Tesla has taken a groundbreaking step in its mission to expand its reach and impact. In an unprecedented $100 million deal with bp pulse, Tesla's ultra-fast charging units will find their place for the first time in an independent EV charging network.

Why This Deal is Pivotal for Tesla

This collaboration signifies Tesla's commitment to manufacturing electric vehicles and shaping the entire EV ecosystem. Tesla's Superchargers boast up to 350 kW output with v4 units, although bp is officially announcing it as 250 kW units. The charger stalls will include the 'Magic Dock,' ensuring compatibility with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors. bp pulse is one of the largest charging networks in the UK. This could be seen as a way for Tesla to expand NACS use in Europe, where CCS is the dominate charging connector.

Rebecca Tinucci, Tesla's Senior Director of Charging Infrastructure, highlighted the importance of this new direction, "Selling our fast-charging hardware is a new step for us, and one we're looking to expand in support of our mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy."

bp Brand & Design

Tesla is white-labeling their chargers for the first time in this unique deal, meaning that although Tesla is manufacturing the hardware, the brand and design will be bp's. The chargers will be completely owned and run by 'bp pulse,' with no mention of Tesla or Superchargers on the hardware itself.

Automated Payments

The chargers' support for the "Plug and Charge" protocol will enable automated payments, much like Tesla's Superchargers, leading to a seamless payment solution. The units are also expected to come with card readers and a screen as we've seen on other Tesla v4 Superchargers.

Maintenance

Tesla has previously shown how they monitor Superchargers that help them achieve extremely high reliability ratings. However, in this deal, bp owns the chargers and will be responsible for their maintenance and monitoring. It's not clear whether Tesla is offering bp any software or tools that could help them maintain the chargers.

Will They Show Up For Tesla Owners?

These 'Superchargers' will be completely run by bp and will be considered third-party chargers. In the U.S. this means that they won't show up in the vehicle's navigation system or app, and Tesla will not automatically route to these chargers during longer trips. However, in Europe, Tesla has already starting showing third-party chargers in their navigation system, meaning that users can find and navigate to these new bp chargers when they're installed in 2024. Tesla recently started showing destination chargers in the Tesla app in Canada, and it appears that Tesla will slowly expand the chargers that show up in the car and the app.

In Europe, Tesla closely monitors third-party chargers for speed and uptime and will continously adjust which chargers are displayed in their vehicles and app.

This partnership with bp pulse could pave the way for more collaborations where Tesla supplies its industry-leading hardware to other networks, potentially globally. As Tesla pushes forward to drive the world's transition to sustainable energy, deals like this underscore its unwavering commitment and showcase its readiness to explore uncharted territories.

Tesla Adds New Option That Lets You Disable Remote Commands From Tesla

In a move that resonates with the evolving landscape of customer privacy, Tesla has introduced a new feature allowing owners to toggle the ability for the company to send remote commands to their vehicles.

The Discovery of Increased Control

Bennett, a Tesla owner with the handle @bennettm on X, brought attention to the newly discovered toggle within his vehicle's service settings. Running software version 2023.27.7, Bennett found he could now control Tesla's remote access to his car. This functionality was not previously available, and it seems to have been activated remotely, as not all vehicles on the same software iteration exhibit this option.

The Implications of Remote Commands

Tesla presumably had carte blanche to send commands to any car. This shift suggests a more nuanced approach to vehicle command protocols, possibly in response to broader discussions around data security and user consent.

Interestingly, the change comes just days after Elon Musk appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience. Rogan has talked about his concerns about the ability of companies to be able to shut down technologically advanced vehicles remotely. Although that didn't come up during their latest conversations on air, there is no telling what the two talked about away from the microphone.

Tesla's vehicles are renowned for their advanced technology, including the ability to receive over-the-air updates and commands. The ability to send remote commands could encompass a range of actions, from unlocking doors to starting the vehicle or possibly even resetting systems in emergency scenarios.

The Impact on User Experience and Security

Turning remote commands on or off is a significant nod towards user privacy, allowing owners to assert their preferences for connectivity and intervention. For Tesla, it's a delicate balance between ensuring customer trust and maintaining the necessary access to provide the exceptional and cutting-edge experience the brand is known for.

While the details of the implementation are still emerging, this move could have numerous benefits:

Enhanced Privacy: Owners who are cautious about data security may find comfort in the ability to restrict remote access.

Personalized Control: Users can opt-in or opt-out depending on their trust level, usage pattern, or specific situations.

Security: It adds a layer of security, ensuring that only the owner can enable remote commands if they choose to.

As the automotive industry ventures further into the realm of connected cars, managing the intersection of technology and user control becomes increasingly important. Tesla's latest feature exemplifies the company's agile approach to software development, customer feedback, and industry trends. The potential for what remote commands can entail will undoubtedly evolve. Still, for now, Tesla owners can take solace in having a more significant say in how their vehicles are accessed and controlled remotely.

Tesla Cybertruck Spotted 'Crab-Walking'; Hints at Steer-by-Wire Capabilities

As anticipation for Tesla's Cybertruck continues to mount, a recent "crab-walking" sighting has added to the speculation that Tesla may be integrating advanced steer-by-wire technology into its futuristic pickup.

Steering Into the Future: Tesla's Patent Points to Innovation

As we reported in June, Tesla's patent filing hinted at a steer-by-wire system possibly slated for a 2023 debut. This system replaces traditional mechanical steering with an electronic one, where drivers' inputs are translated into digital commands that articulate the vehicle's trajectory. Tesla's innovation isn't just a simple reinvention; it's a leap toward heightened efficiency, customizable cockpit designs, and a level of redundancy that ensures reliability.

Yoke Wheel & Steer-by-Wire: A Match Made for Cybertruck?

Tesla's yoke steering wheel, a controversial but forward-thinking design choice, could be the perfect match for steer-by-wire technology. With different steering ratios programmable at various speeds, the need for hand-over-hand steering—a cumbersome relic of the past—could be eliminated. X user @niccruzpatane connected the dots, noting the Cybertruck's yoke appears to necessitate fewer turns compared to other models, a hallmark of dynamic variable steer-by-wire systems.

Although not *confirmed* Dynamic Variable Steering Ratio on Cybertruck all evidence is pointing to that direction.

** Dynamic Steer-by-wire enables the vehicle to automatically adjust (via the computer) how much a driver has to turn their steering wheel to maneuver the vehicle… pic.twitter.com/4BcM42H3k7

— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) November 1, 2023

Cybertruck's Sidestep: More Than Just a Party Trick?

Joe Tegtmeyer's (@JoeTegtmeyer) latest observations at Giga Texas have added fuel to the speculative fires. The Cybertruck's ability to "crab-walk" implies rear-wheel steering is not just included but has been honed to a level of sophistication on par with—or potentially exceeding—that of its competitors. This could signal a software-enabled driving mode that adds lateral maneuverability, a feature sure to excite off-road enthusiasts and urban navigators alike.

If steer-by-wire is indeed behind the Cybertruck's minimal steering wheel rotation and its crab-walking capability, we are looking at a revolution in vehicle control. This technology allows for a highly responsive steering experience, adapting to speed, driving conditions, and potentially even driver preferences.

What's Next? Delivery Day Revelations Await

The first deliveries of the Cybertruck are scheduled for November 30, 2023. By then, we expect full demonstrations of all its capabilities, including potential "beast mode" specs that could rival Tesla's Plaid performance models. With a speculated weight of 7,000 lbs., a range of around 500 miles, and acceleration from 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds, the Cybertruck aims to redefine not just truck performance but the auto industry - again.

With rivals like the Ford Lightning, which hit the market hot but has since slowed, Rivian and General Motors making a few blips on the radar, Tesla's Cybertruck doesn't just aim to join the pickup sector but roll right over it. It's not just the potential for a Plaid powertrain or its purported specifications; it's making the future look like the future.

— Joe Tegtmeyer ? ?? (@JoeTegtmeyer) November 1, 2023