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Introduction
Tesla continues to dominate headlines with game-changing milestones across self-driving technology, charging infrastructure, and competition from rivals like Lucid. In Australia and New Zealand, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised software has already covered over 1 million kilometers in less than two weeks of launch, proving rapid adoption in new markets. At the same time, Tesla is pushing forward with its V4 Supercharger cabinet, a leap in charging technology that could make the Tesla Semi instantly viable. Meanwhile, Tesla faces criticism from competitors such as Lucid, which claims Tesla’s flagship Model S has gone unchanged for 12 years. These developments illustrate both the strength and challenges of Tesla’s position in the evolving EV landscape.
Tesla Hits 1 Million km on FSD Supervised in Australia & New Zealand
Tesla has achieved a remarkable milestone, with FSD Supervised surpassing 1 million kilometers in less than two weeks after its rollout in Australia and New Zealand. This achievement comes on the heels of a Model Y completing a 13,500 km journey across Australian roads using FSD Supervised. According to Tesla’s official X post, drivers are logging around 80,000 km daily using the system.
The company highlighted the achievement by equating it to 67 laps around Australia or 625 trips from Auckland to Invercargill. Australia, notably the first right-hand drive market to gain access to FSD Supervised, embraced the rollout starting September 18. The success also sets the stage for Tesla’s upcoming subscription model, priced at $149/month in Australia and $159/month in New Zealand, offering broader access to FSD for drivers who prefer not to pay the full upfront cost.
Waymo’s Viral Golf Course Incident
While Tesla celebrates its FSD progress, rival Waymo faced embarrassment when a video emerged showing one of its cars driving onto a golf course. Social media reactions suggested outrage would have been far harsher had it been a Tesla FSD vehicle. Waymo later clarified that the car in question was human-driven and preparing for an event at Penmar Golf Course.
Tesla fans argued that the media’s bias against Tesla is evident—pointing out that if Tesla had been involved, headlines would have screamed about robotaxis endangering lives. This underscores the ongoing public perception battle Tesla faces compared to competitors.
Tesla’s V4 Supercharger: A Game-Changer for the Semi
Tesla also unveiled its V4 cabinet Supercharger, which promises 0.5 MW charging for cars and 1.2 MW for the Tesla Semi. With higher throughput, efficiency, and lower costs, the V4 cabinet could revolutionize EV infrastructure.
Max de Zegher, Tesla’s Charging Director, called it a “charging masterpiece,” emphasizing its 16 power electronics trays that convert AC to DC at unprecedented efficiency. For the Tesla Semi—set to disrupt long-haul trucking—this infrastructure could be the key enabler for global adoption. If rolled out quickly, it ensures Tesla trucks can compete directly with diesel-powered haulers across long-distance routes.
Lucid CEO Throws Shade at Tesla Model S
Lucid’s interim CEO, Marc Winterhoff, recently claimed that the Tesla Model S hasn’t changed in 12 years, attracting former Tesla owners to Lucid. He noted an uptick in sales from Tesla drivers dissatisfied with the aging lineup and Elon Musk’s political controversies.
However, his statement overlooks Tesla’s Plaid upgrade in 2021 and refresh in 2023. While the Model S exterior design has remained largely consistent, Tesla has innovated extensively in performance, software, and interiors. Yet, it’s undeniable that Model S and X sales have declined, signaling Tesla may need to revamp its flagship vehicles more aggressively to stay ahead.
What Undercode Say: 🔎
Tesla’s latest milestones reveal both technological leadership and brand vulnerability:
FSD Adoption Surge: The rapid embrace of FSD in Australia and New Zealand shows strong consumer trust, even in early stages. With subscriptions lowering the entry barrier, adoption will likely grow exponentially once Hardware 3 vehicles receive upgrades.
Charging Infrastructure Power Play: The V4 Supercharger rollout positions Tesla far ahead of rivals. If 1.2 MW charging becomes standard for the Semi, it could reshape global freight transport, giving Tesla a logistical advantage unmatched in the industry.
Media Bias & Perception Gaps: The Waymo golf course incident highlights an uneven playing field in media narratives. Tesla often faces harsher criticism, yet remains the benchmark competitors measure against.
Competitive Pressure from Lucid: Lucid’s remarks reflect rising competition in the luxury EV market. While Tesla’s innovation cycle remains aggressive, its aging flagship models could push some customers toward alternatives.
Strategic Balance Needed: Tesla must juggle pushing boundaries in autonomy and infrastructure while refreshing its older lineup to maintain dominance across all segments.
Fact Checker Results ✅❌
✅ Tesla’s FSD Supervised milestone of 1 million km in AU/NZ is verified by Tesla’s official account.
✅ The V4 Supercharger capabilities (0.5 MW for cars, 1.2 MW for Semi) were confirmed by Tesla Charging Director Max de Zegher.
❌ Lucid’s claim that the Model S has not changed in 12 years is misleading, as Tesla has refreshed the vehicle multiple times.
Prediction 🔮
Tesla’s momentum in FSD adoption and charging technology signals a strong decade ahead. Expect FSD subscriptions to boost recurring revenue, while the V4 Supercharger network enables global Semi expansion by 2026. Rivalries with Lucid and Waymo will intensify, but Tesla’s combination of software dominance, charging infrastructure, and scale will likely keep it at the forefront of the EV revolution.
🕵️📝✔️Let’s dive deep and fact‑check.
References:
Reported By: www.teslarati.com
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