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U.S. to invest $325 million into EV charger reliability and lowering costs

(Credit: Tesla)

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The U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy have announced $325 million in new investments going toward improving electric vehicle (EV) charger reliability and cutting costs in the industry.

In a press release shared on Friday, the White House announced three programs to repair and replace existing, non-operational chargers across the country, to reduce costs for deploying charging in underserved communities, and to cut battery costs. Part of the funding includes almost $149 million in grants dedicated to fixing non-working charging equipment, expected to help bring 4,500 broken public chargers back into operation.

The White House says the programs will “increase the reliability and resilience of publicly accessible chargers, advance EV technologies, and support workforce development for EV charging deployment and maintenance.”

The statement also details the Biden administration’s notice of intent to propose regulations related to the 30C tax credit, recommending definition changes that would give around two-thirds of Americans access to up to 30 percent off on charging equipment.

EV charger reliability has long been under scrutiny from EV drivers and regulators alike, and especially from those who have had to charge their vehicles at non-Tesla charging stations. Last year, the California Energy Commission announced plans to create regulatory framework for public EV charger reliability and availability, though this is the first such funding to support maintenance on a federal level.

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The newly announced funding programs also follow $623 million in awards announced earlier this month, which are expected to help fill gaps in the U.S. charging infrastructure.

The press release includes a list of financial commitments that are a part of the programs, including Tesla’s plan to open at least 7,500 Superchargers to non-Tesla owners throughout this year. Throughout much of last year and into this year, nearly every automaker also signed on to adopt Tesla’s charging hardware, dubbed the North American Charging Standard (NACS).

The list also includes several other automakers and a new charging station joint venture including BMW, General Motors (GM), Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis, which is expected to install 30,000 EV charging stations.

It also lists several companies that are not automakers as a part of the program, including the Hilton deal for as many as 20,000 Universal Wall Connectors, announced in September.

Below are all the companies listed on the private sector EV charging commitments document, or you can view full project descriptions from the White House here.

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EV Charging Deployment

Automakers

  • JV created by BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis
  • Tesla
  • Forum Mobility

Charging Companies

  • bp pulse (EV charging arm of bp, formerly British Petroleum)
  • EVgo
  • Francis Energy

Notable Charging Partnerships

  • Pilot, GM and EVgo
  • TravelCenters of America and Electrify America
  • Mercedes-Benz, ChargePoint and MN8 Energy
  • GM and FLO
  • Forum Mobility and local San Pedro and Oakland ports
  • EVgo and Meijer

Hospitality/Retail

  • Marriott
  • Hilton
  • Walmart

EV Charger Manufacturing

  • Kempower Inc.
  • EdgeEnergy
  • BorgWarner
  • Daimler Truck North America, NextEra Energy and BlackRock Alternatives
  • Ingeteam
  • Atom Power
  • XCharge North America
  • Star Charge
  • LG Electronics

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.

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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Tesla shares epic 2025 recap video, confirms start of Cybercab production

The cinematic montage, posted by the official Tesla account on X, celebrated the company’s progress in EVs, energy, and Robotaxi development.

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla has released an epic year-in-review video for 2025, recapping some of its major achievements from refreshed models to autonomy breakthroughs and production ramps. 

The cinematic montage, posted by the official Tesla account on X, celebrated the company’s progress in EVs, energy, and Robotaxi development while looking ahead to an even bigger 2026.

Tesla’s 2025 highlights recap

Tesla has had a busy 2025, as highlighted in the recap video. The video opened with Elon Musk explaining the company’s pursuit of sustainable abundance. A number of milestones were then highlighted, such as the rollout of FSD v14, Optimus’ numerous demos, the opening of the Tesla Diner in Hollywood, LA, the completion of the world’s first autonomous car delivery, and the launch of the Robotaxi network in Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Tesla also highlighted several of its accomplishments over the year. As per the company, the Model Y was the year’s best-selling vehicle globally again, and Teslas became more affordable than ever thanks to the Model 3 and Model Y Standard. Other key models were also rolled out, such as the refreshed Model S and X, as well as the new Model Y, the new Model Y Performance, and the six-seat, extended wheelbase Model Y L. 

The Megablock was also unveiled during the year, and the Supercharger Network grew by 18%. Over 1 million Powerwalls were also installed during the year, and the Cybertruck became the first EV truck to get both an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and an NHTSA 5-Star safety rating. 

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Cybercab production confirmed

Interestingly enough, Tesla also confirmed in its 2025 recap video that the production of the Cybercab has started. This bodes well for the vehicle, as it could result in the vehicle really being mass-produced in the first half of 2026. Elon Musk confirmed during the 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting that Cybercab production should earnestly start around April 2026

Musk has also noted that the Cybercab will be Tesla’s highest-volume vehicle yet, with the company aiming for an annual production rate of about 2 million units. “If you’ve seen the design of the Cybercab line, it doesn’t look like a normal car manufacturing line,” Musk said earlier this year. “It looks like a really high-speed consumer electronics line. In fact, the line will move so fast that actually people can’t even get close to it.”

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Tesla Cybercab is changing the look of Austin’s roads, and it’s not even in production yet

Videos and photos showed the sleek, two-seat autonomous vehicles navigating traffic.

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Credit: @niccruzpatane/X

Even before entering production, Tesla’s Cybercab is already transforming the appearance of Austin’s streets, with multiple prototypes spotted testing in downtown areas recently. 

Videos and photos showed the sleek, two-seat autonomous vehicles navigating traffic. Interestingly enough, the vehicles were equipped with temporary steering wheels and human safety drivers.

Recent Cybercab sightings

Over the weekend, enthusiasts captured footage of two Cybercabs driving together in central Austin, their futuristic silhouettes standing out amid regular traffic. While the vehicles featured temporary steering wheels and side mirrors for now, they retained their futuristic, production-intent exterior design.

Industry watcher Sawyer Merritt shared one of the vehicles’ videos, noting the increasing frequency of the autonomous two-seater’s sightings.

Previewing the autonomous future

Sightings of the Cybercab have been ramping in several key areas across the United States in recent weeks. Sightings include units at Apple’s Visitor Center in California, the Fremont factory test track, and in Austin’s streets.

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The increased activity suggests that Tesla is in overdrive, validating the autonomous two-seater ahead of its planned volume production. Elon Musk confirmed at the 2025 Shareholder Meeting that manufacturing begins around April 2026 with ambitious targets, and during an All-Hands meeting earlier this year, Musk hinted that ultimately, Tesla’s factories should be able to produce one Cybercab every 10 seconds. 

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Tesla celebrates 9 million vehicles produced globally

The achievement, announced by Tesla Asia on X, celebrated not just the Shanghai team’s output but the company’s cumulative production across all its factories worldwide.

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Credit: Tesla Asia/X

Tesla has achieved a new milestone, rolling out its nine millionth vehicle worldwide from Giga Shanghai. 

The achievement, announced by Tesla Asia on X, celebrated not just the Shanghai team’s output but the company’s cumulative production across all its factories worldwide. The milestone came as 2025 drew to a close, and it inspired praise from some of the company’s key executives.

Tesla’s 9 million vehicle milestone

The commemorative photo from Tesla Asia featured the Giga Shanghai team assembled on the factory floor, surrounding the milestone Model Y unit, which looked pristine in white. The image was captioned: “Our 9 millionth vehicle globally has just rolled off the production line at Giga Shanghai. Thanks to our owners and supporters around the world.” 

Senior Vice President of Automotive Tom Zhu praised Tesla’s factory teams for the remarkable milestone. He also shared his gratitude to Tesla owners for their support. “Congrats to all Tesla factories for this amazing milestone! Thanks to our owners for your continued support!” Zhu wrote in a post on X.

Giga Shanghai’s legacy

Tesla’s nine million vehicle milestone is especially impressive considering that just 207 days ago, the company announced that it had built its eight millionth car globally. The eight millionth Tesla, a red Model Y, was built in Giga Berlin. The fact that Tesla was able to build a million cars in less than seven months is quite an accomplishment. 

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Giga Shanghai, Tesla’s largest factory by volume, has been instrumental to the company’s overall operations, having reached four million cumulative vehicles earlier in 2025. The plant produces Model 3 and Model Y for both domestic Chinese and export markets, making it the company’s primary vehicle export hub. 

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