Xpeng reveals first images of GX flagship SUV with Range Rover styling and steer-by-wire
Xpeng has unveiled the first official images of the GX, its new flagship six-seat SUV that takes clear design inspiration from the Range Rover while packing the company’s most advanced technology yet. The Chinese EV maker shared three images of the GX on Weibo today, revealing a sleek full-size SUV that will compete directly with premium rivals like the Li Auto L9, Huawei’s Aito M9, Zeekr 9X, and the upcoming Nio ES9. more…
Xos expands mobile charging Hub lineup with three capacity options
Commercial EV and mobile charging firm Xos has expanded its Hub lineup with three new capacity options to deliver fast mobile charging across Classes 1-2 through to heavy-duty fleet operations. The 210 kWh, 420 kWh and 630 kWh configurations are designed to make rapid-deployment charging infrastructure accessible to fleets of all sizes and duty cycles. The Hub platform is designed to enable simple installations to be completed in days, rather than months or years. Traditional fixed charging infrastructure often requires 6-18 months for utility interconnection and installation, Xos noted. The entry-level 210 kWh Hub delivers an optimized, cost-effective solution for Class 1 and Class 2 vehicle applications, including delivery vans, service trucks, and light-duty commercial fleets. The model features two CCS1 charging heads that are NACS compatible, providing flexible charging for multiple vehicles per deployment cycle. The Hub is designed to make mobile charging economically viable for a broader range of fleet operators who previously faced prohibitive infrastructure costs. The 420 kWh Hub represents a 50% capacity increase over the previous 280 kWh generation, enabling fleets to charge 15-20 commercial vehicles per cycle while maintaining the critical sub-10,000 lb weight threshold. The unit remains towable by standard 3/4-ton pickup trucks without requiring a commercial driver’s license. The 420 kWh variant has four CCS1 charging heads and expanded cable configurations, delivering higher throughput while maintaining portability and ease of relocation. The 630 kWh Hub configuration addresses medium-duty and heavy-duty electric trucks that require substantial energy in the same compact form factor as lower-capacity variants. This enables fleet operators to deploy maximum charging capability in space-constrained environments, while maintaining full portability for seasonal or project-based operations. For the largest fleet operations, the Hub’s modular design enables up to 10 units to be connected using a single tie to the grid, providing total capacity exceeding 6 MWh. This scalable architecture allows fleet operators to expand charging capacity as their electric fleet grows, while using a single utility interconnection point to minimize infrastructure costs and complexity. All three Hub configurations will hold UL 9540 A certification in 2026. When deployed as permanent infrastructure, the Hub delivers DC fast charging capability without the need for trenching, electrical service upgrades, and extended permitting timelines. Xos plans to start customer deliveries of all three capacity options during the first quarter. “We are expanding charging access, supporting diverse fleet types, and making it more flexible to rapidly deploy charging infrastructure as the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow every year,” said Aldan Shank, Director of Mobile Charging Products at Xos. “The expanded Hub lineup reflects direct feedback from fleet operators who need solutions tailored to their specific operational requirements. By offering three distinct configurations at competitive price points, we’re removing the barriers that have prevented many fleets from transitioning to electric.” Source: Xos
IM Motors co-CEO apologizes to Tesla China over FUD comments
Liu Tao, co-CEO of IM Motors, has publicly apologized to Tesla China for comments he made in 2022 suggesting a Tesla vehicle was defective following a fatal traffic accident in Chaozhou, China. Liu said later investigations showed the accident was not caused by a brake failure on the Tesla’s part, contrary to his initial comments. IM Motors co-CEO issues apology Liu Tao posted a statement addressing remarks he made following a serious traffic accident in Chaozhou, Guangdong province, in November 2022, as noted in a Sina News report. Liu stated that based on limited public information at the time, he published a Weibo post suggesting a safety issue with the Tesla involved in the crash. The executive clarified that his initial comments were incorrect. “On November 17, 2022, based on limited publicly available information, I posted a Weibo post regarding a major traffic accident that occurred in Chaozhou, suggesting that the Tesla product involved in the accident posed a safety hazard. Four hours later, I deleted the post. In May 2023, according to the traffic police’s accident liability determination and relevant forensic opinions, the Chaozhou accident was not caused by Tesla brake failure. “The aforementioned findings and opinions regarding the investigation conclusions of the Chaozhou accident corrected the erroneous statements I made in my previous Weibo post, and I hereby clarify and correct them. I apologize for the negative impact my inappropriate remarks made before the facts were ascertained, which caused Tesla,” Liu said. Investigation and court findings The Chaozhou accident occurred in Raoping County in November 2022 and resulted in two deaths and three injuries. Video footage circulated online at the time showed a Tesla vehicle accelerating at high speed and colliding with multiple motorcycles and bicycles. Reports indicated the vehicle reached a speed of 198 kilometers per hour. The incident drew widespread attention as the parties involved provided conflicting accounts and investigation details were released gradually. Media reports in early 2023 said investigation results had been completed, though the vehicle owner requested a re-investigation, delaying the issuance of a final liability determination. The case resurfaced later in 2023 following a defamation lawsuit filed by Tesla China against a media outlet. According to a court judgment cited by Shanghai Securities News, forensic analysis determined that the fatal accident was unrelated to any malfunction on the Tesla’s braking or steering systems. The court also ruled that the media outlet must publish an apology, address the negative impact on Tesla China’s reputation, and pay a penalty of 30,000 yuan. Quick Shop ✕ Add to cart Buy now The post IM Motors co-CEO apologizes to Tesla China over FUD comments appeared first on TESLARATI.
Will Tesla join the fold? Predicting a triple merger with SpaceX and xAI
With the news of a merger between SpaceX and xAI being confirmed earlier this week by CEO Elon Musk directly, the first moves of an umbrella company that combines all of the serial tech entrepreneur’s companies have been established. The move aims to combine SpaceX’s prowess in launches with xAI’s expanding vision in artificial intelligence, as Musk has detailed the need for space-based data centers that will require massive amounts of energy to operate. It has always been in the plans to bring Musk’s companies together under one umbrella. “My companies are, surprisingly in some ways, trending toward convergence,” Musk said in November. With SpaceX and xAI moving together, many are questioning when Tesla will be next. Analysts believe it is a no-brainer. SpaceX officially acquires xAI, merging rockets with AI expertise Dan Ives of Wedbush wrote in a note earlier this week that there is a “growing chance” Tesla could be merged in some form with the new conglomeration over the next 12 to 18 months. “In our view, there is a growing chance that Tesla will eventually be merged in some form into SpaceX/xAI over time. The viewis this growing AI ecosystem will focus on Space and Earth together… and Musk will look to combine forces,” Ives said. Let’s take a look at the potential. The Case for Synergies – Building the Ultimate AI Ecosystem A triple merger would create a unified “Musk Trinity,” blending Tesla’s physical AI with Robotaxi, Optimus, and Full Self-Driving, SpaceX’s orbital infrastructure through Starlink and potential space-based computer, and xAI’s advanced models, including Grok. This could accelerate real-world AI applications, more specifically, ones like using satellite networks for global autonomy, or even powering massive training through solar-optimized orbital data centers. The FCC welcomes and now seeks comment on the SpaceX application for Orbital Data Centers. The proposed system would serve as a first step towards becoming a Kardashev II-level civilization and serve other purposes, according to the applicant. pic.twitter.com/TDnUPuz9w7 — Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) February 4, 2026 This would position the entity, which could ultimately be labeled “X,” as a leader in multiplanetary AI-native tech. It would impact every level of Musk’s AI-based vision for the future, from passenger use to complex AI training models. Financial and Structural Incentives — and Risks xAI’s high cash burn rate is now backed by SpaceX’s massive valuation boost, and Tesla joining the merger would help the company gain access to private funding channels, avoiding dilution in a public-heavy structure. The deal makes sense from a capital standpoint, as it is an advantage for each company in its own specific way, addressing specific needs. Because xAI is spending money at an accelerating rate due to its massive compute needs, SpaceX provides a bit of a “lifeline” by redirecting its growing cash flows toward AI ambitions without the need for constant external fundraising. Additionally, Tesla’s recent $2 billion investment in xAI also ties in, as its own heavy CapEx for Dojo supercomputers, Robotaxis, and Optimus could potentially be streamlined. Musk’s stake in Tesla and SpaceX, after the xAI merger, is also uneven. His ownership in Tesla equates to about 13 percent, only increasing as he achieves each tranche of his most recent compensation package. Meanwhile, he owns about 43 percent of the private SpaceX. A triple merger between the three companies could boost his ownership in the combined entity to around 26 percent. This would give Musk what he wants: stronger voting power and alignment across his ventures. It could also be a potential facilitator in private-to-public transitions, as a reverse merger structure to take SpaceX public indirectly via Tesla could be used. This avoids any IPO scrutiny while accessing the public markets’ liquidity. Timeline and Triggers for a Public Announcement As previously mentioned, Ives believes a 12-18 month timeline is realistic, fueled by Musk’s repeated hints at convergence between his three companies. Additionally, the recent xAI investment by Tesla only points toward the increased potential for a conglomeration. Of course, there is speculation that the merger could happen in the shorter term, before June 30 of this year, which is a legitimate possibility. While this possibility exists but remains at low probability, especially when driven by rapid AI/space momentum, longer horizons, like 2027 or later, allow for key milestones like Tesla’s Robotaxi rollout and Cybercab ramp-up, Optimus scaling, or regulatory clarity under a favorable administration. Credit: Grok Imagine The sequencing matters: SpaceX-xAI merger as “step one” toward a unified stack, with a potential SpaceX IPO setting a valuation benchmark before any Tesla tie-up. Full triple convergence could follow if synergies prove out. Prediction markets are also a reasonable thing to look at, just to get an idea of where people are putting their money. Polymarket, for example, sits at between a 12 and 24 percent chance that a Tesla-SpaceX merger is officially announced before June 30, 2026. Looking Ahead The SpaceX-xAI merger is not your typical corporate shuffle. Instead, it’s the clearest signal yet that Musk is architecting a unified “Muskonomy” where AI, space infrastructure, and real-world robotics converge to solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Yet the path is fraught with execution risks that could turn this visionary upside into a major value trap. Valuation mismatches remain at the forefront of this skepticism: Tesla’s public multiples are unlike any company ever, with many believing they are “stretched.” On the other hand, SpaceX-xAI’s private “marked-to-muth” pricing hinges on unproven synergies and lofty projects, especially orbital data centers and all of the things Musk and Co. will have to figure out along the way. Ultimately, the entire thing relies on a high-conviction bet on Musk’s ability to execute at scale. The bullish case is transformative: a vertically integrated AI-space-robotics giant accelerates humanity toward abundance and multi-planetary civilization faster than any siloed company could. The post Will Tesla join the fold? Predicting a triple merger with SpaceX and xAI appeared first on TESLARATI.
GM’s pioneering emissions goal looks out of reach. What can it do?
One of the first things Cassandra Garber saw when she arrived for her first day at General Motors last spring was a 10-foot-tall lobby-wall sign proclaiming the company’s commitment to zero emissions. Garber had been asking herself if she had made the right move in swapping the chief sustainability officer role at Dell for the same position at GM. “And then you walk in and you see the very thing that you want to do with your entire career on a big panel on the wall,” she recalled. “You’re like, that’s mine.” Cassandra Garber, GM’s new CSO, on her first day at work. Source: GM. That commitment is, however, a complicated thing to inherit. Concerns about high prices and low ranges deterred consumers from adopting EVs as quickly as the company expected when it set targets in 2021. Tailpipe emissions from new light-duty GM vehicles in the U.S. have fallen just 7 percent, likely rendering unobtainable the company’s goal of eliminating tailpipe emissions by 2035. And the Trump administration has dismantled critical regulatory support for EVs, which will further slow the transition. Special Series Chasing Net Zero ArcelorMittal: Inside the struggle to reach 2030 climate goals Nestlé: On track (holes and all) for a 50 percent emissions cut GSK: Can it keep the biggest climate promise in pharma? Series Overview & Methodology All of which leaves Garber with some tough decisions. Should she push back the target date? Dial back the scale of commitment? Or declare the goal itself — which depends on factors such as charging infrastructure, which GM does not control — a distraction from more impactful work? In this latest installment of Chasing Net Zero, our series of deep-dive profiles on sustainability strategies at Salesforce, Nestlé, GSK and other large companies, we draw on interviews with Garber and outside experts to assess GM’s options. The conversations reveal the depth of the challenge facing the new CSO, and others in similar roles. Garber has to reorient the company’s sustainability strategy amid a time of regulatory and economic upheaval, while simultaneously deciding whether to downgrade or drop what remains one of the highest-profile climate commitments from a legacy automaker. “It’s incredibly hard for these companies to meet their climate goals, which were ambitious to say the least, in a political context that presents not just headwinds, but hurricane-level headwinds,” said Jeff Senne, a Trellis contributor and CEO of Sandbar Solutions, a corporate sustainability consultancy. What GM committed to Four years before Garber arrived at GM, CEO Mary Barra had unveiled a stunning aspiration: America’s largest automaker by sales, the maker of iconic brands such as Chevrolet and Cadillac, would eliminate tailpipe emissions from new vehicles by 2035. Half a decade after that, it would be carbon-neutral. The Environmental Defense Fund, which worked with the Detroit company on its vision for an all-electric future, described the move as an “extraordinary step forward.” Those targets were extended a few months later when the Science Based Targets initiative validated GM’s goal of cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions 72 percent by 2035. The initiative also rubber-stamped the company’s Scope 3 target: a 51 percent reduction in per-kilometer emissions from new light-duty vehicles by the same date. Hitting those goals required a rapid transition to an all-electric future — one that then seemed more realistic. Around the time GM got SBTi approval, for example, new President Joe Biden committed to spending $170 billion on installing 500,000 EV chargers, strengthening rebates for EV purchases and other efforts to speed the transition. Adding to the excitement around EVs was Tesla’s extraordinary rise — its stock price rose sevenfold in the 12 months preceding Barra’s January 2021 reveal, putting Elon Musk on track to become the world’s richest man — and its impact on investor expectations. Tesla’s sales growth made it the “bright shiny object,” recalls Stephanie Brinley, an auto-sector analyst at S&P Global. “If you weren’t investing in EVs and making these kind of really bold predictions, Wall Street was getting frustrated.” What happened next GM has since made significant achievements; its most recent sustainability disclosures, published in October 2025, note a 46 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2018, putting the company on track to hit its 2035 goal for those sources. That’s been achieved through on-site electricity generation, power purchase agreements and other mechanisms — but not by buying unbundled renewable energy certificates, a strategy that’s often criticized as having limited impact on the growth of clean power. Yet for large automakers, the path to net zero is all about sunsetting internal-combustion cars and selling EVs. Close to two-thirds of GM’s 2024 footprint of roughly 390 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions come from the engines that power the large majority of the vehicles it sells. To hit its 2035 goals, Barra and her sustainability team needed to turbocharge uptake of the Chevrolet Bolt, all-electric Hummer and other zero-emission offerings. Where GM’s emissions come from Source: GM‘s 2024 Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures Report. Companies that aim high on sustainability are sometimes accused of prioritizing splashy commitments over detailed implementation plans. But GM’s early commitment was genuine, said a former employee involved in the target-setting process who asked not to be named because the person is not authorized to speak about their time at the company. “At GM, if you set a target, our legal staff, our controllership, everyone’s there. You can’t just set a target without a clear path of how you’re going to get there.” Over the following five years, the company spent billions expanding its EV line-up — it now offers 12 all-electric models, more than any other major U.S. automaker — and investing heavily in new EV production facilities and battery technology. This money was still being spent when the transition spluttered. After booming in 2022 and 2023, EV sales plateaued in 2024. Cost was a major issue, said Nathan Niese, Boston Consulting Group’s global lead for electric vehicles. Sticker prices in the
Siemens acquires Canopus AI to expand semiconductor metrology
Siemens announced the acquisition of Canopus AI, an innovator in computational and AI-driven metrology solutions, enabling semiconductor manufacturers to achieve new levels of precision and efficiency in wafer and mask inspection processes. This acquisition strengthens Siemens’ position in the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem and expands its semiconductor design and manufacturing digital thread by integrating additional cutting-edge metrology technologies, enhanced with advanced AI capabilities. Siemens has acquired Canopus AI to expands its semiconductor design and manufacturing digital thread by integrating additional cutting-edge metrology technologies, enhanced with advanced AI capabilities. The semiconductor industry faces increasingly complex manufacturing challenges as device geometries continue to shrink and production volumes scale. Massive metrology has become critical to ensuring quality and yield in advanced semiconductor fabrication. Canopus AI’s innovative AI-powered solutions complement Siemens’ existing portfolio, providing semiconductor manufacturers with intelligent inspection and measurement capabilities that drive operational excellence. Founded in 2021 and based in Grenoble, France, Canopus AI is a fast-growing software and AI company dedicated to revolutionizing wafer and mask metrology and inspection. Canopus AI is pioneering ‘Metrospection,’ a revolutionary approach that enhances metrology and inspection workflows with AI. By bridging the gap between conventional wafer metrology and inspection, this comprehensive software framework uses AI to help chip designers and manufacturers meet the extreme precision requirements of advanced technology nodes. The transaction closed on January 12, 2026. To learn more about the Canopus AI acquisition and how Siemens is committed to leveraging AI technologies to solve critical challenges in semiconductor manufacturing, visit For more information, visit siemens.com. The post Siemens acquires Canopus AI to expand semiconductor metrology appeared first on Engineering.com.
Anker SOLIX E10 whole-home system launch with $2,846+ savings, Velotric Discover 3 + M e-bike early-bird perks, Segway E3 Pro, more
We’ve got two exciting launches headlining today’s Green Deals, starting with the Anker SOLIX E10 Smart Hybrid Whole-Home Backup System that is officially opening for purchase with $2,846+ savings starting from $4,299, while folks who took advantage of the pre-order promotion can save even more. Right behind it, we have the early-bird $348 perks offered by Velotric on its upcoming Discover 3 and Discover M e-bikes by simply registering your email. From there, we spotted Segway’s E3 Pro Electric Scooter falling to $550, a 2-tool Greenworks combo kit at its best price since July, a selection of Camplux tankless electric water heater discounts, and more waiting for you below. And don’t forget the hangover deals at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Jackery Super Bowl sale offers, like the Explorer 5000 Plus power station starting from $2,849, and more. Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories. more…
California’s proposed $200-million EV incentive program would require matching funds from automakers
Since the current US administration eliminated federal EV tax credits, several states have implemented their own pro-EV measures, or beefed up existing programs. In California, the administration of Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed to create a new version of the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which ended in 2023 and spent $1.49 billion to subsidize 586,000 vehicle purchases over a decade. The proposed $200-million incentive program will be limited to first-time EV buyers, will include price caps adopted by Congress in 2022, and will require automakers to contribute matching funds. The incentive amounts and other key details have not yet been announced. Officials from the California Air Resources Board recently met with representatives of the Detroit Three automakers to talk about the plans. CARB would seem to be facing a tough audience. All three automakers recently cancelled flagship EV programs, causing them to write off a chunk of change in sunk costs (an estimated $19.5 billion at Ford, $6 billion at GM), and arguably sabotaging their long-term competitiveness in the global market. If, as some suspect, their real reason for turning down the voltage was to appease an anti-EV federal administration, then they may dare to support a new incentive program in California. One might speculate that relations are a little frosty between California and Detroit at the moment. Automakers have been only too willing to cooperate with the US administration as it undid much of the progress made by the California Air Resources Board towards reducing air pollution over the last few years. Last September, Newsom harshly criticized GM, saying that CEO Mary Barra “sold us out.” CARB told The Mercury News that it plans to hold a workshop in the spring that will “gather stakeholder input,” and that more details “will be finalized in the coming months.” Sources: Reuters, The Mercury News
Tesla exec pleads for federal framework of autonomy to U.S. Senate Committee
Tesla executive Lars Moravy appeared today in front of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee to highlight the importance of modernizing autonomy standards by establishing a federal framework that would reward innovation and keep the country on pace with foreign rivals. Moravy, who is Tesla’s Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, strongly advocated for Congress to enact a national framework for autonomous vehicle development and deployment, replacing the current patchwork of state-by-state rules. These rules have slowed progress and kept companies fighting tooth-and-nail with local legislators to operate self-driving projects in controlled areas. Tesla already has a complete Robotaxi model, and it doesn’t depend on passenger count Moravy said the new federal framework was essential for the U.S. to “maintain its position in global technological development and grow its advanced manufacturing capabilities. He also said in a warning to the committee that outdated regulations and approval processes would “inhibit the industry’s ability to innovate,” which could potentially lead to falling behind China. Being part of the company leading the charge in terms of autonomous vehicle development in the U.S., Moravy highlighted Tesla’s prowess through the development of the Full Self-Driving platform. Tesla vehicles with FSD engaged average 5.1 million miles before a major collision, which outpaces that of the human driver average of roughly 699,000 miles. Moravy also highlighted the widely cited NHTSA statistic that states that roughly 94 percent of crashes stem from human error, positioning autonomous vehicles as a path to dramatically reduce fatalities and injuries. Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, appeared today before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee to discuss the importance of outlining an efficient framework for autonomous vehicles: pic.twitter.com/2gfmjezRTx — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) February 4, 2026 Skeptics sometimes point to cybersecurity concerns within self-driving vehicles, which was something that was highlighted during the Senate Commerce Committee hearing, but Moravy said, “No one has ever been able to take over control of our vehicles.” This level of security is thanks to a core-embedded central layer, which is inaccessible from external connections. Additionally, Tesla utilizes a dual cryptographic signature from two separate individuals, keeping security high. Moravy also dove into Tesla’s commitment to inclusive mobility by stating, “We are committed with our future products and Robotaxis to provide accessible transportation to everyone.” This has been a major point of optimism for AVs because it could help the disabled, physically incapable, the elderly, and the blind have consistent transportation. Overall, Moravy’s testimony blended urgency about geopolitical competition, especially China, with concrete safety statistics and a vision of the advantages autonomy could bring for everyone, not only in the U.S., but around the world, as well. The post Tesla exec pleads for federal framework of autonomy to U.S. Senate Committee appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla China January wholesale sales rise 9% year-on-year
Tesla China reported January wholesale sales of 69,129 Giga Shanghai-made vehicles, as per data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). The figure includes both domestic sales and exports from Gigafactory Shanghai. The total represented a 9.32% increase from January last year but a 28.86% decline from December’s 97,171 units. China EV market trends The CPCA estimated that China’s passenger new energy vehicle wholesale volume reached about 900,000 units in January, up 1% year-on-year but down 42% from December. Demand has been pressured by the start-of-year slow season, a 5% additional purchase tax cost, and uncertainty around the transition of vehicle trade-in subsidies, as noted in a report from CNEV Post. Market leader BYD sold 210,051 NEVs in January, down 30.11% year-on-year and 50.04% month-on-month, as per data released on February 1. Tesla China’s year-over-year growth then is quite interesting, as the company’s vehicles seem to be selling very well despite headwinds in the market. In January, Tesla's Giga Shangai wholesale sales (local in China and exports) were 69,129 Model 3 and Model Y. This is +9.3% year-over-year and -28.9% month-over-month. pic.twitter.com/tUC4sIdfDw — Roland Pircher (@piloly) February 4, 2026 Tesla China’s strategies To counter weaker seasonal demand, Tesla China launched a low-interest financing program on January 6, offering up to seven-year terms on select produced vehicles. The move marked the first time an automaker offered financing of that length in the Chinese market. Several rivals, including Xiaomi, Li Auto, XPeng, and NIO, later introduced similar incentives. Tesla China then further increased promotions on January 26 by reinstating insurance subsidies for the Model 3 sedan. The CPCA is expected to release Tesla’s China retail sales and export breakdown later this month. Quick Shop The post Tesla China January wholesale sales rise 9% year-on-year appeared first on TESLARATI.
The real carbon hotspots in fashion aren’t where brands look first
The sewing room may be the most visible symbol of manufacturing in fashion. The work of assembling finished products, known as Tier 1 in the supply chain, is also increasingly accounted for in sustainability reporting. But it’s the Tier 2 facilities — the ones that produce, dye and finish fabrics and trims — that actually create more emissions. Renewable energy only makes up 2 percent of energy use across both Tier 1 and Tier 2. But while Tier 1 makes up about 9 percent of supply chain emissions, Tier 2 produces more than 50 percent. Finding climate emissions hotspots across those energy-intensive facilities can go a long way toward helping the fashion industry decarbonize, according to Joel Mertens, director of Higg Product Tools at Cascale, formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. “A company’s sphere of influence starts to enlarge,” he said. Data emerges Cascale analyzed patterns from data from thousands of Tier 1 and 2 facilities, reported in 2023 and 2024 by brands and retailers through its Higg Index. The results appeared in Cascale’s State of the Industry Report on Jan. 28. Tier 2 processes make up between 45 percent to 70 percent of brands’ Scope 3 emissions, according to a McKinsey analysis in March 2025 of data from more than 9,000 suppliers. McKinsey suggested two decarbonization “levers” for Tier 2, including brands favoring low-emissions suppliers. The consulting giant also suggested that suppliers make technical adjustments, such as adopting renewable energy. However, the special challenges of Tier 2 include a heavy reliance on boilers for dyeing, finishing and drying material. Coal makes up 31 percent of the industry’s energy sources overall, and 40 percent within Tier 2, according to Cascale. “Thermal energy is harder to decarbonize than electricity,” said Mertens. “If you have a boiler, it doesn’t really change until you change that boiler.” One alternative includes brick batteries, which H&M is exploring for its mills. In 2024, the brand’s Green Fashion Initiative backed Tier 2 suppliers in Vietnam and India that were installing biomass boilers. Credit: Apparel Impact Institute Another challenge for Tier 2 reduction hopes: Its geographically scattered facilities are often larger than Tier 1 cut-and-sew shops. Emissions tend to be concentrated in a small number of large suppliers, Cascale found. “The larger facilities tend to have more equipment and processes, higher energy needs and show a higher carbon intensity in general,” Mertens said. “Because emissions are concentrated in a small number of suppliers, it’s actually an opportunity. We can target our conversations to a smaller subset of manufacturers, where the interventions are really going to make a difference.” The counterpoint to that, however, is that change requires collective action, he added. To that end, the Outdoor Industry Association runs a Clean Heat Impact CoLab. Under that effort, Patagonia, L.L. Bean, Cotopaxi and other outdoor labels created an open-source Textile Heating Electrification Tool one year ago for mills to adopt. Where the action is Meanwhile, the nonprofit Apparel Impact Institute (AII) is addressing funding bottlenecks that Cascale identified as inhibiting progress. On Jan. 27, the AII realigned its Climate Solutions Portfolio, which provides grants of up to $250,000 for decarbonization solutions, to emphasize supplier-focused electrification efforts, especially in Tier 2 plants. It belongs to the organization’s Fashion Climate Fund, built to mobilize $250 million toward $2 billion in blended capital for low-carbon supply-chain adjustments. “We see brands starting to plan their longer-term electrification strategies by country and supporting suppliers with technical and financial assistance to do so,” said Pauline Op de Beeck, the AII’s climate portfolio director. Brands are also increasingly sharing what they’ve learned from pilot projects, she added. And support for Tier 2 climate-transition work by suppliers has continued under the Future Supplier Initiative, a collective financing model engaging the Fashion Pact and the AII with Guidehouse and DBS Bank. Marks & Spencer, Ralph Lauren and Tchibo joined in 2025 alongside the original member brands Bestseller, Gap Inc., H&M Group and Mango. In November, 55 CEOs, including from luxury houses Chanel and Prada Group, committed to the Paris-based Fashion Pact’s European Accelerator. Joined by Kering, Moncler Group and others, the collaboration seeks to drive decarbonization deeper into their upstream supply chains. Other work to advance low-emissions technologies among fashion suppliers include Cascale’s Manufacturer Carbon Program. It helps brands measure emissions at plants and encourages them to assist suppliers with decarbonization projects. Meanwhile, Schneider Electric has recently teamed up with Levi’s and Marks & Spencer in separate efforts to help the companies’ mills and dye houses access renewable energy through power purchasing agreements. “There isn’t one model that’s risen to the forefront and said, ‘This is the solution,’” Mertens said. “The only way we get there is by having some uncomfortable conversations across the value chain.” The post The real carbon hotspots in fashion aren’t where brands look first appeared first on Trellis.
AI is the new model maniac
This is Engineering Paper, and here’s the latest design and simulation software news. There’s a herd of engineers in Houston, Texas this week, and they’re branded by backpacks emblazoned with 3DExperience World, Dassault Systèmes’ annual user conference. Like last year’s conference—also held in Houston—3DExperience World 2026 has a Texas-sized focus on one technology in particular. “A lot has happened since we met last, but one topic has stayed firmly in the spotlight: AI,” said Manish Kumar, Solidworks CEO, in his opening address. Indeed, Kumar and other Dassault executives have been shining that spotlight throughout the event. We’ve seen a mix of AI past, present and future on the 3DExperience platform: some of it intriguing, some of it confusing, and all of it steeped in the usual blend of hype and asterisks. Here are some high-level highlights. The AI model maniac One of the traditions of 3DExperience World, dating back to when it was still called Solidworks World, is a Solidworks speed modeling competition called Model Mania. Contestants are given a 2D drawing and must make it into a 3D model as quickly as they can. This year, human modelers will have a new foe: AI. In a live demo, Kumar showed off an AI feature in xDesign that can convert a PDF of a drawing into a series of sketches, and then turn those sketches into a parametric 3D model—exactly what human model maniacs do. Screenshots from Manish Kumar’s live demo at 3DExperience World 2026. Top: AI converts a drawing into sketches. Bottom: AI converts the sketches into 3D geometry. (Image: Dassault Systèmes.) “You all love the Model Mania contest,” said Pascal Daloz, Dassault Systèmes’ CEO, who was on stage with Kumar. “This year, Leo will not just be watching. Leo will compete against you.” Leo? This is where things start to get a bit head-scratching. Leo is one of three AI agents, or as Dassault prefers to call them, virtual companions. Aura, Leo and Marie Aura, the virtual companion that Dassault introduced last year, has two new friends: Leo and Marie. The three companions are complementary but specialized, according to Daloz. “Aura, she is orchestrating the knowledge and the context from requirements to project to changes. Leo is bringing engineering results: mechanics, structure, motions, simulations, manufacturing. And Marie, she is bringing scientific disciplines: materials, chemistry, formulations, regulations,” Daloz explained in his Day 1 keynote. More succinctly, Daloz likened Aura to having an MBA, Leo an MSc, and Marie a PhD. Business bot, engineer bot, and scientist bot. (Image: Dassault Systèmes.) In a press conference, Kumar elaborated on the three companions: “Aura is the virtual companion that connects with everything, whether it is internal knowledge or external knowledge… core competencies are business strategy, interrelationship, compliance, management. “Leo, the engineer, the builder, he’s more grounded… Leo wants to confirm that you can build it, you can manufacture it. “And Marie is essentially the scientist which is going to go into the deep scientific knowledge. Typical competencies are molecular science, microbiology and so on.” Apparently the three companions even have distinct personalities, per Kumar: Aura is agreeable, Leo is assertive, and Marie is even more assertive. Why have three different AI companions? “We do not believe that one single intelligence is going to provide all possible capabilities,” Kumar said. I don’t quite understand that explanation, and it’s not clear whether users are expected to choose between the three companions, but I’ll report back when I get more details. Meanwhile, one more fun fact: apparently these virtual companions named themselves. Aura is an extremely forced acronym for “assisting you to realize your ambitions,” Leo is named after da Vinci, and Marie is named after Curie. Nvidia and Dassault Systèmes team up on AI The second-day keynote had a special guest. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, took the stage with Daloz to announce that Nvidia and Dassault are strategic partnering to “establish a shared industrial architecture for mission-critical artificial intelligence across industries.” (Sounds a bit familiar, doesn’t it?) “We met 25 years ago [during] a transition from mainframes and workstations to personal computers, the last major platform shift,” Huang said in a press conference with Daloz. “This is the beginning of a new platform shift and the largest integration of our technologies in our history.” That integration will involve Nvidia’s AI, CUDA-X, and Omniverse libraries and infrastructure and Dassault’s 3DExperience portfolio. Additionally, Nvidia announced it’s using Dassault’s model-based system engineering (MBSE) to design its AI factories. (Image: Dassault Systèmes.) For Daloz, the new partnership will help enable Industrial World Models—a new piece of Dassault jargon that fits somehow with 3D Univ+rses. “Together with NVIDIA, we are building industry World Models that unite Virtual Twins and accelerated computing to help industry design, simulate and operate complex systems in biology, materials science, engineering and manufacturing with confidence,” Daloz said in the partnership press release. AI in the works for Solidworks Naturally we heard about several AI features coming to Solidworks, some as soon as the next functional delivery release. I’ll cover these in more detail soon, but here’s a quick preview: Automated drawings (called it), now with more user customization Automatic fastener recognition and assembly “What’s wrong” root cause analysis for modeling errors Assembly structure generation “Assembly doctor” recommendations to optimize performance Chat-driven modeling Picture-to-mesh generation 3DExperience gets 16% less confusing Finally, a non-AI piece of news. You may remember an article from last year called 37 things that confuse me about 3DEXPERIENCE, written by Peter Brinkhuis of CAD Booster. Pascal Daloz clearly remembers it, because he brought it up at the end of his first keynote. “We fixed six, and we will continue to fix them,” Daloz said. Among those fixes is a simplified compass that highlights apps users have access to and provides descriptions of what they do (with names like 3DSwym, who could be confused?). Brinkhuis was at the conference, so I couldn’t help but ask his thoughts. Sporting a bright orange shirt with the number 37 on it, Brinkhuis was surprised the
Jackery Super Bowl sale drops Explorer 5000 Plus power station to $2,849, Lectric XPress e-bikes, EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro bundle, more
We’re one day closer to the Super Bowl, and as such today’s Green Deals is headlined by Jackery’s Power Your Game Sale with up to 54% power station discounts. There are even some bonus savings to score, like we’re seeing on Jackery’s Explorer 5000 Plus Portable Power Station (and bundles) starting from $2,849. We’re also shining a spotlight on Lectric’s XPress Commuter e-bikes that are getting up to $336 bundles starting from $999, as well as EcoFlow’s latest flash sale changeup that added a RIVER 2 Pro bundle at its best price, Segway’s ZT3 Pro e-scooter getting more savings than usual, two EGO Power+ string trimmer options at their best rates since October, and more waiting for you below. And don’t forget the hangover deals at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s EcoFlow Super Bowl sale, the new low price on Velotric’s Breeze 1 cruiser e-bike bundle, and more. Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories. more…
Schneider Electric launches EV charging system delivering up to 720 kW with decentralized architecture
Schneider Electric has introduced Schneider StarCharge Fast 720, an EV charging system for commercial and industrial sites and fleet operators in Europe. The system delivers up to 720 kW and can charge up to 12 vehicles simultaneously, targeting higher-throughput charging as demand for eMobility grows. Schneider Electric reports 97% efficiency for StarCharge Fast 720 and says it uses dynamic load management to optimize charging across multiple vehicle types, including e-trucks, buses and passenger cars. The company positions the product as a high-power option for sites that need to serve mixed fleets and keep vehicles moving. The system uses a decentralized architecture to improve site layout flexibility. Operators can place up to six dispensers within an 80-meter radius of the power cabinet, enabling scalable configurations for different site footprints. For installation and operations, Schneider Electric says the design can minimize grid connections, simplify installation, and reduce noise. StarCharge Fast 720 includes lifecycle support from installation through tailored maintenance plans, with 24/7 assistance and remote monitoring via Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Energy Asset Portal. Source: Schneider Electric
Tesla’s global fleet surpasses 9 million vehicles worldwide
Tesla’s global fleet has now exceeded 9 million vehicles, a major milestone for the electric vehicle maker. The update was posted by Tesla China, which competes in the world’s most competitive electric vehicle market. Tesla’s global fleet crosses 9 million vehicles The milestone was highlighted in a graphic shared by Tesla China, which thanked the over nine million Tesla owners worldwide for their support over the years. To celebrate the milestone, Tesla China announced several incentives for select owners, from Model Y L test drives to Tesla Bot Premium Gift Sets to Supercharging perks. The milestone comes 16 years after the company started delivering its first vehicle, the original Tesla Roadster, as observed by members of the Tesla community. The first production Roadster was delivered to Elon Musk, who was serving as chairman at the time. Reaching a global fleet of more than 9 million vehicles reflects the cumulative impact of Tesla’s growth over the past decade, particularly following the introduction of high-volume models such as the Model 3 and Model Y. The Model 3 and Model Y have allowed Tesla to transform from a niche automaker into one of the world’s largest producers of electric cars. GOOD NEWS Tesla's global fleet has now surpassed 9 million vehicles—a milestone traces back to February 2008, when the company delivered its very first car, the Roadster (production unit P1), to its initial customer: @elonmusk, who was serving as chairman at the time pic.twitter.com/wDgaK1jCdj — Ming (@tslaming) February 3, 2026 Strong China sales help drive fleet growth Tesla’s expanding global footprint has been supported by solid performance in China, where the company posted a strong finish to 2025. In December, the Model Y ranked as the country’s top-selling new energy vehicle, as per sales data compiled by Chinese auto industry aggregator Yiche. The Model Y led China’s NEV rankings with approximately 65,874 units sold during the month, outperforming a field dominated by domestic manufacturers such as BYD, SAIC-GM-Wuling, and Xiaomi. Tesla’s Model 3 also delivered an impressive result, ranking eighth overall with just under 28,000 units sold, ahead of numerous locally produced competitors despite its premium pricing. Tesla China’s broader performance in December was equally notable. The company sold 97,171 vehicles wholesale during the month, based on data from the China Passenger Car Association. The result marked Tesla China’s second-highest monthly total on record, trailing only November 2022’s peak of 100,291 units. Quick Shop The post Tesla’s global fleet surpasses 9 million vehicles worldwide appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla bull sees odds rising of Tesla merger after Musk confirms SpaceX-xAI deal
A prominent Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) bull has stated that the odds are rising that Tesla could eventually merge with SpaceX and xAI, following Elon Musk’s confirmation that the private space company has combined with his artificial intelligence startup. Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities wrote on Tuesday that there is a growing chance Tesla could be merged in some form with SpaceX and xAI over the next 12 to 18 months. “In our view there is a growing chance that Tesla will eventually be merged in some form into SpaceX/xAI over time. The view is this growing AI ecosystem will focus on Space and Earth together…..and Musk will look to combine forces,” Ives wrote in a post on X. Ives’ comments followed confirmation from Elon Musk late Monday that SpaceX has merged with xAI. Musk stated that the merger creates a vertically integrated platform that combines AI, rockets, satellite internet, communications, and real-time data. SpaceX and xAI combine…Tesla next? In our view there is a growing chance that Tesla will eventually be merged in some form into SpaceX/xAI over time. The view is this growing AI ecosystem will focus on Space and Earth together…..and Musk will look to combine forces — Dan Ives (@DivesTech) February 3, 2026 In a post on SpaceX’s official website, Elon Musk added that the combined company is aimed at enabling space-based AI compute, stating that within two to three years, space could become the lowest-cost environment for generating AI processing power. The transaction reportedly values the combined SpaceX-xAI entity at roughly $1.25 trillion. Tesla, for its part, has already increased its exposure to xAI, announcing a $2 billion investment in the startup last week in its Q4 and FY 2025 update letter. While merger speculation has intensified, notable complications could emerge if SpaceX/xAI does merge with Tesla, as noted in a report from Investors Business Daily. SpaceX holds major U.S. government contracts, including with the Department of Defense and NASA, and xAI’s Grok is being used by the U.S. Department of War. Tesla, for its part, maintains extensive operations in China through Gigafactory Shanghai and its Megapack facility. Quick Shop ✕ Add to cart Buy now The post Tesla bull sees odds rising of Tesla merger after Musk confirms SpaceX-xAI deal appeared first on TESLARATI.
Tesla Model Y Performance Review: The Best Trim of the Best Vehicle?
The Tesla Model Y Performance was in my hands for seven days after the company reached out and got me a brand new unit. As a Premium All-Wheel-Drive owner, I was really interested to see if the Performance trim was worth the $11,000 difference, and what I learned might be a surprise. The only “performance” version of any Tesla vehicle I’ve had the opportunity to have several days with was the Cyberbeast back in June, and a few days with that made me want a Cybertruck more than I already did. It had white-knuckle speed, and as someone who truly loves to drive a larger vehicle, it fit the bill for everything I wanted out of an electric pickup. We picked up the Tesla Model Y Performance yesterday! We have a whole SEVEN days with it and we want to do anything you’d like us to (within reason) with it! Let us know below what you’re interested in knowing pic.twitter.com/BRG9nOSwGW — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) January 20, 2026 With that past experience, I was truly excited to try the new Model Y Performance, especially considering I own a Model Y already, and after six months of ownership, it has truly won me over as the best car I’ve ever owned. Although my 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is a close second, mostly due to nostalgia and it being my “dream car” as a kid in high school at the time, the Model Y is unequivocally better, obviously. It’s hard to shake the feelings of your first “nice” car; I think we could all relate to that in a way. First charge in the Tesla Model Y Performance! This is a v2 Supercharger, so not quite as fast as what we’d like, but it will do for now. pic.twitter.com/Akyb2BLMcS — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) January 21, 2026 Before I even picked up the Model Y Performance, I was expecting a handful of things: better performance, better handling, more comfortable seats, and a thirst for spirited driving on the windy backroads of Southern Pennsylvania. Admittedly, a snowstorm disrupted a lot of my testing, but I was still able to have some fun in the car. With that being said, my thoughts are sure to potentially ruffle some feathers. First Impressions of the Tesla Model Y Performance I picked up the Model Y Performance on January 19 and had it for one week. The Ultra Red paint with the White interior option was a great look, and it was fun to have a car with that look, considering my Model Y is Black on Black. One thing that is really interesting and somewhat surprising is that Tesla hasn’t adjusted the fact that the Ultra Red is a different shade than the Performance brake calipers. Additionally, the rear light bar, which signals braking, is a different shade of red than the car and the brake calipers. This was something that the Tesla Showroom employees pointed out to me, and, just like they said, I’ll never be able to not see it. Interior Quality The first thing I noticed was the Performance seats, which are geared to hug you a tad more and keep you intact during spirited drives. They were, without a doubt, more comfortable than the seats in my Premium AWD. Interestingly, when I gave this opinion on X, some Performance owners said that the seats were less comfortable and, on longer drives, I’d feel it. My Fiancè and I drove about 120 miles in the car that weekend, and we had no complaints. They were supremely comfortable, and we both really enjoyed them, almost to the point that we’d rather have those seats than the ones in the Premium AWD. Tesla Model Y Performance White Interior is This seriously might be the best Tesla out there pic.twitter.com/BnSe1GJqqi — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) January 22, 2026 Additionally, the center screen is slightly larger, but not to the extent that I had really noticed any true difference. In the new Model Y for 2026, the screen is the same size as the one in the Performance trim at 16 inches. It was previously 15.4 inches. Some other changes include Performance pedals that are made of what appears to be a stainless steel alloy and Carbon Fiber accents on the doors and dash. Other than that, there are no significant differences; it’s very similar to the other Premium trims of the Model Y. The big difference from an interior standpoint is simply the front seats. Exterior Differences Tesla used a lot of different techniques to help improve performance and aerodynamics, including a carbon fiber spoiler and rear diffuser, both of which help with air displacement and improve handling, range, and overall performance. These additions are clean and give the car a sporty look, perfectly catered to the aesthetic Tesla was obviously going for with the car. I’ve already mentioned the brake calipers, which are an awesome touch, but the offsetting tones of red between them and the paint are a bit displeasing to the eye. I hope this is something that is resolved, but it isn’t completely necessary, nor a priority. The Nitty Gritty – Ride Quality and Performance With all the changes from an aesthetic standpoint, including the ones that are geared toward improving performance, the real indicator of whether this trim is worth the extra $11,000 is simple: Is it faster and more fun to drive than the Premium All-Wheel-Drive? I’m going to break that down here: Speed and Acceleration There is a slightly noticeable difference in acceleration, as the 4.6-second 0-60 MPH on the AWD is 1.3 seconds slower than the 3.3-second rate on the Performance. Although that sounds like a decent difference, the big change I noticed was the sound. In the Performance, you can really hear those motors hum, which was a nice touch and really interesting and fun to experience. It was definitely quicker than my AWD, but I think I really expected to be thrown back into my seat like I was with the
SpaceX officially acquires xAI, merging rockets with AI expertise
SpaceX has officially acquired xAI, merging rockets with AI expertise in what is the first move to bring Elon Musk’s companies under one umbrella. On February 2, SpaceX officially announced the acquisition of xAI, uniting two powerhouse companies under a single entity, creating what the space exploration company called in a blog post “one of the most ambitious, vertically integrated innovation engines on (and off) Earth.” BREAKING: Elon Musk has posted a new blog on SpaceX’s website confirming the acquisition of xAI pic.twitter.com/TFgeHGMpXc — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) February 2, 2026 The deal will integrate xAI’s advanced AI capabilities, including the Grok chatbot and massive training infrastructure, with SpaceX’s rocket technology, Starlink satellite network, and ambitious space exploration goals. The acquisition comes at a pivotal moment: xAI is valued at around $230 billion as of late 2025, and has been racing to scale AI compute amid global competition from companies like OpenAI, Google, and Meta. Meanwhile, SpaceX, which was recently valued at $800 billion, is facing escalating costs for its multiplanetary ambitions. SpaceX-xAI merger discussions in advanced stage: report By combining forces, the merged entity gains a unified approach to tackle one of AI’s biggest bottlenecks: the enormous energy and infrastructure demands of next-gen models. Musk wrote in a blog post on SpaceX’s website that: “In the long term, space-based AI is obviously the only way to scale. To harness even a millionth of our Sun’s energy would require over a million times more energy than our civilization currently uses! The only logical solution therefore is to transport these resource-intensive efforts to a location with vast power and space. I mean, space is called “space” for a reason.” Musk details the need for orbital data centers, stating that his estimate is that “within 2 to 3 years, the lowest cost way to generate AI compute will be in space. This cost-efficiency alone will enable innovative companies to forge ahead in training their AI models and processing data at unprecedented speeds and scales, accelerating breakthroughs in our understanding of physics and invention of technologies to benefit humanity.” SpaceX recently filed for approval from the FCC to launch up to one million solar-powered satellites configured as high-bandwidth, optically linked compute platforms. These facilities would harness near-constant sunlight with minimal maintenance, delivering what the company projects as transformative efficiency. Musk has long argued that space offers the ultimate solution for power-hungry AI projects. But that’s not all the merger will take care of. Additionally, it positions the company to fund broader goals. Revenue from the Starlink expansion, potential SpaceX IPO, and AI-driven applications could accelerate the development of lunar bases, as Musk believes multiplanetary life will be crucial to saving civilization. Critics question the feasibility of massive constellations amid orbital debris concerns and regulatory hurdles. Yet, proponents see it as a bold step toward a multiplanetary computing infrastructure that extends human civilization beyond Earth. The post SpaceX officially acquires xAI, merging rockets with AI expertise appeared first on TESLARATI.
