TesCam Today

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.