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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It has been a long wait for FSD for European customers, many of whom paid for the feature years ago on now legacy hardware. While the FSD transfer program has come and gone multiple times, there’s something to be said about having it available in North America, where it can be used, and in Europe or other countries, where it still just remains the same as Enhanced Autopilot (differences between Autopilot, EAP, and FSD).
FSD Transfer is a nice goodwill gesture from Tesla that in theory doesn’t cost them anything. Instead, it keeps customers, especially those who have been waiting for years, loyal and happy. It also incentivizes them to upgrade to a newer Tesla with HW4, where FSD will hopefully be achieved.
In a reply to a post on X, Elon agreed with the suggestion that offering FSD transfers in Europe would be a fair solution for those who have already purchased FSD but can’t use its capabilities.
FSD Transfer directly addresses a growing concern for many long-term European Tesla owners. Thousands of customers purchased the full package, often many years ago, with the expectation that FSD would eventually be capable and approved for use. However, the reality is that FSD, even as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), continues to be pushed back in Europe.
Without the transfer program, it's a difficult choice: either throw away your original investment in FSD and pay for the package a second time (FSD price history), or subscribe to it in the future.
Offering FSD transfers is a good way for Tesla to meet them halfway. It's a difficult situation, and one that’s being hindered by processes beyond the control of both the customer and Tesla. However, a transfer helps both parties. Tesla sells another vehicle, and the customer gets to keep FSD.
When Will it Be Available?
Based on how FSD transfers have worked in the past following Elon’s announcements, this feature is likely to become available for a limited time period in the coming days or weeks. If it happens, we should expect an announcement from Tesla Europe on X and emails being sent out to Tesla customers.
Once the program is in place, all you need to do is complete your vehicle purchase and then inform your Tesla sales advisor that you’d like to transfer FSD. You don’t even have to sell or trade in your old Tesla; FSD will simply be removed from it as a feature.
Hopefully, Tesla enables FSD Transfers for everyone, regardless of region. It should be an ongoing offer until at least FSD is approved in the given country or region.
The introductory price for Tesla’s Robotaxi Network has finally been updated. In a post on X, Elon Musk confirmed that the new fare would be rolling out to complement the new Robotaxi geofence expansion.
This change marks the first adjustment to Tesla’s fares since the initial $4.20 launch price 23 days ago. While the price increase may seem significant in terms of percentages, when compared to other options in the ride-hailing area, it is still drastically cheaper.
But the price is now a princely $6.90, as foretold in the prophecy 😂
Robotaxi currently operates on a simple, flat-rate model. The new $6.90 fare gets you a ride to anywhere within the recently expanded geofence.
So far, this is the opposite approach compared to other services, such as Waymo or traditional ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft. All these services use dynamic pricing based on distance, time of day, and demand. A comparable trip on any one of these services could cost anywhere from $30 to $65, and potentially even higher during peak hours.
That doesn’t even include the tip fees for human drivers either - another win for Robotaxi (can you tip a Robotaxi?).
Even with the adjustment, the flat $6.90 fare remains less than half the price of a typical competing ride, making Robotaxi the most affordable point-to-point transportation option in Austin, aside from mass transit, for now.
A “Maturing” Service
The price change, moving from one meme-worthy number to another, is a sign that Robotaxi is finally graduating from its initial pilot phase. Following the first major expansion of the service area, this adjustment is a logical next step towards finding a more sustainable flat price.
While the new fare is a 65% increase over the old fare, the key takeaway is that it is still far cheaper than other options, and still just as meme-worthy. Tesla is aiming to have its early access riders complete as many rides as possible during these early months, and this pricing is still very reflective of that.
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