Author: john@provenroi.com
Doug Field, who left Apple five years ago to helm Ford’s multibillion-dollar bet on electric vehicles and software, is stepping down next month. Replacing him will be Alan Clarke, the ex-Tesla engineer who now leads Ford’s California-based skunkworks lab. Clarke’s new title will be vice president of advanced development projects, and he will continue to helm the effort to develop Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) Platform. The shake-up comes less than five months after Ford announced a massive $19.5 billion writedown on its EV investment, as well as the discontinuation of several electric models, including the F-150 Lightning pickup truck.…
Tesla has recently launched Full Self-Driving (FSD) v14.3.1, with software version 2026.2.9.7, building upon the major architectural changes introduced just over a week ago. This targeted point release aims to enhance the user experience, with critical refinements noted by early adopters. One of the most significant updates in v14.3.1 is the enhanced parking interface. Users can now tap on a small arrow within the parking UI to access parking options directly, streamlining the process for drivers utilizing FSD for end-of-trip maneuvers. This improvement complements the broader enhancements introduced in v14.3, such as improved parking spot selection and a new “P”…
Tesla has recently completed the design of its new AI5 chip, with CEO Elon Musk confirming that the chip has entered the tape-out stage, marking the final step before mass production. However, Musk clarified that the AI5 chip will not be utilized for achieving “much better than human safety” for Full Self-Driving (FSD), as the existing AI4 chip is already capable of doing so. Instead, the AI5 chip will be focused on Tesla’s future projects, specifically Optimus and supercomputer clusters. Musk expressed his gratitude to TSMC and Samsung for their support in the production of the AI5 chip, stating that…
Self-driving cars have been a hot topic for over a decade, with technology advancing and public opinion shifting. Despite the potential safety benefits of autonomous vehicles, the public remains skeptical and hesitant to embrace this new technology. A recent poll conducted by the Electric Vehicle Intelligence Report highlighted the ongoing challenges facing self-driving cars. The survey of 2,081 US consumers revealed that 53 percent of respondents would not ride in a robotaxi, and 26 percent were not even considering it at the moment. Even when assured of the technology’s safety, a significant portion of consumers remained wary. Only 12 percent…
The extended-range Volvo FH Aero Electric truck is a game-changer in the world of electric big rigs. With a range of up to 435 miles on a single charge, it surpasses its predecessor by 60 miles thanks to advancements in electric motor technology, a higher-capacity battery, and aerodynamic enhancements. One of the key features of the FH Aero Electric with Extended Range is its newly designed electric rear axle. This axle integrates two electric motors, power electronics, a six-speed transmission, and a traditional axle, resulting in power outputs of 570 or 625 horsepower depending on the configuration. This powerful setup…
SpaceX achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday morning with the successful launch of its 1,000th Starlink satellite of 2026. The Falcon 9 rocket took off from Cape Canaveral at 5:33 a.m. EDT, carrying 29 internet-beaming satellites into low Earth orbit. This mission, known as Starlink Group 10-24, brings the total number of active satellites in the constellation to over 10,000, catering to millions of users worldwide. One of the standout aspects of this launch was the impressive reliability of SpaceX’s reusable hardware. The first-stage booster, B1080, completed its 26th successful flight and landing on a drone ship in the Atlantic…
The partnership between Rivian and Redwood Materials is a significant step towards sustainability and innovation in the electric vehicle industry. By repurposing old battery packs for stationary energy storage, both companies are contributing to a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy infrastructure. Rivian’s decision to use second-life battery packs at its factory in Illinois not only reduces waste but also helps lower energy costs during peak demand. The initial installation of 10 megawatt-hours of energy storage is just the beginning of what could be a long-term solution for grid health and American competitiveness. With studies showing that EV batteries retain…
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (SVV) is taking a cautious approach when it comes to allowing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised on its roads, following the recent approval in the Netherlands. While the Dutch vehicle authority, RDW, has granted national approval for the technology, Norway is pumping the brakes and raising concerns about the system’s ability to handle the harsh Nordic environment. In a statement provided to Svenn Petter, the SVV stated that they have the opportunity to ask questions before a possible vote at the EU level. They are particularly interested in understanding how the FSD system accounts for…
For Circle K, partnering with Ionna allows the chain to tap into the growing market of EV drivers who need access to fast chargers. By installing high-powered charging stations at its locations and taking over the operations of its existing network, Circle K is positioning itself as a convenient destination for EV owners to recharge their vehicles while on the go. With Ionna’s 400-kilowatt charging dispensers that support both CCS and Tesla-style NACS connectors, EV drivers will have access to fast and reliable charging options. This move is not only beneficial for Circle K but also for Ionna, as it…
Tesla has recently addressed a common concern among owners who have encountered unexpected charges at third-party Supercharger stations by introducing a new software feature. This update aims to assist owners with Free Supercharging perks in avoiding surprise bills when charging at non-Tesla-owned stations. The confusion arose from Tesla’s Supercharger for Business program, where companies can purchase and brand their own Supercharger stalls. While these stations may look and function like standard Tesla chargers, the pricing is set by the host business, potentially leading to charges not covered by Tesla’s free credits. One Cybertruck owner shared their experience after visiting a…