#tesla

Tesla Addresses Cybertruck PCS Failures with OTA Update and Free Supercharging, Announces FSD Hardware Limitations and Government Contract Expansion Tesla has launched a multi-pronged response to widespread Power Conversion System (PCS) failures reported by Cybertruck owners, including an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free Supercharging for affected vehicles, and efforts to resolve hardware shortages. The company also announced significant changes to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) hardware roadmap and expanded its government sales capabilities through a new contract with Sourcewell. The PCS failure issue has left many Cybertruck owners unable to charge their vehicles at home, as the system is critical for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for battery charging. To mitigate the problem, Tesla is deploying a targeted firmware update that allows affected vehicles to use DC fast charging at Superchargers even when the AC hardware is nonfunctional. This update bypasses the usual Wi-Fi connection requirement and is being pushed via cellular networks to ensure rapid deployment. However, due to staggered rollout schedules, it may take several days for all impacted vehicles to receive the patch. To compensate for the loss of home-charging capabilities, Tesla is offering free Supercharging to owners with verified PCS failures. This measure aims to reduce the financial burden of relying solely on the Supercharger network, which is more expensive than residential electricity. The company emphasized that this support will continue until the hardware is replaced, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the issue. Despite these temporary solutions, the primary challenge remains the shortage of replacement PCS units.#tesla #cybertruck #power_conversion_system #sourcewell #full_self_driving

Tesla Cybertruck Owner Drove 100,000 Miles In A Year — Then Came The Repair Bill A Nashville-based Tesla Cybertruck owner shared his experience of driving his 2024 AWD Foundation Series model as a full-time Lyft vehicle, logging 100,000 miles in just 12 months. The owner, who received one of the first 10,000 Cybertrucks produced in early 2024, described the vehicle as a workhorse, operating long shifts with an average of seven and a half hours of continuous driving per session. Despite the grueling schedule, passengers frequently praised the truck’s spacious cabin, panoramic roof, and smooth ride, which set it apart in a rideshare fleet dominated by Toyota Priuses and Nissan Altimas. The owner’s decision to use the Cybertruck as a commercial vehicle quickly led to significant wear and tear. While tire replacement was expected—costing around $2,500 for a set of Michelin Defender Platinum LTX tires—the more expensive repair came later. After surpassing the vehicle’s warranty period, the owner faced a $7,200 bill to replace the Power Conversion System, specifically upgrading the Rev E unit to a newer Rev F version. The repair, which the owner described as a “literal slap in the face” due to Tesla’s lack of support post-warranty, highlighted the financial risks of operating a heavy electric vehicle for commercial purposes. Despite the hefty repair cost, the owner acknowledged the Cybertruck’s performance as a rideshare vehicle. He noted its reliability and the positive feedback from passengers, though he emphasized that the experience underscored a critical oversight for many EV buyers: while fuel savings are a major advantage, ownership costs can escalate rapidly.#nashville #tesla #lyft #michelin_defender_platinum_ltx #power_conversion_system

YouTuber buys stripped Tesla Model 3 'go-kart' for $2,000 — it still has 212-mile range A YouTuber named Evans acquired a heavily stripped Tesla Model 3 for $2,000, transforming it into a makeshift off-road vehicle capable of 212 miles of range despite lacking essential safety components. The car, originally purchased by a previous owner named Grayson for $6,000–$7,000, was intended to be repurposed into a 1970s concept car. Grayson had commissioned a 3D artist to design the project and began assembling parts, but abandoned the effort after estimating it would require 800 hours of labor. The vehicle was left unregistered and unused for at least two years before Evans negotiated its purchase for half the original asking price. Evans walked away with a Tesla rolling chassis, including the motor, battery pack, screen, and seating system, but without body panels, a windshield, or seatbelts. After replacing the delaminating stock tires with red wheels and new tires, he charged the car to full capacity and discovered it still displayed 212 miles of range. However, the vehicle’s software revealed 78 error codes, as Tesla’s systems expected the presence of cameras, sensors, and safety systems that had been removed. The previous owner had disabled these components, inadvertently unlocking features like drifting, which Tesla typically manages through Track Mode software. Evans rigged a DOT-rated ratchet strap as a makeshift harness and tested the stripped car on public roads, driving 25 minutes to a Best Buy without encountering police. He then took the vehicle off-road, drifting, and even jumping it over a dirt tabletop on a friend’s property. A friend named Drew compared its handling to a Polaris Slingshot but noted it was significantly faster.#tesla #evans #drew #grayson #best_buy

Tesla Rockets 8% as AI5 Milestone and Rare Analyst Upgrade Remind Bears What This Stock Can Do Tesla stock surged 8% in midday trading on Wednesday, rising from $364.20 to $392, driven by a UBS upgrade to Neutral from Sell and the completion of the AI5 autonomous-driving chip’s tape-out milestone. The rally has reignited optimism among bulls, even as the stock remains down 13% year-to-date heading into the session. Analysts and investors are closely watching the move, which highlights the volatility of Tesla’s stock and its sensitivity to news catalysts. The rally follows a prolonged selloff that saw Tesla’s shares decline 25% over the prior 12 months before this year’s pullback. Despite the recent gains, the stock’s long-term trajectory remains uncertain, with sharp swings in both directions. The UBS upgrade, which keeps its price target at $352—still below the current trading price—carries weight despite its modest nature. The firm argued that Tesla’s current share levels better balance near-term challenges, such as EV demand concerns and capital spending, with its long-term potential in physical AI. UBS acknowledged that Tesla’s stock is heavily influenced by sentiment and momentum rather than fundamentals, a factor that amplified the market’s reaction to the upgrade. The AI5 milestone marked a critical engineering checkpoint, signaling the completion of the chip’s design before manufacturing begins. The AI5 chip is expected to deliver a 50x performance improvement over its predecessor, AI4, with production slated for 2027. Tesla is also developing an AI6 inference chip for 2028, while construction of the Cortex 2 AI training compute facility at Gigafactory Texas is underway. This facility is projected to more than double onsite compute capacity in the first half of 2026.#ubs #tesla #elon_musk #ai5 #gigafactory_texas

Tesla Won’t Actually Build Its Own Chip Fab — Intel Is Going to Do It Tesla is not going to construct its own semiconductor fabrication plant, also known as a “chip fab.” Instead, Intel will handle the project as part of the Terafab initiative, a $25 billion Austin-based facility that Elon Musk unveiled last month. The collaboration includes Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, with Intel joining the effort to provide advanced chip manufacturing capabilities. Intel’s announcement on X emphasized its role in designing, fabricating, and packaging ultra-high-performance chips at scale, which will support Terafab’s goal of producing 1 terawatt of annual compute. This partnership marks a significant shift from Musk’s initial vision of Tesla leading the project. When Musk first introduced Terafab, he framed it as a vertically integrated mega-facility that would combine semiconductor design, lithography, fabrication, memory, advanced packaging, and testing under one roof. The facility was positioned as a bold move, akin to Tesla’s entry into battery production, with the promise of delivering 1 terawatt of annual computing power. However, skepticism arose quickly. Leading-edge chip fabs require decades of development, billions in investment, and expertise that Tesla, a car company, lacks. The idea of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI—none of which have prior experience in semiconductor manufacturing—building a competitive sub-2nm process from scratch was seen as overly ambitious. Intel’s involvement now confirms that Terafab is more of a capacity agreement than a standalone Tesla initiative. The company brings critical expertise in process technology, equipment, and packaging—components that are essential for a functional chip fab. Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, on the other hand, contribute demand and capital.#tesla #elon_musk #xai #space_x #intel

US Stock Market Rises Amid Mixed Tech Sector Performance The US stock market showed strength on Friday, with major indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq maintaining positive momentum. The Dow gained over 99 points, the S&P 500 crossed the 6,600 threshold, and the Nasdaq approached 22,000. However, the market’s overall optimism was tempered by declines in high-profile tech stocks such as Nvidia and Tesla. This divergence highlighted a broader shift in investor focus, with capital being reallocated to sectors perceived as more resilient amid current macroeconomic conditions. The market’s resilience was partly driven by rising oil prices, which remained above $110 per barrel, and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While concerns about potential conflicts in the region persisted, reports of possible ceasefire discussions and diplomatic efforts provided some relief to investor sentiment. These factors, combined with mixed economic data, created a cautious yet positive outlook for the market. Investors are increasingly diversifying their portfolios, moving away from reliance on a handful of tech giants. Energy stocks benefited from elevated oil prices, while financial sectors saw gains linked to policy developments such as the Trump Accounts program. This shift suggests a maturing market where growth is not solely dependent on tech sector performance. However, profit-taking in previously strong stocks like Nvidia and Tesla also contributed to their recent declines, reflecting a balance between optimism and caution. Among the top performers, Focus Universal, Inc. (FCUV) led the rally with a 106% surge, pushing its price to $6.90. This sharp increase signaled aggressive buying interest, particularly in smaller-cap and speculative stocks. Soleno Therapeutics Inc.#dow_jones_industrial_average #s_p_500 #nvidia #tesla #nasdaq

Tesla Q1 2026 Vehicle Deliveries and Production Report Tesla reported its first-quarter 2026 vehicle delivery and production figures, revealing a 14% decline compared to the previous quarter but a 6% year-over-year increase. The company delivered 358,023 vehicles in Q1 2026, falling short of analyst expectations. StreetAccount estimated 370,000 deliveries, while Tesla’s own compiled consensus projected 365,645 deliveries. The results marked a continuation of annual declines, with Tesla’s 2025 deliveries dropping to 1.64 million from 1.79 million in 2024. Production for the quarter totaled 408,386 units, reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to meet demand despite challenges in scaling new product lines. Deliveries in Q1 2025 had declined by 13% compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring a broader trend of slowing growth. The 6% year-over-year improvement in Q1 2026, however, highlighted resilience amid a competitive market. Tesla’s strategic shift toward autonomous vehicles and robotics has intensified its focus on projects like the Cybertruck and Optimus humanoid robots. The company has yet to commercialize these products, relying heavily on its automotive division for revenue. In January 2026, Tesla announced the end of production for its flagship Model S and X vehicles, redirecting factory lines in Fremont, California, to manufacture Optimus robots. The S and X models, which had long been in decline, accounted for only 3% of deliveries in 2025, with the Model 3 and Y dominating 97% of the company’s output. Elon Musk’s public statements further shaped the narrative. In a post on his social media platform X, Musk noted that orders for the S and X had “come to an end,” though some inventory remained. He expressed nostalgia for the vehicles, calling the transition “an ending of an era.#tesla #elon_musk #cybertruck #optimus #fremont_california

New EV Sales Dropped 28%. But Used EVs Are Booming The decline in new electric vehicle (EV) sales in the first quarter of 2026 has been significant, with a 28% year-over-year drop, but the used EV market is experiencing a surge. This shift highlights the evolving dynamics of the electrification landscape, as the end of federal tax credits and other incentives has impacted new EV demand. However, the used EV market is growing, driven by affordability, a broader selection of models, and rising fuel costs. According to Cox Automotive, approximately 213,000 new EVs were sold in the first three months of 2026, marking a sharp decline compared to the same period last year. The EV market share for the quarter stood at 5.8%, a decrease of about two percentage points from the previous year. This decline follows a peak in Q3 2025, when consumers rushed to purchase EVs before the tax credit expired. Cox’s director of industry insights, Stephanie Valdez Streaty, noted that the market is in transition, with sales expected to stabilize as the pull-forward effect of the tax credit wanes. Tesla remains a dominant player in the EV space, with its market share of the EV segment surpassing 50% in Q1. The company’s share of the overall car market also remained steady at 3.3%, matching the year-ago figure. Premium EVs, such as the BMW i5, have fared better than mass-market models, with JD Power reporting that EVs accounted for 26.4% of premium vehicle sales in the first half of 2026. In contrast, mass-market EVs now represent just 1.9% of sales, down from 4% in the previous year. The used EV market, however, is showing strong growth. Cox Automotive reported that 93,500 used EVs were sold in Q1, a 17% increase from the previous quarter and a nearly 12% rise compared to the first quarter of 2025. The used EV market share reached 2.#tesla #cox_automotive #stephanie_valdez_streaty #bmw_i5 #recurrent

US Jury Finds Elon Musk Misled Investors During Twitter Purchase A federal jury in California has ruled that Elon Musk misrepresented information to Twitter shareholders, contributing to a significant drop in the company’s stock price during his planned $44 billion acquisition of the social media platform. The verdict, delivered on Friday, marks a rare legal setback for Musk, who has often evaded accountability in past lawsuits. The case, a class action securities lawsuit, could result in the world’s richest person being ordered to pay billions in damages, according to calculations by the jury. The trial, which spanned three weeks in a San Francisco federal court, included in-person testimony from Musk. Jurors determined that two tweets Musk posted in May 2022 contained false claims about the financial viability of the Twitter acquisition. These statements, the jury found, played a role in driving down the company’s share price during a critical period. Investor Giuseppe Pampena filed the lawsuit on behalf of individuals who sold Twitter shares between mid-May and early October 2022. The verdict form revealed that jurors agreed Musk violated a securities rule prohibiting false and misleading statements that depress stock prices. A plaintiff’s lawyer estimated the damages at approximately $2.6 billion. However, the nine-member jury did not find Musk guilty of intentionally scheming to deceive investors, absolving him of some fraud allegations. Musk’s legal team immediately announced plans to appeal the decision, calling it a “setback.” The billionaire, who acquired Twitter in late 2022 and renamed it X, has not publicly commented on the verdict. His reputation for avoiding legal consequences—often referred to as “Teflon Elon”—has been challenged by this ruling.#tesla #elon_musk #space_x #twitter #giuseppe_pampena

Tesla Stock Up 2,430% in a Decade: A $10,000 Bet in 2015 is Worth $253,000 Today Tesla’s stock has delivered extraordinary returns over the past decade, with a $10,000 investment growing to over $253,000 as of March 19, 2026. This surge highlights the potential of long-term investing in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, as Tesla’s market value has skyrocketed alongside its global expansion. Over the last decade, Tesla shares have climbed 2,430%, driven by the company’s rapid growth in sales and production. In 2015, Tesla reported $4 billion in annual revenue, which surged to $95 billion by 2025. This growth was fueled by increased manufacturing capacity and the expansion of its EV lineup, including models like the Model S, which was designed to compete in the premium vehicle market. The company’s 2010 IPO filing noted that the Model S would target a broader customer base than its earlier Roadster model, with plans to raise $226 million through the offering. Tesla’s success is attributed to its direct-to-consumer sales strategy, relentless product innovation, and premium brand positioning. Despite its stock trading 22% below its peak, the company’s performance has been remarkable, with shareholders enduring significant volatility. In 2025, Tesla became the eighth most valuable U.S. company by market capitalization, surpassing $1 trillion after reaching $100 billion in 2024. Analysts have debated Tesla’s future trajectory, with some cautioning that the company must continue innovating to maintain its momentum. David Haigh, CEO of Brand Finance, warned that Tesla’s leadership and product pipeline could determine its long-term success. “Unless Tesla can introduce a range of new products that excite consumers and address the challenges posed by its leader, it may be seen as past its peak,” he stated.#tesla #elon_musk #model_s #brand_finance #david_haigh

Tesla Stock: A Millionaire Maker or a Gamble? Tesla’s stock has delivered extraordinary returns over the past decade, surging 2,760% as of March 12, outperforming the broader market. Early investors have reaped significant rewards as the company rose to global prominence in the electric vehicle sector. However, the question remains: can Tesla continue to generate wealth for investors in the future? Predicting a company’s trajectory a decade ahead is inherently challenging, especially for a business like Tesla. While optimistic scenarios envision a fully scaled robotaxi service operating globally by 2036, generating high-margin revenue from autonomous vehicles rather than just EVs, such projections remain speculative. The company’s plans to produce 1 million Optimus robots annually could create new revenue streams, but the timeline for achieving these goals is uncertain. Even CEO Elon Musk has not provided a clear roadmap for when these innovations might materialize, making Tesla’s stock a high-risk investment. Despite the uncertainty, Tesla’s current valuation presents a significant hurdle. The stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 367, far above the S&P 500’s 25. For Tesla to maintain its value over the next decade, earnings per share would need to grow at a 31% annual rate, a feat that seems improbable given the company’s recent financial performance. This suggests the market’s optimism may be misplaced, and investors should temper their expectations. The article also highlights other stocks that have seen massive gains through “Double Down” alerts, such as Nvidia, Apple, and Netflix. These examples underscore the potential for high returns but also emphasize the risks of investing in speculative ventures. While Tesla’s past success is undeniable, its future remains a gamble, with no guarantees of continued growth.#apple #netflix #nvidia #tesla #elon_musk

Stellantis EVs Face Discontinuation Amid Struggles in Electrification For owners of Stellantis electric vehicles, the past year has been marked by uncertainty as several high-profile models have been canceled. The company’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup, which included the Ram EV, Charger Daytona R/T, and the range-extending Charger Daytona Banshee, has seen widespread cancellations. This trend extends beyond these specific models, with nearly all planned EVs under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands facing the same fate. Even plug-in hybrid variants have been scrapped, leaving many customers with limited options. Despite these setbacks, there is one potential benefit for existing Stellantis EV owners. The company has announced that customers can now access Tesla Superchargers using a special adapter. The Free2move Charge NACS-CCS1 DC adapter allows Stellantis BEV owners to use Tesla’s V3 and V4 Superchargers. This adapter is available through Stellantis-certified dealers and Mopar.com. Additionally, Tesla’s “Magic Dock” Superchargers, which include a built-in adapter, are also accessible. However, only Stellantis-approved adapters are compatible with Tesla Superchargers. The announcement highlights a growing trend of interoperability in the EV charging network, though it comes with caveats. While the adapter provides a temporary solution for charging, it may not be a long-term fix for Stellantis’ broader challenges in the EV market. The company’s struggles reflect broader industry hurdles, including production delays, supply chain issues, and shifting consumer preferences. The list of eligible vehicles and model years for the Tesla Supercharger access is detailed in the company’s announcement. For owners who have already purchased a discontinued Stellantis EV, this update offers a small reprieve.#tesla #stellantis #ram_ev #charger_daytona_r_t #charger_daytona_banshee

Musk Indicates Tesla May Finalize AI6 Chip Design by December Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, suggested on Thursday that the company could potentially complete the final design phase for its next-generation AI6 chips by December. The "tape out" stage, a critical step in semiconductor development, involves finalizing a chip design and sending it to a manufacturing facility for production. Musk made the comment during a discussion on his social media platform X, when asked about the timeline for the AI6 chip's completion. The AI6 chips are intended for use in Tesla's self-driving vehicles and humanoid robots, with Samsung Electronics set to manufacture them. Last year, Samsung secured a $16.5 billion contract to supply artificial intelligence chips to Tesla, marking a significant collaboration between the two companies. The chips are expected to leverage Samsung's advanced 2-nanometer manufacturing process, which is designed to enhance performance and efficiency. A Samsung executive revealed earlier this week that the company plans to begin producing Tesla's chips in the second half of 2027. This timeline suggests that while the design phase might be completed by December, full-scale production will follow later in the decade. Musk's optimism about accelerating the process through the use of AI underscores the potential for the AI6 chips to play a pivotal role in Tesla's future technologies, including autonomous driving and robotics. The development highlights the growing importance of semiconductor innovation in the automotive and robotics industries, as companies like Tesla and Samsung collaborate to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence and hardware capabilities.#tesla #elon_musk #samsung_electronics #ai6_chips #self_driving_vehicles

Elon Musk and the Securities and Exchange Commission are in discussions to resolve a civil lawsuit over allegations that he violated securities laws during his acquisition of Twitter. The SEC accused Musk of failing to disclose his significant stake in the social media company in a timely manner, which the regulator claims allowed him to purchase shares at unfairly low prices. According to a court filing released on Tuesday, the SEC stated it is engaged in talks to reach a potential resolution that could avoid further legal proceedings. The lawsuit, filed by the SEC in January 2025, is being handled in a federal court in Washington, D.C. Separately, a class-action lawsuit brought by former Twitter investors is progressing in a San Francisco federal court, with a jury set to deliberate soon. Musk, who serves as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, acquired Twitter for $44 billion in late 2022 and rebranded it as X the following year. Before the purchase, he had accumulated a stake exceeding 5%, a threshold requiring public disclosure within 10 days. However, Musk delayed filing the required disclosure, prompting the SEC’s legal action. The regulator argued that his failure to disclose the stake created an unfair advantage, enabling him to buy shares at artificially low prices and disadvantaging other investors. The SEC’s complaint highlighted the potential harm caused by Musk’s actions, emphasizing the impact on market fairness. Musk’s legal team has not yet commented on the matter, and the SEC has also declined to provide further details. This case follows a previous settlement involving Musk and the SEC over securities fraud charges at Tesla, where Musk and the company paid $20 million in fines and Musk temporarily stepped down as chairman of Tesla’s board.#securities_and_exchange_commission #tesla #elon_musk #x #twitter

BMW’s Best-Selling Model Is Getting an Electric Reboot BMW is set to launch its fully electric i3 model in Munich, marking the second vehicle in its next-generation electric lineup following the introduction of the iX3 SUV in September 2025. The i3, which has been a top-selling model for the German automaker, is undergoing a significant transformation to align with its commitment to electrification. The new version features enhanced charging capabilities, allowing for faster recharge times, and an improved digital interface that integrates advanced connectivity options for drivers. The i3’s electric reboot reflects BMW’s broader strategy to expand its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio as global demand for sustainable transportation grows. The company has emphasized that the updated i3 retains the compact design and urban-focused utility that made the original model popular, while incorporating cutting-edge technology to meet modern consumer expectations. BMW’s CEO highlighted during a recent press briefing that the i3’s evolution is a key step in the company’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The launch of the i3 comes amid increasing competition in the EV market, with rivals such as Tesla and traditional automakers accelerating their investments in electric platforms. BMW’s decision to prioritize the i3’s electric transition underscores its recognition of the model’s potential to capture a significant share of the growing EV segment. Analysts note that the i3’s affordability and practicality for city driving could position it as a strong contender in the compact EV category. The new i3 is expected to be available in select markets later this year, with plans to expand its global reach in the following months.#tesla #bmw #i3 #munich #spartanburg_plant

Elon Musk unveils joint Tesla-xAI project 'Macrohard', eyes software disruption Elon Musk announced on Wednesday the launch of a collaborative project between Tesla and his artificial intelligence startup xAI, named "Macrohard" or "Digital Optimus." The initiative aims to develop a system capable of emulating the functions of entire software companies, according to Musk. The project leverages xAI’s Grok large language model, which acts as a high-level "navigator," paired with Tesla’s AI agent. Musk described the system as a tool that could simulate the operations of companies like Microsoft, with the name "Macrohard" serving as a humorous reference to the tech giant. The announcement follows xAI’s trademark application for "Macrohard" filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in August 2025. Musk emphasized that the system would run on Tesla’s in-house AI4 chip, combined with xAI’s Nvidia-based server hardware, positioning it as a cost-competitive solution. The project is part of a broader push by Musk to disrupt traditional software development models, as seen in the recent launch of Anthropic’s Claude Cowork, which has already raised concerns among investors about the potential of agentic AI to challenge established business practices. The collaboration comes amid significant financial and strategic moves involving xAI. Tesla recently invested $2 billion to acquire shares in xAI, while SpaceX acquired xAI in an all-stock deal valued at $250 billion, with SpaceX’s valuation reaching $1 trillion. Musk cited orbital data centers as a key driver for the merger, which precedes a potential initial public offering for SpaceX later this year. Musk’s vision for Macrohard highlights his ongoing efforts to integrate AI across multiple industries, from automotive to space exploration.#tesla #elon_musk #xai #macrohard #space_x

XAI's Macrohard Project Stalls Amid Leadership Changes and Data Project Pause XAI's ambitious AI agent project, Macrohard, has faced significant setbacks, including leadership changes and the suspension of a major data collection initiative, according to insiders. The project, which aimed to develop an AI white-collar worker, has struggled with scaling and internal restructuring. Meanwhile, Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has accelerated its own AI agent initiative, dubbed "Digital Optimus," which mirrors some of Macrohard's goals. Musk first introduced Macrohard in August 2025, joking about its name as a play on "Microsoft," highlighting the project's focus on simulating AI-driven software companies. The initiative was positioned as a core effort for xAI, alongside other projects like Grok Code and Grok Imagine. However, the project has since experienced frequent leadership shifts, with two senior managers leaving the company in February. Musk later assigned xAI cofounder Toby Pohlen to oversee Macrohard, but Pohlen announced his departure just 16 days later, citing pressure from Musk over the project's progress. The data collection efforts for Macrohard, which involved over 600 contractors, were paused last month. A memo shared with workers revealed that researchers identified "many flaws" in the model and planned to adjust data collection methods. Initially, the team expected to resume work within two to four weeks, but as of March 2026, the project remains on hold. Employees were instructed to screen-record their work and leisure activities to train the AI to emulate human actions, a key component of the project's design. In parallel, Tesla has been advancing its own AI agent project, "Digital Optimus," which focuses on real-time control methods rather than traditional screenshot-based analysis.#tesla #elon_musk #xai #macrohard #toby_pohlen

Elon Musk unveils joint Tesla-xAI project 'Macrohard', targets software disruption Elon Musk announced on Wednesday the launch of a collaborative initiative between Tesla and his artificial intelligence venture xAI, naming the project "Macrohard" or "Digital Optimus." The system is designed to mimic the operations of software companies, according to Musk, who described it as capable of emulating the functions of entire organizations. The project builds on xAI's previous efforts to develop Macrohard as an AI tool that would enable developers to simulate software creations akin to those of Microsoft. Musk emphasized that the system's name, "Macrohard," is a humorous nod to Microsoft, highlighting its ambition to replicate the scale and complexity of established tech giants. The project will operate on Tesla's in-house AI4 chip combined with xAI's Nvidia-based server hardware, which Musk claims offers a cost-effective solution. This hardware pairing is part of Tesla's broader strategy to integrate advanced computing capabilities into its operations. The announcement follows Tesla's January agreement to invest $2 billion in xAI, underscoring the company's commitment to expanding its AI capabilities. Additionally, SpaceX recently acquired xAI in an all-stock deal, valuing the rocket maker at $1 trillion and xAI at $250 billion. This merger is positioned as a strategic move to prepare for SpaceX's potential initial public offering later in 2026, with Musk citing orbital data centers as a key rationale for the merger. xAI filed a trademark application for "Macrohard" with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in August 2025, signaling the project's long-term development goals.#tesla #elon_musk #xai #macrohard #space_x

Tesla Robotaxis: 5 Numbers, Stats That Will Define the EV-Maker's Business Tesla’s focus on self-driving robotaxis has become central to its business strategy as the company’s traditional car sales decline. Analysts and investors are increasingly prioritizing the potential of autonomous vehicles over Tesla’s legacy automotive operations. Recent research from Bank of America highlights how the robotaxi business now accounts for more than half of Tesla’s total valuation, signaling a dramatic shift in market expectations. The company’s pivot to AI-driven mobility solutions has reshaped investor sentiment. While Tesla’s global car sales have dropped, Wall Street has turned its attention to the promise of robotaxis, which analysts believe could redefine the company’s financial future. Tesla’s stock has seen significant volatility in 2026, with a 13% decline year-to-date, but recent optimism has been fueled by new research from Bank of America. The firm raised its 12-month price target for Tesla shares to $475, implying a 13% upside from current levels. This forecast is heavily influenced by the growing confidence in Tesla’s autonomous vehicle ambitions. Bank of America’s analysis underscores the transformative role of robotaxis in Tesla’s valuation. The firm estimates that over 50% of Tesla’s total value is tied to its self-driving technology, a stark contrast to the 21% contribution from its core car business just a year ago. This shift reflects the market’s belief that Tesla’s long-term success hinges on its ability to dominate the autonomous vehicle sector. Industry experts are also projecting Tesla’s potential market share in the global robotaxi industry.#morgan_stanley #tesla #bank_of_america #ark_invest #wolfe_research

2.88 million Teslas Under Federal Investigation for FSD Traffic Violations — Data Deadline Looms The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating approximately 2.88 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD (Supervised) or FSD (Beta) systems for alleged traffic violations. The agency has demanded data related to incidents such as running red lights, making illegal turns, and driving the wrong way. Tesla has three days to comply with the request, or face potential penalties. The FSD system, rated as “Level-2” by the NHTSA, requires a human driver to remain attentive and ready to intervene at all times. While the system is designed to assist with driving tasks, legal responsibility for errors or accidents typically falls on the driver. The investigation focuses on whether these violations occurred in ways that could prevent a driver from reacting in time, such as sudden acceleration or abrupt lane changes. NHTSA’s inquiry includes 58 reported incidents tied to the issue, resulting in 23 injuries from 14 crashes. No fatalities have been linked to the problem. Tesla has previously faced scrutiny over its compliance with safety regulations, including a 2025 case where it was fined $243 million after failing to provide data in a wrongful death lawsuit. The company also ignored a 2019 cease-and-desist order from NHTSA regarding misleading safety claims, leading to a referral to the Federal Trade Commission. The NHTSA could impose fines of up to $28,000 per day, with a maximum penalty of $139.4 million. However, Tesla’s financial resources—Elon Musk’s estimated daily earnings of $236 million to $698 million—make such penalties less impactful.#nhtsa #tesla #elon_musk #federal_trade_commission #federal_traffic_safety_administration