Musk confirms xAI-Tesla joint ‘Digital Optimus’ project — after saying Tesla didn’t need xAI

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Elon Musk announced today that “Digital Optimus”, also called “Macrohard”, is a joint xAI-Tesla project that will use xAI’s Grok large language model to power a computer-controlling AI agent. The project is part of Tesla’s $2 billion investment agreement with xAI.

The announcement directly contradicts Musk’s own September 2024 statement that Tesla had “no need to license anything from xAI”, and it lands while Tesla shareholders are actively suing him for breach of fiduciary duty over the founding of xAI in the first place.

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Tesla Cybertruck owner sues over FSD crash, alleges ‘negligent’ retention of Musk

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A Texas woman is suing Tesla for over $1 million after her Cybertruck, running on Autopilot, attempted to drive straight off a Houston overpass and crashed into a concrete barrier. The lawsuit includes an unusually pointed allegation: that Tesla was negligent in hiring and retaining Elon Musk as CEO.

The case, filed in Harris County District Court, adds to what has become an avalanche of legal consequences tied to Tesla’s “self-driving” claims, and it comes just weeks after a federal judge upheld a historic $243 million verdict against the automaker in a separate Autopilot crash case.

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Solid-state EV battery patent reveals CATL’s ambitious plans

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CATL filed an international patent, detailing how its solid-state battery cell and electrolyte material can help overcome one of the biggest challenges in bringing the new tech to market.

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As gas prices rise, there’s a cheaper answer for many people than an electric car

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Whenever gas prices spike, the same advice tends to dominate the conversation: “Just buy an electric car.”

And to be fair, that advice isn’t wrong. Electric cars can dramatically reduce the cost of fueling your transportation, and for drivers who already need a car every day, switching from gasoline to electricity can be a smart financial move. A large-scale shift to EVs is also our best bet for energy independence, so global strife has less impact on our wallets. But that argument, despite its merits, ignores the fact that most people can’t simply buy a new car to replace their existing gasoline-powered vehicle.

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EV prices fall again – and the gap with gas cars shrinks to $6,500

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EV prices edged down in February, while gas-powered car prices crept up, narrowing the gap between the two, according to new estimates from Kelley Blue Book.

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MG unveils its first electric SUV with a semi-solid-state EV battery

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After launching the first mass-produced EV with a semi-solid-state battery last year, SAIC Motor is following it up with the new MG 4X electric SUV.

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A reminder, as oil prices spike: EVs are the #1 route to energy independence

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With the news of the US and Israel’s actions in Iran in the last ten days, which caused oil prices to surge by +50%, we are reminded again of how reducing oil demand can lead to less conflict and more energy independence – and electric vehicles are every country’s best bet for getting there.

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Anker SOLIX Spring Sale takes up to 65% off power stations + bonus exclusive savings, Segway MAX G30P e-scooter at $550, more

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Our headliner for today’s Green Deals is Anker’s massive SOLIX Spring Sale lineup with up to 65% initial discounts, as well as an exclusive bonus savings code, free gifts on select models, and more, with prices starting from $120. One notable inclusion for folks looking for larger backup support for a variety of means is Anker’s 7,680Wh SOLIX F3800 Plus Portable Power Station with an expansion battery down at $3,608, among many others. We also spotted Segway having a flash sale on its 40-mile travelling MAX G30P Electric Scooter at a $550 yearly low, as well as several Greenworks, EGO, and Worx pole saw and pole hedge trimmer deals, and even more waiting for you below. And don’t forget the hangover deals at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Bluetti Elite 300 power station launch with exclusive bonus savings, Velotric’s Spring e-bike Sale lineup, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

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BYD explores Formula 1 entry as it looks to boost global brand

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BYD, the world’s largest electric vehicle seller, is exploring an entry into Formula 1 as the Chinese automaker looks for ways to strengthen its brand recognition outside of China. The move would represent BYD’s first push into elite auto racing.

According to a Bloomberg report, BYD is considering options ranging from acquiring an existing team to potentially building one from scratch, though no decision has been made.

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Meet the Porsche Cayenne S EV, a 657 hp electric SUV with a +$125,000 price tag

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Porsche added the all-electric Cayenne S to the lineup, designed to fill the gap between the base and Turbo models for those looking for performance at a more affordable price.

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