UAE gas station chain opens 60-stall EV fast charging hub on Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway
ADNOC Distribution, a gas station and convenience store chain in the United Arab Emirates, has opened a large new EV charging hub, and unveiled a roadmap to electrify the UAE highway network by the end of 2027. Strategically located at Saih Shuaib on the E11 highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the new EV Mega hub features 60 high-speed EV charging points, and is specifically designed to meet the needs of commuters traveling between the UAE’s two largest cities. It has a footprint three times larger than the company’s traditional service stations, and includes a convenience store with food and a coworking space. ADNOC plans to open 15 new EV charging hubs by the end of 2026, and another 5 by the end of 2026, providing comprehensive EV charging services across all core UAE national highways. ADNOC Distribution operates several hundred gas stations, including 562 in the UAE, 172 in Saudi Arabia and 243 in Egypt. It has nearly 370 EV charging points installed under the E2GO brand in the UAE. “The inauguration of ADNOC Distribution’s EV Megahub is a significant step in implementing the UAE’s National Electric Vehicles Policy,” said H.E. Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. “This hub stands out for its strategic location on the E11 highway, one of the country’s most vital corridors. Expanding the high-speed charging network is central to our strategy to cut energy consumption in transport and drive the Global EV Market initiative, which aims to see electric vehicles represent 50% of all cars on UAE roads by 2050.” Source: ADNOC Distribution
Tesla arsonist who burned Cybertruck sees end of FAFO journey
A Mesa, Arizona man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for setting fire to a Tesla location and vehicle in a politically motivated arson attack, federal prosecutors have stated. The April 2025 incident destroyed a Tesla Cybertruck, endangered first responders, and triggered mandatory sentencing under federal arson laws. A five-year sentence U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa sentenced Ian William Moses, 35, of Mesa, Arizona, to 5 years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for maliciously damaging property and vehicles by means of fire. Moses pleaded guilty in October to all five counts brought by a federal grand jury. Restitution will be determined at a hearing scheduled for April 13, 2026. Quick Shop ✕ Add to cart Buy now As per court records, surveillance footage showed Moses arriving at a Tesla store in Mesa shortly before 2 a.m. on April 28, 2025, carrying a gasoline can and backpack. Investigators stated that he placed fire starter logs near the building, poured gasoline on the structure and three vehicles, and ignited the fire. The blaze destroyed a Tesla Cybertruck. Moses fled the scene on a bicycle and was arrested by Mesa police about a quarter mile away, roughly an hour later. Authorities said Moses was still wearing the same clothing seen on camera at the time of his arrest and was carrying a hand-drawn map marking the dealership’s location. Moses also painted the word “Theif” on the walls of the Tesla location, prompting jokes from social media users and Tesla community members. Justice ServedIan William Moses sentenced to the 5 years in federal prison for the politically motivated arson that destroyed a Cybertruck at an Arizona Tesla dealership last April.He should get an additional 5 years for not knowing how to spell the word "thief." pic.twitter.com/XgHkrE2qkV — Jay Gatling (@apinionsvary) January 15, 2026 The “Finding Out” stage U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine noted that Moses’ sentence reflects the gravity of his crime. He also highlighted that arson is never acceptable. “Arson can never be an acceptable part of American politics. Mr. Moses’ actions endangered the public and first responders and could have easily turned deadly. This five-year sentence reflects the gravity of these crimes and makes clear that politically fueled attacks on Arizona’s communities and businesses will be met with full accountability.” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell echoed the same sentiments, stating that regardless of Moses’ sentiments towards Elon Musk, his actions are not defensible. “This sentence sends a clear message: violence and intimidation have no place in our community. Setting fire to a business in retaliation for political or personal grievances is not protest, it is a crime. Our community deserves to feel safe, and this sentence underscores that Maricopa County will not tolerate political violence in any form.” The post Tesla arsonist who burned Cybertruck sees end of FAFO journey appeared first on TESLARATI.
Vertiv adds MegaMod HDX options for AI and HPC data centers
Vertiv announced new configurations of the Vertiv MegaMod HDX, a prefabricated power and liquid cooling infrastructure solution engineered for high-density computing environments, including artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) deployments. The new configurations give operators flexibility to support rapidly increasing power and cooling requirements while optimizing space and deployment speed. The models are available globally. The versatile, prefabricated Vertiv MegaMod HDX power and thermal infrastructure integrates direct-to-chip liquid cooling with air cooling to support AI and high-density requirements. © Vertiv Vertiv MegaMod HDX integrates direct-to-chip liquid cooling with air-cooled architectures to meet the intense thermal demands of AI workloads, supporting pod-style AI environments and advanced GPU clusters. The new compact solution has a standard module height and a maximum of 13 racks and power capacity up to 1.25 MW; the combo solution has an extended-height design with a maximum of 144 racks, supporting power capacities up to 10 MW. Both can support rack densities from 50 kW up to more than 100 kW per rack. The hybrid cooling architectures integrate direct-to-chip liquid cooling with air cooling for efficient, high-density thermal management, while the prefabricated modular designs enable accelerated deployment and allow customers to scale their data centers as demand grows. The Vertiv MegaMod HDX models feature innovative hybrid cooling architecture, combining direct-to-chip liquid cooling with adaptable air systems in a fully integrated, prefabricated pod. The solutions feature distributed redundant power architecture enabling continuous operation even if one module goes offline. Additionally, the buffer-tank thermal backup system allows GPU clusters to maintain stable operations during maintenance or load transitions. This factory-integrated design enables repeatable precision in deployment while providing cost certainty for planning and scaling AI infrastructure. This prefabricated design, combined with factory integrated and fully tested components and Vertiv’s global service network, provide dependable end-to-end support. Vertiv’s extensive portfolio of power, thermal, and IT management solutions supports a wide range of data center architectures, enabling customers to meet rising density demands with scalable, high-performance infrastructure. Both configurations draw on this broader portfolio, including the Vertiv Liebert APM2 uninterruptible power supply (UPS), Vertiv CoolChip CDU cooling distribution unit, Vertiv PowerBar busway system, and Vertiv Unify infrastructure monitoring. Vertiv also offers IT rack infrastructure designed to seamlessly accommodate and support IT systems, including Vertivracks and Vertiv OCP- compliant racks, Vertiv CoolLoop RDHx rear door heat exchanger, Vertiv CoolChip in-rack CDU, Vertiv rack power distribution units, Vertiv PowerDirect in-rack DC power system, and Vertiv CoolChip Fluid Network Rack Manifolds. For more information, visit Vertiv.com. The post Vertiv adds MegaMod HDX options for AI and HPC data centers appeared first on Engineering.com.
This battery is about to change the world in 3 months, or make this guy a fool
Donut Lab lit the EV and energy storage industry on fire last week with its announcement of a 400 Wh/kg solid-state battery cell that can last for 100 years. At face value, if true, we are looking at the single most disruptive announcement in the history of the electric vehicle industry and energy storage as a whole. We aren’t just talking about a better motorcycle battery. If the claims of a 5-minute charge, 100,000-cycle life, and ~400 Wh/kg energy density are accurate and scalable, as Donut Lab claims, this is the holy grail of energy storage. Battery breakthrough announcements generally don’t catch fire like this, but Donut Lab’s did because it said that the cell was already in production and will be in a production vehicle, Verge’s electric motorcycle, this quarter. It gave credibility to the claim, pushing everyone to report on it. Now, we have interviewed Donut Lab’s CEO and investigated the technology. At this point, it looks like either this battery changes the world within the next 3 months, or it will make the CEO look like a fool. In this article, we discuss the impact of the battery, whether real or not, as well as clues about the secret sauce behind its chemistry. more…
Sensata launches STEV high-voltage contactors to improve EV power switching efficiency and safety
Sensata Technologies has announced the STEV series of high-voltage contactors for battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, positioning the parts as high-efficiency switches with “robust protection” for modern electrified vehicle platforms. Sensata says the series targets OEM needs around safety, efficiency, and integration in high-voltage power architectures. The contactors are high-voltage switches that open and close an electrical circuit thousands of times over a vehicle’s life. In EVs contactors control power flow between the battery and systems such as the inverter and charger, making them part of the vehicle’s protective architecture and linked to safety, efficiency, and reliability. MORE: A closer look at contactors Sensata says the STEV series scales from plug-in hybrid passenger cars to battery electric pickup trucks and Class 8 heavy-duty trucks. This scalability can help OEMs standardize switching technology across multiple vehicle lines to simplify integration and reduce development time. On design and qualification, Sensata says STEV contactors are customizable and based on core switching technology “refined over years of development.” The series is engineered to meet automotive safety and quality requirements, including compliance with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) processes and other OEM certification requirements, for integration into global vehicle platforms. “We don’t just manufacture components. We engineer solutions with our customers, adapting our STEV contactors to the unique demands of leading OEM’s applications,” said Markus Schwabe, EVP, Automotive and Aftermarket at Sensata Technologies. The STEV series supports continuous current carry ratings from 150 A to 600 A and “high short-circuit withstand capability greater than 20 kA,” enabled by hermetic sealing and modular designs. Sensata also lists low contact resistance and minimized heat generation, along with: single- or dual-assembly options; bidirectional current capability on select models via non-polarity main contacts; hermetic ceramic sealing for arc containment and environmental protection (with IP67 ingress protection available on specific variants); and electrical isolation specs including coil-to-contact dielectric strength up to 3.0 kV and insulation resistance of 1000 MΩ at 1000 VDC. Sensata supplies high-voltage solutions through engineering and manufacturing sites across North America, Europe, and Asia to support in-region production and localization. Source: Sensata Technologies
Tesla plans for new 300+ stall Supercharger with a special surprise for Semi
Tesla is planning for a new 300+ stall Supercharger station that will be an expansion of an existing facility, and the company is planning to add a surprise for the Semi. The Firebaugh, California Supercharger is currently 72 Superchargers, but Tesla filed for an expansion that will add 232 additional plugs for passenger vehicles, and it also plans to add 16 Semichargers. This will be the biggest Supercharger station Tesla will have to date, just months after it finished the Supercharger Oasis in Lost Hills, California, which has 168 stalls. This will have 304 total Supercharger stalls, and then the additional 16 Megachargers. This Supercharger station will have 304 total stalls and 16 Semichargers following this expansion Absolutely INSANE size This is located on I-5, so many semis will be traveling along this route — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) January 13, 2026 The Firebaugh Supercharger is located on I-5, which is a major reason for why Tesla has chosen the location for additional Megacharger plug-ins, as Tesla Semi Program Manager Dan Priestley said on X earlier today. Lots of trucks to electrify on I-5 — Dan Priestley (@danWpriestley) January 13, 2026 The project was revealed by MarcoRP, a Supercharger tracker. The expansion is a massive signal for charging demand, especially as Tesla’s Superchargers are opened to numerous automakers and are no longer exclusive to the company’s EVs. Additionally, the installation of Megachargers is a good sign to come for the Tesla Semi program, which aims to truly ramp up this year. Tesla plans to launch production of the Semi later this year. It could also mean Tesla is going to expand its footprint of large-scale Supercharger projects in the coming years, which would be a big boost as EV adoption continues to soar in the United States. The post Tesla plans for new 300+ stall Supercharger with a special surprise for Semi appeared first on TESLARATI.
Why Levi’s is teaching high schoolers how to mend jeans
Levi Strauss and Discovery Education are picking up where home economics classes left off. Which is to say, they are teaching high schoolers basic sewing skills. The “Levi’s Wear Longer Project,” launched Jan. 14, starts in San Francisco with workshops at Levi’s Eureka R&D center. A global campaign will follow to share virtual and in-person lessons for tasks like adding buttons, patching jeans and altering hems. Thirty-five percent of members of Gen Z polled by Levis’s said they would keep their clothes for longer if they knew how to address tears and other flaws — but 41 percent reported having no way to do so. (Levi’s noted similar things about Millennials when it launched repair tutorials in 2014.) “By building up repair skills within the next generation and emphasizing the idea of durability, we’re helping spark a culture of creativity, sustainability and pride in taking care of the things we value,” Levi Strauss President and CEO Michelle Gass said in a statement. Levi’s also appears to be vying for youth brand loyalty to carry forward an identity of durability, which originated with its outfitting 1850s gold miners. “Some brands claim that offering repair creates continued engagement after the point of sale and drives traffic into their stores, which is then converted into new sales on top of the repair,” said New York-based sustainability consultant Liz Alessi. Indeed, Levi’s is among a small yet growing number of brands advancing repair. That often-neglected pillar of the circular economy movement counters the industry treatment of clothes as perishables. Signs of growth include the rise of apparel-repair startups including Revive and Alternew, which recently signed a deal with Primark. Globally, the market for mending services will expand by 9.4 percent each year to 2035, growing to $1.18 billion from $.53 billion in 2026, according to Business Research Insights. Tersus Solutions, which provides resale logistics, cleaning and repair services to apparel brands including The North Face and Eileen Fisher, is seeing significant growth in brands’ warranty and repair programs, according to CEO Peter Whitcomb. “Many brands are shifting from replacement-first models to repair-first approaches as a way to better serve customers, extend product life and reduce environmental impact,” he said. Levi’s other repair plays In addition to its longtime focus on design for longevity, Levi Strauss has been advancing other circular economy programs within its sustainability strategy. The 173-year-old company offers tailoring services at certain stores, including free hemming for its Red Tab loyalty program members. Part of Levi’s push for net zero by 2050 includes the 2030 goal of cutting down Scope 3 purchased goods and services emissions by 42 percent over 2022 levels. The use of Levi’s products, including laundering, makes up 31 percent of the company’s overall emissions, according to its 2024 Climate Transition Plan. Efforts to address that include Levi’s Secondhand branded resale program, which is entering its sixth year. It also enables customers to exchange used Levi’s for a coupon of up to $30 at certain retail stores. Buying used items requires 53 percent of the carbon that would be emitted from buying something new, according to the company. Patagonia, Uniqlo, Primark and Neiman Marcus are among the other companies expanding a mix of repair services, alterations guides or in-house workshops in the United States. Comparable efforts are relatively more normalized in Europe, which has a longtime culture of product aftercare and restoration, particularly among luxury houses such as Hermès, Dior and Burberry. A Uniqlo repair event in Asia in 2025. Credit: Uniqlo Other fashion brands repair plays Here’s a sampling of approaches by other brands to make repairs mainstream: Patagonia The fleece jacket giant’s network of free, lifetime repairs is part of its Worn Wear program, launched in 2017 with the idea that “repair is radical” and generating $13 million in revenues in 2025. Patagonia offers simple patching or seam-closings in stores and from repair vans at special events, as well as more complex mail-in fixes. Its Reno, Nevada, repair center counts tens of thousands of repairs each year. A partnership with iFixit produces virtual repair guides, which Patagonia has kept 583,000 items out of the trash. Uniqlo Repair counters are spreading at fast-growing Uniqlo stores, owned by Fast Retailing of Yamaguchi, Japan. An upcycling workshop at one of its shops in Germany has grown into Re:Uniqlo Studio repair and “remaking” services at 70 stories in 23 international markets. The brand introduced Re:Uniqlo to certain U.S. stores several years ago, charging $5 to close fabric holes or replace buttons. Primark In May, Dublin retailer Primark began expanding repair workshops to the U.S. in Staten Island and Tysons, Virginia. The company has held more than 730 such events across Europe since its “Love it for longer” program began in 2021. The company also shares online tutorials for mending and hemming. Neiman Marcus Former Dallas-based department store Neiman Marcus, now based in New York under Saks Global, belongs to an old world or high-end, in house repairs. All of its three-dozen locations offer tailoring, alterations, repair and restoration, including for clothes, shoes and handbags bought elsewhere. Simple adjustments for full-price goods are free. The brand began marketing decades-old services as a circularity play around 2021. It met a 2025 goal to extend the lives of 1 million products two years early. However, repair is harder to monetize than resale, according to “Untangling Circularity” podcast host Cynthia Power. “These are the companies with loyal customers who will shop at the brand for decades. These companies have much to gain from offering repair services and repair education programs because they are strengthening the foundation of their existing value proposition to their customer.” The post Why Levi’s is teaching high schoolers how to mend jeans appeared first on Trellis.
AtomForm debuts Palette 300 3D printer with 12 nozzles
AtomForm unveiled the Palette 300 at CES 2026. The 3D printer uses a 12-nozzle architecture to support multi-material printing and fast nozzle swaps, with the company stating the design can reduce waste by up to 90%. Capable of combining up to 36 colors and 12 materials in a single job, the Palette 300 is aimed at makers, designers, engineers, educators and hobbyists who need multi-material output with reduced changeover time and material waste. Most 3D printers limit printing to one or two colors at a time. The Palette 300 uses 12 dedicated nozzles and AtomForm’s OmniElement automatic nozzle swapping system to manage color and material transitions. AtomForm says this approach can cut filament waste by up to 90% and reduce swap times. The printer uses more than 50 sensors and four AI-enabled cameras to monitor the print process, including nozzle alignment calibration and defect detection. It is rated for ≤48 dB operation and includes built-in air purification, and it can connect to up to six AtomForm RFD-6 filament boxes to manage 36 spools with independent drying while printing. (PRNewsfoto/Atomform) Key performance highlights of the AtomForm Palette 300 include: 12 auto-swapping nozzles: Independent, filament-dedicated nozzles are designed to reduce reloading and purging, support stability, and maintain surface quality. Up to 36 colors and 12 materials in a single print: Supports personalization, prototyping and creative projects. OmniElement and ReadyPrint swap technology: AtomForm says it can reduce filament waste by up to 90% and speed material and color transitions. Up to 800 mm/s maximum print speed and 25,000 mm/s² acceleration: Designed for high throughput. 300 x 300 x 300 mm build volume: Supports larger prints, multi-part assemblies and batching. 50 sensors and four AI cameras: Used for print monitoring and process checks. Up to 48 dB operation with air filtration: Designed for home, school and office settings. Availability AtomForm expects the Palette 300 to be commercially available in early Q2 2026. The company plans aKickstarter pre-order campaign with early discounts in early Q1 2026. For more information, visit AtomForm.Tech. The post AtomForm debuts Palette 300 3D printer with 12 nozzles appeared first on Engineering.com.
New data: EVs grew more in ’25 than ’24, despite constant lies saying otherwise
In 2025, the world sold 20.7 million EVs – 3.6 million more EVs than it did in the previous year, according to a new report by Rho Motion. That’s a larger increase than last year’s 3.5 million increase, which was also higher than the previous year, showing that EVs keep growing despite unprecedented attacks against them by governments, media and even by automakers themselves. more…
MATTER and Niron Magnetics unveil rare-earth-free variable flux motor for high-performance electric motorcycles
Niron Magnetics has announced a collaboration with MATTER to explore integrating Niron’s Iron Nitride magnet technology and Variable Flux Motor (VFM) designs into MATTER’s high-performance electric motorbike products. The companies unveiled a first prototype at CES 2026. MATTER says it brings experience in liquid-cooled powertrain design, in-house gearboxes, and intelligent vehicle systems. Niron Magnetics is contributing proprietary Iron Nitride permanent magnets that contain no rare earths, along with VFM motor designs intended for EV applications. The companies say the collaboration aims to improve torque delivery, efficiency across speed ranges, acceleration and riding range. Unlike conventional electric motors, VFM architectures “eliminate the fundamental trade-off between low-speed torque and high-speed efficiency,” according to Niron, and the benefits set for electric motorcycles are faster acceleration, improved controllability in city conditions, efficient cruising and improved thermal stability. Niron says it is “scaling the world’s first advanced manufacturing process for the mass production of permanent magnets” based on its Iron Nitride material formulation. MATTER Motor Works was founded in January 2019 in Ahmedabad. Source: Niron Magnetics
SpaceX gains favor as Pentagon embraces Musk-style defense reform
SpaceX emerged as a clear beneficiary of the Trump administration’s renewed push to accelerate military innovation, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth openly praised Elon Musk’s private space enterprise during a visit to the company’s Starbase launch site in Texas. The remarks highlighted Musk’s improving relationship with the White House, as well as SpaceX’s growing role in U.S. defense. Hegseth embraces Elon Musk’s pace Speaking at SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Brownsville, Texas, Hegseth criticized what he described as a “risk-averse culture” among traditional defense contractors and called for faster innovation modeled after Musk’s approach. He confirmed that the Department of Defense plans to integrate Musk’s Grok AI platform into Pentagon systems, which is part of the administration’s efforts to make the U.S. military an “AI-first warfighting force.” Hegseth stated that the Pentagon intends to deploy AI models across both classified and unclassified networks, signaling a willingness to push past earlier efforts to limit military use of artificial intelligence. His comments aligned closely with President Donald Trump’s recent call for a $500 billion increase in defense spending, Bloomberg News noted. Trump has also warned major contractors that slower production and shareholder-focused practices could put future contracts at risk. While Hegseth criticized legacy defense firms, SpaceX was held up as an example of how aggressive timelines, vertical integration, and iterative development could reshape defense strategies. “We need to be blunt here; we can no longer afford to wait a decade for our legacy prime contractors to deliver a perfect system. Winning requires a new playbook. Elon wrote it with his algorithm: question every requirement, delete the dumb ones and accelerate like hell,” Hegseth said. Starbase is a testament to the strength of American ingenuity and invention.Keep going @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/j460cFStYL — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) January 13, 2026 BREAKING: Pentagon will start using xAI’s Grok later this month."We're excited to announce the next frontier AI model company to join Gen ai. mil & that is Grok from xAI. I want to thank you, Elon and your incredible team, for leaning forward with us on this as well." pic.twitter.com/b8CyfAbB6d — DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) January 13, 2026 LIVE: @SecWar Pete Hegseth speaks during the nationwide Arsenal of Freedom tour at a SpaceX facility in Brownsville, Texas. https://t.co/sER6w4FFIy — Department of War (@DeptofWar) January 13, 2026 SpaceX’s expanding defense role comes into focus SpaceX has become one of the U.S. government’s most important aerospace partners. The company holds roughly $4 billion in NASA contracts to develop Starship into a lunar lander, while also serving as a key launch provider for sensitive national security payloads using its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. During the visit, Musk highlighted that his ambitions extend beyond defense contracts, reiterating long-term goals of interplanetary travel and eventual exploration beyond the solar system. Still, the optics of the event reinforced how closely SpaceX’s capabilities now align with U.S. strategic priorities. The appearance also marked another step in Musk’s political rehabilitation after a public falling-out with the White House last year. Since leaving his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has gradually reengaged with the administration, reconnecting with U.S. President Donald Trump during slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s tribute and attending events at the White House. Trump’s also recently suggested that Starlink could help restore internet access in Iran. The post SpaceX gains favor as Pentagon embraces Musk-style defense reform appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla makes two big interior changes to several Model Y vehicles
Tesla has made two big interior changes to several Model Y vehicles in its lineup, and the changes come just as the new model year begins production. Last year, Tesla launched the Model Y Standard, which separated the previous models into the “Premium” category. The Standard vehicles lack several features, including more premium interior materials, acoustic-lined glass, and storage. @teslarati There are some BIG differences between the Tesla Model Y Standard and Tesla Model Y Premium #tesla #teslamodely ♬ Sia – Xeptemper The Model Y “Premium” trims are now getting several new upgrades, which come after the company launched a seven-seat configuration of the vehicle last night in the North American market for an upcharge of $2,500. The new Model Y seven-seat configuration did not come with just an additional row of seating; it also came with a slew of other goodies that now come standard and were previously only available on the Model Y Performance, which was launched late last year. All Black Headliner The new Tesla Model Y Premium trims will now come standard with a black headliner, something that many owners have been requesting for some time. The previous grey headliner and trim within the vehicle is now gone; it will be all black on all of the Premium trims from here on out, a welcome change: Credit: Tesla Larger and Higher Resolution Center Touchscreen The center touchscreen in the new Model Y Premium configuration is now larger and has a higher resolution than the previous version. In last year’s Model Y configurations (apart from the Performance), the center touchscreen was 15.4″. Now, Tesla has decided to go with the 16″ version across all Premium trims, which is a nice step up. It was nice to see this in the Performance, but it is really great to see Tesla include this in the Model Y’s more Premium trim levels. Tesla Model Y Seven Seater Tesla launched the latest iteration of the seven-seater for the Model Y on Monday night. Traditionally, the Model Y seats five passengers in total, but there were calls for a more spacious version several years ago. Tesla released it, but it was extremely tight in the back, basically reserving those back seats for only small people or children. Credit: Tesla The new configuration looks to be slightly more spacious in the third row, but not as much space as most would require or want. Instead, The post Tesla makes two big interior changes to several Model Y vehicles appeared first on TESLARATI.
Lufthansa Group to equip Starlink on its 850-aircraft fleet
Lufthansa Group has announced a partnership with Starlink that will bring high-speed internet connectivity to every aircraft across all its carriers. This means that aircraft across the group’s brands, from Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines to Brussels Airlines, would be able to enjoy high-speed internet access using the industry-leading satellite internet solution. Starlink in-flight internet Under the collaboration, Lufthansa Group will install Starlink technology on both its existing fleet and all newly delivered aircraft, as noted by the group in a press release. Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites are expected to provide significantly higher bandwidth and lower latency than traditional in-flight Wi-Fi, which should enable streaming, online work, and other data-intensive applications for passengers during flights. Starlink-powered internet is expected to be available on the first commercial flights as early as the second half of 2026. The rollout will continue through the decade, with the entire Lufthansa Group fleet scheduled to be fully equipped with Starlink by 2029. Once complete, no other European airline group will operate more Starlink-connected aircraft. Starlink's high-speed internet will soon be available across @lufthansa Group's fleet, enabling streaming, gaming, work and much more pic.twitter.com/GMFplLqtpF — Starlink (@Starlink) January 13, 2026 Free high-speed access As part of the initiative, Lufthansa Group will offer the new high-speed internet free of charge to all status customers and Travel ID users, regardless of cabin class. Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx shared his expectations for the program. “In our anniversary year, in which we are celebrating Lufthansa’s 100th birthday, we have decided to introduce a new high-speed internet solution from Starlink for all our airlines. The Lufthansa Group is taking the next step and setting an essential milestone for the premium travel experience of our customers. “Connectivity on board plays an important role today, and with Starlink, we are not only investing in the best product on the market, but also in the satisfaction of our passengers,” Vranckx said. The post Lufthansa Group to equip Starlink on its 850-aircraft fleet appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla locks in Elon Musk’s top problem solver as it enters its most ambitious era
Tesla has granted Senior Vice President of Automotive Tom Zhu more than 520,000 stock options, tying a significant portion of his compensation to the company’s long-term performance. The generous equity award was disclosed by the electric vehicle maker in a recent regulatory filing. Tesla secures top talent According to a Form 4 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Tom Zhu received 520,021 stock options with an exercise price of $435.80 per share. Since the award will not fully vest until March 5, 2031, Zhu must remain at Tesla for more than five years to realize the award’s full benefit. Considering that Tesla shares are currently trading at around the $445 to $450 per share level, Zhu will really only see gains in his equity award if Tesla’s stock price sees a notable rise over the years, as noted in a Sina Finance report. Still, even at today’s prices, Zhu’s stock award is already worth over $230 million. If Tesla reaches the market cap targets set forth in Elon Musk’s 2025 CEO Performance Award, Zhu would become a billionaire from this equity award alone. Tesla just filed a Form 4 confirming a 5-year contract extension for SVP Tom Zhu, including ~520,000 $TSLA stock options that only fully vest after 5 more years of service.Tesla is locking in its top operator to build and scale the next era, with his incentives fully aligned… pic.twitter.com/h5DXMCViZt — Herbert Ong (@herbertong) January 13, 2026 Tesla’s problem solver Zhu joined Tesla in April 2014 and initially led the company’s Supercharger rollout in China. Later that year, he assumed the leadership of Tesla’s China business, where he played a central role in Tesla’s localization efforts, including expanding retail and service networks, and later, overseeing the development of Gigafactory Shanghai. Zhu’s efforts helped transform China into one of Tesla’s most important markets and production hubs. In 2023, Tesla promoted Zhu to Senior Vice President of Automotive, placing him among the company’s core global executives and expanding his influence beyond China. He has since garnered a reputation as the company’s problem solver, being tapped by Elon Musk to help ramp Giga Texas’s vehicle production. With this in mind, Tesla’s recent filing seems to suggest that the company is locking in its top talent as it enters its newest, most ambitious era to date. As could be seen in the targets of Elon Musk’s 2025 pay package, Tesla is now aiming to be the world’s largest company by market cap, and it is aiming to achieve production levels that are unheard of. Zhu’s talents would definitely be of use in this stage of the company’s growth. The post Tesla locks in Elon Musk’s top problem solver as it enters its most ambitious era appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla Model Y gets fresh configuration with three highly requested features
Tesla has launched a new Model Y configuration in the “Premium” trim, and it comes with three highly requested features that have launched in markets outside of the U.S. and in other trims. Tesla announced on Monday night that it has officially launched the Model Y Premium in a seven-seat configuration, which also comes standard with a 16″ touchscreen and black headliner, both of which are featured in the Model Y Performance trim. The seven-seat configuration is highly requested by consumers and helps fill out the more spacious SUV offering that the lineup has missed outside of the Model X, which prices out many consumers. This new upgrade only costs $2,500 extra for all three features, bringing the cash price to $48,990. This also comes with the larger 16” touchscreen! pic.twitter.com/aiAxWUTKZa — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) January 13, 2026 The move to add the seven-seat configuration with the black headliner and additional screen size is a welcome addition, as many Tesla fans have asked the company to come out with an SUV with more seating capacity. Although it is not a full-size SUV, the additional seating will certainly attract some buyers with bigger families. It appears the third row is slightly more spacious than the past iteration of the seven-seat Model Y, which was available in the previous design pre-Juniper: Credit: Tesla However, it definitely still appears to be pretty cramped in terms of legroom. It will definitely be a seating arrangement for smaller passengers, mostly reserved for children. The other two upgrades are the black headliner, which was launched in other markets and in the Model Y Performance. Many owners have wanted this change, and Tesla listened, but is only offering it with the seven-seat configuration. It also has a larger 16″ touchscreen, also present in the Model Y Performance exclusively: Credit: Tesla It is a nice touch to add these highly requested features to the all-electric crossover, which was the best-selling vehicle in the world for the third consecutive year. The post Tesla Model Y gets fresh configuration with three highly requested features appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla seeks engineer to make its iOS Robotaxi app feel “magical”
Tesla is hiring an iOS Engineer for its Robotaxi app team, with the job posting emphasizing the creation of polished experiences that make the service not just functional, but “magical.” Needless to say, it appears that Tesla is hard at work in ensuring that users of its Robotaxi service are provided with the best user experience possible. Robotaxi App features As observed by Tesla community members, Tesla has gone live with a job listing for an iOS Engineer for its Robotaxi App. The job listing mentions the development of a “core mobile experience that enables customers to summon, track, and interact with a driverless vehicle. From requesting a ride to enabling frictionless entry, from trip planning to real-time vehicle status and media control.” Interestingly enough, the job listing also mentioned the creation of polished experiences that make the Robotaxi more than just functional. “You will take full ownership of features—from architecture design to robust implementation—delivering delightful and polished experiences that make Robotaxi not just functional, but magical,” Tesla noted in its job listing. BREAKING: Tesla is hiring iOS Engineers to work on the Robotaxi app—delivering experiences that make Robotaxi not just functional, but magical. pic.twitter.com/SX4H496FxL — Tesla Yoda (@teslayoda) January 11, 2026 Apple’s “magical” marketing Tesla’s use of the word “magical” when referring to the Robotaxi app mirrors the marketing used by Apple for some of its key products. Apple typically uses the word when referring to products or solutions that transform complex technology into something that feels effortless, simple, and natural to daily life. Products such as the AirPods’ seamless pairing with the iPhone and FaceID’s complex yet simple-to-use security system have received Apple’s “magical” branding. With this in mind, Tesla seems intent on developing a Robotaxi app that is sophisticated, but still very easy to use. Tesla already has extensive experience in this area, with the Tesla App consistently being hailed by users as one of the best in its segment. If Tesla succeeds in making the Robotaxi app worthy of its “magical” branding, then it wouldn’t be a surprise if the service sees rapid adoption even among mainstream consumers. The post Tesla seeks engineer to make its iOS Robotaxi app feel “magical” appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla Robovan’s likely first real-world use teased by Boring Company President
The Boring Company President Steve Davis has shared the most likely first real-world use for Tesla’s Robovan. As per the executive, the vehicle will be used to move large crowds through Las Vegas during major events. Tesla Robovan for high-demand events During a feature with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Boring Company President Steve Davis stated that the Tesla Robovan will be used in Sin City once the Vegas Loop expands across the Strip and downtown and the fleet grows to about 1,200 Teslas. At that scale, Robovans would primarily be deployed during predictable surges, such as game days and large shows, when many riders are traveling to the same destination at the same time. “The second you have four (passengers) and you have to start stopping, the best thing you can do is put your smallest vehicle in, which is a car. But if you know people are going to the stadium because of a game, you’ll know an hour before, two hours before, that a lot of people are going to a game or a Sphere show, if you are smart about it, that’s when you put a high occupancy vehicle in, that’s when you put the Robovan in,” Davis said. Credit: Tesla Vegas Loop expansion Steve Davis’s Robovan comment comes amid The Boring Company’s efforts to expand the Vegas Loop’s airport service. Phase 1 of rides to Harry Reid International Airport began last month, allowing passengers to travel from existing Loop stations such as Resorts World, Encore, Westgate, and the Las Vegas Convention Center. Phase 2 will add a 2.2-mile dual-direction tunnel from Westgate to Paradise Road. That section is expected to open within months and will allow speeds of up to 60 mph on parts of the route, while expanding the fleet to around 160 vehicles. Future phases are expected to extend tunnels closer to airport terminals and add multiple stations along University Center Drive. At this point, the system’s fleet is expected to grow close to 300 Teslas. The final phase, an underground airport station, was described by Davis as the system’s “holy grail.” This, however, has no definite timeframe as of yet. The post Tesla Robovan’s likely first real-world use teased by Boring Company President appeared first on TESLARATI.
Climate tech investment in 2026: bigger checks, fewer bets and the AI wave
Sightline Climate’s fifth annual Climate Tech Investment Trends Report landed last week with a clear message: Climate tech investment is maturing, consolidating and increasingly tethered to AI’s voracious appetite for power. Despite policy whiplash and market uncertainty, 2025 delivered a modest but significant rebound — $40.5 billion in worldwide venture and growth capital, up 8 percent from 2024, marking the first increase since the boom years of 2021-2022. Overall deal count fell 18 percent while half of the top 10 deals exceeded $1 billion. In other words, investors are writing bigger checks to fewer companies, with growth-stage investment up 78 percent while seed and Series A dropped 20 percent and 7 percent, respectively. The climate tech market isn’t just recovering — it’s recalibrating around proven winners and energy security. Flight to quality One significant shift in 2025 was the distribution of capital. Growth-stage investment (Series D+) spiked, with deal count up 41 percent, while Series C hit an all-time low — down 32 percent with just 45 deals completed. This isn’t just a funding gap; it’s a strategic repositioning. Investors have essentially declared winners in emerging sectors. Looking forward to 2026, I expect the trend to continue: The Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Act” has created policy certainty, limited partners are demanding returns and the AI buildout is providing tailwinds for several climate technologies. The AI tailwind The AI boom created an interesting paradox for climate tech in 2025: the sector’s biggest environmental challenge became its most powerful investment driver. Data centers consumed 78 percent of the built environment’s funding in 2025, driving investment in grid hardware, energy management software, batteries, nuclear power and next-generation geothermal. Fission and fusion funding reached all-time highs as utilities scramble to meet gigawatts of new demand projected over the next two years. As a result, clean-energy investment grew 31 percent to $14.4 billion, reaching a three-year high. The big question for 2026 is whether this massive investment in AI is sustainable. Is it a bubble marked by excessive debt and overblown demand? I suspect the buildout will continue through 2026, although investors will demand clearer paths to monetization and watch for signs of overcapacity. Security over sustainability In 2025, the language of climate tech shifted — and I believe that’s cause for optimism. “Decarbonization” gave way to “energy security.” “Emissions reduction” became “resilience.” Rather than signaling retreat, this rebranding revealed that the market values climate solutions for cost savings and security, not just environmental impact. The shift paid off for startups aligned with domestic manufacturing priorities. Defense applications proved particularly lucrative, with the Pentagon paying premiums for advanced batteries and grid technologies. That climate tech entrepreneurs and investors could find market validation simply by reframing their pitch demonstrates the technologies’ innate value — they were solving real-world problems all along, not just boosting environmental goals. The liquidity crunch continues The exit environment in 2025 remained challenging, albeit nearly flat from 2024. Exits dropped 5 percent overall, with acquisitions making up 89 percent of all exits — 191 compared to 202 in 2024. It’s still a buyer’s market, with larger companies cherry-picking smaller players for capacity and project access rather than paying premiums for innovation. Notable bankruptcies — Northvolt, Li-Cycle, Sunnova, Mosaic and Powin — served as stark reminders that capital intensity and technology risk remain unforgiving. The silver lining? Bankruptcies fell 50 percent compared to 2024, suggesting that the weakest players have been cleared out. Investors sought “tidy acquisitions and select IPOs,” according to the Sightline report, as LPs increased pressure for liquidity. I expect exits to tick upward in 2026 as “vintage funds” (from 2020 to 2021) push portfolio companies toward profitability rather than growth at all costs. The flight-to-quality dynamic means investors are maturing select startups toward exit rather than spreading bets, and corporations will stay acquisitive as long as ROI is significant. The bottom line Climate tech’s 2025 rebound reveals selective optimism tempered by reality. Investors bet big on proven technologies solving AI’s power demands, while early-stage innovators struggled. Nuclear power will continue attracting massive funding despite interconnection bottlenecks, and a warming world should drive M&A in climate adaptation technologies that assess risk and build resilience. Corporate appetite for energy-efficient technologies remains strong despite policy blowback. Whether the AI tailwind is sustainable will help determine whether 2025’s rebound marks the beginning of climate tech’s mature growth phase or merely a temporary lift. The post Climate tech investment in 2026: bigger checks, fewer bets and the AI wave appeared first on Trellis.
