Why I recommend this $400 Google Pixel over competing models from Samsung and OnePlus
ZDNET's key takeaways The Google Pixel 9a is the latest midrange phone from the company and retails for $499. It features a new Tensor G4 chip, helpful AI tools, an improved main camera, and the largest battery of any Pixel. You'll have to settle for some budget trade-offs, including the lack of a telephoto lens and slower charging speeds. more buying choices Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers. I'm inclined to think that the folks behind the Google Pixel 9a are from the future because if there's one thing that the phone gets right, it's timing. The latest Pixel 9a retails for $499, making it a stellar phone investment in today's -- and the foreseeable future's -- unpredictable economy. Of course, the recent tariff news I've been tiptoeing through has been in discussions since January. Also: This Pixel 10 rumor just gave Google an edge over Samsung and OnePlus But with the latest wave of announcements, it's clear that the consumer electronics market is about to go into a full-blown frenzy, as brands brace for impact, prices teeter on the edge, and shoppers rush to lock in value before the storm truly hits. That means devices like the Pixel 9a -- ones that promise long-term benefits at a relatively affordable price -- matter more than ever. The timing alone makes the Pixel 9a one of the most significant devices of 2025, even if it wasn't meant to be when first unveiled. Macroeconomics 101 aside, here's what you need to know about the Pixel 9a I've been driving daily for a few months now, including who should buy it and what makes it worth upgrading to. I'll admit: initially, I wasn't sold on the Pixel 9a's new hardware and design. The bezels are noticeably thick by today's standards – even when compared to similarly priced devices like the $459 Nothing Phone 3a Pro and $399 Samsung Galaxy A36 5G – and removing the Pixel-famous camera bar was a choice. The Google Pixel 9a (left) and Pixel 8a (right). Kerry Wan/ZDNET In theory, stripping down the back of the phone makes the Pixel harder to distinguish in a sea of glass sandwiches. In practice, this has two benefits: hand placement and reduced dust accumulation. While I would previously tuck my index finger underneath the camera bar to keep the phone upheld, not having the physical obstruction now means I can hold the phone much more freely. Also: I changed 8 settings on my Pixel phone to significantly improve the battery life Why is this tech nerd geeking out about ergonomics? Because the Pixel 9a's power button is fairly high, hand placement is one aspect you don't want to limit yourself to. That same power button prompts Gemini, which replaces Google Assistant on the Pixel 9a and can now fulfill more complex tasks, including multimodal, vision-based assistance. Gemini Live recently received an update that lets the AI pull in context from the phone's camera. Just point and ask. Kerry Wan/ZDNET If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that Pixel phones are notorious for collecting dust between the crevices of the camera bar. This is especially true if you have a case equipped, which further traps debris and particles near the camera bar. The Pixel 9a has none of those problems, maintaining a clean aesthetic after almost a month of going in and out of jean pockets, my backpack, and a gadget-filled shoulder bag. Also: My Android Auto was having trouble connecting until I did this one thing I'm also a fan of the brighter display, which now ramps up to 2,700 nits of peak brightness versus the Pixel 8a's 2,000 nits. The improved luminance was noticeable when I put the two Pixel phones through my infamous torture test -- aka reading text-heavy webpages from the window seat of a bridge-crossing commuter bus. Very scientific, I know. But most end consumers will appreciate the practicality of such upgrades, and the Pixel 9a delivers when it comes to consuming content under the springtime sun. Newsletters ZDNET Recommends ZDNET saves you time and money by delivering the best products and tech deals to your inbox every week. Subscribe By signing up, you confirm you are 16+, will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time. See all The day-to-day benefits extend to the processing power of the Pixel 9a, which features the same Tensor G4 chipset as the soon-to-be-outdated Pixel 9 series models, including the $1,099 Pixel 9 Pro XL and $1,799 Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Paired with 8GB of RAM, today's minimum amount of memory to run hybrid AI features, you're looking at a phone that handles most tasks gracefully. Google says switching to the Tensor G4 chip yields a 30% speed bump in web browsing over last year's Tensor G3, and I believe it. With the Pixel 9a and Pixel 8a in hand (and on the same Wi-Fi network), the former loaded up the various image carousels, web links, and the story river on ZDNET's homepage a few seconds faster. Save a few seconds here and there, and you're looking at an accumulatively snappier browsing experience. Kerry Wan/ZDNET The big question is how the Tensor G4 holds up over time. By that, I mean cellular performance, power efficiency, and memory management after 1-2 years, as those have all been issues raised by real customers. In Google's defense, the company doesn't necessarily market its devices as multitasking powerhouses or ones that can spell the end of gaming consoles. Regardless, I'll be keeping tabs. Also: Why you shouldn't buy a Google Pixel phone right now - even if you're a superfan I'm more hopeful about the Pixel 9a's future because of its battery and endurance. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the longest-lasting Pixel phones I've tested, with a 5,100mAh capacity that sets a new record
ENCY Software launches ENCY Academy
ENCY Software has launched ENCY Academy, an online learning center designed to help users and partners efficiently master CNC machine programming and offline programming of industrial robots using the ENCY software suite. ENCY Academy is available now at learn.encycam.com, with all courses currently free of charge. The platform currently offers two structured learning tracks: CNC Machine Programming with ENCY CAD/CAM Offline Robot Programming with ENCY Robot CAD/CAM/OLP Future updates will expand the curriculum to cover all products in the ENCY X ecosystem, as well as specialized training tracks for various machining applications. Key features of ENCY Academy Comprehensive coverage Courses are designed to cover the entire production workflow in ENCY — from the first steps in interface navigation to the logic of setting up and programming different technological operations. Topics include project creation, machining strategy selection, simulation of processes, and post-processing for specific CNC machines or robot controllers. Structured course format Each course follows a consistent structure: 1. Introductory video — explains the goal of the course and the skills to be acquired.2. Main video lessons — one or more step-by-step demonstrations of specific tasks.3. Downloadable resources — all required project files, part models, or data sets.4. Skill level indicator — a suggested minimum qualification level for students to follow the course effectively. Up-to-date content All training materials are maintained in line with the latest ENCY product updates. Whenever new features are introduced or a major release is published, corresponding lessons are added or existing ones are revised. Direct interaction with authors While courses are self-paced, students can ask the instructor questions directly via the platform, for example to clarify a step, request additional examples, or propose improvements to the course material. Certification At the end of each course, students complete a final practical task. This could involve creating a CNC program for a specific part, setting up a robot cell, or optimizing an existing project. Successful completion is rewarded with an official ENCY certificate. ENCY Academy reduces the user learning curve, enabling faster adoption of ENCY products and quicker transition from first project setup to production-ready programs. The structured, hands-on approach allows learners to practice on real cases, ensuring they can confidently apply skills in their own manufacturing environments. Certificates provide verifiable proof of competence, valuable for career development and internal qualification processes. For more information, visit encycam.com. The post ENCY Software launches ENCY Academy appeared first on Engineering.com.
Velotric’s new Fold 1 Plus and Nomad 2X e-bikes bundled with EcoFlow power stations at up to $370 off, Linkind solar lights, and much more
We’re closing out this week’s Green Deals with a more sizeable edition of eight top-notch chances at savings, headlined by the newly launched Velotric Last Call Summer Sale that features a partnership with EcoFlow for some EV and power station bundles, alongside EV-only deals. The main standouts are the new Fold 1 Plus e-bike coming with a DELTA 2 Power Station starting from $1,828, while the new Nomad 2X Full Suspension e-bike gets a DELTA 3 Plus Power Station starting from $2,948. From there, we also have the first discount on Linkind’s new 14-pack of SL5C Smart Outdoor Solar Spotlights that amount to $11 per light, as well as a rare return of the $1,425 low on Greenworks’ 80V Venture 20-inch All-Terrain Utility e-bike. There are more power station sales from EcoFlow, Bluetti, and Jackery, as well as a massive lawn care price cut, and a value-packed electric cooler option waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s official Rad Power Radster e-bike price cuts, the exclusive $250 savings on a DELTA 3 Plus bundle, and more. Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories. more…
Webinar: Power loss analysis and efficiency mapping for EV motors
This webinar will introduce a method for evaluating EV motor efficiency by separating electrical losses using the Hioki PW8001 power analyzer. Focusing on Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs) under real operating conditions, the method analyzes copper and iron losses based on fundamental and harmonic power components. It reveals how increased inverter switching frequency leads to higher iron losses within the motor. Join this webinar at our September Virtual Conference on EV Engineering, presented by Hioki USA, to learn how, with wideband accuracy and User Defined Function (UDF) support, the PW8001 enables automated, real-time loss analysis. Efficiency and loss maps across torque-speed ranges support informed motor design decisions. September 17, 2025, 1:15 pm EDTRegister now—it’s free! See the complete session list for the Virtual Conference on EV Engineering here. Broadcast live from September 15 to 18, 2025, the conference content will encompass the entire EV engineering supply chain and ecosystem, including motor and power electronics design and manufacturing, cell development, battery systems, testing, powertrains, thermal management, circuit protection, wire and cable, EMI/EMC and more.
Tesla Sweden finally makes IF Metall union give up 600-day strike
After nearly two years of industrial action and sympathy strikes, Swedish labor union IF Metall has stated that it is softening its stance in its dispute with Tesla. With this, Tesla and the union have opened the door to resolutions that do not involve a collective agreement. Union chair Marie Nilsson told Sveriges Radio’s Ekot that while the preferred outcome remains a signed agreement, “other alternative solutions” are now on the table. Union reconsiders rigid demands The strike, which began over 600 days ago, has been marked by a series of strategic moves from both sides. IF Metall blocked Tesla’s access to license plates by targeting mail delivery, while Tesla bypassed the restrictions by importing vehicles in bulk through German ferries to Trelleborg, among other strategies. Despite the high-profile tactics, the number of active strikers has been relatively small, just about 60 in total, as noted in a CarUp report. Tesla Sweden has also maintained that it does not intend to bow down to the union’s demands. Over the 600-day strike, Tesla Sweden has adapted its operations to get around the union and its allies’ strikes. Victory After 600 days, the union mafia IFmetall gives up the strike against Tesla over collective agreements in Sweden Now other solutions are allowed. “Another alternative is that Tesla writes employment contracts that ensure the demands the union has,” says IF… pic.twitter.com/IYhLL5avQj — Joe Hansen (@joehansenxx) August 15, 2025 Possible paths to ultimate resolution Nilsson, for her part, noted that IF Metall is now willing to explore alternatives, such as embedding industry-standard terms directly into Tesla’s employment contracts or shifting Tesla’s Swedish operations to a company that already has a collective agreement. “You can do it in different ways. The easiest thing would be to sign a collective agreement. But when that is not possible, we have to find other alternative solutions as well, so we are open to discussion,” Nilsson stated. IF Metall, if any, has acknowledged that Tesla has already improved working conditions in Sweden since the dispute began. Tesla Sweden has argued that its working conditions are already better than union standards, which is reportedly one of the reasons why very few company employees actually participated in IF Metall’s strike. “There have been conversations throughout the journey where we compared our conditions. Tesla has adjusted details without going into details, they want to be a good employer, it’s about wages and conditions,” Nilsson stated. The post Tesla Sweden finally makes IF Metall union give up 600-day strike appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla is preparing to take on autonomy’s final boss
If there is any sign that Tesla is now confident about its self-driving program, it would be this. As could be seen on Tesla’s Careers page, the company is now hiring Autopilot Vehicle Operators in Delhi and Mumbai, India. As far as real-world traffic is concerned, one could argue that India’s city streets are the final boss of autonomous driving systems due to their complexity and congestion. Tesla job openings As per Tesla in its recent job openings, Prototype Vehicle Operators will be responsible for driving an engineering vehicle for extended periods and conducting dynamic audio and camera data collection for testing and training purposes. In both its job listings for Mumbai and Delhi, Tesla noted that successful applicants will be gathering real-world data on the weekends and around the clock. Considering the job openings in India, Tesla seems to be intent on rolling out its advanced driver-assist systems like FSD in the country. This is quite interesting, as Tesla is not hiring Prototype Vehicle Operators in other territories that recently launched, such as the Philippines. Perhaps Tesla intends to tackle FSD’s final boss of sorts before rolling out FSD in other territories. BREAKING! #Tesla is hiring Vehicle Operators in Delhi & Mumbai to test Autopilot & FSD. Is India’s chaotic traffic the ultimate boss battle for Full Self-Driving? pic.twitter.com/kV7BKNeGdl — Teslasti Basti (@BastianBraun121) August 15, 2025 FSD’s rollout Tesla’s autonomous driving program uses the company’s Full Self-Driving system, which is currently available on vehicles in North America and China. Tesla, however, has a more advanced version of FSD called Unsupervised FSD, which is currently being used in vehicles that are part of the Robotaxi pilot in Austin and the Bay Area. Elon Musk has also recently announced on X that Tesla will be releasing FSD V14 in the coming weeks. He also shared a number of improvements that can be expected from FSD V14. “The FSD release in about 6 weeks will be a dramatic gain with a 10X higher parameter count and many other improvements. It’s going through training & testing now. Once we confirm real-world safety of FSD 14, which we think will be amazing, the car will nag you much less,” Musk wrote in his post. The post Tesla is preparing to take on autonomy’s final boss appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla offers tasty Supercharging incentive as Q3 push continues
Tesla is offering a tasty Supercharging incentive on inventory Model 3 units in Canada as it continues to push sales in the third quarter. In the United States, Tesla is preparing for the end of the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit. While it is offering a multitude of incentives in the U.S. to help push sales of its vehicles before the credit goes away, it is not saving the deals for Americans exclusively. Yesterday, the company announced it is now offering Free Supercharging for life on all Model 3 inventory in Canada, a massive incentive for those who would use the vehicle as a daily driver: Unlimited road trips through Canada Free Supercharging now on all Model 3 inventory — Tesla North America (@tesla_na) August 15, 2025 The deal would normally only apply to Superchargers located in Canada, meaning if a Canadian drove over the border into the United States and Supercharged, they would have to pay for it. However, Tesla also confirmed that the charging deal would extend to the U.S. Canadians will be able to drive across the U.S. and Supercharge for free for the life of the vehicle. Free Supercharging is such a great perk because the money an owner saves on charging factors directly into what they are saving if they were to own a gas car. While Supercharging and home charging are, on average, cheaper than filling up with gas, the savings are not massive. When Supercharging is free, it can save consumers hundreds of dollars per month, especially if they plan to use the Tesla for their daily commute. Some people could fill their gas cars up two times a week to get to work, spending $80-$100 every five days on gas. Tesla has been using incentives like this to push vehicles into customers’ hands. Q3 could be one of the best three-month spans in recent memory with the push it is making. The post Tesla offers tasty Supercharging incentive as Q3 push continues appeared first on TESLARATI.
Will AI improve sustainability? Experts are divided
In many industries, artificial intelligence is being hailed at a game changer. But a recent survey of sustainability professionals shows enthusiasm for the potential of AI to aid in positive sustainable outcomes isn’t exactly winning. Trellis data partner GlobeScan, in conjunction with ERM and Volans, found sharp regional divides in attitudes toward AI and sustainability. While 60 percent of experts in the Asia-Pacific region and 58 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean believe AI can positively impact sustainability over the next five years, only 48 percent in Africa and the Middle East, 41 percent in Europe and 38 percent in North America share that optimism. In a similar pattern, sustainability experts in the Asia-Pacific region (80 percent) and Latin America and the Caribbean (72 percent) also express stronger enthusiasm for R&D and technology innovation in general as a lever for sustainability. North American (68 percent) and European experts (68 percent), while also very optimistic, feel more cautious about its potential to drive sustainability progress in the short term. Experts based in Africa and the Middle East are even less enthusiastic (64 percent). What this means While AI is increasingly recognized as a transformative enabler for sustainability, these findings suggest that its adoption and perceived value are strongly shaped by regional context and societal attitudes. The Asia-Pacific region’s strong optimism may reflect a combination of factors, such as a demonstrated appetite for digital transformation in many fast-growing economies, national strategies focused on AI development (such as those in China, Singapore and South Korea) and a high level of public and private investment in tech-driven solutions. The skepticism in North America (followed by Europe) is especially notable given the region’s role as a global hub for AI development. Despite leading in innovation, many North American experts remain wary of AI’s sustainability impact, reflecting concerns around governance, privacy and environmental costs. This underscores the need for leading AI and tech companies to help build a social contract that fosters trust, ensures accountability and aligns AI advances with broader societal expectations. Based on a survey of 844 sustainability practitioners across 72 countries conducted April-May 2025. The post Will AI improve sustainability? Experts are divided appeared first on Trellis.
Report shows steady automation investment in first half of 2025
Robot orders increased by 4.3% and revenue rose 7.5% compared to the first half of 2024, despite a complex economic landscape, according to the latest data from Association for Advancing Automation (A3). The report says North American companies ordered 17,635 robots valued at $1.094 billion in the first six months of 2025. Automotive OEMS led with a 34% year-over-year increase in units ordered. Other top-performing segments included plastics and rubber (+9%) and life sciences/pharma/biomed (+8%). (Image: Association for Advancing Automation.) In Q2, companies ordered 8,571 robots worth $513 million, marking a 9% increase in units compared to Q2 2024. Life sciences/pharma/biomed posted the strongest sector growth in the quarter (+22%), followed by semiconductors/electronics/photonics (+18%) and steady gains in plastics, automotive components, and general industry. “It’s not just about efficiency anymore. It’s about building resilience, improving flexibility, and staying competitive in a rapidly changing global market. If these patterns hold, the North American robotics market could outperform 2024 levels by mid-single digit growth rates by the end of the year,” said Alex Shikany, Executive Vice President at A3. Cobots’ rising influence Collaborative robots (cobots) accounted for a growing share of the market with 3,085 units ordered in the first half of 2025, valued at $114 million. In Q2, cobots made up 23.7% of all units and 14.7% of revenue. These systems work safely alongside humans and address automation needs in space- or labor-constrained environments. A3 began tracking cobots as a distinct category in Q1 2025 and will expand future reporting to include growth trends by sector. (image: Association for Advancing Automation) Automotive versus non-automotive sectors The non-automotive sector took the lead over automotive in Q2, accounting for 56% of total units ordered. This move reflects the expanding role of automation in industries such as life sciences, electronics, and other non-automotive manufacturing sectors. The post Report shows steady automation investment in first half of 2025 appeared first on Engineering.com.
Rad’s new Radster e-bikes get official price cuts, Exclusive $250 off EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus bundle, Rare EGO Nexus station bundle $899, more
We’ve got big news from one of our favorite e-bike brands headlining today’s Green Deals, as Rad Power Bikes officially cuts the price on its new Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike and the Radster Road Commuter e-bike to $1,999 each. We also have an exclusive $250 discount on EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station bundled with a protective waterproof bag at $549, as well as a rare chance to snag EGO’s Nexus Portable Power Station with two 7.5Ah batteries at $899. More EV and lawncare solution deals are waiting for you below – plus, all the hangover savings are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s increased savings from Aventon’s final summer sale, which includes deals on two of its newest smart e-bikes, and more. Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories. more…
Webinar: An overview of dispensable thermal interface materials
Join us at our September Virtual Conference on EV Engineering for an in-depth discussion, presented by Fujipoly, on dispensable thermal gap fillers, covering key considerations from material selection to dispensing process challenges. We will explore practical solutions to common application issues, along with a clear view of performance limitations to help guide realistic expectations. Whether you are an engineer, technician, or decision-maker, this session will provide valuable insights to optimize your thermal interface strategy for efficiency, reliability, and manufacturability. September 17, 2025, 1:15 pm EDTRegister now—it’s free! See the complete session list for the Virtual Conference on EV Engineering here. Broadcast live from September 15 to 18, 2025, the conference content will encompass the entire EV engineering supply chain and ecosystem, including motor and power electronics design and manufacturing, cell development, battery systems, testing, powertrains, thermal management, circuit protection, wire and cable, EMI/EMC and more.
Mysterious covered Tesla Model Y fleet spotted in Giga Berlin
A fleet of mysterious covered Model Y units has been spotted at the Giga Berlin complex. The vehicles were sighted during a recent drone flyover of the Germany-based Model Y production site. A mysterious fleet The mysterious Model Y fleet was sighted by longtime Giga Berlin watcher Tobias Lindh, who has been chronicling the progress and activities of Tesla’s German factory complex for years. During his flyover on August 12, 2025, Lindh noted that he was able to spot a fleet of fully covered Model Y units being gathered in one section of the Giga Berlin site. The presence of the covered Model Y units caught a lot of attention online, with numerous Tesla watchers speculating if the vehicles were the Model Y L or the yet-to-be-released Model Y Performance. Giga Berlin only produces Model Y units, after all, and both the Model Y L and Model Y Performance are yet to be rolled out by the electric vehicle maker. $TSLA In @tobilindh's video today, more covered vehicles were found in Giga Berlin! pic.twitter.com/xkHyCHd5mb — Tsla Chan (@Tslachan) August 12, 2025 Tesla Model Y Performance the Model Y L The Model Y is Tesla’s best-selling vehicle by a mile, selling so well that it was able to become the world’s best-selling car by volume in 2023. With the changeover to the new Model Y this year, Tesla has only released the vehicle’s updated RWD and AWD versions. The updated Model Y Performance is yet to be released as of writing, though sightings of apparent Model Y Performance units have been reported on social media. In recent weeks, however, the Model Y news cycle has been dominated by the upcoming release of the Model Y L, an extended wheelbase, six-seat version of the best-selling all-electric crossover. The Model Y L is expected to be produced in Giga Shanghai initially, though Giga Berlin, the Fremont Factory, and Giga Texas are also expected to produce the variant in the near future. Check out Giga Berlin’s mysterious Model Y fleet in the video below. The post Mysterious covered Tesla Model Y fleet spotted in Giga Berlin appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla Model Y L spotted seemingly en route to showroom in China
Tesla China definitely seems to be following an accelerated schedule in the well-speculated rollout of the Model Y L, the extended wheelbase, six-seat variant of the electric vehicle maker’s best-selling crossover. Based on images that have been recently shared online, it appears that Tesla China has started shipping out some initial Model Y L units to select stores across the country. Recent sighting Last week, reports emerged suggesting that Giga Shanghai has started the production of the Model Y L. While the progress of the Model Y L’s rollout seems extremely quick, there have been notable signs that the electric car maker is indeed preparing for the rollout of the upcoming vehicle. The Model Y L, for example, was listed in the China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s (MIIT) latest batch of new energy vehicle models that are eligible for vehicle purchase tax exemptions. Less than a week after these reports, Tesla watchers from China have shared photos of a mysterious vehicle being transported to a Tesla showroom in Jiangsu. The vehicle in the images was wrapped from bumper to bumper, though one could see that it is quite a bit longer than the other Model Y being transported in the same truck. Interestingly enough, the covered Model Y unit also seemed to be equipped with different front seats than standard Model Ys. $TSLA It looks like the six-seat Model Y L is on its way to a Tesla store in Jiangsu, China pic.twitter.com/JegZ6efWFe — Ming (@thaichiminh1907) August 14, 2025 What to expect from the Model Y L The MIIT’s listing for the Model Y have provided a pretty good teaser on what to expect from the extended wheelbase version of Tesla’s best-selling crossover. As per the MIIT’s list, the Model Y L will feature a 82.0-kWh lithium-ion battery from LG Energy Solution, which should give the vehicle a CLTC range of 751 km. The Model Y L is also expected to add roughly 178 mm (7 inches) to the overall length of the standard Model Y, with 152 mm (6 inches) being dedicated to stretching the wheelbase. Initial images from the MIIT’s list also suggest that the Model Y L will feature a dedicated badge with an afterimage effect on the “Y.” The vehicle’s wheels also seemed to be equipped with a new set of 19” wheels that feature a star-esque pattern. The post Tesla Model Y L spotted seemingly en route to showroom in China appeared first on TESLARATI.
Corporate chameleons: The evolution of the CSO
The opinions expressed here by Trellis expert contributors are their own, not those of Trellis. Ask anyone who’s been a CEO, CFO or any other variety of C-suite executive and they’ll tell you the roles today are very different from what they were 20 years ago. Different challenges demand different skills, experiences and aptitudes, and the role of chief sustainability officer is no exception. For one, in most companies the role didn’t exist 20 years ago, and in the past two decades it’s tumbled, twisted and catapulted to a seat at the table. What started as a nice-to-have, feel-good role for many companies has now, in some cases, become a strategic pillar of their core business endeavors. And the position continues to evolve, shaped by mounting environmental pressures, shifting stakeholder expectations and an increasingly complex political and regulatory landscape. Acting like chameleons CSOs, at their core, are masters of resilience. In today’s geopolitical landscape defined by increasing volatility and uncertainty, they adapt to whatever the moment demands like chameleons. When the spotlight calls, they become compelling storytellers, championing their company’s vision. When discretion is needed, they work behind the scenes, quietly building coalitions and forging consensus. Dave Stangis, a veteran CSO, offered a particularly insightful perspective in Weinreb Group’s 2025 CSO Report: “CSO leadership is like Aikido: It takes the right mix of art and science. Ten years ago, the CSO needed a 50/50 split to establish the position. These days, the demands of the role have shifted to more like 75 percent art and 25 percent science.” John Davies, president of the Trellis Network, often speaks of the CSO role as chief translation officer, given different functions speak different “languages”: financial executives most often speak in terms of risk mitigation and return on investment, while operations leaders focus on efficiency gains and process improvements and human resources professionals consider talent attraction and retention. The artful CSO learns to speak all these languages, crafting arguments that resonate with each audience while maintaining consistency in the underlying message. This requires not just analytical skills but emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics. The most effective CSOs become organizational anthropologists, studying the formal and informal power structures within their companies to identify the most effective pathways for driving change. But there are easy tricks to get started on this path. For example, Microsoft’s Jim Hanna asks leaders two questions: “What keeps you up at night and what are you incentivized on?” According to Weinreb Group’s 2025 CSO Report, CSO’s top key attributes are: corporate chameleon aligning with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders; operating at both the big-picture and granular levels; and systems thinking. Maintaining core identity The chameleon analogy is particularly powerful because it highlights a crucial distinction: While a chameleon may change its color to suit the environment, it doesn’t change its fundamental nature. Similarly, the most effective CSOs and their teams maintain a consistent core identity and set of values while adapting their approach to different contexts and challenges. This balance between adaptability and authenticity is one of the most difficult aspects of sustainability leadership to master. One critical step in this effort is to know thyself and which of the six corporate sustainability archetypes your company fits: Box checker; Risk reduction driven; Immediate returns driven; Brand and reputation driven; Purpose and impact driven or innovation driven. Many CSOs went into their roles to drive societal impact and therefore skew towards purpose and impact as their default mode. This worked well when these programs were philanthropic and additive, but as they have become core to adding business value, this orientation can derail some. The CSO today has to be able to hold conflicting ideas in their head at the same time. A type of mental origami that is difficult to perfect. Consider a story we once heard: Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia was challenged by his sales team on how they were to meet their ambitious sales targets when the company was promoting the limits of growth and anti-consumerism in its campaigns. He told them that holding that tension and finding ways to manage it was the job and walked away — leaving the team to find a way to achieve both. They did. Some version of this challenge is the one many CSOs face as ESG efforts become more business-integrated and aligned. CSOs who understand the complexity of the moment, varying points of view, experiences and incentives, and mold themselves to their reality while staying true to their fundamental purpose will be best suited to deliver on the conviction that business can and must be a force for positive change in the world and do well in the process. The post Corporate chameleons: The evolution of the CSO appeared first on Trellis.
How software is redefining sustainable building engineering
In Milan’s Porta Nuova district, a vast, once-derelict rail yard has been transformed into one of Europe’s most advanced urban regeneration projects. Powered by geothermal pumps and covered in photovoltaic panels, buildings like Gioia 22 and Pirelli 35 are more than just energy efficient, they are software-defined environments where digital systems, sensors, and AI models continuously monitor and manage performance. “The building must be alive,” Claudia Guenzi, head of smart infrastructure for Siemens in Italy, said at a recent press conference in Milan. “That means understanding and controlling its behaviour in real time. And we can’t just keep digging up grids. Software is the only scalable answer.” It’s an important point, especially in areas with old infrastructure and legacy technologies to consider. Software may promise smarter, more efficient systems and buildings, but it remains a challenge to get it right. Without clear incentives, inclusive design, and a culture that understands its role and purpose, its value risks going unrealized. Claudia Guenzi, head of smart infrastructure for Siemens in Italy. (Image: Siemens.) As Carlo Ratti, director of the MIT Senseable City Lab and founding partner at Carlo Ratti Associati, told Engineering.com, “data is everywhere but insight is rare. Building owners collect huge volumes of information on energy use, occupancy patterns, and maintenance. Yet much of it goes unanalysed and unused. The issue isn’t a lack of data, but a lack of interpretation.” This is where developers like Coima come in. Coima is working with Siemens at Porta Nuova, helping to deliver a building management system that integrates HVAC, fire safety, intrusion detection, and electrical systems into a unified platform. According to Siemens, energy use in Gioia 22 has since been cut by 75%, avoiding over 2,200 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Data is now defining infrastructure Yet even where the technology has demonstrably improved performance, there are signs that not all tenants fully understand or use the tools at their disposal. As Stefano Covi, Coima’s sustainability officer told Engineering.com, “most people who own buildings don’t know the data in their buildings, and it’s a shame. Because without data, you cannot manage properly.” Kas Mohammed, VP of digital energy at Schneider Electric UK and Ireland. (Image: Schneider Electric.) Kas Mohammed, VP of digital energy at Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, sees this dynamic all the time. “Some are [using the data], but there’s still a gap between collecting data and acting on it,” he told Engineering.com. “The best results come from collaboration. Data is powerful, but it’s even more valuable when combined with real-world feedback from the people using the space.” So is software really eating infrastructure? Or is the infrastructure simply being upgraded to speak software’s language? Either way, digital systems are no longer just supporting the built environment, they’re starting to define how it behaves, performs, and evolves over time. According to Nemetschek Group’s Jimmy Abualdenien, who is charge of the company’s digital twins, this transformation is not just necessary, it’s overdue. “Digital twins and smart building platforms are not just justified by their operational and environmental costs, they are essential for achieving net zero targets,” Abualdenien told Engineering.com. “By integrating real-time data from IoT sensors and leveraging AI, digital twins provide actionable insights that optimise energy use, reduce carbon emissions, and extend asset lifecycles.” Still, even among advocates, there is caution. Abualdenien notes that the biggest challenges lie not in the tools themselves, but in the systems that surround them—data silos, fragmented standards, and a lack of interoperability. His call for open standards and collaborative workflows echoes a broader industry concern that the rush to digitize may create new forms of lock-in or technical debt. This is particularly relevant as building technologies increasingly resemble software stacks, where decisions made at the design stage can affect flexibility and viability for decades to come. Ratti, of the MIT Senseable City Lab, goes further. “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer,” he told Engineering.com. “It depends on how, and for what, you use [these systems]. Let me use an analogy and take generative AI, for example. It can help optimise energy production and reduce emissions, paying itself back by many orders of magnitude. But if you’re using it to generate meaningless anime videos, the environmental cost is hardly justified.” The Pirelli 35 building in Milan’s Porta Nuova district. (Image: Siemens.) Ratti, who says he is already exploring many of these trade-offs through experimental projects at the 2025 Biennale Architettura in Venice, believes that intelligence alone isn’t enough. Purpose matters. So does ownership. So does design. Empower engineers rather than dictate That message is echoed by Arup’s Lindsay English, associate principal and leader of Americas Digital Rail, and John Hagerty, an associate leading digital master planning and smart buildings. For them, software is part of a toolkit, a means to an end, not the end itself. “The toolkit is there to enhance the work of the engineers,” English told Engineering.com. “Yes, return on investment is important. But there are other outcomes that matter too. Reducing risk, improving project quality, helping engineers visualise interdependencies earlier.” That shift from static models to dynamic systems thinking is already underway in Arup’s rail buildings work. English points to a project where a digital twin strategy wasn’t just designed for operations and maintenance, but was used during construction to manage contractor coordination, track construction progress in real time, and evaluate the sustainability and cost impacts of design changes. “Most of the cost savings come in operations. But instead of waiting, we used the twin to improve delivery, manage risk, and model outcomes across multiple dimensions,” said English. Hagerty adds that one of the most pressing challenges is not the technology itself, but the organizational structures around it. “Clients can usually find the funding,” Hagerty told Engineering.com. “But if they’re not structured to support these systems over time, with an internal champion, a plan for evolution, and alignment across teams, then they fall apart.” He cites the common scenario where a client invests in smart systems for a new flagship building but
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Webinar: EV inverter testing With UNICO’s TST800 active AC load
UNICO’s inverter test system combines an active AC load and battery emulator to provide a cost-effective solution for full power validation and life testing of traction inverters. By emulating both the motor and the battery pack, the inverter test system enables accurate performance under real-world conditions but eliminates the need for a physical motor and battery pack. Join this webinar at our September Virtual Conference on EV Engineering, presented by UNICO, to learn more about how this integrated system reduces complexity, improves repeatability, and empowers testing across a wide range of DC voltage and load conditions. September 18, 2025, 11:00 am EDTRegister now—it’s free! See the complete session list for the Virtual Conference on EV Engineering here. Broadcast live from September 15 to 18, 2025, the conference content will encompass the entire EV engineering supply chain and ecosystem, including motor and power electronics design and manufacturing, cell development, battery systems, testing, powertrains, thermal management, circuit protection, wire and cable, EMI/EMC and more.
Tesla China insurance registrations hit Q3 high at 13,400 units
Tesla’s insurance registrations in China surged to 13,400 units for the week of August 4–10, the highest weekly total so far in the third quarter of 2025. The figure represents a 21.8% increase from the prior week’s 11,000 registrations, as per industry tracking data. Industry watchers weigh in Data shared by industry watcher @piloly shows the latest week’s results were 21.8% higher than the previous week, though still down 13.5% year-over-year. After six weeks of Q3 2025, Tesla’s China registrations are tracking 70.9% higher quarter-over-quarter compared to Q2, but remain 11.0% below the same period in Q3 2024. Year-to-date, Tesla’s China registrations are down 6.1% versus 2024 levels. Tesla China does not release its weekly domestic sales figures, though the company’s overall performance in the country can be inferred through insurance registration data. Fortunately, these registrations are closely tracked by industry watchers as well as automakers such as Li Auto. For the week of August 4-10, China reported 13.4k insurance registrations for Tesla. The week is up 21.8% from last week and -13.5% year-over-year. The quarter is +70.9% QoQ and -11.0% YoY. This quarter is -11.0% vs. 24Q3 the best quarter after 6 weeks. YTD is at -6.1% YoY.… pic.twitter.com/H1txxnmJQn — Roland Pircher (@piloly) August 12, 2025 $TSLA BREAKING: Tesla China insured units <Aug>4-10 : 13,400 pic.twitter.com/UZVEUzOb4T — Tsla Chan (@Tslachan) August 12, 2025 More momentum The August performance so far indicates Tesla may be regaining some momentum after a slower start to the year. Tesla’s sales figures this year have generally lagged behind 2024, thanks in no small part to the company’s changeover to the new Model Y, which was implemented in the United States, China, and Germany. Tesla China seems to be doing what it can to attract as many customers as possible this quarter. Tesla recently launched a new long-range Model 3 variant in China with a CLTC-rated range of 830 km, as noted in a CNEV Post report. Priced at RMB 269,500 ($37,490), the model is about 14.44% more expensive than the entry-level version and becomes the longest-range Tesla on sale in the market. Tesla is also expected to launch the six-seat Model Y L in China this fall. The post Tesla China insurance registrations hit Q3 high at 13,400 units appeared first on TESLARATI.
