s local roads. Responsibilities include operating vehicles in urban and highway environments, documenting system performance, among other tasks.

Applicants need a valid Austrian driver’s license and at least two years of driving experience. Fluency in English is essential, along with a familiarity with driver assist systems. Tesla noted that the position offers a minimum annual gross salary of EUR 32,000, though relevant professional experience and qualifications will be taken into account. Similar to other Tesla roles, the position also offers TSLA stock as an incentive.

Tesla’s FSD Push in Europe

Tesla’s FSD efforts in Europe have accelerated in recent months, with significant progress in Spain serving as a key milestone. In July 2025, Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic launched the ES-AV framework to standardize automated vehicle testing, authorizing Tesla for nationwide FSD trials with 19 vehicles under Phase 3, which allows optional onboard safety operators and remote monitoring. 

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The program, running through November 2027, aims to position Spain as a leader in the field, as DGT stated: “The program is designed to complement and enhance oversight, regulation, research, and transparency efforts, as well as to support innovation and advancements in automotive technology and industry.”

Beyond Spain, Tesla has conducted FSD demonstrations in Germany, France and Italy for consumers, while pursuing national approval in the Netherlands for early 2026.

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Tesla Semi factory looks almost complete during Thanksgiving weekend

Based on recent drone videos, the Tesla Semi factory looks practically ready to start operations.

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Credit: Tesla

It appears that the Tesla Semi factory near Giga Nevada is already hard at work preparing for the initial production of the Class 8 all-electric truck. This was, at least, hinted at in a recent drone flyover of the facility from a longtime watcher. 

The Tesla Semi factory after Thanksgiving

Drone operator and Tesla Semi advocate @HinrichsZane recently shared some footage he captured of the upcoming facility during the Thanksgiving weekend. Based on his video, it appears that Tesla gave its employees in the area the weekend off. One thing is evident from the video, however, and that is the fact that the Tesla Semi factory looks practically ready to start operations.

The Tesla Semi watcher did point out that the electric vehicle maker is still busy bringing in production equipment into the facility itself. Once these are installed, it would not be surprising if initial production of the Tesla Semi begins.

A new Tesla Semi

The upcoming completion of the Tesla Semi factory near Gigafactory Nevada seems all but inevitable in the coming months. What would be especially interesting, however, would be the vehicles that would be produced on the site. During Elon Musk’s presentation at the 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting, a glimpse of the production Tesla Semi was shown, and it looks quite a bit different than the Class 8 all-electric truck’s classic appearance.

As could be seen in the graphic from the CEO’s presentation, the updated Tesla Semi will feature slim lightbar headlights similar to the new Tesla Model Y, Cybertruck, and the Cybercab. Tesla also teased a number of aerodynamic improvements that increased the truck’s efficiency to 1.7 kWh per mile. Extended camera units, seemingly for FSD, could also be seen in the graphic. 

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