Making informed sensor choices in complex electronic systems
Selecting the right sensor is a critical step in electronic system design, influencing accuracy, reliability, and long-term performance. As products become more connected and application-specific, engineers must consider more than basic specifications – factors such as operating environment, power consumption, integration constraints, and supply continuity now play a central role. With a wide range of sensing technologies available, understanding their strengths and limitations helps designers make informed choices that reduce risk and streamline development across modern electronic applications. The expanding role of sensors in modern design Sensors are the foundation of every intelligent system. They convert physical phenomena – such as temperature, proximity, or magnetic field strength – into actionable electrical signals. Their ubiquity across industries underscores their importance: Appliances: provide temperature regulation, motion detection, fluid levels, and user safety Building/industrial automation: enable adaptive lighting, efficient HVAC control, and security Automotive/electric vehicles (EVs): essential for safety, energy management, and user experience Factory automation/robotics: guide machinery, maintain process accuracy, and ensure worker safety As designs become more compact, energy-efficient, and interconnected, engineers must select sensors that deliver precise performance within tighter design constraints. Six core sensor types in electronics design While sensors span a wide range of technologies, six categories dominate electronics applications. Understanding their strengths helps engineers choose the right one for their design priorities – whether that’s low power, precision, isolation, or size. Figure 1. Appliance sensor applications 1. Reed switches Reed switches contain two ferromagnetic blades sealed in a nitrogen-filled glass capsule to prevent corrosion. When a magnetic field is applied, the blades attract and close, completing the circuit. These switches operate without external power, offering exceptional reliability and efficiency for battery-powered or safety-critical designs. 2. Hall Effect sensors Based on semiconductor physics, Hall Effect sensors output a voltage proportional to the strength of a magnetic field. They require signal conditioning and temperature compensation but provide continuous detection for applications such as rotary encoders, linear positioning, and non-contact sensing. Their solid-state nature ensures durability and long operational life. 3. Reed relays Reed relays integrate a reed switch with a coil, providing galvanic isolation between control and load circuits. Their compact form factor, low contact resistance, and high insulation resistance make them ideal for test and measurement systems, medical instruments, and industrial controls that require precise switching with minimal power. (See also Reed sensors.) 4. Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) switches Combining magnetic tunneling technology with CMOS integration, TMR switches deliver ultra-low power consumption and high magnetic sensitivity. They integrate on-chip voltage generation, signal amplification, and temperature compensation with the TMR sensor to maintain accuracy across wide operating ranges. This makes them particularly attractive for IoT devices, smart meters, and compact electronics. View the Ultra-Low-Power Omnipolar TMR Switches video. (See also TMR sensors, TMR angle sensors, and TMR Magnetic ICs.) Figure 2. Building and industrial automation sensor applications Figure 3. Most used sensors for proximity, positioning, control, and temperature sensing 5. Thermistors Thermistors change resistance with temperature – decreasing for NTC (negative temperature coefficient) types and increasing for PTC (positive coefficient) types. They provide high sensitivity and excellent accuracy over limited ranges, making them suitable for precise temperature control in appliances, battery packs, and environmental sensing. 6. Platinum Resistance Temperature Detectors (Pt-RTDs) Pt-RTDs offer near-linear resistance change over a broad range (−70C to 500°C for a thin-film Pt-RTD), making them ideal for industrial systems requiring stable and repeatable temperature monitoring. Their reliability and long-term drift resistance make them a go-to for critical process and instrumentation applications. Four key questions to guide sensor selection Selecting the correct sensing technology is just one part of the design equation. Choosing the right supplier can significantly influence engineering efficiency, customisation options, and long-term supply assurance. Figure 4. Custom sensor designers employ simulation software to create or modify product packages. 1. Does the supplier offer a broad sensor portfolio? Suppliers with expertise across multiple sensing technologies can support consistent design approaches and simplify qualification across related applications. A broad portfolio also suggests deeper application knowledge and longer-term product continuity. 2. What level of application support is available? Access to experienced application engineers can help identify environmental and integration challenges early in the design process. This support is particularly valuable when accounting for factors such as temperature variation, EMI, vibration, and packaging constraints. 3. Are custom-engineered solutions available? When standard sensors do not meet dimensional, sensitivity, or interface requirements, suppliers with customisation capabilities can adapt existing designs to better fit the application. Simulation tools and mechanical modeling can support these modifications without disrupting manufacturability. 4. Can the supplier support production scale and continuity? Reliable production capacity and global manufacturing support are essential as designs transition from development to volume production. Suppliers with scalable output and established logistics help ensure consistent availability over the product lifecycle. Figure 5. Today’s manufacturing facilities can produce hundreds of millions of sensors annually to meet global demand. Design efficiency starts with the right supplier A sensor that perfectly fits your specifications but comes from an unreliable or limited supplier can create downstream risks. Conversely, a slightly higher initial cost from a well-supported, high-capacity supplier may yield significant long-term savings in development time, warranty claims, and customer satisfaction. Today’s leading component manufacturers combine global production capabilities with advanced design support. Many modern facilities use automated testing and calibration to ensure consistent quality across product lines. Engineers who prioritise these attributes during supplier selection often find that their total cost of ownership decreases – even if individual sensor prices are higher. Designing for performance, reliability, and scalability Effective sensor selection requires balancing technical performance with practical design considerations such as environment, lifecycle expectations, and manufacturability. No single sensing technology suits every application, making early evaluation of trade-offs essential to avoiding redesigns and delays. Just as important is choosing suppliers that can support customisation, scale, and long-term availability. By combining application knowledge with thoughtful supplier evaluation, engineers can design reliable systems that perform consistently from prototype through production. For more in-depth information, download ‘Eight Considerations When Purchasing Sensors’ and the ‘Sensing Products Selection
how much battery do you need to run a well pump?
There’s no shortage of advice on how to size a home solar system, but most of it assumes a suburban house with city water and a long list of optional loads. Rural homes play by different rules, and when your water comes from a well, keeping the lights on is optional — but keeping the well’s pump running isn’t. Here’s what it really takes, in solar and battery terms, to keep your home’s water flowing even when its electrons aren’t. Rooftop solar has become common enough on upscale suburban homes and commercial buildings, but it’s still surprisingly rare in rural America. What’s more, many Americans (rural or otherwise) don’t realize that solar panels alone can’t power a home when the grid is down. For that, you need a home battery system to store the DC energy generated by the panels and convert it into usable AC power for your appliances. I say “surprisingly” because when outages hit, rural areas are often the last to see power restored — making farm and horse-country households ideal candidates for solar-plus-battery backup. Advertisement - scroll for more content As clever as that observation is, the inspiration for this post wasn’t my own cleverness. Instead, it came from one of my favorite story sources: the Electrek comments. Please include data on capability to power well pumps. Those of us in rural areas can do without many electrical appliances during a power outage, but not having water is a major issue. Assume 20 amp, 220V for the circuit. Jb I thought it was a fantastic question – but how to answer it? Instead of running off to ChatGPT or Perplexity and hoping for the best, I decided to follow my own advice and ask the experts. In this case, that meant reaching out to my good friend, Emily Walker. Emily (who received a Masters’ in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University) is not just smart, she works with data from home- and commercial-grade solar installations all day in her role as Director of Insights at Energy Sage, so seemed uniquely equipped to give me a solid answer. I sent her Jb’s comment word-for-word, and this is the response I got back: 220V * 20A = 4,400 watts (4.4 kW) So, the inverter and battery system must be able to handle a continuous power output of at least 4.4 kW. Most well pumps have startup surges that are significantly higher than the running power draw. Let’s assume it’s 2X. 4.4 kW * 2 = 8.8 kW So, the inverter and battery system must be able to handle a peak power output of at least 8.8 kW. Well pumps typically run intermittently, not continuously. Let’s assume the daily runtime is about 2 hours total per day. 4.4 kW * 2 hours = 8.8 kWh/day So, the battery system must provide at least 8.8 kWh of usable battery storage to comfortably run the well pump for a day during an outage. For reference, the Tesla Powerwall 3 provides 11.5 kW of peak power output and 13.5 kWh of usable storage capacity. It could power a well pump during an outage. EMILY WALKER Since the comment came from a post titled “It’s time to start recommending some Tesla Powerwall alternatives,” I feel somewhat obligated to add that the modular Enphase IQ Battery 10T or Generac PWRcell units, with 9-10 kWh capacity and ~3.5-5 kW of power output, are also up to the challenge, though a single battery unit may struggle with the pump’s startup surge and household energy needs making a two battery system the go-to. For a single battery solution, the FranklinWH aPower almost exactly matches the Powerwall with 13.6 kWh capacity and up to 10 kW of peak output (5 continuous). The good news if your budget forces you to go for one of the smaller battery options is that (as Emily points out) well pumps don’t need to run constantly, or for very long, to effectively provide you with needed water during a prolonged outage – and a little planning can go a long way toward stretching a limited battery capacity. During an outage, run the well pump intentionally, turning it on 20–30 minutes before you plan to shower, do dishes, or flush toilets, then shut it back off once you’re done. If you have some advance warning that severe weather or a even a planned outage is coming, pre-fill bathtubs, sinks, and other spare containers so you’re relying less on the pump when the batteries are under stress. Managing when, not just how the pump runs can easily double how long even a modest home battery system keeps water flowing. And, finally, it’s always smart to get multiple independent quotes and talk to your trusted financial experts before moving forward with any major home improvement project. Original content from Electrek. If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
IslandDER meter collar accepted by Arizona's three largest utilities
IslandDER meter collar accepted by Arizona's three largest utilities Notifications
Charged EVs | EVgo to install thousands of EV fast charging stalls at Kroger stores
EV charging provider EVgo has committed to a massive deployment of EV charging sites at Kroger Family of Stores locations across the US. The company plans to build at least 150 fast charging stalls per year through 2035 at the company’s sites, which operate under various brands, including Kroger Foods, Fred Meyer, Fry’s Food Stores, Harris Teeter, King Soopers and Smith’s Food and Drug. Each of the sites will include up to 16 DC fast charging stalls, featuring high-power EVgo chargers that can deliver a full charge in as little as 15 minutes—an ideal fit for grocery locations where shoppers tend to spend less than an hour. The first charging site of the expanded program is now operational in Salt Lake City. Additional deployments are slated for Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Washington and other states. EVgo’s current network includes over 4,600 stalls in the US, and the company expects to energize more than 15,000 by the end of 2029. “Kroger is the grocery destination of choice for millions of Americans,” said Badar Khan, CEO of EVgo. “Adding fast charging to Kroger locations will provide the growing number of EV drivers an essential amenity—the convenience of charging where they shop.” Source: EVgo
Here's How You Jump Start A Completely Dead Rivian
There's a key challenge with some electric vehicles' door handle design. If the door handles pop out electronically, a dead battery can leave you locked out, and unable to open the hood. Without hood access, you probably won't know how to jumpstart a dead low-voltage battery, leaving you locked out. Here's how you solve that issue, at least if you own a Rivian R1T or R1S. The latest video from Out Of Spec Bits breaks down the process, which is similar to the process for most EVs with pop-out door handles. In the video, Kyle and Scot from Out Of Spec start with a 2026 Rivian R1S that is completely dead. Both the low- and high-voltage batteries are dead, a worst-case scenario for an EV. Without a functioning 12-volt battery, you often can't engage the charging system on the high-voltage battery. That's why jump-starting the 12-volt battery is the first step. For most EVs, there is a manual way to get into the cabin or hood. On Gen 2 Rivian R1s, there's no manual way to get in, but there are a pair of wires in the trailer wiring harness that can be used as jump leads. By connecting a jump box or another vehicle's battery to these cables, you can power up the vehicle's low-voltage power system and engage high-voltage charging. Unfortunately, the video shows that this is all easier said than done. The Rivian requires a consistent 12-volt signal to power up its door handles and screens, and a portable roadside jump-box isn't quite enough. Even a larger lead-acid model isn't enough to get the on-board charger to accept an AC connection and begin charging. This is where you connect the jump box to a Rivian R1S or R1T. Photo by: Out of Spec Reviews (YouTube) To solve that, Out Of Spec jumps the Rivian the old-fashioned way, with a pair of jumper cables and a gas car. The Rivian takes so much load that you can hear the Ford Crown Victoria's engine rev up, but that's enough to get it charging. From there, the DC-to-DC converter handles the rest of the low-voltage charging, while the wall plug and onboard charger juice up the traction battery. For most EVs, it won't be this challenging. Modern EV battery systems are designed to keep the 12-volt batteries topped up, and most are easy to jump start when they inevitably expire. Still, if you want to avoid dealing with this, the advice is the same. Always replace your car's 12-volt battery every three to five years, or at least get it tested to ensure it's still strong. You'd hate to walk up one day and find your power door handles tucked away, unable to open. Contact the author: Mack.Hogan@insideevs.com We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Insideevs.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The InsideEVs team
Nio reaches 50,000th delivery of 3rd-gen ES8 SUV
The latest milestone comes 19 days after the 40,000th third-generation ES8 was delivered. The ES8 recorded retail sales of 22,258 units in China in December, making it the top-selling large SUV in the Chinese market. (Nio delivered its 50,000th third-generation ES8 in Suzhou, Jiangsu province on January 18, 2026. Image credit: Nio) Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO, HKG: 9866) has achieved the 50,000th delivery of its third-generation ES8 SUV (sport utility vehicle), 19 days after reaching the 40,000th unit. The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker held a delivery ceremony for its 50,000th all-new ES8 in Suzhou, Jiangsu province on Friday, according to images shared on Weibo on Sunday. The milestone comes 120 days after the launch of the third-generation ES8. SettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanish Font ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground Opacity50%Window ColorblackWindow Opacity0% WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan 100%75%50%25% 200%175%150%125%100%75%50% ArialGeorgiaGaramondCourier NewTahomaTimes New RomanTrebuchet MSVerdana NoneRaisedDepressedUniformDrop Shadow WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan 100%75%50%25%0% WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan 100%75%50%25%0% Nio ES8 Monthly Retail Sales 2023-2025 Month 2023 2024 2025 January 178 615 446 February 395 414 479 March 346 802 514 April 439 773 539 May 274 937 292 June 588 882 839 July 1,917 822 1,090 August 2,369 857 77 September 2,139 766 2,803 October 2,251 747 6,703 November 1,658 572 10,689 December 1,584 1,001 22,258 Nio ES8 monthly retail sales 2023 2024 2025 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Nio officially launched the third-generation ES8 at Nio Day 2025 on September 20, 2025, with deliveries commencing the following day on September 21. The three-row electric SUV offers six- and seven-seat configurations, with a starting price of RMB 406,800 ($58,370) including the battery pack. It ranks among Nio's most expensive models and is one of the highest-priced vehicles from a domestic Chinese automaker. On December 29, Nio reached the 40,000th delivery milestone for the third-generation ES8, fulfilling its 2025 delivery target for the model. Nio Inc delivered 48,135 vehicles in December, surpassing its previous record of 40,397 units in October to set a new high, according to data compiled by CnEVPost. The ES8 recorded 22,258 retail sales in China in December, making it the best-selling large SUV in the Chinese market by single-month sales, Nio announced earlier this month. The model also topped December sales for large three-row SUVs and vehicles priced above RMB 400,000 in China, Nio said. The ES8's December deliveries, or wholesale sales, totaled 22,276 units, accounting for 46.28% of Nio Inc's monthly deliveries, according to data compiled by CnEVPost. The ES9 will be launched in the second quarter and feature new technologies shared with the ET9, William Li said Tuesday. Update: Added official images shared by Nio. ($1 = RMB 6.9689)
Tesla taps Samsung for 5G modems amid plans of Robotaxi ramp: report
Tesla Sweden has successfully launched a new Supercharger station despite an ongoing blockade by Swedish unions, using on-site Megapack batteries instead of traditional grid connections. The workaround has allowed the Supercharger to operate without direct access to Sweden’s electricity network, which has been effectively frozen by labor action. Tesla has experienced notable challenges connecting its new charging stations to Sweden’s power grid due to industrial action led by Seko, a major Swedish trade union, which has blocked all new electrical connections for new Superchargers. On paper, this made the opening of new Supercharger sites almost impossible. Despite the blockade, Tesla has continued to bring stations online. In Malmö and Södertälje, new Supercharger locations opened after grid operators E.ON and Telge Nät activated the sites. The operators later stated that the connections had been made in error. More recently, however, Tesla adopted a different strategy altogether. Just before Christmas, Tesla went live with a new charging station in Arlandastad, outside Stockholm, by powering it with a Tesla Megapack battery, as noted in a Dagens Arbete (DA) report. Because the Supercharger station does not rely on a permanent grid connection, Tesla was able to bypass the blocked application process, as noted by Swedish car journalist and YouTuber Peter Esse. He noted that the Arlandastad Supercharger is likely dependent on nearby companies to recharge the batteries, likely through private arrangements. Eight new charging stalls have been launched in the Arlandastad site so far, which is a fraction of the originally planned 40 chargers for the location. Still, the fact that Tesla Sweden was able to work around the unions’ efforts once more is impressive, especially since Superchargers are used even by non-Tesla EVs. Esse noted that Tesla’s Megapack workaround is not as easily replicated in other locations. Arlandastad is unique because neighboring operators already have access to grid power, making it possible for Tesla to source electricity indirectly. Still, Esse noted that the unions’ blockades have not affected sales as much. “Many want Tesla to lose sales due to the union blockades. But you have to remember that sales are falling from 2024, when Tesla sold a record number of cars in Sweden. That year, the unions also had blockades against Tesla. So for Tesla as a charging operator, it is devastating. But for Tesla as a car company, it does not matter in terms of sales volumes. People charge their cars where there is an opportunity, usually at home,” Esse noted.
Tesla Optimus V3 gets early third party feedback, and it’s eye-opening
Tesla Sweden has successfully launched a new Supercharger station despite an ongoing blockade by Swedish unions, using on-site Megapack batteries instead of traditional grid connections. The workaround has allowed the Supercharger to operate without direct access to Sweden’s electricity network, which has been effectively frozen by labor action. Tesla has experienced notable challenges connecting its new charging stations to Sweden’s power grid due to industrial action led by Seko, a major Swedish trade union, which has blocked all new electrical connections for new Superchargers. On paper, this made the opening of new Supercharger sites almost impossible. Despite the blockade, Tesla has continued to bring stations online. In Malmö and Södertälje, new Supercharger locations opened after grid operators E.ON and Telge Nät activated the sites. The operators later stated that the connections had been made in error. More recently, however, Tesla adopted a different strategy altogether. Just before Christmas, Tesla went live with a new charging station in Arlandastad, outside Stockholm, by powering it with a Tesla Megapack battery, as noted in a Dagens Arbete (DA) report. Because the Supercharger station does not rely on a permanent grid connection, Tesla was able to bypass the blocked application process, as noted by Swedish car journalist and YouTuber Peter Esse. He noted that the Arlandastad Supercharger is likely dependent on nearby companies to recharge the batteries, likely through private arrangements. Eight new charging stalls have been launched in the Arlandastad site so far, which is a fraction of the originally planned 40 chargers for the location. Still, the fact that Tesla Sweden was able to work around the unions’ efforts once more is impressive, especially since Superchargers are used even by non-Tesla EVs. Esse noted that Tesla’s Megapack workaround is not as easily replicated in other locations. Arlandastad is unique because neighboring operators already have access to grid power, making it possible for Tesla to source electricity indirectly. Still, Esse noted that the unions’ blockades have not affected sales as much. “Many want Tesla to lose sales due to the union blockades. But you have to remember that sales are falling from 2024, when Tesla sold a record number of cars in Sweden. That year, the unions also had blockades against Tesla. So for Tesla as a charging operator, it is devastating. But for Tesla as a car company, it does not matter in terms of sales volumes. People charge their cars where there is an opportunity, usually at home,” Esse noted.
Tesla says its Texas lithium refinery is now operational and unlike anything in North America
Tesla Sweden has successfully launched a new Supercharger station despite an ongoing blockade by Swedish unions, using on-site Megapack batteries instead of traditional grid connections. The workaround has allowed the Supercharger to operate without direct access to Sweden’s electricity network, which has been effectively frozen by labor action. Tesla has experienced notable challenges connecting its new charging stations to Sweden’s power grid due to industrial action led by Seko, a major Swedish trade union, which has blocked all new electrical connections for new Superchargers. On paper, this made the opening of new Supercharger sites almost impossible. Despite the blockade, Tesla has continued to bring stations online. In Malmö and Södertälje, new Supercharger locations opened after grid operators E.ON and Telge Nät activated the sites. The operators later stated that the connections had been made in error. More recently, however, Tesla adopted a different strategy altogether. Just before Christmas, Tesla went live with a new charging station in Arlandastad, outside Stockholm, by powering it with a Tesla Megapack battery, as noted in a Dagens Arbete (DA) report. Because the Supercharger station does not rely on a permanent grid connection, Tesla was able to bypass the blocked application process, as noted by Swedish car journalist and YouTuber Peter Esse. He noted that the Arlandastad Supercharger is likely dependent on nearby companies to recharge the batteries, likely through private arrangements. Eight new charging stalls have been launched in the Arlandastad site so far, which is a fraction of the originally planned 40 chargers for the location. Still, the fact that Tesla Sweden was able to work around the unions’ efforts once more is impressive, especially since Superchargers are used even by non-Tesla EVs. Esse noted that Tesla’s Megapack workaround is not as easily replicated in other locations. Arlandastad is unique because neighboring operators already have access to grid power, making it possible for Tesla to source electricity indirectly. Still, Esse noted that the unions’ blockades have not affected sales as much. “Many want Tesla to lose sales due to the union blockades. But you have to remember that sales are falling from 2024, when Tesla sold a record number of cars in Sweden. That year, the unions also had blockades against Tesla. So for Tesla as a charging operator, it is devastating. But for Tesla as a car company, it does not matter in terms of sales volumes. People charge their cars where there is an opportunity, usually at home,” Esse noted.
Tesla AI5 chip nears completion, Elon Musk teases incredible development cadence
Tesla’s new Full Self-Driving pricing strategy will eliminate one recurring complaint that many owners have had in the past: FSD transfers. In the past, if a Tesla owner purchased the Full Self-Driving suite outright, the company did not allow them to transfer the purchase to a new vehicle, essentially requiring them to buy it all over again, which could obviously get pretty pricey. This was until Q3 2023, when Tesla allowed a one-time amnesty to transfer Full Self-Driving to a new vehicle, and then again last year. Tesla is now allowing it to happen again ahead of the February 14th deadline. The program has given people the opportunity to upgrade to new vehicles with newer Hardware and AI versions, especially those with Hardware 3 who wish to transfer to AI4, without feeling the drastic cost impact of having to buy the $8,000 suite outright on several occasions. Now, that issue will never be presented again. Last night, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on X that the Full Self-Driving suite would only be available in a subscription platform, which is the other purchase option it currently offers for FSD use, priced at just $99 per month. Tesla is shifting FSD to a subscription-only model, confirms Elon Musk Having it available in a subscription-only platform boasts several advantages, including the potential for a tiered system that would potentially offer less expensive options, a pay-per-mile platform, and even coupling the program with other benefits, like Supercharging and vehicle protection programs. While none of that is confirmed and is purely speculative, the one thing that does appear to be a major advantage is that this will completely eliminate any questions about transferring the Full Self-Driving suite to a new vehicle. This has been a particular point of contention for owners, and it is now completely eliminated, as everyone, apart from those who have purchased the suite on their current vehicle. Now, everyone will pay month-to-month, and it could make things much easier for those who want to try the suite, justifying it from a financial perspective. The important thing to note is that Tesla would benefit from a higher take rate, as more drivers using it would result in more data, which would help the company reach its recently-revealed 10 billion-mile threshold to reach an Unsupervised level. It does not cost Tesla anything to run FSD, only to develop it. If it could slice the price significantly, more people would buy it, and more data would be made available.
Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft is heading to jury trial
Tesla’s new Full Self-Driving pricing strategy will eliminate one recurring complaint that many owners have had in the past: FSD transfers. In the past, if a Tesla owner purchased the Full Self-Driving suite outright, the company did not allow them to transfer the purchase to a new vehicle, essentially requiring them to buy it all over again, which could obviously get pretty pricey. This was until Q3 2023, when Tesla allowed a one-time amnesty to transfer Full Self-Driving to a new vehicle, and then again last year. Tesla is now allowing it to happen again ahead of the February 14th deadline. The program has given people the opportunity to upgrade to new vehicles with newer Hardware and AI versions, especially those with Hardware 3 who wish to transfer to AI4, without feeling the drastic cost impact of having to buy the $8,000 suite outright on several occasions. Now, that issue will never be presented again. Last night, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on X that the Full Self-Driving suite would only be available in a subscription platform, which is the other purchase option it currently offers for FSD use, priced at just $99 per month. Tesla is shifting FSD to a subscription-only model, confirms Elon Musk Having it available in a subscription-only platform boasts several advantages, including the potential for a tiered system that would potentially offer less expensive options, a pay-per-mile platform, and even coupling the program with other benefits, like Supercharging and vehicle protection programs. While none of that is confirmed and is purely speculative, the one thing that does appear to be a major advantage is that this will completely eliminate any questions about transferring the Full Self-Driving suite to a new vehicle. This has been a particular point of contention for owners, and it is now completely eliminated, as everyone, apart from those who have purchased the suite on their current vehicle. Now, everyone will pay month-to-month, and it could make things much easier for those who want to try the suite, justifying it from a financial perspective. The important thing to note is that Tesla would benefit from a higher take rate, as more drivers using it would result in more data, which would help the company reach its recently-revealed 10 billion-mile threshold to reach an Unsupervised level. It does not cost Tesla anything to run FSD, only to develop it. If it could slice the price significantly, more people would buy it, and more data would be made available.
Tesla wins top loyalty and conquest honors in S&P Global Mobility 2025 awards
Tesla Sweden has successfully launched a new Supercharger station despite an ongoing blockade by Swedish unions, using on-site Megapack batteries instead of traditional grid connections. The workaround has allowed the Supercharger to operate without direct access to Sweden’s electricity network, which has been effectively frozen by labor action. Tesla has experienced notable challenges connecting its new charging stations to Sweden’s power grid due to industrial action led by Seko, a major Swedish trade union, which has blocked all new electrical connections for new Superchargers. On paper, this made the opening of new Supercharger sites almost impossible. Despite the blockade, Tesla has continued to bring stations online. In Malmö and Södertälje, new Supercharger locations opened after grid operators E.ON and Telge Nät activated the sites. The operators later stated that the connections had been made in error. More recently, however, Tesla adopted a different strategy altogether. Just before Christmas, Tesla went live with a new charging station in Arlandastad, outside Stockholm, by powering it with a Tesla Megapack battery, as noted in a Dagens Arbete (DA) report. Because the Supercharger station does not rely on a permanent grid connection, Tesla was able to bypass the blocked application process, as noted by Swedish car journalist and YouTuber Peter Esse. He noted that the Arlandastad Supercharger is likely dependent on nearby companies to recharge the batteries, likely through private arrangements. Eight new charging stalls have been launched in the Arlandastad site so far, which is a fraction of the originally planned 40 chargers for the location. Still, the fact that Tesla Sweden was able to work around the unions’ efforts once more is impressive, especially since Superchargers are used even by non-Tesla EVs. Esse noted that Tesla’s Megapack workaround is not as easily replicated in other locations. Arlandastad is unique because neighboring operators already have access to grid power, making it possible for Tesla to source electricity indirectly. Still, Esse noted that the unions’ blockades have not affected sales as much. “Many want Tesla to lose sales due to the union blockades. But you have to remember that sales are falling from 2024, when Tesla sold a record number of cars in Sweden. That year, the unions also had blockades against Tesla. So for Tesla as a charging operator, it is devastating. But for Tesla as a car company, it does not matter in terms of sales volumes. People charge their cars where there is an opportunity, usually at home,” Esse noted.
Elon Musk's X goes down as users report major outage Friday morning
Tesla’s new Full Self-Driving pricing strategy will eliminate one recurring complaint that many owners have had in the past: FSD transfers. In the past, if a Tesla owner purchased the Full Self-Driving suite outright, the company did not allow them to transfer the purchase to a new vehicle, essentially requiring them to buy it all over again, which could obviously get pretty pricey. This was until Q3 2023, when Tesla allowed a one-time amnesty to transfer Full Self-Driving to a new vehicle, and then again last year. Tesla is now allowing it to happen again ahead of the February 14th deadline. The program has given people the opportunity to upgrade to new vehicles with newer Hardware and AI versions, especially those with Hardware 3 who wish to transfer to AI4, without feeling the drastic cost impact of having to buy the $8,000 suite outright on several occasions. Now, that issue will never be presented again. Last night, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on X that the Full Self-Driving suite would only be available in a subscription platform, which is the other purchase option it currently offers for FSD use, priced at just $99 per month. Tesla is shifting FSD to a subscription-only model, confirms Elon Musk Having it available in a subscription-only platform boasts several advantages, including the potential for a tiered system that would potentially offer less expensive options, a pay-per-mile platform, and even coupling the program with other benefits, like Supercharging and vehicle protection programs. While none of that is confirmed and is purely speculative, the one thing that does appear to be a major advantage is that this will completely eliminate any questions about transferring the Full Self-Driving suite to a new vehicle. This has been a particular point of contention for owners, and it is now completely eliminated, as everyone, apart from those who have purchased the suite on their current vehicle. Now, everyone will pay month-to-month, and it could make things much easier for those who want to try the suite, justifying it from a financial perspective. The important thing to note is that Tesla would benefit from a higher take rate, as more drivers using it would result in more data, which would help the company reach its recently-revealed 10 billion-mile threshold to reach an Unsupervised level. It does not cost Tesla anything to run FSD, only to develop it. If it could slice the price significantly, more people would buy it, and more data would be made available.
Tesla Sweden uses Megapack battery to bypass unions' Supercharger blockade
Tesla Sweden has successfully launched a new Supercharger station despite an ongoing blockade by Swedish unions, using on-site Megapack batteries instead of traditional grid connections. The workaround has allowed the Supercharger to operate without direct access to Sweden’s electricity network, which has been effectively frozen by labor action. Tesla has experienced notable challenges connecting its new charging stations to Sweden’s power grid due to industrial action led by Seko, a major Swedish trade union, which has blocked all new electrical connections for new Superchargers. On paper, this made the opening of new Supercharger sites almost impossible. Despite the blockade, Tesla has continued to bring stations online. In Malmö and Södertälje, new Supercharger locations opened after grid operators E.ON and Telge Nät activated the sites. The operators later stated that the connections had been made in error. More recently, however, Tesla adopted a different strategy altogether. Just before Christmas, Tesla went live with a new charging station in Arlandastad, outside Stockholm, by powering it with a Tesla Megapack battery, as noted in a Dagens Arbete (DA) report. Because the Supercharger station does not rely on a permanent grid connection, Tesla was able to bypass the blocked application process, as noted by Swedish car journalist and YouTuber Peter Esse. He noted that the Arlandastad Supercharger is likely dependent on nearby companies to recharge the batteries, likely through private arrangements. Eight new charging stalls have been launched in the Arlandastad site so far, which is a fraction of the originally planned 40 chargers for the location. Still, the fact that Tesla Sweden was able to work around the unions’ efforts once more is impressive, especially since Superchargers are used even by non-Tesla EVs. Esse noted that Tesla’s Megapack workaround is not as easily replicated in other locations. Arlandastad is unique because neighboring operators already have access to grid power, making it possible for Tesla to source electricity indirectly. Still, Esse noted that the unions’ blockades have not affected sales as much. “Many want Tesla to lose sales due to the union blockades. But you have to remember that sales are falling from 2024, when Tesla sold a record number of cars in Sweden. That year, the unions also had blockades against Tesla. So for Tesla as a charging operator, it is devastating. But for Tesla as a car company, it does not matter in terms of sales volumes. People charge their cars where there is an opportunity, usually at home,” Esse noted.
Tesla Model Y and Model 3 named safest vehicles tested by ANCAP in 2025
The Tesla Model Y recorded the highest overall safety score of any vehicle tested by ANCAP in 2025. The Tesla Model 3 also delivered strong results, reinforcing the automaker’s safety leadership in Australia and New Zealand. According to ANCAP in a press release, the Tesla Model Y achieved the highest overall weighted score of any vehicle assessed in 2025. ANCAP’s 2025 tests evaluated vehicles across four key pillars: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist technologies. The Model Y posted consistently strong results in all four categories, distinguishing itself through a system-based safety approach that combines structural crash protection with advanced driver-assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane support, and driver monitoring. This marked the second time the Model Y has topped ANCAP’s annual safety rankings. The Model Y’s previous version was also ANCAP’s top performer in 2022. The Tesla Model 3 also delivered a strong performance in ANCAP’s 2025 tests, contributing to Tesla’s broader safety presence across segments. Similar to the Model Y, the Model 3 also earned impressive scores across the ANCAP’s four pillars. This made the vehicle the top performer in the Medium Car category. ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg stated that the results highlight a growing industry shift toward integrated safety design, with improvements in technologies such as autonomous emergency braking and lane support translating into meaningful real-world protection. “ANCAP’s testing continues to reinforce a clear message: the safest vehicles are those designed with safety as a system, not a checklist. The top performers this year delivered consistent results across physical crash protection, crash avoidance and vulnerable road user safety, rather than relying on strength in a single area. “We are also seeing increasing alignment between ANCAP’s test requirements and the safety technologies that genuinely matter on Australian and New Zealand roads. Improvements in autonomous emergency braking, lane support, and driver monitoring systems are translating into more robust protection,” Hoorweg said. Quick Shop ✕ Add to cart Buy now The post Tesla Model Y and Model 3 named safest vehicles tested by ANCAP in 2025 appeared first on TESLARATI.
Why DHL, FedEx and UPS are central to eBay’s climate transition plan
eBay, the world’s biggest resale company, has joined the growing cohort of companies that have published a climate transition plan outlining specific steps needed to meet corporate emissions reduction targets. Delivering the goods sold by the 134 million sellers on its marketplace to their customers is eBay’s biggest greenhouse gas liability: it accounts for almost 84 percent of total emissions. The 30-year-old company vows to cut that footprint by 27.5 percent by 2030 — it has already achieved a 21 percent reduction — and to reach a 90 percent cut across all emissions categories by 2045. The baseline year for reduction goals is 2019. Those commitments were validated in 2025 by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and the 37-page roadmap published Jan. 14 is a “natural follow-on” to the many cross-function conversations and data-modeling exercises required to come up with the goals, said eBay Chief Sustainability Officer Renee Morin. “This is not a report that came out of the blue,” she said. Approximately one-quarter of companies that report greenhouse gas emissions to research firm CDP have published a climate transition plan, but that number is growing rapidly because of anticipated regulatory changes in Europe and potential requirements as part of the forthcoming overhaul of SBTi’s Corporate Net Zero Standard. eBay’s climate transition plan provides an inside-out view of the company’s impact on climate change and an outside-in perspective on physical and financial risks that could impact eBay’s business as weather patterns change and the world warms. It is meant to motivate eBay partners, sellers and employees by linking climate goals more explicitly to the company’s long-term business and financial growth strategy, Morin said. Certain sections of the plan are likely to be updated on an annual basis, but eBay hasn’t finalized a schedule. “At the end of the day, when you can show the value of sustainability, the value of decarbonizing, the value of derisking systems, then businesses are going to lean into those outputs,” she said. For example, eBay acknowledges in the report that shipping partners may be adversely affected by flooding, extreme heat or natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. It’s in their interest to collaborate with eBay on potential solutions, the report suggests. Prioritizing carriers eBay doesn’t own fleets or warehouses. But it is prioritizing relationships with carriers including DHL, UPS and FedEx that have explicit goals to decarbonize their operations through investments in electric delivery vehicles and procurement of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). FedEx, for example, has committed to shifting all of its new vehicle purchases to electric models by 2030. UPS and DHL have similar EV buying plans, and both aim to use SAF for 30 percent of their air operations before 2035. Other strategies eBay is expanding: local delivery options and the use of ground shipping versus air freight, which generates higher emissions. eBay published a “carrier engagement guide” in 2024 that outlines its minimum expectations of shipping and logistics partners. It requires all to set short- and long-term emissions reductions goals that are certified by an independent organization and to report annually on strategies for renewable energy, sustainable packaging and operational efficiencies. In order to reach net zero by 2045, eBay estimates it will need to work with carriers to cut emissions from those activities by 46 percent. The post Why DHL, FedEx and UPS are central to eBay’s climate transition plan appeared first on Trellis.
Revalize introduces partner program for CAD, CPQ and PLM
Revalize introduced its newly developed Partner Program. This initiative is designed to empower partners to unlock new growth opportunities, navigate the evolving challenges of the manufacturing sector, and deliver greater value to customers worldwide. An overview of the benefits of the Revalize Partner Program. The Revalize Partner Program provides a structured framework for collaborative growth, combining advanced tools, shared expertise, and new opportunities for partners to expand their global market reach. Key benefits of the Revalize Partner Program include: Access to Industry-Leading Solutions with Cross-Sell Potential: A broad, best-in-class software portfolio, including CAD, PLM, and CPQ, enables partners to deliver end-to-end digital solutions and expand account value. Collaborative Growth Model: Shared success through Revalize’s resources and expertise accelerates business outcomes. Global Market Expansion: Partners join a global network committed to innovation and operational excellence. A future-focused approach With companies investing heavily in digital transformation, the demand for integrated, compliance-ready solutions has never been higher. The Revalize Partner Program positions partners to capitalize on these trends, offering a diverse pipeline of opportunities across industries such as manufacturing, engineering, food & beverage, and energy. For more information, visit revalizesoftware.com/revalize-partners. The post Revalize introduces partner program for CAD, CPQ and PLM appeared first on Engineering.com.
Jackery HomePower 3600 plus power station + bundle at exclusive new lows from $1,219, EcoFlow, Segway Navimow, more
Leading today’s Green Deals are two exclusive new low prices that we secured for our readers, starting with the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus Portable Power Station at $1,219, or you can get the HomePower 3600 Plus with a 500W solar panel at $1,689. Right behind those, we have another spotlight on EcoFlow’s soon-to-end flash sale that is offering the DELTA 3 Max Portable Power Station at its second-best $749 rate, among others. There’s also up to $700 savings on Segway Navimow’s H series robot mowers, a $500 discount on a Greenworks riding mower, Gotrax’s budget-friendly R2 folding e-bike starting from its second-best price of the last year, and much more. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s spotlight posts on the low prices for MOD’s Easy SideCar Sahara e-bike, as well as the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 power station – both ending tonight – and even 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…
