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Auto Blog
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
New Tesla Model 3+ Could Hit 500 Miles on a Charge
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. View post: Every Electric Pickup Truck Ranked By 2025 Sales So Far View post: EVs Pay Off Their Carbon Debt in Just 2 Years — After That, It's No Contest View post: What It Actually Costs to Replace a Mild Hybrid Battery in 2025 Tesla Has Improved the Model 3, But There's Room for Growth Last year, Tesla unveiled a major update for the Model 3, the first redesign since its launch. The update first appeared in China before a roll-out to North America, featuring aerodynamic improvements, sleek styling tweaks (such as revised taillights and smoother front fascia), and a quieter cabin thanks to acoustic laminated glass and refined wheel/tire combination. Rivian R1T delivers on this EV feature that Tesla forgot Watch More The refreshed Model 3 Long Range RWD offers 363 miles under EPA, marking a 10% improvement in efficiency and range over previous versions. Despite these substantial upgrades, the Model 3's range still leaves room for growth, especially with newer rivals in the market. Tesla might be working on that, though, as a new 'Model 3＋' has emerged, spotted in China's regulatory filings by CarNewsChina. A Better Battery Comes the '+' The Model 3＋ is a single‑motor, rear‑wheel‑drive variant, combining the efficiency of an RWD drivetrain with the energy density of an LG‑supplied ternary NMC battery, previously reserved for AWD trims. The result is a setup that aims to deliver the longest range yet on a Model 3. The base RWD in China (62.5 kWh LFP) achieves 394 miles CLTC, while the Long Range AWD (78.4 kWh NMC) hits 468 miles. By merging RWD efficiency with NMC's higher performance, analysts estimate the Model 3＋ could stretch beyond 497 miles under CLTC. There's also a power bump: filings from China's MIIT indicate a 302-hp RWD motor, up from the 260-hp motor in the existing base RWD variant. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. According to reports, Tesla plans to price it around 270,000 Chinese yuan, or around $37,600 at the current exchange rates, slotting it neatly between the base RWD and Long Range AWD trims, with a launch expected in early September. Of note, the CLTC cycle here tends to be more forgiving than the EPA ratings in the US, so real‑world performance will likely fall short of the CLTC figures. The Battery Tech That Can Improve American Teslas The emergence of the Model 3＋ suggests a compelling opportunity for Tesla's American lineup. The automaker already offers a Long Range RWD with a 79.7 kWh NMC battery and 363 EPA‑mile range. Adopting the Model 3＋'s battery‑plus‑RWD setup domestically could edge the EPA range closer to 400 miles, especially if further efficiency optimizations are applied. Technical feasibility seems strong: the motor appears globally sourced (not China‑specific), and NMC packs are already built at Tesla's US plants. Key considerations will include cost, manufacturing complexity, and consumer appetite for another trim option. If the range boost is substantial – say, a 30–40‑mile gain over current Long Range models – it could become a high‑value, efficiency‑focused variant rather than just another price tier. Source: Tesla About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Tesla Further Behind in Self-Driving Race With Rival's Announcement
China's Car Inc. has launched the world's first autonomous vehicle rental service with Baidu's smart driving business, Apollo. Baidu's Apollo autonomous platform, which has Level 4 self-driving capability, utilizes Car Inc's nationwide rental network and fleet operations. The service allows users 18 or older to book a session ranging between four hours and seven days, unlock, and return an autonomous vehicle without human assistance. Apollo's first round of customized self-driving cars can hold up to three passengers, and the service's pricing mirrors Car Inc's current short-term rental costs. China's growing auto rental market is projected to reach a value of about $41 billion by 2030, and Baidu's partnership with Car Inc. aims to carve out a niche. The companies said in a statement to PYMNTS: "Autonomous rental services are seen as particularly promising due to their ease of use and flexibility, appealing to both urban users and tourists, and providing a transportation option for those who are unable or find it inconvenient to drive, including the elderly, unlicensed individuals, international visitors, and people with disabilities." Starting in 2016, Elon Musk shared a vision of Tesla owners renting out their vehicles as self-driving cars to rideshare customers, with participants earning up to $30,000 a year. However, Tesla only launched the pilot version of its autonomous robotaxi at the end of June. While these robotaxis are Model Ys, reflecting that Tesla can integrate Level 4 self-driving technology across its lineup, the starting fleet is limited to around 12 vehicles. These Model Ys are also dedicated robotaxis instead of customer-sourced, and Tesla is planning volume production of a purpose-built robotaxi model, the Cybercab, for 2026. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi commented on Tesla's plans for its customers to use their vehicles as Robotaxis: "Probably the times at which you're going to want your Tesla are probably going to be the same times that ridership is going to be at a peak," Fortune reports. Edwin Olson, CEO and co-founder of autonomous driving tech company May Mobility, told Fortune: "It's not viable [Tesla's plans]. Individual car owners don't want to be 'landlords' of their car. Riders are often hard on cars-they treat them poorly, make messes, slam doors-all because the vehicle is not theirs. This could deter owners from participating." Baidu Apollo has found a way around these issues with Car Inc's nationwide rental network and fleet operations, placing Tesla further behind in the self-driving race when it was already chasing Waymo upstream. Apollo Go, Baidu's autonomous rideshare service, has racked up over 11 million service rides globally, with a 75% year-over-year increase in orders during Q1 2025. A sixth-generation Apollo Go vehicle costs about $28,150-30% lower than Teslas and 1/7th of Waymo's operating costs, CarNewsChina. Baidu Apollo's partnership with Car Inc. solves two key problems stemming from Tesla's owner-rental approach: wear-and-tear and owner reluctance. While some Tesla owners may have liked the sound of pocketing up to $30,000 annually loaning out their vehicle as a robotaxi, the vision remains largely aspirational. Self-driving competitors like Waymo and Baidu's Apollo Go have logged over 10 million rides each across several cities, while Tesla's robotaxis remain limited to Austin, Texas, using a limited fleet. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Advertiser
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Chinese horsepower war continues with Zeekr prepping 1500kW car
Is there such a thing as too much power for a road-going car? Zeekr – one of the many brands operated by Volvo-parent Geely – seems like it wants to find out. According to Car News China, two well-known car bloggers on Weibo claim Zeekr is working on a faster and more powerful version of the 001 FR electric hyper-wagon (pictured throughout). This as-yet unnamed variant of the 001 FR will reportedly slam down at least 1491kW, or 2000 horsepower in the old money. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The existing 001 FR is no slouch, with the quad-motor EV boasting a total output of 930kW (1247hp), and capable of blasting through the 0-100km/h standard in a claimed 2.07 seconds after a one-foot rollout. As there's a motor for each wheel, the 001 FR is capable of tank turns, or turning 360 degrees in its own footprint, like the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Equipped with 100kWh battery pack, and an 800V electrical architecture, the 001 FR can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in 15 minutes. Brembo brakes help bring the FR to a stop, while carbon-fibre components help to reduce weight. Although it's yet to be confirmed, it's likely the even-faster version of the FR will have further changes to its chassis, and aero package. It's unknown how quick the 2000hp liftback will be, but it's likely Zeekr is looking to outdo the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. The smartphone maker's car has a three-motor drivetrain producing 1138kW and 1770Nm, and a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 1.98 seconds. In June, the SU7 Ultra became the fastest EV to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife, with its time of seven minutes and 4.957 seconds, a few seconds faster than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. MORE: Everything Zeekr Content originally sourced from: Is there such a thing as too much power for a road-going car? Zeekr – one of the many brands operated by Volvo-parent Geely – seems like it wants to find out. According to Car News China, two well-known car bloggers on Weibo claim Zeekr is working on a faster and more powerful version of the 001 FR electric hyper-wagon (pictured throughout). This as-yet unnamed variant of the 001 FR will reportedly slam down at least 1491kW, or 2000 horsepower in the old money. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The existing 001 FR is no slouch, with the quad-motor EV boasting a total output of 930kW (1247hp), and capable of blasting through the 0-100km/h standard in a claimed 2.07 seconds after a one-foot rollout. As there's a motor for each wheel, the 001 FR is capable of tank turns, or turning 360 degrees in its own footprint, like the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Equipped with 100kWh battery pack, and an 800V electrical architecture, the 001 FR can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in 15 minutes. Brembo brakes help bring the FR to a stop, while carbon-fibre components help to reduce weight. Although it's yet to be confirmed, it's likely the even-faster version of the FR will have further changes to its chassis, and aero package. It's unknown how quick the 2000hp liftback will be, but it's likely Zeekr is looking to outdo the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. The smartphone maker's car has a three-motor drivetrain producing 1138kW and 1770Nm, and a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 1.98 seconds. In June, the SU7 Ultra became the fastest EV to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife, with its time of seven minutes and 4.957 seconds, a few seconds faster than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. MORE: Everything Zeekr Content originally sourced from: Is there such a thing as too much power for a road-going car? Zeekr – one of the many brands operated by Volvo-parent Geely – seems like it wants to find out. According to Car News China, two well-known car bloggers on Weibo claim Zeekr is working on a faster and more powerful version of the 001 FR electric hyper-wagon (pictured throughout). This as-yet unnamed variant of the 001 FR will reportedly slam down at least 1491kW, or 2000 horsepower in the old money. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The existing 001 FR is no slouch, with the quad-motor EV boasting a total output of 930kW (1247hp), and capable of blasting through the 0-100km/h standard in a claimed 2.07 seconds after a one-foot rollout. As there's a motor for each wheel, the 001 FR is capable of tank turns, or turning 360 degrees in its own footprint, like the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Equipped with 100kWh battery pack, and an 800V electrical architecture, the 001 FR can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in 15 minutes. Brembo brakes help bring the FR to a stop, while carbon-fibre components help to reduce weight. Although it's yet to be confirmed, it's likely the even-faster version of the FR will have further changes to its chassis, and aero package. It's unknown how quick the 2000hp liftback will be, but it's likely Zeekr is looking to outdo the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. The smartphone maker's car has a three-motor drivetrain producing 1138kW and 1770Nm, and a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 1.98 seconds. In June, the SU7 Ultra became the fastest EV to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife, with its time of seven minutes and 4.957 seconds, a few seconds faster than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. MORE: Everything Zeekr Content originally sourced from: Is there such a thing as too much power for a road-going car? Zeekr – one of the many brands operated by Volvo-parent Geely – seems like it wants to find out. According to Car News China, two well-known car bloggers on Weibo claim Zeekr is working on a faster and more powerful version of the 001 FR electric hyper-wagon (pictured throughout). This as-yet unnamed variant of the 001 FR will reportedly slam down at least 1491kW, or 2000 horsepower in the old money. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The existing 001 FR is no slouch, with the quad-motor EV boasting a total output of 930kW (1247hp), and capable of blasting through the 0-100km/h standard in a claimed 2.07 seconds after a one-foot rollout. As there's a motor for each wheel, the 001 FR is capable of tank turns, or turning 360 degrees in its own footprint, like the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Equipped with 100kWh battery pack, and an 800V electrical architecture, the 001 FR can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in 15 minutes. Brembo brakes help bring the FR to a stop, while carbon-fibre components help to reduce weight. Although it's yet to be confirmed, it's likely the even-faster version of the FR will have further changes to its chassis, and aero package. It's unknown how quick the 2000hp liftback will be, but it's likely Zeekr is looking to outdo the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. The smartphone maker's car has a three-motor drivetrain producing 1138kW and 1770Nm, and a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 1.98 seconds. In June, the SU7 Ultra became the fastest EV to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife, with its time of seven minutes and 4.957 seconds, a few seconds faster than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. MORE: Everything Zeekr Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Chinese horsepower war continues with Zeekr prepping 1500kW car
Is there such a thing as too much power for a road-going car? Zeekr – one of the many brands operated by Volvo-parent Geely – seems like it wants to find out. According to Car News China, two well-known car bloggers on Weibo claim Zeekr is working on a faster and more powerful version of the 001 FR electric hyper-wagon (pictured throughout). This as-yet unnamed variant of the 001 FR will reportedly slam down at least 1491kW, or 2000 horsepower in the old money. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The existing 001 FR is no slouch, with the quad-motor EV boasting a total output of 930kW (1247hp), and capable of blasting through the 0-100km/h standard in a claimed 2.07 seconds after a one-foot rollout. As there's a motor for each wheel, the 001 FR is capable of tank turns, or turning 360 degrees in its own footprint, like the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Equipped with 100kWh battery pack, and an 800V electrical architecture, the 001 FR can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in 15 minutes. Brembo brakes help bring the FR to a stop, while carbon-fibre components help to reduce weight. Although it's yet to be confirmed, it's likely the even-faster version of the FR will have further changes to its chassis, and aero package. It's unknown how quick the 2000hp liftback will be, but it's likely Zeekr is looking to outdo the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. The smartphone maker's car has a three-motor drivetrain producing 1138kW and 1770Nm, and a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 1.98 seconds. In June, the SU7 Ultra became the fastest EV to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife, with its time of seven minutes and 4.957 seconds, a few seconds faster than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT.
ABC News
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- ABC News
Under the bonnet
And now, we turn to the entry into the Australian automotive market of a bold new Chinese-made ute: BRUCE NEWTON: This is the thing that's just about broken the internet, there's so much interest in it … - '2025 BYD Shark 6 First Drive', 15 October 2024 TOBY HAGON: …it is supremely grunty. You've got no shortage of punch at all in this car. - 'BYD Shark ute tested in the bush', 15 November 2024 Last year, BYD brought the Shark downunder and seeking to ingratiate itself to car buyers began buttering up motoring writers at its lavish launch, complete with one Daryl Braithwaite standing in the back of a ute. But BYD's approach to public relations has a darker side too: BYD sues 37 influencers over online defamation … … and has placed an additional 126 under internal monitoring for alleged disinformation and damaging content. - 5 June 2025 In China, write-ups deemed defamatory by BYD has seen it race off to court launching legal action against the authors of those reviews who have been slugged penalties worth tens of thousands of dollars. The car-maker has even established a dedicated tip off line, which offers informants: … rewards ranging from 50,000 to 5 million yuan approx. (6,900 to 690,000 USD) for verified leads related to suspected online disinformation targeting the company. - 5 June 2025 BYD has insisted it's not trying to quell legitimate criticism, others are not so sure: JAMES MARTIN: I am likely going to be barred entry from China, permanently for making this video … I'm not a war reporter, I don't go to places in conflict, I don't cover political events, I talk about cars for crying out loud … - JayEmm on Cars, YouTube, 21 June 2025 In June, British motoring journalist James Martin tore the veil from BYD's attempts to establish a rather transactional relationship with those who review its cars: JAMES MARTIN: … this email here that I received in March … … from a company representing now, BYD … … 'We are hosting an exclusive launch event for the BYD Sealion 7 … … Also I'd love to understand your' - and this bit's in bold by the way - 'rates for potential collaboration including content deliverables that would work best for you …' It's pretty clear, isn't it? 'We want you to come to this event, we want you to say nice things, how much are you going to charge us?' - JayEmm on Cars, YouTube, 21 June 2025 Rather naked, no? Back home, BYD's new ute was put through its paces in the red dirt of South Australia's Flinders Ranges by veteran motoring journalist Toby Hagon who handed down some gentle criticism of its fuel consumption before praising the hybrid offering: TOBY HAGON: Early indications are that this is a pretty solid thing. This is certainly very capable. It has been properly engineered. - 'BYD Shark ute tested in the bush', 15 November 2024 And with his own review for another experienced motoring reporter Bruce Newton who also drove the car through the wilds of South Australia. Like Toby Hagon, he identified a few niggles, underdamped suspension, questionable towing capacity, but generally gave it the thumbs-up: BRUCE NEWTON: … I am genuinely shocked that BYD has done such a good job of its first ute. - 'Can Australia's first plug-in hybrid ute cope with the outback?', 14 November 2024 Toby Hagon has also recommended the ute on ABC radio: TOBY HAGON: …that ute is pretty impressive… ...it's got about double the power of your average ute, more torque than most utes, or all of the mainstream utes on the market. - Nightlife with Dom Knight, ABC Radio Sydney, 7 November, 2024 But keen eyes noticed the journalists' video reviews seemed eerily similar to BYD's own glossy marketing, also shot in the rugged South Australian outback—the very same footage complete with local fauna starred the very same ute. But what really set tongues wagging in the motoring world was the fact that these pictures were not the result of the commonplace press junket arranged by car companies. In fact, Toby Hagon and Bruce Newton had entered into what was previously a secret commercial arrangement with BYD and its Australian distributor. Through their own private companies the freelance reporters accepted the offer of a job from BYD to arrange their own outback trip, provide the company their footage, be reimbursed for their expenses and at the end of the day to trouser a handy little chunk of profit. And yet none of this arrangement had been declared to their audiences or their publishers. So when several months ago some of those outlets caught wind something was awry in the men' s dealings with BYD they suspended their relationship with the writers. told us it has not published Toby Hagon's articles since March and Victoria's RACV said it no longer engages Bruce Newton or Toby Hagon: Independence and our members and customers trust is at the core of RACV and has been for 122 years … … we confirm the journalists referenced are no longer engaged by RACV for any future work. - Email, RACV Spokesperson, 6 July 2025 Both and the ABC are now examining the revelations. In a joint response Toby Hagon and Bruce Newton confirmed their private companies Axelerate Media and Mumbo Media had entered into a commercial deal with BYD and its distributor: In October/November 2024, at the request of BYD Australia/EVDirect, Axelerate Media and Mumbo Media organised and paid for an outback media drive in the BYD Shark 6 … … BYD Australia/EVDirect subsequently paid the agreed fee and gained access to images and video. There was no BYD/EVDirect oversight or influence on any editorial produced. - Email, Joint response from Toby Hagon and Bruce Newton, Motoring Journalists, 4 July 2025 The pair declined to reveal how much money they made from the deal, while BYD told us the agreement was not about trying to skew coverage in its favour: Any suggestion that BYD paid money to influence the coverage of its car or editorial input into the car review is categorically false and misleading. - Email, BYD Australia Spokesperson, 4 July 2025 Toby Hagon and Bruce Newton are two experienced journos and we have no evidence before us to cast doubt on the authenticity of their reviews of the BYD vehicle. But the untidiness of this affair and the fact that both men are still reluctant to set out precisely their upside from the deal has cast a pall over their relationship with readers and publishers. Lavish press junkets in which motoring journalists are whisked about the globe in great style may be commonplace but it's another thing entirely when some of the cash being splashed about finds its way into the journalist's back pocket.
