Tesla Supercharger Live Availability Added to Google Maps
Google Maps now offers live Supercharger availability data, making it easier for non-Tesla EV drivers to navigate the Supercharger network. This feature is already live and available for users.
The integration provides live stall availability at Supercharger sites, along with existing information such as charger speed in kW and popular times tracked by Google. This feature will likely be extended to Apple Maps users, which also supports EV charging and navigation.
While this is a significant step, there are still some details missing from Google Maps. For instance, it lacks pricing information, including time-of-use pricing and congestion pricing details. This is crucial, as dynamic pricing can vary significantly between nearby Supercharger sites.
Another issue is the labeling of charging sites. Non-Tesla compatible sites are labeled as "NACS," while Tesla-only sites are labeled as Tesla. This can be confusing for new users, especially those with low battery levels.
Tesla's Director of Charging emphasizes that this is just the first step towards better integration. The company aims to aggregate demand data with charger availability, using features like Virtual Queuing to manage the network proactively.
Max's analogy of the Trip Planner as an air traffic controller is apt. Tesla routes vehicles to the most appropriate Supercharger site based on live availability, travel time, state of charge, traffic, and expected availability at arrival. This helps avoid congestion and ensures users reach their destinations quickly.
However, Tesla currently only considers Tesla vehicles with In-car GPS for navigation. To improve this, Tesla needs to work with navigation and mapping providers like Google and Apple to gather incoming navigation information, including state of charge and arrival times.
In summary, while live data is a great start, there's still much to do for cross-provider integration to better manage the Supercharger network. This is just the initial step.
Tesla Semi Design and Production Specs Updated
The Tesla Semi has been a long-awaited promise in the trucking industry. After years of high-profile test fleets, the 2025 Shareholder Meeting revealed the final product iteration with a locked-in spec sheet and updated design.
The Semi's performance metrics, driver satisfaction, and lower total cost of ownership make it a compelling choice over diesel trucks. Tesla's updated spec sheet includes:
- Range: 500 miles
- Efficiency: 1.7 kWh per mile
- Charging: 1.2 MW (1,200 kW) peak charging
- Power: 800 kW sustained
The true game-changer is the efficiency, offering a significant operating advantage in an industry with thin margins and high fuel costs.
Tesla also addressed the downtime argument with its 1.2 MW charging capability, designed to replenish the majority of the Semi's range within a standard 30-minute driver rest break.
Mass production of the Semi will begin at the Semi Nevada factory in 2026, with a goal of producing 50,000 Semis per year by the end of 2026.
The Semi's design is also updated, featuring a new exterior and Model Y-styled front lightbar. The platform is designed for autonomy, just like other Tesla vehicles.
Tesla FSD to Allow Texting and Driving
The 2025 Shareholder Meeting hinted at Tesla's next step for FSD: allowing texting and driving. FSD v14.1.x updates are rolling out, and Tesla is working towards reducing the driver's attention required.
Elon Musk stated that Tesla is almost comfortable allowing people to text and drive, and they are closely examining safety statistics. The goal is to begin loosening supervision within the next month or two.
Tesla is building a statistical argument to convince regulators that FSD is ready for autonomy. They are using data from FSD, excluding Autopilot, to show even lower accident rates.
The FSD V14 includes a feature that alerts the user when they need to pay closer attention, indicating varying levels of required attention. This doesn't mean users can use their phones without looking at the road, but Tesla may allow longer periods of inattention without penalizing the user.
The ultimate goal is for the driver not to have to supervise the vehicle at all, and FSD V14.3 is expected to be the point where drivers can 'pretty much fall asleep and wake up at their destination.'
NHTSA and regulatory hurdles will be a significant challenge for Tesla as they work towards allowing drivers to send short texts while FSD is enabled.
