EV Daily | Tesla Unveils HW4 Retrofit Plans; BYD's Atto 3 Surges in South Korea with 1,000+ Orders

【Tesla】

Tesla is developing a new self-driving computer retrofit, not for HW3 cars, but as an upgrade for existing HW4 vehicles. Tesla promises "unsupervised self-driving" on HW3, but doubts remain. Recent findings indicate a new computer called "MY Reloaded" may serve as a retrofit for HW4 cars, with added features like a bumper cam. The new computer could potentially replace old HW4 units as Tesla seeks higher autonomy levels. Despite speculations, many remain skeptical of Tesla's ability to deliver unsupervised driving with these upgrades.

Joe Rogan, a well-known comedian and podcaster, received a customized Tesla Model S Plaid from Unplugged Performance, showcasing his shift from an electric vehicle skeptic to an enthusiast. The vehicle features a widebody kit, advanced wheels, and upgraded suspension and brakes for enhanced performance and aesthetics.

Tesla has launched a new Model Y in North America and Europe, continuing its rollout of new offerings across regions. The company also announced price hikes for its electric cars in Canada, impacting its overall market strategy.

Tesla is releasing insurance discounts with Full Self-Driving and integrating diner features into its app for enhanced user experience. These moves reflect Tesla's strategy to extend its vehicle ecosystem beyond just transportation.



【BYD】

BYD's electric SUV, the Atto 3, has garnered over 1,000 preorders in South Korea within a week of its launch. The car features a 60.48 kWh BYD Blade battery, offering a driving range of 321 km. BYD plans to expand its lineup in Korea with models like the Seal and Sealion 7 SUVs. In Japan, BYD outsold Toyota in its first full sales year, challenging Hyundai and Kia in their home market. This growth is supported by 15 showrooms and 11 service centers in key locations.



【Others】

Kia plans to roll out first-party NACS adapters for its vehicles soon, though access to Tesla Superchargers using these adapters is pending. The Kia EV6 with a native NACS port is expected to arrive alongside Supercharger access later this quarter.

Genesis introduced the GV60 Mountain Intervention Vehicle (MIV) concept designed for extreme rescue missions. Based on the GV60, it includes off-road features like snow tracks and advanced communication systems, showcasing Genesis' commitment to sustainable and innovative solutions.

Rivian plans to introduce hands-free driving this year and an "eyes-free" system by 2026. The company is collaborating with Volkswagen in a joint venture, attracting interest from other automakers for its EV tech.

GE Vernova secured orders to repower over 1 GW of wind turbines in the US, enhancing efficiency and lifespan. This initiative supports the US energy demand surge and offers cost-effective solutions for extending wind farm operations.

EV charger manufacturer Kempower partnered with Ziegler Energy Solutions to provide fast charging infrastructure for commercial fleets. The collaboration aims to address fleet challenges with reliable, scalable EV charging solutions integrated with solar and battery storage systems.

Kia's EV sales are projected to grow with the launch of new models like the EV9, EV3, and EV4. The company aims to achieve higher sales in Europe and North America, supported by its eco-friendly vehicle lineup. The EV4 will complete Kia's lineup of popular EVs and is expected to launch globally.