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Tesla’s Megapacks used for California solar project

Credit: Intersect Power

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Tesla’s Megapacks are being used to store power for a major solar project in Southern California, offering 250 MW/1GWh of energy storage or enough to power 207,000 homes annually.

In a press release on Tuesday, Intersect Power announced the Oberon Solar and Storage project, located in Riverside County, California. Along with the many Megapacks, which are built at Tesla’s Lathrop, California site, the site has a 679 MWp/500 MWac solar array for generating power.

“The Oberon project is much more than a new source of clean power for California. It is also a case study in how the clean energy industry can maximize project benefits by prioritizing domestic supply chains and union labor to ensure the rewards of the clean energy transition are felt by all Americans,” Intersect Power CEO Sheldon Kimber said.

“This project demonstrates that Intersect continues to pioneer procurement standards for our industry that live up to the vision of the IRA and deliver transformative clean energy projects that move the needle on the deep decarbonization of our economy,” Kimber added.

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The project is also aligned with the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) through the use of U.S.-built hardware, including solar modules built by First Solar, NX Horizon smart solar trackers and American-made steel. The release also states that it created over 930 skilled union jobs during peak construction of the site, with workers from California LiUNA Local 1184, IBEW Local 440 and others from the local area.

It also highlights efforts from the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, which featured collaborative efforts between the federal government, conservation groups, Native American tribes, renewable energy companies, utilities commissions and the public.

Through the program, the Bureau designated more than 10 million acres for conservation and recreation lands, while focusing on how to develop renewable practices for the area.

“The completion of the Oberon Solar Project underscores the Bureau of Land Management’s commitment to responsible energy development in pursuit of a carbon free power sector,” said BLM California State Director, Karen Mouritsen. “This project is another example of the Bureau’s steadfast commitment to the furtherance of renewable energy and prioritizing a healthier planet.”

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Tesla’s Megapacks have been used for a number of energy storage projects, recently including a smaller-scale use case with a single unit at the water treatment plant in San Luis Obispo, California. The company has also deployed the technology in many areas of Australia, and in several other locations around the world.

Tesla Megapack fire in Australia did not start from battery modules: analysis

What are your thoughts? Let me know at zach@teslarati.com, find me on X at @zacharyvisconti, or send your tips to us at tips@teslarati.com.

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Zach is a renewable energy reporter who has been covering electric vehicles since 2020. He grew up in Fremont, California, and he currently lives in Colorado. His work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, KRON4 San Francisco, FOX31 Denver, InsideEVs, CleanTechnica, and many other publications. When he isn't covering Tesla or other EV companies, you can find him writing and performing music, drinking a good cup of coffee, or hanging out with his cats, Banks and Freddie. Reach out at zach@teslarati.com, find him on X at @zacharyvisconti, or send us tips at tips@teslarati.com.

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Elon Musk

Tesla reveals major info about the Semi as it heads toward ‘mass production’

Some information, like trim levels and their specs were not revealed by Tesla, but now that the Semi is headed toward mass production this year, the company finally revealed those specifics.

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla has revealed some major information about the all-electric Semi as it heads toward “mass production,” according to CEO Elon Musk.

The Semi has been working toward a wider production phase after several years of development, pilot programs, and the construction of a dedicated production facility that is specifically catered to the manufacturing of the vehicle.

However, some information, like trim levels and their specs were not revealed by Tesla, but now that the Semi is headed toward mass production this year, the company finally revealed those specifics.

Tesla Semi undergoes major redesign as dedicated factory preps for deliveries

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Tesla plans to build a Standard Range and Long Range Trim level of the Semi, and while the range is noted in the company’s newly-released spec list, there is no indication of what battery size will be equipped by them. However, there is a notable weight difference between the two of roughly 3,000 lbs, and the Long Range configuration has a lightning-fast peak charging speed of 1.2 MW.

This information is not available for the Standard Range quite yet.

The spec list is as follows:

  • Standard Range:
    • 325 miles of range (at 82,000 lbs gross combination weight
    • Curb Weight: <20,000
    •  Energy Consumption: 1.7 kWh per mile
    • Powertrain: 3 independent motors on rear axles
    • Charging: Up to 60% of range in 30 minutes
    • Charge Type: MCS 3.2
    • Drive Power: Up to 800 kW
    • ePTO (Electric Power Take Off): Up to 25 kW
  • Long Range:
    • Range: 500 miles (at 82,000 lbs gross combination weight)
    • Curb Weight: 23,000 lbs
    • Energy Consumption: 1.7 kWh per mile
    • Powertrain: 3 independent motors on rear axles
    • Charging: Up to 60% of range in 30 minutes
    • Charge Type: MCS 3.2
    • Peak charging speed: 1.2MW (1,200kW)
    • Drive Power: Up to 800 kW
    • ePTO (Electric Power Take Off): Up to 25 kW

It is important to keep in mind that the Semi is currently spec’d for local runs, and Tesla has not yet released or developed a sleeper cabin that would be more suitable for longer trips, cross-country hauls, and overnight travel.

Tesla Semi sleeper section and large side storage teased in new video

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Instead, the vehicle will be initially used for regional deliveries, as it has in the pilot programs for Pepsi Co. and Frito-Lay for the past several years.

It will enter mass production this year, Musk confirmed on X over the weekend.

Now that the company’s dedicated Semi production facility in Sparks, Nevada, is standing, the timeline seems much more realistic as the vehicle has had its mass manufacturing date adjusted on several occasions.

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Ferrari Luce EV: Italian supercar maker reveals interior and interface design

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Ferrari, the Italian supercar maker, has revealed the name, interior, and interface design of its first-ever electric vehicle project, the Luce, initiating a new chapter in the rich history of the company’s automotive books.

This is the first time Ferrari has revealed such intimate details regarding its introductory EV offering, which has been in the realm of possibility for several years.

As more companies continue to take on EV projects, and some recede from them, supercar companies like Ferrari and Lamborghini are preparing to offer electric powertrains, offering super-fast performance and a new era of speed and acceleration.

Luce – a New Chapter in Ferrari

The company said that the name Luce is “more than a name. It is a vision.” Instead of looking at its first EV offering as a means to enter a new era of design, engineering, and imagination. The company did not want to compromise any of its reputation, high standards, or performance with this new project. It sees it as simply a page turn, and not the closing of a book:

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“This new naming strategy reflects how the Ferrari Luce marks a significant addition to the Prancing Horse’s line-up, embodying the seamless expression of tradition and innovation. With its cutting-edge technology, unique design, and best-in-class driving thrills, it unites Ferrari’s racing heritage, the timeless spirit of its sports cars, and the evolving reality of contemporary lifestyles. It testifies to Ferrari’s determination to go beyond expectations: to imagine the future, and to dare. Because leading means illuminating the path ahead – and Luce embodies that mindset.”

Ferrari Luce Design

Ferrari collaborated with LoveFrom, a creative collective founded by Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson. The pair has been working with Ferrari for five years on the Luce design; everything from materials, ergonomics, interface, and user experience has been designed by the two entities.

The big focus with the interior was to offer “a first, tangible insight into the design philosophy…where innovation meets craftsmanship and cutting-edge design. The team focused on perfecting and refining every solution to its purest form — not to reinvent what already works, but to create a new, carefully considered expression of Ferrari.”

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Ferrari CEO compliments Tesla for shaking up the automotive industry

The company also said:

“Ultimately, the design of the Ferrari Luce’s interior is a synthesis of meticulous craftsmanship, respect for tradition, and thoughtful innovation. It offers a new choice for Ferrari enthusiasts – one that honours the past while embracing the future, and exemplifies the brand’s enduring commitment to quality, performance, and cultural significance.”

The appearance of the elements that make up the interior are both an ode to past designs, like the steering wheel, which is a reinterpretation of the iconic 1950s and 1960s wooden three-spoke Nardi wheel, and fresh, new designs, which aim to show the innovation Ferrari is adopting with this new project.

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Interior Highlights

Steering Wheel

The Ferrari Luce is a shout-out to the Nardi wheel from the 1950s and 60s. It is constructed of 100% recycled aluminum, and the alloy was developed specifically for the vehicle to “ensure mechanical resistance and a superb surface quality for the anodisation process.”

It weighs 400 grams less than a standard Ferrari steering wheel:

Credit: Ferrari

It features two analogue control modules, ensuring both functionality and clarity, Ferrari said. The carmaker drew inspiration from Formula One single-seaters, and every button has been developed to provide “the most harmonious combination of mechanical and acoustic feedback based on more than 20 evaluation tests with Ferrari test drivers.”

Instrument Cluster and Displays

There are three displays in the Luce — a driver binnacle, control panel, and rear control panel, which have all been “meticulously designed for clarity and purpose.”

The binnacle moves with the steering wheel and is optimized for the driver’s view of the instrumentation and supporting driver performance.

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Displays are crafted by Samsung and were specifically designed for the car, using a “world first – three large cutouts strategically reveal the information generated by a second display behind the top panel, creating a fascinating visual depth that captures the eye.”

Samsung Display engineers created an ultra-light, ultra-thin OLED panel for the vehicle.

Credit: Ferrari

Pricing is still what remains a mystery within the Luce project. Past reports have speculated that the price could be at least €500,000, or $535,000.

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Elon Musk

Elon Musk pivots SpaceX plans to Moon base before Mars

The shift, Musk explained, is driven by launch cadence and the urgency of securing humanity’s long-term survival beyond Earth, among others.

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Credit: @SecWar/X

Elon Musk has clarified that SpaceX is prioritizing the Moon over Mars as the fastest path to establishing a self-growing off-world civilization. 

The shift, Musk explained, is driven by launch cadence and the urgency of securing humanity’s long-term survival beyond Earth, among others.

Why the Moon is now SpaceX’s priority

In a series of posts on X, Elon Musk stated that SpaceX is focusing on building a self-growing city on the Moon because it can be achieved significantly faster than a comparable settlement on Mars. As per Musk, a Moon city could possibly be completed in under 10 years, while a similar settlement on Mars would likely require more than 20.

“For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years. The mission of SpaceX remains the same: extend consciousness and life as we know it to the stars,” Musk wrote in a post on X.

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Musk highlighted that launch windows to Mars only open roughly every 26 months, with a six-month transit time, whereas missions to the Moon can launch approximately every 10 days and arrive in about two days. That difference, Musk stated, allows SpaceX to iterate far more rapidly on infrastructure, logistics, and survival systems.

“The critical path to a self-growing Moon city is faster,” Musk noted in a follow-up post.

Mars still matters, but runs in parallel

Despite the pivot to the Moon, Musk stressed that SpaceX has not abandoned Mars. Instead, Mars development is expected to begin in about five to seven years and proceed alongside the company’s lunar efforts.

Musk explained that SpaceX would continue launching directly from Earth to Mars when possible, rather than routing missions through the Moon, citing limited fuel availability on the lunar surface. The Moon’s role, he stated, is not as a staging point for Mars, but as the fastest achievable location for a self-sustaining off-world civilization.

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“The Moon would establish a foothold beyond Earth quickly, to protect life against risk of a natural or manmade disaster on Earth,” Musk wrote.

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