The project cost 6 million for the 1 mile strip, but costs are expected to decrease
NBC News
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.
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.
Tesla's Strategic Move into Wireless Charging
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.
Reducing the Costs of EVs
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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In Tesla’s upcoming update, 2024.32.3, Tesla has added hands-free support for opening the vehicle’s frunk. This follows the Spring Update (2024.14), which added Hands-Free Trunk support for certain vehicles.
When hands-free trunk support was added earlier this year, it was supported on vehicles that include an ultra wideband chip, which includes the refresh Model S, new Model X, and the 2024 Model 3. Due to the hardware requirement, these will be the same vehicles that support the new Hands-Free Frunk feature. Legacy vehicles without UWB will unfortunately not support either feature due to the hardware requirement. UWB enables far more accurate tracking of the phone key, allowing Tesla to pinpoint its exact location relative to the vehicle.
The Cybertruck interestingly also includes an ultra wideband chip, however, it didn’t include the automatic opening of the gate earlier this year. However, we expect the Cybertruck to also receive the hands-free frunk opening in this 2024.32.3 update or relatively soon afterward.
Update: The Cybertruck is receiving hands-free frunk support in the 2024.32 update as well.
Hands-Free Frunk
The Hands-Free Frunk works similarly to the trunk feature – with an iPhone 11+ and a recent version of the app, you’ll be able to stand in front of your vehicle, and the Frunk will unlatch after sounding a chime. On some vehicles, the frunk will immediately open after being unlatched, however, you’ll need to manually close it.
This new feature isn’t enabled by default – you’ll need to go to Settings > Locks > Hands-Free Frunk to enable it.
At this time, Tesla doesn’t support UWB on Android devices, though both the Hands-Free Trunk and Hands-Free Frunk support will come to Android users in a future app update, according to Tesla.
Exclude Home
With the addition of the hands-free frunk opening, Tesla has also added a new option. You can now choose to disable the automatic opening when your vehicle is located at home to prevent you from accidentally opening. This will apply to the automatic frunk and trunk. In addition, in the Model X, you’ll also be able to disable the self-presenting doors at home. This is a great addition as many people have kept the hands-free feature disabled due to it awkwardly opening in the garage.
In the 2024.32.3 update, Tesla also mentions that they’ve improved the detection of the phone key, which should make the feature more reliable and faster when approaching the vehicle from the front or rear.
Following its recent launch in the United States and Canada, Tesla has launched their referral program in several European countries as well.
The program is available in Germany, Norway, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and possibly others. The program is almost the same as the one available today in North America, with rewards for each referral and a discount for those referred. The cap in Europe is also ten per year.
This program comes right on the heels of a 0% financing offer for the Model Y in Sweden and France. While referrals aren't currently available in Sweden, the 0% financing still is.
European Referrals
The European Referral program accounts for country and local currency, where applicable.
Country
Referral Discount
Referral Award
UK
£1,000
£500
Germany, France, Netherlands
€1,000
€500
Norway
kr11,500
kr5,750
The referral reward program is comparable to the one available in North America. After exchange rates, there is only an approximately 10% difference between the available rewards in the US and EU.
Other Countries
We expect this program to start rolling out to other European countries over the next few days or weeks, as Tesla continues to expand its referral program.
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!
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!
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!
Enhance Auto’s innovative products elevate your Tesla experience. The customizable S3XY Buttons and Knob offer seamless control over vehicle features with a simple press or turn. Visit enhauto.com to explore their full range of products and transform your driving experience today!
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