TesCam Today

Your Tesla news brief

Image: Drive Tesla Canada
01FSD & Autopilot

F1 Champion Nico Rosberg Calls Tesla FSD Life-Changing

The 2016 Formula 1 champion tested FSD Supervised in a Cybertruck around San Francisco.

Nico Rosberg used Tesla Full Self-Driving Supervised in a Cybertruck for back-to-back meetings in San Francisco. He said the system reduced fatigue and let him arrive more focused, including time spent with his wife during one drive.

Rosberg wrote that after a career of controlling the car himself he is now willing to hand over control. He noted that Europe lags in approving assisted driving systems, with only 10 EU countries currently allowing FSD.

Tesla highlighted the comments on X, and 75 percent of new North American Teslas last quarter included FSD according to Rosberg.

“it’s been LIFE-CHANGING!”

Nico Rosberg1

Key facts

  • Nico Rosberg tested FSD Supervised in a Cybertruck in San Francisco and called it life-changing.12
  • Rosberg said he is now fully willing to hand over control after his racing career.2
  • 75 percent of new Teslas delivered in North America last quarter came with FSD.2
  • Only 10 EU countries have approved FSD after provisional approval in the Netherlands.1
@SawyerMerrittWant even more evidence that @Tesla FSD is going mainstream? Here’s 2016 F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg after recently trying FSD (Supervised) for the first time: "It's been LIFE-CHANGING!"@TeslaEven the world's best drivers like being driven
Image: Drive Tesla Canada
02Vehicles

Tesla Semi Wins Top Gear Tech Award

Top Gear gave the Tesla Semi its Tech Award in the 2027 US Car Awards.

Top Gear recognized the Tesla Semi with its Tech Award, calling it an example of Tesla at its best. The publication noted the truck as a reminder of the company's focus on important vehicles.

Tesla refreshed the Semi in September with a light bar, electric steering and heat pump. It offers Standard and Long Range versions with up to 500 miles of range when loaded and charges at 1.2 MW.

Production occurs in Nevada at up to 50,000 trucks per year, with European deliveries set for 2027.

“The Semi is a potent reminder.”

Top Gear1

Key facts

  • Top Gear awarded the Tesla Semi its Tech Award in the 2027 US Car Awards.12
  • The Semi offers 325-mile and 500-mile ranges when fully loaded and charges from 0 to 60 percent in 30 minutes at 1.2 MW.12
  • Tesla produces the Semi in Nevada with capacity for 50,000 trucks per year and plans European shipments in 2027.12
Image: Tesla North
03FSD & Autopilot

Tesla Urges Australia to Start Driverless FSD Trials in 2027

Tesla has asked Australia to allow public-road autonomous vehicle trials in 2027 and advance its safety law by two years.

Tesla Motors Australia submitted a request on October 16 to the Select Committee on Productivity in Australia. The company seeks permits for driverless trials on public roads starting in 2027 and wants the Autonomous Vehicle Safety Law moved up from 2029.

Tesla cited more than 160 million kilometers of FSD (Supervised) driving in Australia and New Zealand since September 2025. It reported a 40 percent drop in collisions, 90 percent fewer harsh braking events, and 86 percent less harsh acceleration with the system engaged.

The submission notes that advancing the law could unlock over A$10 billion in benefits and save hundreds of lives, according to modeling from the Autonomous Vehicle Association of Australia.

“the two-year shift alone would save hundreds of lives and prevent thousands of injuries.”

Tesla1

Key facts

  • Tesla asked Australia’s Senate to greenlight public-road autonomous vehicle trials in 2027 and advance the safety law from 2029.1
  • Tesla vehicles logged over 160 million kilometers of FSD (Supervised) driving in Australia and New Zealand since September 2025.1
  • FSD (Supervised) showed a 40% drop in collisions, 90% drop in harsh braking, and 86% drop in harsh acceleration.1
@SawyerMerrittTesla is urging the Australian government to accelerate its autonomous vehicle regulations and start vehicle trials on public roads in 2027 (from 2029)
Image: Not a Tesla App
04RobotaxiUpdated

Tesla Robotaxi Extends Service to 2 AM With New Calm Mode

Tesla extended Robotaxi hours to 2 AM and added Calm Mode that removes FSD visuals on the cabin screen.

Tesla updated its Robotaxi service to run from 6 AM to 2 AM, adding two hours past the prior midnight cutoff. The change applies across current markets without city-specific limits noted.

Calm Mode dims the screen, hides FSD visualizations, and adjusts cabin lighting for a quieter ride. Riders can also view the rear camera feed and share trip details via the app.

Accessibility updates include improved vehicle arrows, haptic feedback, and screen-reader music controls. Grok access expanded to Model Y Robotaxis.

“Until bar closing time now!”

Ashok Elluswamy2

Key facts

  • Robotaxi service now operates 6 AM to 2 AM.12
  • Calm Mode dims the screen and removes FSD visualizations.13
  • Rear camera feed and trip sharing added to the rider app.2
  • Earlier October updates set hours at 6 AM to 11 PM then midnight.1
@SawyerMerrittTesla has announced that their robotaxi service now runs until 2 AM (from 1 AM before). Getting close to 24-hour operation!
Image: Drive Tesla Canada
05Vehicles

Tesla Offers 0% Financing and Discounts in China

Tesla has introduced 0% financing plans and limited-time discounts for the Model 3 and Model Y in China.

Tesla launched a new 0% financing plan in China that lowers the minimum down payment for the Model 3 and Model Y to 39,900 yuan. Buyers can select either standard 0% financing for up to five years or a flexible plan with a balloon payment at the end.

Orders placed between October 30 and November 30, 2026 qualify for the offers. The entry-level Model 3 receives a 10,000 yuan discount while the Model Y receives a 4,000 yuan discount. The six-seat Model Y L is also included.

In Canada, Tesla financing rates remain higher with examples at 5.21% APR.

Key facts

  • Tesla launched 0% financing in China with down payments as low as 39,900 yuan for Model 3 and Model Y.1
  • Orders must be placed between October 30 and November 30, 2026 to receive the offers.1
  • Model 3 starts at 235,500 yuan before a 10,000 yuan discount; Model Y receives a 4,000 yuan discount.1

More from today

EnergyTesla Launches Heat Pump Optimization for Powerwall 3 in Europe
Image: Drive Tesla Canada
06Energy

Tesla Launches Heat Pump Optimization for Powerwall 3 in Europe

Tesla has introduced Heat Pump Optimization for Powerwall 3 owners in Europe to reduce heating costs using surplus solar or low-rate electricity.

Tesla has introduced a new Heat Pump Optimization feature for Powerwall 3, allowing compatible heat pumps to use surplus solar energy or cheaper electricity to help homeowners reduce heating costs.

The feature is available for Powerwall 3 and Powerwall 3P in Europe, where it can automatically adjust heating based on solar production and electricity prices. The system works by increasing heating when excess solar energy is available or electricity rates are low, storing that energy as heat for later use.

Heat Pump Optimization supports compatible Smart Grid Ready heat pumps. In Self-Powered mode, excess solar activates Boosted mode, while Savings mode also activates it when prices are low. Tesla has not announced the feature for Canadian or North American customers.

Key facts

  • Tesla introduced Heat Pump Optimization for Powerwall 3 and 3P in Europe.1
  • The feature adjusts heating based on solar production and electricity prices for compatible SG-Ready heat pumps.1
  • Boosted mode activates with excess solar in Self-Powered mode or low prices in Savings mode.1
  • No announcement or timeline exists for Canada or North America.1
RobotaxiCybercab Built Without Paint Shop Using New Method
Image: InsideEVs
07Robotaxi

Cybercab Built Without Paint Shop Using New Method

Tesla assembles the Cybercab via separate modules on parallel lines before final joining at the Texas factory.

Tesla's unboxed process builds the front, rear, sides, and floor on separate lines before they converge on an automated framing line. The front module holds roughly half the vehicle's parts and content, with wiring and systems pre-checked.

Plastic exterior panels are molded in color, eliminating the paint shop that would otherwise require earlier body assembly. The line reaches about 78 percent automation, and final assembly uses roughly 25 stations versus 5-10 times that for the Model Y.

The factory does not run daily because production outpaces current deployment needs.

“the line is about 78% automated”

Tesla1

Key facts

  • Tesla builds Cybercab front, rear, sides, and floor on separate lines before joining them.1
  • Plastic panels are molded in color, skipping the conventional paint shop.1
  • The assembly line is about 78 percent automated and uses roughly 25 final stations.1
Sources1InsideEVs
VehiclesElon Musk Mentions Model Y Long Wheelbase Variant
Image: Illustration: Grok Imagine
08Vehicles

Elon Musk Mentions Model Y Long Wheelbase Variant

Elon Musk posted a brief note about a Tesla Model Y long wheelbase variant.

Elon Musk posted about the Tesla Model Y long wheelbase variant.

The post consists of that single phrase with no additional details provided.

“Tesla Model Y long wheel base variant”

elonmusk

Key facts

  • Elon Musk posted about a Tesla Model Y long wheelbase variant.
  • The post text reads exactly Tesla Model Y long wheel base variant.
@elonmuskTesla Model Y long wheel base variant

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