

News
Volkswagen boss Diess tells execs third-party software fix isn’t an option
Volkswagen boss Herbert Diess is adamant that the German car company must develop its electric vehicle software in-house. In a recent meeting with executives, Diess outlined Volkswagen’s core needs in the topic of software, indicating that it must be developed in-house and that sourcing effective and dependable software from a notable tech company simply isn’t an option if the company wants to remain independent.
“If we want to retain our independence,” Diess told his top managers in a recent meeting, “we have to be able to develop the software in the car ourselves. This is the only way for us to guarantee long-term success.”
Volkswagen’s EV project, which has been catalyzed by the introduction of the ID. family of vehicles has been a thorn in the side of the world’s leading car company since its introduction. While Volkswagen has made electric models before, they have not been on the company’s new MEB (Modular electric drive matrix) platform designed for electric cars. The platform requires a robustly accurate and scalable software program, something that Volkswagen has encountered several problems with early on in its electric offensive.
But the roadblocks and bottlenecks in Volkswagen’s software are not issues that Diess is willing to have someone else fix. He expects his competent software engineers and other team members to figure out the shortcomings on their own in an attempt to remain free of dependence on another company, whether it would be a tech company like Apple or a fellow electric automaker like Tesla. “We must not hand over data sovereignty, the customer interface, and ultimately the “brain” of the car to the big tech players.”
The software essentially acts as the brain of the car. To give owners a more pleasurable ownership experience, the software needs to be free of any discrepancies. The issues can cause things as small as voice recognition to go awry or things as large as software updates to be uninstallable, making a vehicle outdated and, in some cases, unusable. Volkswagen has had its fair share of issues with the MEB platform, but it claims that many of the difficulties it has encountered are solved. Additionally, it has promised owners that software updates will be ready to be downloaded to cars regularly beginning Summer 2021.
Volkswagen's software issues with the ID.3 are worse than reported: 'It is an absolute disaster'
With automakers big and small fighting to keep pace with Tesla, Diess understands the urgency of the project at hand. “This is by far the most important project for this Group in the next five, probably ten years,” he said, according to Business Insider. Automakers are being forced to adapt or be left behind as Tesla extends its lead in the sector, especially in software. While other car companies like Ford are releasing highly-competitive vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E, which has proven to be a notable adversary to the Tesla Model Y, the sector is only becoming more concentrated on what seems like a daily basis. With new companies coming around, focusing purely on electric powertrains, legacy automakers have almost dragged their feet through the proverbial mud, only delaying the inevitable: they will fall behind if they do not focus on electrification.
Volkswagen is arguably the most invested legacy automaker in the EV transition. Diess has been extremely vocal regarding VW’s transition to electric cars, recognizing that the market will only become more competitive, more robust, and more concentrated. A lead now could extend into several decades and make Volkswagen more desirable than other car companies who will confront these same issues in a few years.
News
Tesla takes huge step with Cybercab in new spotting

Tesla has taken a huge step forward with its Cybercab project, as the vehicle has been spotted on the Fremont Test Track for the first time.
Typically, when cars are spotted on the Fremont Test Track, it means Tesla has begun advancing the development of that specific project. With Cybercab production slated for 2026, it seems Tesla is ready to get things moving.
The Cybercab was unveiled one year ago tomorrow, at the “We, Robot” event in Los Angeles.
Tesla Robotaxi Cybercab: Seats, price, special features, release date, and more
Tesla has been hoping to get Cybercab production started in early 2026. With a few months until then, the program has taken some leaps, including the recent start of crash testing of the vehicle at the Fremont Factory in Northern California.
Some of these units have made their way to Gigafactory Texas at Tesla’s crash testing facility:
The 1st @Tesla Cybercab at the Giga Texas crash testing facility. Hard to say for sure, but this may indicate the vehicle has completed most of the final engineering & production tests out at Fremont and what remains is now at Giga Texas.
If this follows how the @Cybertruck… pic.twitter.com/RHB2IjkL1L
— Joe Tegtmeyer 🚀 🤠🛸😎 (@JoeTegtmeyer) October 9, 2025
Now, it has taken another step as Tesla has officially started testing the vehicle at the Fremont Test Track:
Tesla spotted for the first time testing the Cybercab at their Fremont factory in California.
Full video: https://t.co/mXGIJXYCqY pic.twitter.com/oveOsXqiyg
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) October 9, 2025
Here’s when vehicles in Tesla’s lineup were first spotted on the Fremont Test Track and then launched:
Vehicle
|
First Spotted on Fremont Test Track
|
Launch Date (Production Start/First Deliveries)
|
---|---|---|
Model Y
|
December 12, 2019
|
January 2020
|
Tesla Semi
|
March 8, 2021
|
December 1, 2022 (Limited to pilot program participants)
|
Cybertruck
|
December 10, 2021
|
November 2023
|
Cybercab
|
October 9, 2025
|
Early 2026
|
Timeframes for when Tesla vehicles hit the Fremont Test Track and when their production and deliveries begin certainly vary.
However, the Cybercab being spotted marks a significant step forward for Tesla, as it indicates the company is nearing a major milestone in production, whether for deliveries or on-road testing.
It does seem as if Tesla could employ the Cybercab for its Robotaxi program in Austin, Texas, and Northern California.
With more markets expected to launch Robotaxi rides soon, it could be a formidable challenge for the new vehicle, especially if Tesla can initiate rides without a Safety Monitor.
News
Chevy answers Tesla’s new ‘Standard’ offerings with an actually affordable EV

Chevy answered Tesla’s new Standard Model 3 and Model Y offerings with its second-generation Bolt EV, a car that actually appeals to those who were looking for affordability.
Earlier this week, Tesla unveiled the Model 3 and Model Y Standard, two stripped-down versions of the cars of the same name it already offers. The Long Range versions are now labeled as “Premium,” while the Performance configurations stand alone.
Tesla launches two new affordable models with ‘Standard’ Model 3, Y offerings
However, many people were sort of upset with what Tesla came to market with. For well over a year, it has been transparent that it was planning to develop affordable models, and this year, it was forced to take action to counter the loss of the $7,500 EV tax credit.
The Model 3 Standard starts at $36,990, while the Model Y Standard comes in at $39,990. While these are cheaper than the company’s Premium offerings, many fans said that Tesla missed the mark with the pricing, as these numbers are not necessarily “affordable.”
At the very least, they will likely miss the mark in helping Tesla regain annual growth rates for its deliveries. Tesla will likely rely on its “unboxed process,” which will be used to manufacture the Cybercab and potentially other affordable models in the future. These will be priced at below $30,000.
Other carmakers are making their moves and were able to undercut Tesla’s new Standard offerings, Chevrolet being one of them.
This week, the company launched its second-gen Bolt EV, which starts at just $28,995.
Here are the full specs:
- 65 kWh LFP battery
- 255 miles of range (EPA estimated)
- Native NACS port for Tesla Supercharger accessibility without an adapter
- Up to 150 kW charging speed
- Bidirectional power of 9.6 kW
- Front-Wheel-Drive
- 10-80% charging in just 26 minutes
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- SuperCruise capable
- 11.3″ touchscreen, 11″ digital gauge cluster
- 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity
- Other Trims
- RS – $32,000
- Base LT – $28,995
- Deliveries begin in early 2026
Let’s be frank: Tesla fans are unlikely to bat an eye at other OEM offerings. However, first-time EV buyers might be looking for something more price accessible, so vehicles under $30,000 are where they will look first, at least for most people.
If money isn’t an option, people will consider spending a minimum of $37,000 on a new vehicle, especially an EV, as a first-time owner.
The Bolt EV could be something that does well, especially considering its one of only a handful of EVs that are priced at around $30,000 brand new in the U.S.
The others are:
- Nissan Leaf S ($28,140)
- Mini Cooper SE ($30,900)
- Fiat 500e ($32,500)
While these cars are priced at around $30,000 and are affordable, they each offer minimal range ratings. The Nissan Leaf S and Fiat 500e have just 149 miles, while the Mini Cooper SE has 114 miles.
News
Tesla Model S makes TIME’s list of Best Inventions

Tesla’s flagship sedan, the Model S, has officially been named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of the 2000s. It joins its sibling, the Model 3, which made the list in 2017.
The Model S is among the most crucial developments in the automotive industry in the last century.
Just as the Ford Model T made its mark on passenger transportation, becoming the first combustion engine vehicle to be successfully developed and marketed at a time when horse and buggy were the preferred mode of transportation, the Model S revolutionized things a step further.
Although it was not the first EV to be developed, the Tesla Model S was the EV that put EVs on the map. In 2012, TIME recognized the Model S as a piece of technology that could truly transform the car industry.
The publication wrote:
“This electric four-door sedan has the lines of a Jaguar, the ability to zip for 265 miles (426 km) on one charge—that’s the equivalent of 89 m.p.g. (2.6 L/100 km)—and touchscreen controls for everything from GPS navigation to adjusting the suspension.”
Looking back, TIME was right on. The Tesla Model S was truly a marvel for its time, and it, along with the OG 2008 Roadster, can be seen as the first two EVs to push electrification to the mainstream.
As TIME described this year, the Model S “proved to be a game-changing experience for electric vehicles,” and it ended up truly catalyzing things for not only the industry, but Tesla as well.
The Model S acted as a fundraiser of sorts for future vehicles, just as the Model X did. They paved the way for the Model 3 and Model Y to be developed and offered by Tesla at a price point that was more acceptable and accessible to the masses.
The Current State of the Tesla Model S
The Model S contributes to a very small percentage of Tesla sales. The company groups the Model S with the Model X and Cybertruck in its quarterly releases.
Last year, that grouping sold 85,133 total units, a small percentage of the 1.789 million cars it delivered to customers in 2024.
Things looked to be changing for the Model S and the Model X this year, as Tesla teased some improvements to the two cars with a refresh. However, it was very underwhelming and only included very minor changes.
Lucid CEO shades Tesla Model S: “Nothing has changed in 12 years now”
It appeared as if Tesla was planning to sunset the two cars, and while it has not taken that stance yet, it seems more likely that the company will begin taking any potential options to heart.
CEO Elon Musk said a few years ago that the two cars were only produced due to “sentimental reasons.”
-
Elon Musk2 weeks ago
Tesla FSD V14 set for early wide release next week: Elon Musk
-
News2 weeks ago
Elon Musk gives update on Tesla Optimus progress
-
News2 weeks ago
Tesla has a new first with its Supercharger network
-
Investor's Corner2 weeks ago
Tesla gets new Street-high price target with high hopes for autonomy domination
-
Lifestyle2 weeks ago
500-mile test proves why Tesla Model Y still humiliates rivals in Europe
-
News2 weeks ago
Tesla Giga Berlin’s water consumption has achieved the unthinkable
-
Lifestyle2 weeks ago
Tesla Model S Plaid battles China’s 1500 hp monster Nurburgring monster, with surprising results
-
News2 weeks ago
Tesla Model Y makes dramatic comeback in Sweden with 492% rise in registrations