Author: john@provenroi.com
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity in China, the need for range extenders is diminishing. Recent data suggests that buyers are increasingly opting for pure battery-powered EVs over extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). This shift in consumer preference indicates a growing trend away from vehicles with onboard gas generators. One of the key factors driving this change is the rapid expansion of China’s public charging network. In the last year alone, the country has significantly increased the number of charging stations, making EV ownership more convenient and accessible. With chargers becoming faster and more powerful, EV drivers can now…
Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, has experienced incredible growth in 2025. Over the past year, Starlink has managed to double its global subscriber base, highlighting the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity in areas where traditional broadband services are lacking. In 2024, Starlink reported around 4.6 million users worldwide. However, as of last week, the service has exceeded 9 million subscribers, nearly doubling its user base in less than a year. With still some time left in the year, Starlink may even surpass this milestone by the end of 2025, given its rapid growth trajectory. Throughout 2025, Starlink…
Tesla Supplier Slashes Value of 4680 Battery Materials Contract by 99% In a surprising turn of events, Tesla’s battery supply chain has faced a setback with one of its key partners. South Korean battery materials company L&F Co. recently revealed that a previously announced supply agreement with Tesla has been drastically altered, with the value of the contract slashed by a staggering 99%. This development has raised concerns within the industry and among Tesla enthusiasts, as the 4680 battery cells are considered crucial for the company’s future electric vehicle projects. The 4680 cells, which are larger and more energy-dense than…
Despite these challenges, Chinese EVs performed admirably in the test. The 2023 Geely Zeekr 001 topped the ranking, retaining 70% of its range in the harsh conditions. The XPeng P5 and BYD Tang also performed well, retaining 66% and 64% of their range, respectively. The top-performing non-Chinese models were the Tesla Model Y L and the Nissan Ariya, with both retaining around 60% of their range. While these results are impressive, they also highlight the need for continued innovation in battery technology to improve performance in extreme conditions. Overall, the winter test in Inner Mongolia provided valuable insights into the…
Starlink’s satellite-to-phone connectivity is making waves in New Zealand, where One NZ has just celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Starlink-powered Direct to Cell service. Since its launch in December 2024, the service has seen impressive usage, with customers sending over 7 million text messages over Starlink in the first year alone. The Satellite TXT feature, as it’s known locally, covers approximately 40% of New Zealand and has made over 700,000 customers eligible to stay connected even in areas with no traditional cellular coverage. This has proven to be vital during emergencies, with the service being used during major weather…
However, the challenges faced during the journey were evident. The modified R1T struggled with overheating issues, especially during charging stops. The makeshift cooling system, although innovative, required constant attention and refilling. This highlights the importance of proper engineering and design in electric vehicles, especially when pushing them to their limits. Despite the setbacks, the team’s determination and perseverance paid off as they achieved an impressive range and speed during the Cannonball Run. The experience also shed light on the current limitations of electric trucks and the potential for future advancements in battery technology. Overall, the project serves as a testament…
The safety of passengers is of utmost importance when it comes to designing cars, especially electric vehicles. However, some car manufacturers seem to have missed the mark when it comes to ensuring easy access to emergency releases in case of power failure. One such instance is with Rivian’s Gen 2 R1S and R1T models, where the emergency release for the rear doors was relocated inside the door panel during a mid-life upgrade for the 2025 model year. This change has made it incredibly difficult for passengers, especially children, to access the release cables in an emergency. In response, some Rivian…
China has announced a significant change in regulations that will impact the design of electric vehicles (EVs) moving forward. Effective January 1, 2027, new vehicles sold in China will no longer be permitted to feature retractable, electronic door handles like those seen on Tesla vehicles, signaling a shift away from a design trend that once epitomized futuristic minimalism. As reported by Autoblog, Chinese regulators are implementing rules mandating that all vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons must be equipped with mechanical emergency door releases for both interior and exterior handles. The primary objective of this requirement is to ensure that…
Tesla’s highly anticipated Cybercab is making more frequent appearances on public roads, signaling that production may be nearing. Over the weekend, multiple Tesla Cybercabs were spotted undergoing testing in Austin, Texas, hinting at the company’s progression towards real-world validation as launch approaches. One of the most notable sightings came from Matt Barge (@matthewbarge), who captured footage of two Cybercabs being put through their paces in downtown Austin. Interestingly, these prototypes featured steering wheels, indicating that Tesla is still in the testing phase and experimenting with various hardware configurations to optimize the vehicle before its official release. The video even showed…
Tesla is making significant strides in expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure beyond its well-known Supercharger network. In recent months, over 158 new Tesla Wall Connector for Business sites have been activated worldwide, with more than 1,250 new Wall Connector chargers installed at commercial locations. The information was shared by experienced Tesla observer Sawyer Merritt, who highlighted that these installations are entirely funded by businesses themselves. Unlike Tesla’s Supercharger network, where Tesla typically covers the costs of infrastructure, the Wall Connector for Business program positions charging as both a customer amenity and a potential revenue stream for property owners.…