Tesla vandal arrested after footage of incident was captured on Sentry Mode

Tesla’s new Sentry Mode is quickly proving useful as a woman who vandalized a Tesla vehicle was arrested after the footage of the incident was captured through Sentry Mode and reported to the police by the owner. more…

The post Tesla vandal arrested after footage of incident was captured on Sentry Mode appeared first on Electrek.


Source: Charge Forward

Porsche Reveals Formula E Race Car: Video

Porsche reveals its newest race car.

Previously, Porsche had shaken down its ABB FIA Formula E development car in what it called a first “roll-out” run ahead of its entry into the electric championship next season.

Neel Jani, who Porsche has already confirmed will drive one of its race cars in the 2019/20 championship, sampled the car at the manufacturer’s Weissach test ground.

A Porsche statement said the run “passed without incident.”

Video description:

A historic day as Porsche rolled out their challenger for the 2019/2020 Formula E season, to be piloted by Le Mans winner Neel Jani.

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }

Jaguar J-Pace Will Electrify Top Of Its Lineup: PHEV & EV Coming

Will come in petrol, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric flavors.

The Jaguar J-Pace will be the next flagship SUV for the British brand. With its expected entrance into the marketplace thought to be just two years off, reports of what we can expect are starting to slip out. This latest, published by Autocar, gives us more insight into its assorted drivetrain options and how they may affect performance. If correct, customers have much to look forward to.

The J-Pace, if it is indeed called that upon production, will sit atop the new aluminum MLB platform, as will every Jaguar by 2025. According to Autocar, it will be one of three vehicles part of a “mid-height” group. One is thought to be a slightly larger Land Rover SUV, while the other, an all-electric sedan that may possibly replace the current XJ.

One of the more interesting aspects of the new luxury-minded beast has to do with how it incorporates all-wheel-drive. Instead of a mechanical linkage, the rear axle will be home to an electric motor.  The elimination of a transmission tunnel to accommodate a driveshaft will allow for a flat floor, giving passengers more interior space. The precise way in which electric motors can be controlled will also allow for improved traction and handling.

It should also be more efficient, since it would allow for a smooth-surfaced undercarriage, and reduce frictive losses. That’s important as the base model of the SUV is expected to be a plug-in hybrid, and as with any battery-powered vehicle, the more efficient, the more all-electric range.

Speaking of all-electric, the J-Pace is expected to have in a completely battery-powered variant. Though, since the Big Cat only expects electric vehicles to make up 20 percent of its sales by 2025, it will also have an internal combustion option or two. We’re told that for petrol-powered variants, a turbocharged Ingenium straight-six engine may be found under the hood.

Source: Autocar


Source: Electric Vehicle News

Audi A4-Sized Electric Sedan To Ride On Porsche EV Platform

It will ride on an EV platform co-developed with Porsche.

Better late than never? Audi is kicking its electrification plans into high gear with the launch of the E-Tron due to be followed later this year by its more stylish sibling, the E-Tron Sportback. These two fully electric crossovers will be joined by the Tesla Model S-rivaling E-Tron GT in the second half of next year, with a road-going Q4 E-Tron in the pipeline for a late 2020 launch.

By the middle of the next decade, Audi will have a total of 12 pure electric models on sale, with an assortment of crossovers, sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks in the offering. Speaking of sedans, the aforementioned E-Tron GT will be joined by a smaller sedan similar in size with the A4 to go up against the Tesla Model 3. It’s more than just a rumor as the reveal was made in an interview with Autocar by Audi’s design boss, Marc Lichte, so it’s entirely legit.

Without going into too many details, the man behind Ingolstadt’s latest design language confirmed that development of the smaller electric sedan has already started. The new zero-emissions model will ride on the same PPE platform as the E-Tron GT, which by the way will have approximately the same size as the A6 Sedan.

In case you’re not familiar with “PPE,” it stands for “Premium Platform Electric” and represents a joint effort between Audi and Porsche. The first PPE-based models are scheduled to hit the market towards the end of 2021. In Audi’s case, PPE will be used on a variety of models “covering the high-volume B through D segments.”

According to the British magazine, the A4-sized EV is earmarked for a 2023 release. If that’s correct, it could mean we will see the production version as early as 2022. If history has taught us anything, it’s that there will be a concept car to preview the real thing, much like it was the case with the E-Tron GT.

Source: Audi via Autocar


Source: Electric Vehicle News

Smoking BMW i8 Dumped In Water By Firefighters

This isn’t a response to a car fire that we’re familiar with.

Firefighters in The Netherlands responded to a smoking BMW i8 at a dealer by picking up the hybrid coupe with a crane and dumping it into a huge tank of water. The car remained underwater for 24 hours to be very certain that the vehicle didn’t burst into flames.

The following is an English translation of the fire department’s message on Facebook: “This morning an electric car started to smoke in a showroom. The employees of the garage and the fire brigade acted quickly to drive the car outside. Because it is an electric car, inventive action was necessary. The car is immersed in a container of water because extinguishing it in the ‘normal’ way is difficult with these cars. The car will remain in the water basin for the next 24 hours.”

Electrified vehicle fires require different tactics than combustion-powered automobiles for extinguishing the flames. For example, a guide from Tesla to firefighters says that “approximately 3,000 gallons of water applied directly to the battery” is necessary.

What’s not clear is whether this is the fire department’s usual reaction to an electrified vehicle fire. Traveling with a crane and giant water tank doesn’t seem very convenient. Plus, if the BMW were already in flames, picking it up and placing the coupe into container doesn’t seem safe.

The current i8 packs an 11.6-kilowatt-hour battery, rather than the 7.1 kWh from earlier model years of the coupe. Its electric motor produces 141 horsepower (105 kilowatts) and 184 pound-feet (249 Newton-meters). It allows for 18 miles (28 kilometers) of driving purely on electric power.

Source: Brandweer Midden- en West-Brabant via Facebook


Source: Electric Vehicle News

Check Out This Tesla Model 3 Doing Doughnuts & Drifting: Video

Watch this dual-motor, non-performance Tesla Model 3 tearing it up.

Despite its incredible off-the-line, all-electric torque, the Tesla Model 3 is not a car that lends itself to spin outs and drifting. This is because the Tesla all-wheel-drive traction control system is first-rate. In most cases, this is positive. However, being able to ultimately control your ride in any way you choose definitely has its merits.

Most people buying a Tesla Model 3 won’t plan to use it in this way on a regular basis. Thus, the advanced traction control is a welcome feature. However, at times, some drivers may choose to hit the track or, under the right circumstances, may just want to partake in a bit of fun, showing off the sedan’s impressive power.

This recent video share proves the difficulty in overcoming the all-wheel-drive Model 3’s prodigious handling prowess. However, it also demonstrates that if you try hard enough, you may be able to get this Tesla to spin out, drift, and even perform 360-degree doughnuts.

There’s no doubt that the Model 3 can top many competing models when it comes to acceleration and handling. The best part is that now, you can finally get one for just $35,000. Some thought the base model would never grace or presence, but it’s available for order on Tesla’s website. To top it off, delivery time is relatively quick.

Video Description via EVlectric on YouTube:

First Ever Tesla Model 3 Doughnuts!

This is the first ever video of a Dual Motor NON PERFORMANCE Tesla Model 3 doing full rotating doughnuts and drifts!


Source: Electric Vehicle News

Carwow: Tesla Model 3 Is Best Electric Car In The World: Video

Tesla Model 3 considered the best electric car on the market

Carwow just released one of the better in-depth reviews of the Tesla Model 3 Performance, titled “See why it’s the best electric car in the world!” If you are looking for an electric car, the advice is to go right for the Model 3, “as it’s even better than Tesla Model S but less expensive.?

Besides the general walkthrough and tons of features or positives for the Model 3, there were also some weak points mentioned like water flowing from the roof to the opened trunk, slightly inconvenient rear seats due batteries in the sandwich floor, piano black center console gets horrible fingerprints and scratches easily and some controls through the touchscreen may be inconvenient.

Important insight is that the Model 3 drives better than any previous Tesla.

In the UK sales, should start within 3-6 months.

From the video description:

“Introducing the new Tesla Model 3! With a starting price of around $35,000, it’s relatively cheap alternative to the more established Model S. But don’t let the price deceive you – the Model 3 still comes in with just as much high quality tech and styling as you’ll find in its older brother! So is Tesla cutting corners elsewhere to allow you to buy the Model 3 at such a price? Join Mat for his latest in-depth review to find out!”


Source: Electric Vehicle News

Long-Term 2018 Nissan LEAF: 10,000-Mile Update

Autoweek still loves the 2018 Nissan LEAF after 10,000 miles of intensive testing.

Regardless of any negatives about the Nissan LEAF, it’s still the world’s best-selling EV, and has found much global success for many years. The most interesting aspect of Autoweek’s analysis of the redesigned Nissan is that they’ve had no issues with battery degradation. Let’s not forget that this is only 10,000 miles, and different circumstances yield conflicting results. However, the publication’s overall impression has remained solid.

According to the update, Autoweek’s 2018 LEAF has averaged ~150 miles per charge for the first ~10,000 miles. In fact, the range often exceeded that of EPA estimates. In addition, this LEAF has not lost any range. Autoweek writes:

We’ve done regular runs from L.A. to San Diego (128 miles), Indian Wells past Palm Springs (118 miles) and Santa Barbara (a mere 104 miles). For those drives we have usually had to plug in overnight in order to get back home. Luckily, every hotel we stayed in except the Hard Rock San Diego had Level chargers. The Hard Rock found a 120-volt outlet that had the Leaf back up to 94 percent full in less than 24 hours.

Nonetheless, the charging infrastructure situation was an issue at time. The publication admits that during times of range anxiety, it had to search hard for a high-powered and pricey CHAdeMO charger. Meanwhile, since most that they found were supplied by various companies, they had to do a “complicated signup procedure” each time. Keep in mind, this won’t be as much of an issue if you’re a regular EV owner and already have your ducks in a row.

Added to the above, Autoweek assures that you may not have to freak out if your trip is 150 miles or less. Rather than succumbing to range anxiety, they’ve found that you can trust in the LEAF’s 150-mile range. In fact, the publication never traveled less than 130 miles on a charge and sometimes went over 160 miles. The record trip came in at 173 miles traveled on a single charge. But, it would be silly not to note that you have to drive carefully and at about 60 mph to achieve such results. Though, unless you’re dealing with a long-range trip, you can push the car and not worry so much.

To read the entire, lengthy review, click on the source article below. It goes into other details, such as charging the car via solar panels on your roof, as well as more information about the LEAF’s ePedal and ProPilot assist semi-autonomous tech.

Source: Autoweek


Source: Electric Vehicle News

Hacker Gets Tesla On Autopilot To Stop Itself At Red Light: Video

Official system alerts drivers to the danger of red lights running.

The video above could be something of a preview of a feature coming, eventually, to Tesla Autopilot and so-called Full Self-Driving systems. In it, you’ll see a Model S recognize traffic lights and come to a stop automatically when they are red.

The car in question has been hacked by its presumed owner to add the extra capability. This is not something that other Tesla vehicles can do. The automaker did, recently, update its Autopilot-equipped fleet, giving the cars the ability to “see” traffic lights and give a warning “if it detects that you are about to run a red light.“. It’s this change in the car’s software that allowed the hack to take things one step further.

The system is not perfect. As noted in the video description (added below), at the 5:12-minute mark in the footage, the driver had to intervene to keep it from proceeding into an intersection despite the red light. Still, it does seem to work in other instances, including at the beginning of the clip. As you can see in the screenshot below, a small traffic light icon with the top red slot illuminated is being displayed on the car’s screen at the same time as Autopilot is engaged (as evidenced by the steering wheel icon in blue).

Interestingly, the uploader notes that the vehicle sometimes slows on the approach to intersections when it’s unsure of the status of the traffic light. An example of this is at the 6:26-minute mark. They also claim that it will come to a halt at stop signs, though that is not demonstrated in the video.

To see how the Autopilot system warns of red light running, we’ve added a video below of it being demonstrated by an owner in his Model 3.

Video description:

Ok, this is not perfect yet, but this is production firmware 19.8.3 and it does a lot of new tricks.

Obviously you cannot yet enable it in GUI, and for a good reason that I’ll list below.

It can also stop for stop signs but I cannot find a good location to video it without putting anyone in danger so that’s for another time.

nice touch – if it is unsure of current light status – it would approach the intersection carefully so it can stop gently should it actually be a red light – see at 6:26

So now the problems. it’s actually not very robust at telling red from green in some conditions, see at timestamp 4:05 how it flipflops. and then nearly runs a red light at 5:12 and I need to intervene.

Overall I am very impressed.

.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }

Source: greentheonly YouTube channelElectrek


Source: Electric Vehicle News

Tesla Electric Pickup Truck Ram Look-Alike Render Surfaces On Video

First seen in rendered images. Now available in video form.

This newest rendering of the Tesla electric pickup truck has been extremely controversial. Some love it. Others hate it. Regardless, it’s been hugely popular too.

We’re not suggesting that this is what the Tesla truck will look like. Rather, this is the job on one rendered who presents his take on what he believes would make for a perfect Tesla truck.

Several design elements are non-Tesla like, so you can toss a lot of that out the door. However, that massive front trunk (frunk) is surely a feature Tesla will incorporate. Gone are the days of tailgating. Now we can do some proper frontgating.

This Tesla truck render comes our way via a friend of the site who states:

I feel like if Tesla wants to be taken seriously in the highly competitive American truck market they need to come up with a design that not only looks like a Tesla, but is also rugged and bold looking.

As we previously stated of this render of the Tesla truck:

“It surely has that American truck feel to it. Just look at that massive Tesla lettering up front. It almost screams Ram trucks. Yet somehow it still manages to look like a Tesla.”

Keep in mind that this render certainly bares no resemblance to Tesla’s latest truck teaser, but we still appreciate the effort and style seen here.

Tesla will officially unveil its electric truck later this year.

Grab a look at the additional rendered Tesla truck images in the gallery below and let us know what you think in Comments.

Tesla Truck Render

4 photos



Source: Electric Vehicle News