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Another Tesla Model S spotted with LIDAR amidst rollout of radar-based v8.0 [Video]

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Amidst all of the excitement around Tesla’s newest Version 8.0 Autopilot, which uses radar as a primary sensor, comes a new sighting of Model S testing a LIDAR system near the company’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California. The video posted to YouTube clearly shows a Model S with manufacturer plates with a roof-mounted Velodyne LIDAR sensor scanning the vehicle’s surrounding.

The sighting is particularly interesting because just weeks earlier, Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated his position against LIDAR during a press conference to discuss Version 8.0, stating that the company decided to use radar technology for its ability to see through rain, snow, fog, and dust – something LIDAR is unable to do.

Despite Musk’s stated case against LIDAR, industry experts in the field of autonomous driving technology, most notably Google, believe infrared LIDAR technology is the only way a vehicle can map intricate detail of a vehicle’s environment.

LIDAR systems use pulses of laser to measure the distance between the sensor and surrounding objects. When adopted on a vehicle, the technology is said to provide a detailed 3D map of the world around the car and allow it to see objects a human eye can not detect, with a lesser margin of error than radar sensors.

This sighting would mark the third time a Model S was seen testing with either a LIDAR or some form of equipment similar to a LIDAR “puck” near Tesla’s headquarters.

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Tesla’s NACS adapters hinted in code for future Apple Maps update

Apple Maps will soon warn EV owners when they need an adapter for routes that include Superchargers.

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ford mustang mach-e plugged into a tesla supercharger
Credit: Ford

Navigation warnings referring to adapters for Tesla’s North America Charging Standard (NACS) are set to be added to Apple Maps in a future update, as spotted by one code sleuth this week.

On Monday, X user and code sleuth Aaronp613 shared code from a future iOS 18.4 beta update that includes Maps references to NACS charging adapters, warning drivers when such an adapter is required on certain navigation routes. The code looks like it includes a voice alert and heading message for the Apple Maps navigation system, which can be expected to be added in a future update.

The latest iOS version available at this time for iPhone and iPad is 18.3.1, according to Apple’s website. The anticipated update is also expected to arrive amidst increased cross-platform integration for vehicle owners, as many companies attempt to make it easier for electric vehicle (EV) owners to stay charged and keep tabs on their vehicles.

READ MORE ON TESLA SUPPORT FOR APPLE DEVICES: First look at Tesla’s app for the Apple Watch

Many Tesla and other-brand EV owners use an iPhone or other Apple devices, so integration between these and a person’s vehicles are becoming increasingly important. The automaker also launched an Apple Watch app as part of its holiday update in December, letting owners control their vehicles even from the wearable device.

Tesla has also been rolling out widespread access to its Supercharger network to other EV brands over the last several months, and the code is just the latest hint at updates focused on making it easier for consumers to use its charging stations. As more and more brands gain access, drivers of non-Tesla vehicles will also be using the Supercharger network in increasing volumes, making such alerts especially important for making sure new owners are informed and aware of what they might encounter on their navigation routes.

Companies across the industry announced partnerships to adopt Tesla’s NACS charging standard in future vehicle models throughout much of 2023, alongside plans to offer adapters to owners of existing vehicles with the CCS hardware.

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Tesla gaining with Republicans as it loses traction with Democrats: Stifel

Stifel’s Think Tank Group data has shown that Democrats’ net favorability of Tesla fell to -15% from 7% since February 2024, while Republicans’ rose to 27% from 11%.

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Credit: Tesla

Elon Musk’s vocal support for U.S. President Donald Trump has driven a partisan divide in Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) appeal, with Democrats souring on the brand and Republicans warming to it, as per Stifel analysts led by Stephen Gengaro.

The Stifel analysts’ findings were outlined in a report from Investing.com.

Musk’s Trump support:

Elon Musk openly supported Donald Trump last year following the then-candidate’s first assassination attempt. Since Trump took power, Musk has become more involved in politics, with the CEO now leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk’s involvement in conservative politics has resulted in a wave of protests against the CEO. A number of Tesla stores have also been vandalized in recent weeks, and some have been the location of anti-Musk protests.

What Stifel analysts say:

Stifel’s Think Tank Group data has shown that Democrats’ net favorability of Tesla fell to -15% from 7% since February 2024, while Republicans’ rose to 27% from 11%. Democrats’ net purchase consideration for Tesla vehicles also dropped to -42% from -31% since Musk endorsed Trump in August, while Republicans’ improved to -13% from -26% in the same period, per Stifel.

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“There is a clear negative shift from Democrats, while Republicans willingness to buy a Tesla is rising… This backlash has surfaced anecdotally and on social media (people placing bumper stickers on their Tesla’s claiming they love the car, but not Elon, and other variations),” the analyst noted.

Potential Headwinds:

Genaro noted that Republican interest in Tesla might offset some Democratic losses for the electric vehicle maker. However, there might be “some near-term headwinds” from Musk’s role, China’s fierce competition, and the company’s transition from the Model Y classic to the new Model Y. A 45.2% year-on-year sales drop in the EU in January—against a 37% rise in regional EV sales—was also dubbed by the analysts as a “worrisome trend,” as it could potentially be “highlighting a shift in consumer preference away from Tesla toward other manufacturers.”

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Anti Elon Musk protester attacks Polestar after mistaking it for a Tesla

Witnesses noted that prior to the attack, the man was waving a homemade sign slamming Elon Musk and Tesla.

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Credit: @MailOnline/X

A man described as being in his 40s decided to express his frustration against Elon Musk by attacking one of the CEO’s all-electric vehicles in central Bristol, England.

Unfortunately, the man did not seem to be too familiar with Teslas at all, or even how they looked like. As a result, he ended up attacking and damaging a Polestar electric vehicle instead.

The attack:

As could be seen in videos taken of the attack, the man, seemingly fueled by anti-Elon Musk fury, grabbed a “big pole” and smashed the unfortunate Polestar. The man damaged the Polestar quite a bit, breaking several of the electric car’s windows and seemingly damaging some body panels.

Witnesses noted that prior to the attack, the man was waving a homemade sign slamming Elon Musk and Tesla, as noted in a Daily Mail report.

Police catch protester, then releases him:

Avon and Somerset Police arrested the pole-wielding man on suspicion of criminal damage, arson, and carrying an offensive weapon in public, though they later released him under investigation.

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A local, who initially mistook the racket for fireworks, told authorities that the protester “wasn’t trying to do a runner.” “I thought, it must be some kind of protest,” the local noted.

“I was shocked. When you’re trying to go to sleep on a Monday evening, the last thing you expect to hear is a bloke smashing up a car,” the local added.

Indeed, it was a protest. A protest against the wrong car.

Sign’s Musk Rant:

The protester’s sign is quite rambling, reading: “Eleon Musk you have to pay for all that demolition and seven a trillion dollars for foundation Wielka Orkiestra Witecznej Pomocy,” referring to a Polish charity, The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, for no clear reason.

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