Detroit has unveiled America’s first wireless-charging public roadway for electric vehicles, marking a significant advancement in EV infrastructure. This innovative project, located on a quarter-mile stretch of 14th Street near the iconic Michigan Central Station, demonstrates a remarkable feat of engineering and cooperation between public and private entities. It also further justifies Tesla's investment in wireless charging and the opportunities it presents.
The technology behind this marvel involves rubber-coated copper coils embedded beneath the road surface. These coils enable charging for EVs equipped with specialized receivers. During a recent demonstration, a blue electric Ford E-Transit van showcased the capability of this system, charging efficiently as it moved along the road. This fascinating technology display was complemented by a large video screen, providing real-time data on the energy transfer. Golf Club Car Price
The project, a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Transportation, Electreon, and other partners, represents a significant step towards scalable, wireless EV charging solutions. While currently limited to vehicles with specific receivers, this technology paves the way for broader applications and integration into the existing EV ecosystem.
Amidst these developments, Tesla's foray into wireless charging technology is timely. At the last Investor Day, Rebecca Tinucci, Senior Director of Charging Infrastructure at Tesla, hinted at incorporating wireless charging into Tesla's plans. The company then bought Wiferion, a German-based wireless charging startup. Wiferion's expertise in inductive charging systems, which are capable of delivering high power and enabling rapid charging, complements Tesla's vision.
Tesla then sold the company but kept its engineers. The strategic acquisition of talent significantly impacts the future of Tesla's charging infrastructure, potentially integrating these advanced technologies into its broader portfolio of products and services.
Introducing wireless charging roads and Tesla's interest in the technology signals a transformative phase in EV charging infrastructure. While Detroit's project serves as a pilot, it has far-reaching implications. The technology would eliminate range anxiety and could reduce the need for large batteries in EVs, thereby decreasing vehicle costs and making them more efficient and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, Electreon's focus on public and last-mile delivery vehicles opens new avenues for efficient urban transportation.
As we look ahead, expanding such technologies could redefine the EV experience. The prospect of seamless, on-the-go charging without the need for stationary charging stations presents a convenient and eco-friendly alternative. These developments enhance the practicality of EVs and signify a shift towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future in automotive transportation.
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Tesla's next milestone for FSD Beta will be v12, which will include a fundamental shift in how the vehicle is controlled.
Last month, Tesla started rolling out FSD Beta v12 to employees. This was a small group of about 50 employees.
However, just last week Tesla released FSD Beta v12.1 and offered it to a wider set of employees.
The highlight of FSD Beta v12 lies in its increased usage of neural networks. A neural network in artificial intelligence is akin to the human brain's network of neurons. It is a complex system that learns from large datasets - in Tesla's case, millions of video clips - to recognize patterns and make informed decisions. This machine-learning approach allows the system to adapt and improve continuously.
Neural networks are already used for determining surroundings, detecting objects, and more, but FSD v12 will be the first time Tesla adds neural networks that control the vehicle's acceleration, braking, and steering. According to Musk, FSD Beta v12 features end-to-end neural networks, meaning that these AI networks are used for everything, from vehicle input (cameras) to vehicle output (steering).
Tesla will be able to replace more than 300,000 lines of explicit code with these new networks.
Release notes for FSD Beta v12 were never obtained, however, the release notes for v12.1 confirm the use of neural networks for vehicle control.
The release notes are short, but hopefully, Tesla will expand them to offer additional details before v12 goes out to customers. The release notes currently only include one feature that states:
“FSD Beta v12 upgrades the city-streets driving stack to a single end-to-end neural network trained on millions of video clips, replacing over 300k lines of explicit C++ code.”
The public got an early glimpse of FSD v12's potential back in August 2023, when Musk live-streamed his vehicle driving with an alpha version of v12 on X.
The livestream wasn't without its share of issues, but it showed off some of its capabilities of v12 and it appeared to be at least on par with FSD Beta v11, even at this early stage.
While the exact timeline for FSD Beta v12's release to public testers remains unknown, the expansion to additional employees is a promising sign. FSD Beta v12.1 is currently Tesla update 2023.44.30.10, although we'll likely see additional releases before it goes out to public testers.
Back in June of 2023, Musk said that FSD would finally graduate out of beta with FSD v12, however, the release notes for v12.1 clearly state "FSD Beta v12.1." Musk's goal could be for FSD to come out of beta with an eventual v12 release, but at this time it looks like FSD will remain in beta - at least in its current state.
It looks like we're not the only ones excited about the release of FSD Beta v12.
A video of FSD Beta v12.1 has been published online by an apparent employee. You can watch the video below.
Keep in mind that with major changes to FSD Beta, there are often regressions as well, and it usually takes several revisions to iron out major issues.
FSD Beta v12 is a fundamental shift in how the vehicle is controlled and represents an exciting future for Tesla and its FSD ambitions.
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TeslaFi logs your drives and charging sessions, letting you keep a log of your vehice's activity. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. Visit their site and see everything they have to offer!
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Tesla Android Project enables you to run Android apps in your Tesla. The platform is Open Source and you can deploy it on your own Raspberry Pi 4. Consider supporting the initiative by donating or purchasing the Compute Module 4 Bundle that delivers the best experience. Get $20 off by using the code: NotATeslaApp
The official Tesla app only notifies you if your car is broken into. By installing Sentry Pro on your phone, you will be notified for all Sentry Mode events. Stay connected and avoid potential surprises by receiving notifications. Stop constantly checking the cameras to ensure safety. Check only when necessary, save battery and get peace of mind. Get a 7 day free trial here!
TeslaBox delivers real-time video notifications for every Sentry and Dashcam event, continuously backs up all footage without hitting record, and enables remote file browsing. No wiring. Installs alongside your standard USB stick.
Stay organized, connected, and stylish with Cyberbackpack — the #1 backpack, luggage & travel accessories for Tesla owners. We highly recommend checking them out if you commute or travel and would like a backpack or luggage that is sleek, secure and durable. View their products page and see everything they have to offer!
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