Tesla and accessory maker EVject find common ground

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It appears that Tesla and aftermarket accessory maker EVject have come to an agreement. In a recent email reportedly sent by the accessory maker to its customers, EVject stated that it would be recalling its V1.0 and V1.1 Escape Connectors and replacing them with V1.2 connectors, which includes built-in thermal protection. 

Tesla filed a lawsuit against EVject over allegations that the company’s product, which allows drivers to disconnect and drive away from a Supercharger without leaving their cabin, was unsafe due to its lack of overtemperature protection. As part of its lawsuit, Tesla looked to ban EVject Escape Connectors from being imported into the United States.

Tesla’s lawsuit received polarizing reactions from EV community members, many of whom urged the company to work with the aftermarket accessory maker since the product serves a vital role in keeping owners feel more secure during Supercharging sessions. Tesla CEO Elon Musk himself addressed the community’s concerns, stating that he would be investigating the matter. Considering EVject’s recent communication to its customers, it would appear that Musk’s investigation has borne fruit. 

EVject noted in its communication to its customers that it wants to be “good partners with Tesla.” The accessory maker also noted that it is recalling its V1.0 and V1.1 Escape Connectors. Instead, the company would now be selling its V1.2 Escape Connector, which fully meets Tesla’s standards. The V1.2 connector is expected to start shipping later this year. 

“The EVject Escape Connector is evolving to meet the latest safety standards. Our upcoming version will feature advanced thermal sensors to enhance safety during charging. These improvements will help prevent potential hazards and ensure optimal charging performance. Upcoming version (v1.2) will include: (1) Advanced thermal sensors for enhanced safety; (2) Improved temperature monitoring; and (3) Compliance with the latest charging recommendations,” the company noted.  

Customers who have purchased EVject V1.0 and V1.1 Escape Connectors will be getting a complimentary upgrade to a V1.2 connector. The accessory maker is asking its customers to return their V1.0 and V1.1 connectors, after which they will receive credit to purchase a V1.2 Escape Connector when it becomes available. 

“Per Tesla’s request, we have discontinued the sale of V1.0 and V1.1 and are offering a complimentary upgrade to EVject Supervised V1.2, which includes built-in thermal protection, and works with all current Tesla charging options and vehicles,” the accessory maker reportedly noted in its email. 

Tesla Charging acknowledged EVject’s Escape Connector recall in a post on its official social media account on X. “Tesla and OEMs will keep working with the industry to provide safe adapters and develop common sense regulatory standards,” Tesla Charging wrote in its post on X.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

Tesla and accessory maker EVject find common ground





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Tesla China registrations maintain momentum in Q3’s ninth week

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Tesla China saw 14,400 new vehicle registrations in the week of August 26 to September 1, 2024. These numbers represent a 1.41% increase from the 14,200 registrations that were tracked for the electric car maker in the previous week. 

Tesla China does not report its weekly sales figures, though a general idea of the company’s overall domestic performance could be inferred through new vehicle registrations. Fortunately, these registrations are closely tracked and reported by industry watchers, as well as automakers like Li Auto. 

And as per Li Auto’s data, Tesla China saw 14,400 new vehicle registrations in the week ending September 1. For context, Tesla China saw 14,200 registrations in the week ending August 25; 14,300 insurance registrations in the week ending August 18; 15,500 registrations in the week ending August 11; and 12,500 new vehicle registrations in the week ending August 4, 2024. 

A look at the trend of Tesla China’s new vehicle registrations this third quarter suggests that the electric vehicle maker is pushing hard to produce and sell as many vehicles as it can until the end of the year. Tesla’s hard work seems to be paying off, as industry watchers estimate that the company’s 2024 figures are now just around 5,000 cars away from matching 2023’s results. 

Tesla China’s performance was impressive in 2023, though the company did see a hit to its vehicle production in the latter half of the year. This was due to production pauses and retooling activities at Giga Shanghai to prepare and ramp the reengineered Model 3 sedan. The Model Y crossover, Tesla’s best-selling vehicle, is also produced at Giga Shanghai. 

Elon Musk stated that he believes Tesla could exceed its 2023 records this 2024. But considering that Tesla delivered a total of 1,808,581 vehicles in full year 2023, as well as the fact that the company has only delivered 830,776 vehicles between Q1 2024 and Q2 2024, it would appear that Tesla China and Giga Shanghai would be very busy this Q3 and Q4 2024. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

Tesla China’s new vehicle registrations maintain momentum in Q3’s ninth week





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Elon Musk snubbed from TIME’s ‘Most Influential People in AI’ list

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk was snubbed from TIME Magazine’s “Most Influential People in AI” list, despite being the driving force behind the company’s self-driving efforts, data collection, and the development of the humanoid robot Optimus, along with other projects, like xAI.

TIME released its list today, highlighting what it intended to be a compilation of the most brilliant names in AI. Those on the list have achieved big things, and the names on the list are not to be discredited in any way.

Some of the names on the list are the biggest in tech and AI development. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, are all included on the list.

These are just a few of the names that TIME listed as the most influential in AI, but Musk was not included.

Of course, there are plenty of ways to speculate as to why. Musk’s recent involvement in political commentary has been polarizing, to say it mildly.

This is despite other names on the list, like Zuckerberg, for example, admitting to recent political pressure impacting business decisions, Musk’s transparency has likely cost him.

For what it is worth, the recognition is no more than a meaningless accolade. The people on this list will not have a big party in honor of this award; they will only take it as a subtle pat on the back and likely get right back to work.

But Musk’s accomplishments in AI are impactful. Tesla has a very robust semi-autonomous driving suite that is supported by AI to become more accurate and powerful. His work has also culminated in Tesla being recognized for its work in robotics as the Optimus humanoid robot project continues progressing.

Musk has also led projects outside of Tesla, like Neuralink. This, in itself, seems like it would be enough to make it on the list, especially as some have already started utilizing it to regain some human function.

Neuralink installs its brain implant into a second human patient

Some believe the snub is simply a ploy for the devoted Tesla fans to talk more about Musk not being on the list, bringing more attention to the TIME selections. If that’s so, kudos.

I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.

Elon Musk snubbed from TIME’s ‘Most Influential People in AI’ list





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