Tesla Supercharger network to open up for other EVs in Canada

Tesla is expanding its Supercharger network to other electric vehicle (EV) brands in Canada as part of a government initiative to make EV charging more accessible and convenient. The company will open up some of its existing Superchargers to non-Tesla EVs later this year, starting with a pilot route between Ottawa and Sudbury. By the end of 2025, there will be 750 open Superchargers across the country, including at least 350 high-speed 250kW stations. These will enable long-distance travel for EV drivers, as the open Supercharger route will cover a large portion of the Trans-Canada Highway between Ottawa and Calgary.

The move comes as the Canadian government announced a plan to install nearly 3,000 EV chargers in various locations, such as multi-use residential buildings, offices, public places, and fleets. The government is partnering with various organizations to fund five ongoing projects that will add up to 1,328 EV chargers, including 100 Level 3 fast chargers.

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Tesla introduces an all-electric Cyberquad for kids

Tesla has quietly introduced a new four-wheel ATV built for kids. The Cyberquad for Kids is available to order from Tesla's site in the US for US$1,900 (around CA$2,440 converted). This pint-sized Cyberquad is built for kids ages eight years old and up. 

It comes with a steel frame, cushioned seat, and adjustable suspension with rear disk braking. It even has LED light bars to complete that cyberpunk aesthetic. It reaches a top speed of 10mph, and it has three speed settings: 5mph, 10mph, and 5mph in reverse. The battery has up to 15 miles of range and needs up to five hours to complete a charge. Battery range can be affected by factors like a user's weight, the riding terrain, and the speed setting. 

Source: The Verge

Tesla Model Y vehicles in China get AMD Ryzen chip upgrades

Tesla

The Tesla Model Y vehicles in China are getting a power boost. The electric crossover released in the country now has AMD Ryzen processors running the infotainment system instead of the usual Intel CPU. Tesla has historically used the same platform for all trim levels of a given model, but the performance variant owners spotted the change.

It isn't clear if it's the same Ryzen APU in the latest Model S and X and whether Tesla is limiting this change to China. The carmaker is believed to no longer have a PR team and hasn't responded to request for comments in recent years. As Engadget pointed out, the move might be trying to counter chip shortages and perhaps help lower costs. Or maybe Tesla is making the shift to Ryzen chips. 

Tesla makes Model 3's interiors 100% leather-free

Tesla just announced that the Model 3's interiors are now entirely leather-free. The automaker has been pressured by entities like PETA to make its cars vegan. The company has already shifted all its seat options to the "Tesla Synthetic Material," which isn't animal-sourced. But the Model 3 wasn't completely vegan because its steering wheel was still made with leather. Now, the company upgraded the steering wheel cover to the same synthetic leather option, which makes its interior "100% leather-free."

The Tesla Synthetic Material used for the steering wheel cover was available as options for the Model S and Model X. But this wasn't the case for the Model 3. Tesla introduced this synthetic material back in 2016 as the "ultra white" option. And it was proven to be popular with Tesla owners. Now, with the upcoming Model Y compact SUV, Elon Musk said at a shareholder meeting that the said vehicle would be vegan from the start.

Source: Electrek