Author: john@provenroi.com

Tesla’s autonomous vehicle testing seems to be expanding, as the first Cybertruck outfitted as a Robotaxi validation vehicle was recently spotted charging in California. Shared by @TailosiveEV on X, close-up images of the modified Cybertruck show a roof-mounted LiDAR unit for high-precision 3D mapping, along with additional cameras on the front bumper. This hardware is ideal for collecting accurate data during complex maneuvers like parking and low-speed navigation. While Elon Musk has previously dismissed LiDAR for Tesla’s consumer vehicles, extra sensors on internal validation vehicles are used to establish “ground truth” data for training and verifying Full Self-Driving software. The…

The DIY EV conversion of the 1962 Mercury Comet station wagon is a true testament to the fact that electric car conversions don’t have to break the bank. While most conversion specialists focus on the luxury market and charge exorbitant amounts for their services, this project proves that it can be done affordably and effectively. The project began with a dead Mercury Comet station wagon and a wrecked 2014 Nissan Leaf. The Leaf provided all the necessary high-voltage components, including the battery pack, inverter, and electric motor. The goal of the project was to complete the conversion for less than…

Tesla enthusiasts have found a unique way to incorporate the brand into their daily lives that goes beyond just driving a Tesla. A new do-it-yourself trend has emerged, where genuine Tesla car seats are being transformed into fully powered office chairs. These office chairs come equipped with features such as heat, cooling, recline, tilt, and lumbar support, all powered by a simple wall outlet. One such example of this trend is showcased by Tesla employee Ryan Torres, who recently shared his fully assembled Model 3 Performance office chair on social media. Torres credited a new kit from Springdale Robotics for…

Hyundai continues to impress with its strong performance in the U.S. electric-vehicle market. The company’s latest sales data for 2025 shows that they had another successful year, driven by the popularity of the Ioniq 5 crossover and the introduction of the new Ioniq 9 three-row SUV. Despite facing challenges in the fourth quarter and in December when EV tax credits expired, Hyundai managed to achieve impressive sales figures. The Ioniq 5, which was a standout performer in 2025, set another annual sales record for Hyundai. This stylish crossover, which was also honored as InsideEVs’ Breakthrough Awards Editor’s Choice pick for…

Despite facing a challenging market in several European countries, Tesla has managed to achieve record-breaking sales in Norway, solidifying its dominance in one of the world’s most EV-friendly countries. In December 2025, Tesla experienced a sharp decline in registrations in markets such as Sweden and France, with sales dropping significantly year-over-year. This decline can be attributed to increased competition from legacy automakers and Chinese EV brands, an aging product lineup, and controversies surrounding CEO Elon Musk’s public statements. Even the introduction of more affordable versions of the Model 3 and Model Y in Europe did not reverse the downward trend…

Norway has set a remarkable example for the rest of the world in its transition to electric vehicles. In 2025, the country achieved an impressive 95.9% electric vehicle share, coming very close to its goal of having no new gas cars on the road. This achievement is a significant milestone, especially considering that many other countries are still in the early stages of transitioning to cleaner transportation options. One key factor that has contributed to Norway’s success in promoting electric vehicles is its EV tax break system. However, starting in 2026, the tax break will only apply to cheaper EV…

The U.S. Air Force is looking to enhance the connectivity of its AC-130J Ghostrider gunships by equipping them with Starlink or its military-focused counterpart, Starshield. This move could revolutionize in-flight communications for special operations aircraft that operate in contested and remote environments. The AC-130J Ghostrider is a heavily armed variant of the C-130J Hercules, designed for delivering close air support and armed reconnaissance for ground forces. By adding Starlink or Starshield terminals, the Air Force hopes to improve beyond-line-of-sight satellite communications, providing secure, high-speed data transfer with lower latency compared to traditional military satellite systems. AFSOC has issued a request…

Overall, the return of physical buttons in the Volkswagen ID. Polo is a welcome change compared to the outgoing ID-branded EVs. The inclusion of dedicated buttons for volume and track adjustment, as well as physical controls for all of the windows, adds a level of convenience and ease of use that was missing in previous models. With the ID. Polo, Volkswagen is not only aiming to create an affordable electric vehicle but also one that can compete with the growing competition, particularly from Chinese-made newcomers. By focusing on a blend of modern technology and traditional physical controls, Volkswagen is hoping…

Tesla’s Supercharger network had a stellar end to 2025, showcasing impressive growth and record-scale usage during the fourth quarter. In a recent post shared by Tesla on X, the company disclosed that there were a staggering 52 million Supercharger charging sessions globally in Q4 2025, marking a substantial 29% year-over-year increase. This equates to an average of approximately 565,000 charging sessions per day across the globe. Even though daily usage saw a slight dip compared to Q3’s remarkable pace, where Tesla averaged about 587,000 daily Supercharger sessions, the results for Q4 are still impressive, especially considering the high travel volumes…

BYD’s success can be attributed to several factors. One key advantage is its early entry into the EV market, with the company launching its first electric vehicle back in 2008. This head start allowed BYD to develop a strong foothold in the industry and establish a solid reputation for producing reliable and high-quality electric vehicles. In addition, BYD has made significant investments in research and development, allowing the company to continuously innovate and improve its EV technology. This commitment to innovation has enabled BYD to stay ahead of the competition and offer cutting-edge electric vehicles that appeal to a wide…