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VW teases next generation ID.3 and needed upgrades
VW has teased the next generation VW ID.3 and its production plans for the vehicle.
In a press release this morning, Volkswagen showed off drawings of the upcoming second generation of the VW ID.3, some key upgrades coming to the vehicle, and production plans. But with all of these details on the trendy EV hatchback, the German automaker didn’t clarify if it would be coming to the U.S.
The images released by VW this morning are pretty striking. The new ID.3, while quite similar to the previous generation, seems to have adopted more aggressive styling cues seen on the Cupra Born version of the platform. Perhaps most striking in the renders is the heads-up display, but the smoothed-over front section is also a welcome design change.
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- The new ID.3 comes in spring with a sharpened exterior design.
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- The new ID.3 comes in spring with a sharpened exterior design.
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- Design sketch: High-quality and partly sustainable materials will characterize the interior.
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- Design sketch: High-quality and partly sustainable materials will characterize the interior.
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- The new ID.3 comes in spring with a sharpened exterior design.
Other than the striking images, VW outlined a few upgrades coming to the ID.3. Foremost were improvements to software and interior tech; the ID.3 will finally be OTA update capable, have a larger 12-inch center screen, and improved software UI. On top of that, VW is promising improvements to tech performance and general software improvements. The press release did not address the performance capabilities of the new vehicle, leaving some to ponder if any technical enhancements will come with this new generation.
VW says that it will also be expanding production of the ID.3 from the Zwickau plant to the Wolfsberg plant and that pre-ordering is now available in Germany, with orders expected to be delivered starting in Q4 2023. The next generation ID.3 starts at 43,995 euros, including VAT ($46,135), and will be available in five trims; life, business, style, max, and tour. The full release of the vehicle is coming in the Spring of next year.
The new ID.3 is coming at a strange time for Volkswagen. While the company recently reached the milestone of half a million ID electric vehicles sold worldwide, they are also reconsidering building a new manufacturing facility that could aid in the company’s transition to electric vehicles. Simultaneously, the company is investing billions into its PowerCo battery manufacturing subsidiary, a company that they hope they can turn into a “global battery champion.”
When taken as a whole, many observers are unsure of the future of the VW Group. While VW certainly seems focused on EV introduction and production, it still has reservations and isn’t dedicating as much as many competitors. This is especially apparent in the United States, where VW has only introduced a single electric vehicle that hasn’t exactly become a raging success; the ID.4.
As VW progresses into its next generation of electric vehicles and begins introducing new hotly anticipated EV models, opinions on the company may change. However, VW has a lot of work to do to win over consumers who often see Volkswagen products as behind in technology and less affordable than competitors.
What do you think of the article? Do you have any comments, questions, or concerns? Shoot me an email at william@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @WilliamWritin. If you have news tips, email us 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tesla shares epic 2025 recap video, confirms start of Cybercab production
Tesla Cybercab is changing the look of Austin’s roads, and it’s not even in production yet
