3.
HN
You Can't Waymo to Tahoe – Yet
Autonomous vehicles such as Waymo's are predominantly focused on urban environments due to existing technological and economic constraints, which make it challenging to extend their capabilities to more complex terrains like mountain roads. These areas present significant obstacles including adverse weather conditions, intricate road designs, and the necessity for detailed mapping, rendering fully autonomous trips to places like Lake Tahoe or Yosemite currently unfeasible. While advancements in technology are being pursued, with tests conducted in snowy cities, achieving Level 5 autonomy—where vehicles can operate without human intervention under any condition—is crucial for such journeys but remains a distant goal. Presently, even advanced driver-assistance systems from companies like General Motors and Rivian still require human oversight.
Tesla is at the forefront of self-driving technology development but lacks regulatory approval for fully autonomous taxi services and thus mandates driver supervision despite some users experiencing hands-free operation. The aspiration to enable stress-free, fully autonomous road trips through challenging mountainous terrains persists as a future goal, contingent on further technological advancements and infrastructure improvements.
Keywords: #phi4, Dmitri Dolgov, Elon Musk, Full Self-Driving, General Motors, Level 4 autonomy, Level 5 autonomy, Rivian, Steve Jurvetson, Tesla, Waymo, autonomous vehicles, cameras, driverless operations, edge cases, infrastructure gaps, lidar, mountain roads, radar, road geometry, robotaxis, snow, wildlife crossings
sfstandard.com 48 minutes ago
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13.
HN
xAI's Macrohard project stalls as Tesla ramps up a similar AI agent effort
xAI's Macrohard project has experienced significant challenges due to leadership changes and a halted data annotation initiative involving 600 contractors, leading to its stalling. Amid these struggles, Tesla is progressing with its own AI agent initiative named "Digital Optimus," which CEO Elon Musk announced would be developed jointly with xAI as an AI white-collar worker. Since its inception in August, Macrohard has undergone several leadership shifts and difficulties in scaling up; notably, Toby Pohlen left shortly after being appointed due to the high development demands from Musk. This period of instability has seen various xAI engineers either transitioning out or leaving the project entirely, casting doubt on its current team size.
Meanwhile, Tesla is incorporating elements of Macrohard into its Autopilot team and leveraging similar computing infrastructure for real-time AI control methods, aligning more with its Full Self-Driving system as opposed to xAI's original approach based on static image training. The data collection project designed to train the AI by mimicking human activities has been paused due to model flaws, leaving no set timeline for its restart.
Despite these issues, Tesla and xAI have maintained a history of collaboration, such as integrating Grok into Tesla vehicles. In January, Tesla's $2 billion investment in xAI underscored their ongoing interest in leveraging AI development synergies between the two companies.
Keywords: #phi4, AI agent, Digital Optimus, Full Self-Driving, Grok Code, Grok Imagine, Macrohard, Tesla, collaboration, data annotation, data project, humanoid robot, leadership shake-ups, spreadsheets, xAI
www.businessinsider.com an hour ago
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34.
HN
Binance brings back tokenized stocks trading with Ondo Finance deal
Binance is launching tokenized stocks trading in collaboration with Ondo Finance on its Binance Alpha platform, offering ten U.S.-linked financial products despite previous regulatory suspensions by the UK's FCA and Germany’s BaFin. The available tokenized options include prominent entities such as Apple, Google, Tesla, Nvidia, and the Invesco QQQ ETF. While these offerings are not accessible in the U.S., Binance aims to broaden trading opportunities, as emphasized by Jeff Li. Tokenized stocks are gaining traction across both crypto and traditional financial sectors with a market value nearing $1 billion. This trend is supported by other major platforms like Kraken, Bybit, Gemini, Robinhood, Nasdaq, and NYSE, which are exploring similar products. Proponents argue that tokenization can enhance investor access to markets and enable these assets to be used as collateral for decentralized finance (DeFi) borrowing activities.
Keywords: #phi4, Apple, BaFin, Binance, Binance Alpha, Bybit, ETFs, Financial Conduct Authority, Gemini, Google, Kraken, NYSE, Nasdaq, Nasdaq QQQ ETF, Nvidia, Ondo Finance, Robinhood, Tesla, US stocks, blockchain-based stocks, commodity-linked products, crypto exchange, decentralized finance (DeFi), investor access, investor access Comma-separated Keywords: Binance, investor access Extracted Keywords: Binance, investor access Final Keywords: Binance, investor access Final List: Binance, investor access Keywords: Binance, investor access Selected Keywords: Binance, investor access Simplified Keywords: Binance, regulatory pressure, tokenized stocks, trading platform
www.coindesk.com 3 hours ago
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78.
HN
Where did you think the training data was coming from?
The article addresses significant concerns surrounding data privacy in the context of modern technology, focusing on how major tech companies like Meta, Microsoft, Google, and Apple have been involved in collecting user data for purposes that may exceed users' expectations. It highlights controversies such as Meta's smart glasses, which illustrate a broader issue: many devices record individuals without explicit consent, facilitated by ambiguous terms of service agreements across various platforms, including laptops and operating systems. Microsoft and Google are noted for requiring online accounts to use their devices, justifying data collection with reasons like telemetry and AI improvements, while Chromebooks' requirement for a Google account aligns with its ad-driven model. Apple's commitment to privacy is also questioned due to similar practices of unauthorized data usage.
The article draws attention to Yann LeCun’s past statements regarding Meta's use of user images from Instagram for AI training, exemplifying how devices equipped with cameras and microphones inherently pose privacy risks unless users have direct control over them. The underlying theme suggests that these companies' ecosystems are designed to train AI models through extensive data collection. It emphasizes that advertising is a key motivator for this pervasive data gathering, particularly by Meta, which predominantly relies on ad revenue. Consequently, the article advises users not to expect privacy from internet-connected devices and underscores that their interactions with digital platforms contribute to AI development.
Keywords: #phi4, AI, AI-first, Apple, Facebook servers, Google, Instagram, Meta, Microsoft, Ray-Ban glasses, Tesla, Yann LeCun, advertising, convolutional nets, data collection, hashtags, internet-connected devices Keywords: AI, privacy, revenue, smart glasses, telemetry, terms of service, transfer learning, user images
idiallo.com 6 hours ago
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157.
HN
Cybertruck Tried to Drive 'Straight Off an Overpass' Attorney Claims
Justine Saint Amour, a Cybertruck owner, has filed a $1 million lawsuit against Tesla following an accident on a Houston highway where the vehicle's full self-driving (FSD) feature allegedly failed. The incident involved the Cybertruck attempting to drive off an overpass while in FSD mode, causing serious injuries to Saint Amour. Her attorney argues that Tesla CEO Elon Musk has oversold the truck’s capabilities, contributing significantly to the accident. The lawsuit criticizes Musk for promoting features his vehicles do not yet possess, noting prior legal issues related to misrepresenting Tesla's Autopilot system. It also highlights Musk's choice to use less expensive cameras instead of LiDAR technology despite engineers' recommendations, suggesting this may compromise vehicle safety.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges and scrutiny surrounding fully automated driving technologies, even with advanced systems like LiDAR, which are not immune to accidents. The lawsuit argues that Tesla's aggressive marketing strategies and design decisions have created hazardous conditions for drivers. This legal action is part of broader concerns regarding the safety implications of Tesla’s self-driving technologies.
Keywords: #phi4, Cybertruck, DoorDashers, Elon Musk, FSD (Full Self-Driving), Google, Houston, LiDAR, Tesla, Waymo, autopilot, cameras, compensatory damages, crash, damages, design choices, engineers, fatal crashes, intervention, lawsuit, negligence, overpass, punitive damages, reckless, safety, self-driving
www.404media.co 19 hours ago
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164.
HN
Google and Tesla think we're managing the electrical grid all wrong
Google, Tesla, and other tech and energy companies have established an advocacy group named Utilize to tackle perceived inefficiencies in the electrical grid. The group contends that the current grid is designed primarily for peak demand but often operates with excess capacity. To address this issue, Utilize promotes enhancing grid utilization through advanced technologies such as battery storage, demand response systems, and virtual power plants. While Utilize does not engage directly in lobbying activities, it supports legislative initiatives aimed at encouraging the adoption of these innovative solutions over traditional fossil fuel-based approaches. For instance, it backs a Virginia bill that mandates utilities to disclose metrics regarding grid usage. This coalition uniquely combines technology providers with major energy consumers, representing an innovative strategy in the effort toward modernizing the electrical grid and advocating for policy changes supportive of sustainable technologies.
Keywords: #phi4, Google, HVAC, Tesla, Texas grid, Verrus, advocacy organizations, battery storage, centralized fossil fuel, coalition, data center, demand response, distributed energy resources, electrical grid, heat pumps, lobbying, policies, policy changes, regulators, resilience, smart panel, solar panels, technology, virtual power plants
techcrunch.com 21 hours ago
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232.
HN
Tesla FSD drives through railroad crossing barriers in viral video
A viral video has surfaced showing a Tesla Model 3 operating on "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) mode failing to detect and stop at a lowered railroad crossing barrier in Los Angeles, adding to concerns over the system’s reliability as it undergoes investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The incident underscores the broader issues surrounding FSD's ability to handle traffic scenarios, including railroad crossings, red lights, and wrong-way driving. The video highlights that despite barriers being at the height of the car's front cameras, the system failed to detect them, with the driver not intervening in time to prevent an accident.
The NHTSA investigation into Tesla’s FSD began in October 2025 following 58 incidents linked to its use, focusing on evaluating software reliability and regulatory compliance. With about 2.88 million vehicles equipped with FSD, the agency is scrutinizing a range of traffic violations, including failures at railroad crossings where some incidents have resulted in accidents such as collisions with trains. Tesla has been given until March 9 to submit detailed incident data, coinciding with the video's release.
Critics argue that the term "Full Self-Driving" misrepresents the system’s Level 2 autonomy, which requires active driver supervision—a point of contention considering its use in unsupervised pilot projects like Austin’s Robotaxi. The timing of the video's release emphasizes the urgency for Tesla to address these safety concerns and comply with NHTSA’s data requests effectively.
Keywords: #phi4, Austin, California DMV, FSD, Full Self-Driving, Level 2 system, NHTSA, Robotaxi, Tesla, barriers, compliance, dashcam footage, deadline extensions, flashing lights, investigation, manual review, painted road markings, railroad crossing, software version, traffic violations, video
electrek.co a day ago
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296.
HN
X suspends 800M accounts in one year amid 'massive' scale of manipulation
Elon Musk's social media company X (formerly Twitter) suspended approximately 800 million accounts over the past year due to concerns of manipulation and spam. This action is part of ongoing efforts to combat state-backed interference, with Russia identified as the most active nation involved in such activities, followed by Iran and China. Despite having around 300 million monthly users, Wifredo Fernández from X Corp noted that attempts at platform manipulation occur on a daily basis. In discussions with UK MPs, Fernández elaborated on how manipulative accounts are defined, emphasizing those involved in disruptive or spammy activities. The company is actively working to counteract foreign interference efforts, particularly Russian initiatives aimed at influencing narratives around the 2024 US presidential election. Since Musk's acquisition of the platform in 2022, X has faced criticism regarding content moderation practices. Additionally, issues concerning account authenticity continue to be a significant concern for the company, reflecting one of the motivations behind Musk's initial interest in acquiring the platform.
Keywords: #phi4, Axel Rudakubana, China, Elon Musk, Iran, Russia, Tesla, US presidential election, accounts, content moderation, foreign interference, inauthentic networks, manipulation, platform, spam, state-backed, takeover, users
www.theguardian.com a day ago
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364.
HN
Tesla FSD deteriorating "city miles to critical disengagement" 4,109 down to 809
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology has demonstrated substantial improvement in its performance metrics, specifically showing a remarkable reduction in "city miles to critical disengagement," which decreased from 4,109 miles to just 809 miles. This metric indicates enhanced reliability and reduced need for human intervention during urban driving scenarios. Concurrently, there is an issue affecting users of x.com services: these services are inaccessible if JavaScript is disabled in the user's browser. To ensure full functionality, it is essential that users enable JavaScript or switch to a compatible browser. For further guidance on which browsers support these features, users can consult the Help Center for detailed information.
Keywords: #phi4, Help Center, JavaScript, Tesla FSD, browser, city miles, continue, critical disengagement, detected, disable, enabled, list, list Keywords: Tesla FSD, supported browsers, switch, technical keywords, xcom
twitter.com a day ago
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409.
HN
Musk takes the stand at trial for deflating Twitter stock ahead of purchase
Elon Musk is embroiled in a legal battle in San Francisco where Twitter shareholders accuse him of making false statements designed to lower Twitter's stock price prior to its acquisition for $44 billion. The lawsuit contends that Musk violated federal securities laws by tweeting misleading information about the prevalence of fake accounts on Twitter between May and October 2022, which significantly affected the company’s stock value. During his testimony, Musk maintained that his tweets did not materially influence the purchase deal or deceive investors. Although he initially waived due diligence in favor of a straightforward acquisition offer, Musk later cited bot disclosure inaccuracies as reasons to temporarily withdraw from the deal, causing Twitter's stock price to decline. The case hinges on whether Musk’s public statements were intended to manipulate the market.
This lawsuit emerges amid ongoing controversies surrounding Musk and securities regulations, recalling his previous legal encounter related to Tesla in 2018. In October 2022, Musk proposed resuming Twitter’s purchase, a proposal that was accepted, leading to the acquisition's closure later that month. Following the purchase, Musk implemented significant changes within Twitter's operations.
Keywords: #phi4, Elon Musk, SEC filing, Tesla, Twitter, X, bots, buyout, content moderation, deal delay, due diligence, fake accounts, false statements, investor allegations, investor allegations Keywords: Elon Musk, lawsuit, market impact, merger agreement, securities laws, settlement, shareholders, stock price, trial
www.latimes.com a day ago
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470.
HN
Why are Chinese EVs cheaper than Tesla?
Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), such as BYD's Seal, are significantly more affordable than Tesla models due to factors beyond state subsidies, which only contribute minimally to the cost gap. A study by Rhodium Group highlights that Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) benefit from structural advantages like deeper vertical integration, larger production scale, and reduced overhead costs, including R&D expenses distributed across a higher volume of vehicles. Foreign brands manufacturing in China face increased costs due to lesser vertical integration, shorter supplier payment terms, and regulatory frameworks favoring domestic companies.
BYD's cost advantage is further enhanced by practices such as extended supplier payment periods and the in-house production of crucial components, strategies that are challenging for Western rivals to adopt because they may conflict with their own countries' industrial policies. Additionally, despite receiving substantial subsidies, BYD and other Chinese manufacturers gain further financial benefits through favorable financing terms and unpaid licensing agreements. To bridge this price gap, Western automakers would need to invest more heavily in China at the expense of their domestic operations, a move that contradicts current Western industrial policies focused on preserving local employment and value creation.
Keywords: #phi4, BYD, BYD Seal, Chinese EVs, Model 3, R&D, Seal, Tesla, Western OEMs, Western OEMs KEYWORDS: Chinese EVs, cost gap, in-house manufacturing, overhead costs, scale, subsidies, supplier payment terms, vertical integration
restofworld.org 2 days ago
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494.
HN
First Cybercab Rolls Off Line: Musk Says YouTuber Will Have to Shave His Head
Tesla has introduced the Cybercab, its first two-passenger battery-electric self-driving car aimed at robotaxi services, from its Texas gigafactory. This launch is in line with CEO Elon Musk's strategy to shift Tesla towards autonomous vehicles and anticipates a production rate of one unit every 10 seconds starting in April. The Cybercab is priced below $30,000 and notably lacks traditional driving features such as pedals and mirrors. Although there are doubts about achieving this price point before 2027, Musk has suggested that meeting it might lead YouTuber Marques Brownlee to shave his head as a bet. Despite Tesla's history of initial higher-than-projected prices, the Cybercab is expected to feature wireless charging and a design similar to the Cybertruck but without its costly materials. This announcement positively influenced TSLA stock sentiment on Stocktwits, resulting in a 16% increase over the past year.
Keywords: #phi4, Austin, Cybercab, Cybertruck design, Elon Musk, Marques Brownlee, Model Y, Stocktwits, TSLA stock, TSLA stock Keywords: Tesla, Tesla, Texas, autonomy, butterfly doors, gigafactory, induction charging, pricing, production line, robotaxi, self-driving
stocktwits.com 2 days ago
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623.
HN
Tesla opens its first Megacharger station to Semi customers in California
Tesla has inaugurated its first Megacharger station tailored for Semi customers in Ontario, California, strategically positioned within one of the busiest freight corridors globally to support electric truck operations between major ports and distribution hubs. This charging station delivers up to 1.2 MW power, enabling about 60% recharge of a Tesla Semi's battery in roughly 30 minutes; however, public access is currently capped at 750 kW. This initiative represents a pivotal move in Tesla’s plan to expand its Megacharger network nationwide, aiming for up to 66 stations by early 2027. Recent collaborations include a partnership with Pilot, the largest truck stop operator, to install these chargers at key highway travel centers.
Tesla's prompt deployment of charging infrastructure alongside its electric trucks provides it with an advantage over competitors like Daimler, Volvo, and Scania, who are still planning their megawatt-class charger launches. This strategic positioning is vital for building fleet operators' confidence in transitioning to electric long-haul trucking. The Ontario station marks Tesla's transition from pilot projects to full-scale commercial operations of its Semi program. Despite the significant potential to revolutionize the electric trucking industry, as witnessed with Tesla’s Supercharger network for passenger vehicles, challenges such as permitting and construction timelines pose obstacles to infrastructure scaling.
Keywords: #phi4, 12 MW, California, Carson, Daimler, Giga Nevada, I-10, I-15, Inland Empire, Kempower, MCS, Megacharger, Ontario, Pilot, Scania, Semi, Supercharger, Tesla, Traton Group, Volvo, charging network, commercial reality, construction timelines, deployment, electric trucks, first-mover advantage, freight corridors, grid-connected, infrastructure, megawatt-class, permitting, pilot phase, utility interconnection
electrek.co 2 days ago
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719.
HN
Tesla FSD exceeds Starlink Mini speed limit
In September 2025, the user acquired Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature and used it regularly with one exception during an ice storm. In January 2026, they enhanced their vehicle by installing a Starlink Mini satellite internet system to improve connectivity. However, a recent notification indicated that FSD's "hurry mode," which operates above the Starlink Mini connection's speed limits, has led to connectivity issues and caused frustration for the user. This highlights the challenge of balancing advanced driving features with existing technology constraints in ensuring seamless vehicle operation.
Keywords: #phi4, FSD, January, September 2025, Starlink Mini, Tesla, annoying, black ice, exceeded, hurry mode, ice storm, installation, notification, speed limit
news.ycombinator.com 3 days ago
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852.
HN
Tesla back on top as Norway's EV market surges to 98% share in February
In February 2026, Tesla regained its leading position in Norway's electric vehicle (EV) market, achieving over 98% of new car registrations as EVs dominated sales, following a January drop due to changes in VAT rules that prompted buyers to advance their purchases earlier in the year. The Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council recorded 7,127 new EV registrations for February, with fossil-fuel and hybrid cars accounting for just 2% of the market. Tesla led this surge with 1,210 registrations, primarily driven by robust sales of the Model Y, which reclaimed its top position after a weak performance in January. This period also marked signs of recovery in the overall car market, echoing trends observed previously after similar VAT adjustments in 2022. As anticipation builds around Tesla's potential release of its Full Self-Driving system in Europe, attention is turning to how these developments might impact Tesla and Norway’s EV market throughout the rest of the year.
Keywords: #phi4, EV market, Europe, February, Full Self-Drive, Full Self-Driving, Model Y, Norway, OFV, Tesla, VAT rule changes, electric vehicles, fossil-fuel, hybrids, market share, recovery, registrations, sales chart, timing effects, timing effects Keywords: Tesla
www.teslarati.com 4 days ago
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_electric_vehicles 4 days ago
https://www.electrive.com/2026/03/03/norway-r 4 days ago
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/03/28/trading- 4 days ago
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1038.
HN
Boosting the Tesla tower strike energy
The document describes a YouTube video titled "Boosting the Tesla Tower Strike Energy," which likely explores methods or techniques to enhance the strike energy of a Tesla tower. It provides standard information typically associated with YouTube content, including copyright details under Google LLC ownership and references to future dates. Additionally, it mentions common website sections such as Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, indicating compliance with typical online platform standards. The primary focus is on the content related to improving Tesla tower strike energy, while also encompassing necessary legal and informational aspects associated with a YouTube video.
Keywords: #phi4, Advertise, Boosting, Contact, Copyright, Creators, Developers, Google, Google LLC Keywords: Boosting, NFL Sunday Ticket, Press, Privacy Policy, Safety, Strike Energy, Terms, Tesla Tower, YouTube
www.youtube.com 5 days ago
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1464.
HN
Tesla's Secret Weapon Is a Giant Metal Box
Under Elon Musk's leadership, Tesla is transitioning from its traditional focus on electric vehicles to ambitious ventures like autonomous robotaxis and humanoid robots such as the Cybercab and Optimus. Despite these innovations facing legal and technological hurdles, Tesla's car sales are declining as the company shifts attention away from human-driven models. The cornerstone of this transformation lies in Tesla’s energy division, particularly with its Megapack battery system used by power plants to balance supply and demand. This large-scale storage technology supports renewable energy sources like solar power, making Tesla a key player in an increasingly battery-dependent market due to their cost-effectiveness.
Tesla's emphasis on its energy segment is critical as vehicle sales diminish, providing potentially stable revenue to underpin Musk’s futuristic projects involving robots and robotaxis. Moreover, the company is expanding into solar panel production, aiming to generate significant amounts of solar energy, which complements its renewable energy solutions portfolio. By focusing on battery technology—a sector aligned with broader economic trends—Tesla benefits from U.S. tariff policies against Chinese manufacturers, which favor domestic battery producers.
This strategic shift not only promises financial gains for Tesla but also positions the company as a leader in sustainable energy solutions. By controlling key resources needed for powering data centers and AI operations, Musk could significantly influence AI development. This approach offers potential environmental benefits by reducing the carbon footprint of future AI infrastructure, even if some of his more futuristic ambitions encounter obstacles. Thus, Tesla's pivot towards energy storage and renewable solutions is integral to both its business strategy and broader technological advancements in sustainability.
Keywords: #phi4, AI, Buffalo factory, Cybercab, Elon Musk, Megapack, Oasis, Optimus, Superchargers, Tesla, Texas factory, batteries, cash flow, charging station, control, data centers, electric vehicles, humanoid robots, renewable energy, robotaxis, solar panels, zero-emissions
www.theatlantic.com 6 days ago
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/tesla-robotaxis-crash-higher-hu 6 days ago
https://archive.ph/2v7lD 6 days ago
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1478.
HN
Musk claims Tesla will 'make AGI' after years of wrong AI predictions
Elon Musk has asserted that Tesla will develop Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), despite a history of missing prior artificial intelligence predictions. Concurrently, Tesla's financial health is waning, evidenced by reduced vehicle deliveries and declining revenue, while competitors like BYD are capturing market share in critical regions such as Europe and China. Musk often makes bold AI forecasts, followed by timeline adjustments, reminiscent of his self-driving car promises.
Furthermore, Musk has established xAI, a private AI enterprise that could potentially divert Tesla's resources and influence its valuation. This situation has led to legal actions from Tesla investors who are concerned about possible conflicts of interest. Despite Tesla being portrayed as an AI and robotics leader—a portrayal critical for maintaining its high market capitalization—there is no unified agreement on AGI timelines or definitions within the broader AI community, rendering Musk's claims speculative.
Analysts recommend that Tesla might better serve its shareholders by focusing efforts on reversing sales downturns and enhancing product competitiveness rather than committing to ambitious yet unverified AI projects. This shift in focus could address immediate financial challenges and stabilize the company’s market position.
Keywords: #phi4, AGI, AI bubble, AI chip, AI predictions, Atom-shaping form Keywords: Elon Musk, Elon Musk, Master Plan Part 4, Optimus robot, Robotaxi, Singularity, Tesla, climate work, earnings crash, fiduciary duty, hardware promises, humanoid form, market share, revenue drop, sales decline, self-driving, stock price, xAI conflict
electrek.co 6 days ago
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1637.
HN
Toyota and Stellantis exit Tesla's EU regulatory pool for 2026 – Ford remains
Starting in 2026, Toyota and Stellantis will exit Tesla's European Union regulatory CO2 fleet emission pool, while Ford maintains its partnership, and Suzuki, Mazda, and Honda continue participating. This decision is primarily due to Toyota and Stellantis likely achieving their CO2 targets by 2025, with assistance from Tesla’s contributions. Stellantis plans to capitalize on this transition through the regional introduction of Leapmotor models produced in Spanish facilities, potentially incorporating the LEAP 3.5 architecture for future vehicles. Concurrently, Toyota is expanding its battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup, including introducing new models like the Urban Cruiser. Tesla predicts a decrease in regulatory credit income as a result of increased genuine BEV production within the EU and reduced demand from a deregulating U.S. market. These shifts are anticipated to adversely affect Tesla's profits and revenues, a concern reflected in their financial outlook.
Keywords: #phi4, BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), CO2 emissions, EEA, EU regulatory pool, European protectionism, Ford, Honda, Leapmotor, Mazda, Spanish production, Stellantis, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota, Urban Cruiser, anti-subsidy tariffs, eVitara, environmental targets, financial contributors, fleet emission, regulatory credits
www.schmidtmatthias.de 7 days ago
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1644.
HN
Kickstarter's CEO stands by 4-day week remote team, sometimes backfires
Kickstarter’s CEO Everette Taylor champions the company’s implementation of a four-day workweek for its remote U.S. workforce, focusing on enhancing work-life balance while maintaining high performance standards. This policy is part of a broader movement where companies experiment with reduced workweeks to boost employee well-being and productivity, though results vary across organizations. While Kickstarter faces challenges such as ensuring responsibility among employees and managing workload intensity, similar mixed outcomes are observed by other leaders. For instance, Ryan Breslow from Bolt reports increased productivity with a shorter workweek, whereas Formstack transitioned to half-days after addressing stress issues during their trial period. Despite these varied experiences, some executives remain skeptical about the practicality of a four-day workweek in conventional settings, though they recognize that AI could significantly reduce working hours in the future.
Keywords: #phi4, AI, America Business Forum, Bolt, CEO, Formstack, JPMorgan, Japan, Kickstarter, Slack, Tesla, UK, US, culture, employees, flexibility, four-day week, intensity, mental health, mission, output, pandemic, productivity, remote work, responsibility, stress, work-life balance
fortune.com 7 days ago
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1732.
HN
Tesla loses Toyota and Stellantis from EU CO2 pool, taking billions with them
Tesla is experiencing a notable decrease in its European CO2 emissions credit revenue as Toyota and Stellantis exit its EU carbon pool arrangement set to take effect in 2026. This development follows their significant contributions to the scheme, which allowed companies with high fleet emissions to average out using Tesla’s zero-emission vehicles. Toyota intends to independently meet its EU emissions targets through a strong hybrid lineup and an expansion of battery-electric models, such as the Urban Cruiser and bZ4X. Meanwhile, Stellantis plans to achieve compliance by collaborating with Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer under majority ownership by Stellantis, to establish their own emissions pool in Europe.
This trend reflects a global decline in Tesla's regulatory credit revenue, which dropped 28% from $2.76 billion in 2024 to approximately $2 billion in 2025, compounded further by the elimination of the U.S. emission credit market in 2025. Despite an extension for EU automakers on new CO2 targets, reducing their reliance on Tesla's pool, other members like Ford, Honda, Mazda, and Suzuki may also eventually exit. Tesla views this decline as part of a broader industry shift towards electrification by legacy automakers, signaling the end of an era for straightforward revenue streams from regulatory credits. However, while this affects its credit income, it is manageable within Tesla's larger business framework.
Keywords: #phi4, CO2 pool, EU filings, EV competition, Leapmotor, Stellantis, Tesla, Toyota, battery-electric vehicles, compliance year, credit revenue, emissions targets, hybrids, regulatory credits
electrek.co 7 days ago
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1956.
HN
Musk's fossil data centres are undoing Tesla's climate benefit
Elon Musk's use of fossil fuel-powered data centers, particularly those utilizing operational gas turbines, poses a substantial threat to Tesla’s claimed climate benefits by generating significant greenhouse gases. Estimates indicate these data centers could emit up to 11.3 million tonnes CO2-equivalent annually, overshadowing the environmental gains attributed to Tesla's fleet in recent years. Once fully operational, these emissions could potentially negate nearly all of Tesla's carbon savings achieved in 2023 and a substantial portion in 2024. This reliance on fossil fuels for powering AI infrastructure is part of what’s termed 'petrotech,' which underscores an expansion driven by high-emission technologies, including proposals to repurpose military jet engines as power sources. The situation highlights a critical issue where climate advocates may be downplaying these impacts, aligning with fossil fuel interests and contributing to greenwashing concerns. This raises significant questions about the true environmental impact of generative AI infrastructure and the need for addressing associated climate challenges.
Keywords: #phi4, AI software, Musk, Tesla, air pollution, avoided emissions, carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2-e), climate benefit, fossil data centres, gas turbines, greenhouse gas emissions, greenwashing, methane leakage, petrotech
ketanjoshi.co 8 days ago
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2006.
HN
Three Modes of Cognition
The article explores three essential cognitive abilities needed to replicate human intelligence in artificial systems: Knowledge Reasoning, World Sense, and Continuous Learning. Knowledge Reasoning is primarily enhanced by large language models (LLMs), which outperform humans in processing textual data for information retrieval and idea generation. However, LLMs lack the practical understanding required for real-world applications due to their deficiency in World Sense—a cognitive mode rooted in spatial intelligence gained through direct interaction with the physical world, essential for tasks such as driving that demand physical awareness and common sense.
Another critical missing component is Continuous Learning, which involves learning from experiences and mistakes, allowing humans to improve over time through persistent memory. While LLMs are periodically retrained, they do not currently retain individual corrections or adapt continuously, thereby limiting their effectiveness in dynamic real-world tasks. Although there have been significant advancements in Knowledge Reasoning, the integration of World Sense and Continuous Learning remains vital for AI systems to effectively replace human capabilities across various domains. The article concludes that mainstream adoption of AI will depend on successfully integrating these cognitive modes into artificial systems at scale.
Keywords: #phi4, AGI, AI Agents, Artificial Intelligence, Cognition, Cognitive Elements, Common Sense, Continuous Learning, Hybrid Versions, Knowledge IQ, Knowledge Reasoning, LLMs, Learning IQ, Machine Learning, Manufacturing AI, Model Architectures, Neural Nets, Persistent Memory, Quantum Jump, Real World, Self-Driving, Spatial Intelligence, Tesla, Waymo, World IQ, World Models, World Sense
kevinkelly.substack.com 9 days ago
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2122.
HN
Tesla's Not-a-Robotaxi Service
David Rosenthal is introduced in the context of discussing his expertise and contributions to digital preservation, a field concerned with maintaining and safeguarding digital information over time. The post places emphasis on various aspects of digital preservation initiatives, examining their significance and implementation. Additionally, Tesla's "Not-a-Robotaxi" service is mentioned as part of the broader discussion platform, potentially illustrating innovative technologies that intersect with themes of data management or autonomous systems in modern contexts. The primary focus remains on exploring and understanding the complexities surrounding efforts to preserve digital content effectively, ensuring its accessibility and integrity for future use.
Keywords: #phi4, David Rosenthal, Digital Preservation, Discussion, Not-a-Robotaxi, Place, Place Keywords: Tesla, Robotaxi, Service, Tesla, Work
blog.dshr.org 9 days ago
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2135.
HN
Three Modes of Cognition
The article explores three essential cognitive modes necessary for developing advanced artificial intelligence: Knowledge Reasoning, World Sense, and Continuous Learning. **Knowledge Reasoning** involves large language models (LLMs) that excel in processing extensive written information, surpassing human capabilities by 2026 in tasks such as question answering and idea generation. However, this mode alone does not account for practical interaction with the physical world or adaptability over time.
**World Sense** refers to an AI's ability to understand and interact with the physical environment, which involves spatial intelligence and requires training beyond LLMs. It combines neural networks with vision algorithms and models trained on video data, similar to technologies used in self-driving cars. This mode is crucial for applications that require real-world interaction.
**Continuous Learning**, a hallmark of human intelligence, allows for adaptation and improvement through learning from experiences and mistakes. Current AI systems lack this capability as they typically do not retain prior corrections or errors and need periodic retraining rather than evolving autonomously. While LLMs are proficient in Knowledge Reasoning, their deficiency in World Sense and Continuous Learning hinders their ability to fully replace human roles. The article posits that future advancements in AI will rely on integrating these components to achieve more versatile and autonomous artificial intelligence systems capable of broader applications.
Keywords: #phi4, AGI, AI Agents, Artificial Intelligence, Cognition, Cognitive Elements, Common Sense, Continuous Learning, Hybrid Versions, Knowledge IQ, Knowledge Reasoning, LLMs, Learning IQ, Machine Learning, Manufacturing AI, Model Architectures, Neural Nets, Persistent Memory, Quantum Jump, Real World, Self-Driving, Spatial Intelligence, Tesla, Waymo, World IQ, World Models, World Sense
kk.org 9 days ago
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2226.
HN
Why are Chinese EVs cheaper than Tesla
Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) such as BYD's Seal are considerably more affordable than Tesla's Model 3, despite both being produced in China. This price disparity is largely attributed to Chinese EV manufacturers' deeper vertical integration, larger scale, and lower overhead costs rather than merely state subsidies, which account for only a small fraction of the cost advantage. Additionally, these companies benefit from reduced R&D expenses spread over more vehicles, extended payment terms with suppliers that improve cash flow, in-house manufacturing of essential components, preferential financing options, and unpaid licensing agreements. Foreign automakers face significant challenges in competing on price even when producing locally due to structural barriers set by their home governments favoring domestic production and employment. To bridge this cost gap, Western carmakers would need to invest more heavily in China, potentially clashing with policies aimed at protecting jobs and value creation within their own countries. Despite higher subsidies for local manufacturers like BYD, these strategic advantages contribute significantly to their competitive pricing over foreign brands such as Tesla.
Keywords: #phi4, BYD, BYD Seal, Chinese EVs, Model 3, R&D, Tesla, Western OEMs, cost gap, in-house manufacturing, industrial policies, industrial policies Keywords: Chinese EVs, overhead costs, scale, subsidies, supplier payment terms, vertical integration
restofworld.org 9 days ago
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2245.
HN
Why Are Chinese EVs So Cheap?
Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are often more affordable than their Western counterparts due to several strategic advantages leveraged by Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Leapmotor. A crucial factor is the higher degree of vertical integration, where these companies produce many components internally, minimizing supplier markups and driving down costs—a contrast to Western automakers who rely on outsourced production. Although this could lead to increased fixed costs, Chinese firms benefit from lower manufacturing expenses due to concentrated operations within China.
The domestic focus of many Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) also plays a significant role in their cost advantage. By concentrating primarily on the local market, these companies incur fewer overhead costs associated with international expansion compared to Western manufacturers. This allows for more efficient distribution of research and development as well as administrative expenses across a larger volume of vehicles. Additionally, lower labor and material costs in China contribute further to this competitive pricing edge.
BYD exemplifies how these factors—vertical integration, scale, reduced overheads, and localized operations—enable it to consistently offer competitively priced EVs while maintaining leadership in price reductions within the market.
Keywords: #phi4, BOM data, BYD, Chinese EVs, Leapmotor, OEMs, R&D, Tesla, capex, depreciation, manufacturing costs, manufacturing costs Keywords: Chinese EVs, overhead costs, price advantage, scale, supplier markups, vertical integration
rhg.com 9 days ago
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2505.
HN
Tesla Just Made the Biggest Bet in Industrial History [video]
The video titled "Tesla Just Made the Biggest Bet in Industrial History" on YouTube addresses a major strategic initiative or investment by Tesla, recognized as the largest bet ever made in the industrial sector. This significant move is central to the content, highlighting its importance and potential impact within the industry. The video appears to be part of an extensive media narrative accessible through different segments on the platform, including those tailored for creators and advertisers. Uploaded under Google LLC—the owner of YouTube—this video's rights are secured until 2026, ensuring its continued availability and relevance in discussions about Tesla's groundbreaking ventures.
Keywords: #phi4, Advertise, Bet, Contact, Copyright, Creators, Developers, Google, Google LLC Keywords: Tesla, Industrial History, NFL Sunday Ticket, Press, Privacy Policy, Safety, Terms, Tesla, YouTube
www.youtube.com 11 days ago
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2552.
HN
Tesla launches Model Y 7-seater in Europe for €2,500
Tesla has introduced an optional seven-seat feature for its Model Y Juniper variant in Europe, adding €2,500 for a third row primarily suitable for small children due to space constraints. This option is available exclusively on the Long Range AWD model. However, demand remains low, mirroring previous trends observed in North America and China where similar configurations were unpopular. In contrast, Tesla's extended-wheelbase Model YL has seen success in China with its more practical 2-2-2 captain’s chair configuration, offering genuine third-row capacity. This model has received EU type approval for an upcoming European launch and is expected to attract buyers seeking adequate space utilization. Despite these offerings, Tesla continues to face challenges in the European market, where overall demand trends remain unfavorable.
Keywords: #phi4, 500, CLTC range, CPCA data, EU type approval, Europe, FSD launch, Juniper, Long Range AWD, Model Y, Model YL, Nürburgring, Tesla, captain’s chair, cargo space, demand trend, third row, wheelbase, €2
electrek.co 11 days ago
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2608.
HN
Here
Rodney Brooks, an MIT roboticist and co-founder of iRobot, critiques the substantial investments by tech companies and venture capitalists in developing humanoid robots, labeling them as misguided. He argues that despite significant financial backing, today's humanoid robots lack essential dexterity and coordination to perform tasks envisioned for them. The challenge lies in replicating human touch, which requires complex sensory mechanisms not addressed by current AI training focused on visual or auditory data. Brooks proposes redirecting funds to university researchers to accelerate advancements in robotics.
His perspective emerges as iRobot faces financial difficulties, culminating in a bankruptcy filing after Amazon's 2024 withdrawal from its acquisition. Meanwhile, companies like Tesla and Figure Robotics continue investing heavily in humanoid robots, with Tesla planning the release of Optimus by late 2027 and Figure achieving significant valuation milestones. However, Brooks argues these efforts are both costly and ultimately futile if they aim to mimic human forms. He foresees that successful robots in the next 15 years will diverge from human likeness, potentially featuring wheels and multiple arms instead. According to Brooks, investments in humanoid robots may eventually be viewed as a historical footnote due to their inefficiency and obsolescence.
Keywords: #phi4, AI, Figure, Optimus robots, Rodney Brooks, Tesla, VCs, bankruptcy, coordination-challenged, dexterity, humanoid robots, iRobot, robotics, robotics Keywords: Rodney Brooks, tech companies, touch data, university researchers
fortune.com 11 days ago
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2701.
HN
Tesla China delivery times collapse to 1-3 weeks as it extends financing again
Tesla has significantly reduced delivery times in China to 1-3 weeks due to increased production capacity at Giga Shanghai and resolved backlogs, despite a decline in vehicle demand. To counteract falling sales, which dropped from nearly 40,000 units monthly in early 2024 to below 19,000 by January 2026, Tesla introduced aggressive financing incentives twice in 2026. These include ultra-low interest rates and zero-interest loan options for several models, alongside an insurance subsidy. However, these measures have not been enough to reverse the trend, as domestic sales continue to plummet amid fierce competition from local automakers like BYD and Xiaomi, who offer similar financial terms.
This competitive environment has sparked a "financial war," with companies focusing on total ownership costs rather than direct price cuts. Consequently, Tesla is shifting its focus from the Chinese market to international markets, exporting a significant portion of Giga Shanghai's production overseas in January 2026. The extended financing incentives and declining domestic sales reflect challenges for Tesla in maintaining demand amidst increasing competition from new Chinese models.
Keywords: #phi4, BYD, China, Giga Shanghai, Model 3, Model Y, NIO, Tesla, Xiaomi, competition, delivery times, demand, domestic market, exports, financial war, financing, incentives, interest rates, production capacity, sales decline, subsidies, vehicle prices
electrek.co 12 days ago
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2794.
HN
How Stupid Would It Be to Put Data Centers in Space?
The concept of constructing AI data centers in space, previously deemed impractical due to prohibitive costs estimated at 7-10 times higher than those on Earth, is now gaining interest among tech visionaries such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Technological advancements by companies like SpaceX, Tesla, and Starlink have significantly reduced the cost estimate for these space-based data centers to about three times that of their terrestrial counterparts for equivalent capacity (1 GW). This reduction has brought feasibility into focus, with proposals including a network comprising 4,300 satellites, each outfitted with solar arrays and GPUs. The overall projected investment stands at approximately US $51 billion over five years, prompting reconsideration of this once-dismissed idea as costs become more manageable, thus making it an intriguing prospect in the realm of advanced technology infrastructure.
Keywords: #phi4, 1-GW, AI, ASIC chips, Amazon, Blue Origin, Elon Musk, GPU architecture, GPUs, Google, Jeff Bezos, Jensen Huang, McCalip, Nvidia, OpenAI, Sam Altman, Space data centers, SpaceX, Starlink, Sundar Pichai, Tesla, cost, engineering, launch, network, operational expenses, operational expenses Keywords: Space data centers, orbit, performance, radiation-resistant ASIC chips, satellites, solar array
spectrum.ieee.org 12 days ago
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2804.
HN
Why Europe Doesn't Have a Tesla
Europe's struggle to produce major tech companies like Tesla is influenced by factors beyond just energy costs or research spending, with stringent labor laws being a primary obstacle. These regulations make layoffs costly and complex, discouraging innovation in volatile sectors such as technology and electric vehicles due to the high cost of job restructuring. Unlike the U.S., where firms like Tesla can quickly adapt through flexible hiring and firing practices based on market demands, European companies face significant severance costs and bureaucratic challenges that impede their agility and risk-taking capacity.
This regulatory environment prioritizes job security but restricts businesses from pursuing the bold innovations needed to disrupt industries. Consequently, European automakers excel in incremental improvements yet fall short in transformative advancements like shifting from gasoline to electric vehicles. This gap is evident as many European startups choose to relocate or become acquisitions by U.S. companies due to cumbersome regulatory challenges when scaling operations.
However, Europe does possess examples of balancing worker security with innovation, such as Denmark's flexicurity model, which combines job flexibility with strong unemployment benefits. By adopting similar strategies, Europe could foster an environment that supports the growth of tech giants while preserving its social values. Historically, Europe has demonstrated significant innovation capacity, indicating potential for future success if it revises its labor market policies to encourage more risk-taking.
Ultimately, although European companies have the expertise needed, their current regulatory framework limits their ability to engage in groundbreaking innovations. Reforming labor laws to allow greater flexibility in hiring and firing could enable Europe to cultivate tech giants and effectively adopt disruptive technologies.
Keywords: #phi4, Europe, Innovation, Tesla, Waymo, automation, electric vehicles, employment protection, flexicurity, labor laws, restructuring, severance costs, startups, venture capital
worksinprogress.co 12 days ago
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2874.
HN
Musk touts California robotaxis but Tesla does nothing to get permits
Elon Musk has often asserted that Tesla is on the brink of launching a driverless robotaxi service in California, contingent upon regulatory approval. However, state Department of Motor Vehicles records and a spokesperson reveal that Tesla failed to secure necessary permits in 2025 and logged no autonomous test miles for the sixth consecutive year. In California's regulatory framework, documenting these test miles is crucial for advancing through permit stages required for operating a driverless ride-hailing service. Tesla's valuation hinges on investor confidence that it will soon introduce robotaxis and offer autonomous-driving software subscriptions, with California being a pivotal market. Despite Musk suggesting readiness, the reality of their inaction contradicts this narrative.
Tesla currently operates a limited pilot robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, which is not fully autonomous. In contrast, its "robotaxi" service in the San Francisco Bay Area uses Tesla's driver-assistance software with human drivers, rather than fully self-driving systems. To compete with companies like Waymo and operate fully autonomous vehicles, Tesla must obtain additional permits from California’s DMV and Public Utilities Commission. At present, Tesla only holds a basic permit for testing driverless cars with a human safety monitor in the vehicle, and it has not applied for higher-level permits necessary to run a commercial robotaxi service.
Keywords: #phi4, Austin, California, DMV, Elon Musk, Full Self-Driving, Public Utilities Commission, Tesla, Texas, Waymo, autonomous, chauffeur service, driverless, entry-level permit, human drivers, market value, permits, pilot service, regulatory barriers, robotaxis, safety, safety monitor, test driving
finance.yahoo.com 13 days ago
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2878.
HN
Elon Musk threatens to halt Tesla Giga Berlin expansion over union vote
Elon Musk has issued a stern warning to Tesla workers at Giga Berlin regarding the future expansion plans for the factory, linking these developments directly to the influence of IG Metall in the impending works council election. The situation is tense due to escalating conflicts between Tesla and Germany's powerful industrial union, which includes accusations from IG Metall about a toxic work environment and counter-claims by Tesla concerning unauthorized recordings. Despite Musk's threats, the Giga Berlin facility is grappling with reduced production capacity and falling sales; over 1,700 jobs have been cut in the past year due to diminishing European demand for Tesla vehicles, particularly noted in Germany where sales have sharply declined compared to competitors like BYD who are gaining ground.
In an attempt to mitigate concerns, Musk has discussed future product plans, including potential expansions of Model Y production and battery cell manufacturing at Giga Berlin once regulatory approvals are obtained. Analysts, however, interpret Tesla’s expansion threats as a strategic move aimed more at swaying the union vote rather than addressing immediate market challenges. They argue that regardless of the election's outcome, maintaining or expanding the factory could become increasingly difficult to justify with continued declines in European demand for Tesla vehicles.
Keywords: #phi4, BYD, Cybercab, Elon Musk, Europe, Germany, Giga Berlin, IG Metall, Model Y, Optimus, Semi, Tesla, competition, conflict, expansion, factory, market share, production, sales decline, supervised FSD, union vote, workforce reduction, works council
electrek.co 13 days ago
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2880.
HN
Ford is recalling 4.3M trucks and SUVs to fix a towing software bug
Ford is initiating a major recall of approximately 4.3 million trucks and SUVs due to a significant software bug impacting their integrated trailer module, which affects critical safety features such as trailers' lights and brakes. This issue predominantly influences models like the Ford Maverick (2022–2026), Ford Ranger (2024–2026), Ford Expedition (2022–2026), Ford E-Transit (2026), Ford F-150 (2021–2026), Ford F-250 SD (2022–2026), and Lincoln Navigator (2022–2026). The root cause of the problem is a software vulnerability that can trigger a race condition during the initial power-up, potentially leading to trailers without operational lights or brakes. Additionally, this malfunction may prompt an alert on the vehicle’s instrument display. This recall positions Ford at the forefront of 2023's recall actions, marking it as one of ten recalls already issued by the company within this year alone. The recall is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of vehicles involved in towing operations.
Keywords: #phi4, 2026, CAN Standby Control bit, E-Transit, Expedition, F-150, F-250 SD, Ford, ITRM, Lincoln, Maverick, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Navigator, Ranger, SUVs, Tesla, brakes, lights, pop-up alert, race condition, recall, safety recalls, software bug, towing, trucks
arstechnica.com 13 days ago
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2954.
HN
BYD cuts EV prices with 0% interest and daily payments for less than $5
BYD has initiated a New Year promotion aimed at boosting electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales in China by offering 0% interest for three years with daily payments starting at less than $5 on popular models such as the Seagull, Dolphin, and Sealion 05 EV. This strategy follows previous price reductions that have sparked concerns about a "price war" in China's automotive market amid growing competition from low-cost rivals. Despite BYD surpassing Tesla globally in 2025, its domestic sales of new energy vehicles have declined by 30% for the fifth consecutive month as of January 2026, leading to further price cuts to stimulate demand. Following Tesla's introduction of a seven-year low-interest financing plan that significantly lowered monthly payments, over ten automakers have adopted similar strategies. BYD's latest promotion offers daily payments starting at approximately $4.20 with no down payment, amounting to about $118 per month, valid until March 31, 2026, in an effort to reinvigorate sales and address market challenges.
Keywords: #phi4, 0% interest, BYD, China, Dolphin, EV prices, Geely, Li Auto, Model 3, Model Y, NEVs, NIO, New Year promotion, Ocean Sales Division, Seagull, Sealion 05, Tesla, XPeng, Xiaomi, daily payments, price war, sales fall, ultra-low interest
electrek.co 13 days ago
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3044.
HN
Tesla Lab – 20 computational experiments
The "Tesla Lab" project re-examines Nikola Tesla’s claims through 20 computational experiments based on his original designs, patents, and notes. By digitally reconstructing Tesla’s magnifying transmitter, the research uncovered an intricate dual-mode coupling mechanism involving TM₀ surface waves and TE Schumann cavity resonances within the Earth-ionosphere waveguide, providing insight into Tesla's "stationary wave" observations.
This project challenges conventional historical accounts by demonstrating several key insights: it argues that Marconi's 1901 transatlantic signal was transmitted via ground wave rather than the traditionally believed ionospheric skywave. It validates Tesla’s assertion of longitudinal electromagnetic waves within the Earth-ionosphere waveguide context, positing that the completion of the Wardenclyffe Tower could have enabled global low-frequency/very-low-frequency communication with minimal loss. Additionally, it highlights that a modern version of Tesla's core system can be feasibly built for approximately $2,000 using contemporary technology.
The project provides 47 plots to illustrate its findings and offers a comprehensive paper delineating where Tesla was accurate, incorrect, or ahead of his time. It brings attention to the often-overlooked TM₀ mode in Schumann resonance studies and suggests revisiting historical interpretations of Marconi's experiments. Furthermore, it ensures accessibility for replication and further research by supplying detailed instructions and materials.
Keywords: #phi4, Earth-ionosphere waveguide, Marconi, Schumann resonances, Tesla, Wardenclyffe, dual-mode coupling, electromagnetic, experiments, longitudinal waves, peer review, propagation, replication
github.com 13 days ago
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3188.
HN
Seeing Like a Sedan
The article "Seeing Like a Sedan" examines the contrasting strategies in automated vehicle (AV) technology by comparing Waymo's sensor-fusion approach with Tesla’s vision-only system. Historically, AV development has favored sensor fusion, combining lidar, radar, and cameras to ensure reliability across diverse driving conditions—a standard proven effective since DARPA's Grand Challenges. In contrast, Tesla diverged from this norm in 2016 by advocating for a vision-only system, arguing that human drivers rely solely on visual perception, thus eliminating the need for expensive lidar. This approach offers potential cost benefits and leverages extensive data to train neural networks.
However, the vision-only system faces significant hurdles, particularly under poor visibility conditions where sensor fusion's comprehensive detection capabilities are crucial. Incidents involving Tesla vehicles have underscored these challenges, including failures in detecting light-colored objects or functioning properly in low-visibility environments, leading to increased regulatory scrutiny concerning safety. Comparative performance data indicates that Waymo’s sensor-fusion technology exhibits fewer disengagements and crashes compared to Tesla’s Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD), which still necessitates human intervention.
While Tesla's vision-only approach shows promise for reducing costs and scaling more efficiently, the current evidence suggests that sensor-fusion systems offer superior safety and reliability. The ongoing debate between these technologies is pivotal in shaping the future landscape of urban transportation and AV commercialization.
Keywords: #phi4, Autonomous Vehicles, Autonomy Day, Cameras, DARPA, Data Collection, Deployment Keywords: Autonomous Vehicles, Depth Estimation, Disengagements, Edge Cases, Glare, Hardware 4, Lidar, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Night Vision, Perception, Radar, Robotaxi, Safety, Self-Driving, Sensor Fusion, Supervised FSD, Tesla, Urban Challenge, Vision-Only, Waymo
asteriskmag.com 14 days ago
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