AI-powered Tesla traffic light device intrigues Elon

Could Tesla develop their own traffic light?

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Would Tesla consider creating their own AI-controlled traffic lights? There was an interesting exchange on Twitter about traffic lights that appeared to catch Elon Musk's interest.

The conversation circled around traffic lights and the amount of time and energy that is spent waiting at red lights when there is no traffic.

The traffic light was invented just as the popularity of cars started taking off in the early 1900s. The traffic light itself was first used in 1914, while vehicles became popular in the 1920s.

While there have been numerous improvements to traffic lights, they've been relatively small considering it's been more than a century since their introduction. We've seen improvements such as adding a yellow light to warn drivers of an upcoming red light, using LEDs for better visibility, adding different light combinations, and even using different light patterns based on the time of day.

However, we have the technology today to make traffic lights as we know them a thing of the past.

While traffic lights may seem like an odd business for Tesla to get into, it actually fits their mission and capabilities quite well.

Tesla would use cameras to build an AI system that would predict traffic patterns to reduce time spent and emissions produced at traffic lights.

"Maybe Tesla should make an AI vision device that plugs into these legacy traffic lights. It could just look at traffic & automatically maximize throughput."

-Elon Musk

They could even reduce accidents by figuring out the ideal time to wait before flipping the opposite traffic light green.

By Tesla using its core competencies to develop traffic lights it could further accelerate its mission of easing traffic and reducing vehicle emissions. It's a similar reason why they're developing robots.

AI we could practically eliminate waiting at a red light when there's no traffic in sight. It would also vastly speed up most intersections. Time is our most valuable asset, but we spend hours a year stopped at red lights. Just staring and waiting.

Well, apparently Elon Musk strongly agrees with us. When a Twitter user complained that it's mind-boggling the amount of time we collectively spend waiting at empty intersections, Elon replied with a simple "100%."

Elon then replied to another Twitter user expressing his interest that maybe Tesla should get into the traffic light business. Elon talked about the possibility of developing an add-on device for traffic lights. The device would use vision AI to turn legacy traffic lights into AI powerhouses that would maximize traffic throughput.

Here's hoping that this random tweet sparks other conversations at Tesla this morning. Making traffic lights smarter helps ease traffic and fits their competencies and mission perfectly.

I think when Tesla takes a closer look, they'll realize that they can do more than just maximize throughput and reduce waiting, but that they'll also be able to reduce accidents and frustrations that could come with dealing with traffic.

Tesla could eventually develop their own traffic light that would fix even more problems.

If Tesla developed an LED panel-based traffic light, they could even create dynamic traffic lights that would automatically use traffic arrows only when needed, and automatically and continuously adjust the types of traffic signals used based on traffic conditions over time.

An always-connected traffic light could also open up the way to city-controlled traffic lights that could prevent accidents in police chases or save lives by turning lights green for ambulances.

The possibilities are near endless and we could one day look back at those lonesome times when we used to stare up a red light waiting and hoping for it to finally be our turn.

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Tesla and Uber Partner for Another Discount Off New Vehicles

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Tesla and Uber are partnering to offer a new discount for Uber drivers. The offer is similar to one that was offered earlier in the year. Uber and Tesla previously offered a $2,000 USD purchase incentive under a special Uber referral code. That offer ended in March, and Tesla is now offering a new, similar offer.

Both the previous incentive as well as this new offer are only available in the United States.

Offer Conditions

The new offer is simple: If you’re an Uber Driver, you’ll be able to get $1,000 in Tesla credits upon taking delivery and another $1,000 in Uber Cash after completing 100 rideshare trips. You’ll need to purchase either a new Model 3 or Model Y—any variant, including the Performance versions, is acceptable. The program is not available for used or demo vehicles.

For anyone interested in trying out being an Uber driver, this is also a nice way to get $2,000 off a new Tesla. While the discount is no longer a purchase incentive, you can use the $1,000 in Tesla credits towards accessories, service, Supercharging, swag, or another vehicle. The Uber Cash, on the other hand, will be paid out alongside your 100th trip.

The offer is combinable with the Military Purchase Program, but you can’t use the Tesla referral program to get $500 off. If you’ve already got referral credits, though, you can use them toward the purchase of the vehicle.

Finally, you’ll need to take delivery before the end of the year (December 31st) and complete your 100th trip before February 15, 2025.

How to Use It

To take advantage of the offer, go to Tesla’s Uber page and log in via Uber. Both companies will verify that you’re eligible for the discount. You’ll also have to be in good standing as an Uber driver - if you’re not, no discount.

It's interesting to see Tesla and Uber partner so closely, given that Tesla’s Robotaxi service will become a direct competitor to Uber. Tesla also recently launched the Trip Navigation and Battery Awareness feature for Uber drivers.

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Tesla Updates Cybertruck Range Extender Timeline and Specs

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Tesla has released updated specifications and a revised timeline for the Cybertruck’s Range Extender. Originally launched alongside the Cybertruck last year, the Range Extender offered a significant boost in range along with a notable price tag—requiring a $2,000 reservation deposit and an estimated price of $16,000.

Updated Specs

Tesla has updated the Ranger Extender's range, now increasing the vehicle’s range from 340 miles to 445 miles on the Dual Motor variant and from 320 miles to 440 miles on the Cyberbeast.

The updated specifications reduce the vehicle’s total range with the Range Extender by about 6% compared to the original specs, while the Range Extender itself sees a 20% reduction in range. This is a substantial reduction, and Tesla has yet to explain the change. It’s likely that they’ve started testing Cybertrucks with Range Extenders under EPA test conditions, which may have adjusted the initial range estimates.

Delayed Timeline

The Range Extender was originally supposed to be available for those who pre-ordered sometime in early-2025. That timeline has now been pushed back to mid-2025. However, given Tesla’s lackluster attempts at maintaining timelines, we could fully expect this timeline to continue to slip closer to 2026, but we remain hopeful that it’ll arrive on time.

Tesla has been working towards perfecting its dry-cathode process, which could also be a likely cause of the delays. Tesla may want to ship the Range Extenders as dry-cathode—it's a small batch product and one that’s easier to replace or repair than an entire truck.

Overall, the Range Extender itself is an interesting item. While it does provide a small range increase—one that’s necessary for towing—it has its fair share of demerits. It takes up a considerable amount of bed space and must be installed and uninstalled by Tesla Service. Additionally, the weight in the bed will result in a change in the center of gravity.

We’re interested to see what Tesla does with the Range Extender - we’ve only seen a few pictures of engineering samples on Tesla’s site, but it could come with considerable changes when it launches.

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