Rendering of what Tesla's new 'Drive on Sunshine' feature may look like
Not a Tesla App
Tesla is getting ready to introduce a new feature that allows owners to charge their cars using surplus solar energy. If your home is generating more energy than it's using, this excess energy can be directed automatically to your car.
For owners of solar panels, there have been limited options when your panels are generating more energy than you're using. The system tops off your Powerwalls if you have them, but once those are full, the system sends any excess energy back to the grid.
However, if you have a Tesla, you'll soon be able to automatically start charging your vehicle whenever excess energy is being generated. This is according to new text-based information found in the latest Tesla app, according to Twitter user Tesla App iOS. Tesla is calling this new feature "Drive on Sunshine," which focuses on providing the cleanest charge possible for Tesla vehicles.
Tesla has already started updating their app with some details regarding this new feature. The feature will instruct users to plug in at home during daytime hours, to take advantage of the surplus clean energy their solar system produces.
How It Will Work
The Tesla app allows you to set a charging limit for your vehicle. However, once this new feature is enabled, you'll gain access to two charging sliders. The first slider will control how much your vehicle is charged, regardless of where the energy is coming from. You'll be guaranteed to have this amount of charge every night. However, you'll have access to a new slider that lets you set the maximum charge level, but only using your solar system's clean energy.
This will allow you to set your charging limit to a minimum amount every day, such as 60%. You could then set your solar limit to something much higher, such as 90%. This will allow your vehicle will charge up to this limit when your solar system is producing excess energy.
By setting charge limits and specifying the desired charging times and locations, Tesla owners can ensure that their vehicles are being fully charged before excess energy is sent to the grid.
Apple Inspired?
Last September, we pondered if Tesla could develop something similar to Apple's Clean Energy Charging. Apple optimized iPhone charging times by prioritizing clean energy sources from the grid. This approach aligns with Tesla's mission to create zero-emission vehicles that can charge using clean, renewable energy.
The app also lets users charge their vehicle's battery using available energy sources for regular daily driving needs while reserving a portion of the battery to be charged exclusively when surplus solar energy is available.
Explains Recent Powerwall Announcement
This new functionality enables Tesla owners to charge their cars using renewable solar energy, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels throughout the charging and driving experience.
Tesla's goal is to make EV ownership as sustainable as possible by minimizing the use of fossil fuels and promoting clean charging options. When a household generates more solar energy than it can consume, this excess power can be directed toward charging the vehicle. Tesla again began offering the Powerwall as a standalone product, allowing customers to purchase the battery storage system without requiring a solar array.
The Drive on Sunshine feature is a major step forward in Tesla's mission to make electric vehicle ownership as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. With this update, Tesla continues demonstrating its commitment to creating a cleaner, greener future for all.
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Elon Musk and Jeremy Clarkson have an ongoing feud
Elon Musk Viral Videos/YouTube
The automotive world has witnessed many rivalries throughout history, but none quite as electrifying as the ongoing feud between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and British television presenter Jeremy Clarkson. These two larger-than-life personalities have consistently butted heads over electric vehicles, Tesla's performance, and the future of transportation. Let's take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most memorable moments from this epic battle of wits and opinions.
The Spark That Ignited the Feud
It all began in 2008, when Clarkson, then a host of the popular British television show Top Gear, reviewed Tesla's first production car (video below), the Roadster. In Season 12, Episode 7, Clarkson was critical of the Roadster's range and reliability, with the segment featuring the car running out of battery and breaking down. Tesla quickly claimed that the breakdown was staged for dramatic effect, a claim that BBC denied.
The Aftermath and Legal Action
Tesla didn't take Clarkson's review lightly. In 2011, the electric car manufacturer filed a lawsuit against BBC, alleging defamation and malicious falsehood. However, the British High Court dismissed the case in 2013, with the judge stating that no Top Gear viewer would have reasonably compared the Roadster's performance to that of a traditional sports car based on the episode.
The War of Words
The legal battle didn't put an end to the rivalry. Over the years, Musk and Clarkson exchanged barbs through interviews and social media. In a 2018 interview with The Independent, Clarkson called Musk "an idiot" and claimed they "almost had a fight." In response, Musk took to Twitter and called Clarkson "weird" and "rude." In 2021, Clarkson talked about Musk's kids' unique names and suggested he call them "John or Jane or whatever."
The Twitter Battle
The rivalry between Musk and Clarkson has expanded beyond the realm of electric vehicles. Recently, Clarkson shared his thoughts on Musk's new Twitter laws and claimed that the new CEO should be paying him to use the social media network. In his Sunday Times column, Clarkson expressed his outrage at the proposed new costs for blue tick verification. He argued that he brings in advertising for the platform and should not be paying for the verification. This latest episode showcases the enduring feud between these two influential figures.
The Autopilot Debate
Clarkson has also criticized Tesla's Autopilot feature, questioning its safety and reliability. He once called it "an accident waiting to happen" after a fatal accident involving a Tesla Model S operating on Autopilot in 2016. However, Musk has dismissed Clarkson's concerns as biased and uninformed, insisting that critics have an outdated view of electric vehicles and are resistant to change.
The Model X Review and Beyond
Despite his new-found popularity, Clarkson didn't shy away from critiquing Tesla. In a 2019 episode of The Grand Tour, he reviewed the Tesla Model X, acknowledging its advancements while questioning its design and practicality. Clarkson said, "The truth is, the world's most hated car company has changed the world," but he also questioned whether electric vehicles would ever fully replace internal combustion engine cars.
The Grand Tour and Clarkson's Farm
After leaving Top Gear, Clarkson and co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May launched The Grand Tour on Amazon Studios. The show continued to feature Tesla vehicles and maintain a critical stance on electric cars. However, Clarkson's image softened with the release of his show Clarkson's Farm, which showcased his love for farming and the challenges he faced in running a farm. The show garnered a new fan base and a more sympathetic public image, but he still prefers internal combustion.
Reconciliation?
In a surprising twist, Elon Musk appeared on Top Gear in 2020, discussing Tesla's progress and the future of electric vehicles with the show's presenters. Though Clarkson was not involved in the episode, the appearance marked a notable moment in the rivalry's history.
The ongoing feud between Elon Musk and Jeremy Clarkson is a fascinating chapter in the automotive world. As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, the rivalry between these two influential figures serves as a reminder of the broader debate surrounding the future of transportation. With the latest development involving Twitter, it's clear that their rivalry continues to evolve and shows no signs of slowing down. Fans of both individuals can only wait and see what the next chapter holds for this electrifying tale.
Tesla added a new 'Manual' app that contains tips and answers popular questions
Ultimate_Bulter/Reddit (Edited by Not a Tesla App)
The Tesla community is always exploring their vehicle, and lucky for us, they share what they find. For example, a recent discovery by a Reddit user Ultimate_Bulter has revealed an undocumented update in Tesla's latest software version, 2023.6.8. The user found a hidden icon labeled 'Manual' in the vehicle's infotainment center, leading to Tesla tips and the Tesla User Manual App, which was added in the 2023.6 update.
This app does more than merely open the in-car manual; it offers an interactive guide for common questions for Tesla owners.
Two Sections
The Tesla Manual App is divided into two sections: "Get to Know Your Tesla" and "Owner's Manual." The former is an interactive guide designed to help Tesla owners become more familiar with their vehicle's features, while the latter contains detailed information on every aspect of the car.
Get to Know Your Tesla
"Get to Know Your Tesla" contains popular topics related to the vehicle's features, functionality, and maintenance. This section is designed to be an interactive and user-friendly way for new and existing Tesla owners to familiarize themselves with their car's features. It includes buttons that, when pressed, can perform actions such as opening the glovebox or activating the windshield wipers. This innovative approach helps users quickly understand and navigate their vehicle's numerous features.
Owner's Manual
The "Owner's Manual" section of the app offers a comprehensive guide to every aspect of the car. This portion of the app includes in-depth information on everything from vehicle maintenance to troubleshooting and beyond. Tesla owners can access this section to find answers to their questions and better understand their car's various systems and components. The vehicle's user manual was already available in the car through Controls > Service > Owner's Manual, but linking to it through this new app makes it more discoverable.
Undocumented Update
Tesla added a new 'Manual' app that contains tips and answers popular questions
Ultimate_Bulter/Reddit (Edited by Not a Tesla App)
The Tesla User Manual App's inclusion in the 2023.6.8 update appears to have gone undocumented, as it was not listed in the official release notes. This has led to speculation that the app was meant to be a surprise or "Easter egg" feature for Tesla owners to discover. The Reddit user's discovery has since been met with excitement and appreciation from the Tesla community, who have praised the app for its interactive and user-friendly design.
The Tesla User Manual App offers a fresh and innovative approach to vehicle user guides, taking advantage of the car's advanced infotainment system. This app's interactive nature allows Tesla owners to familiarize themselves with their vehicle's features and troubleshoot issues more efficiently.
As more users uncover this hidden gem within their Tesla, it is expected Tesla will continue to add tips to the manual app. This discovery highlights Tesla's commitment to providing a unique and cutting-edge experience for its customers, even in the most unexpected places.
Recently Tesla updated it's owner's manual with updated recommendations on the weight limits for items in the frunk and trunk. The new limits apply to all vehicles and went up in most cases.
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