BRIEFLY: Tesla, Polestar, Nissan & more | 03 Oct 2025
About this episode
Recent developments in the EV market are highlighted, including Tesla's opening of US orders for the refreshed Model Y Performance just before the federal tax credit expired. Polestar 3 receives significant upgrades, while Nissan pauses its US EV plans, citing competitiveness issues. The episode also discusses Tesla's bidirectional charging feature for the Model Y and rising lease prices. Insights into global EV trends, including Norway's strong preference for pure battery electric vehicles, and Rivian's progress on the R2 are also covered.
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TESLA OPENS MODEL Y PERFORMANCE US ORDERS
Tesla opened US orders for the refreshed Model Y Performance just ahead of the federal EV tax credit deadline, with deliveries set for December 2025 and a price that includes complimentary options such as premium colors, a tow hitch, and lifetime Premium Connectivity. This enhanced value package aims to justify the price premium and offers buyers a feature-rich, high-performance electric SUV.
POLESTAR 3 GETS BIG UPGRADES FOR 2026
The 2026 Polestar 3 sees a major upgrade with an 800V electrical system, boosting charging speeds to 350 kW and improving overall efficiency by 6%. These enhancements, paired with a powerful new rear motor and a top-tier NVIDIA central computer, are available to all existing customers via retrofit, ensuring the brand’s flagship SUV delivers cutting-edge EV technology.
NISSAN PAUSES U.S. EV PRODUCTION PLANS
Nissan is reallocating its US production focus after pausing plans for local EV assembly, directing efforts towards hybrid SUVs that suit current market trends. The company remains committed to EVs by continuing Leaf sales from Japan and considering US hybrid production while monitoring future demand.
MODEL Y PERFORMANCE TO ENABLE BIDIRECTIONAL CHARGING
The new Tesla Model Y Performance will support bidirectional charging, adding both vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home capabilities through a future software update. This practical feature gives owners reliable backup power and portable electricity, further enhancing the Model Y's appeal as a versatile family EV.
TESLA RAISES U.S. LEASE PRICES AFTER TAX CREDIT ENDS
Tesla raised US lease prices for all models following the expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, and industry analysts predict sales may slow with the reduced affordability. Despite market shifts, Tesla's purchase prices remain steady, and the company continues to lead in EV innovation and technology.
TESLA CHINA DELIVERIES CONTINUE TO DECLINE
Tesla’s deliveries in China have dipped despite pricing incentives and the introduction of new models, but global Q3 deliveries were strong, supported by robust demand in the US. The company remains agile in responding to regional trends, maintaining competitiveness with regular product updates and market-specific offerings.
NORWAY EVS 98.3% OF SEPTEMBER REGISTRATIONS
Norway reached a new milestone in September, with EVs accounting for 98.3% of all new car registrations, reflecting strong government policy and consumer enthusiasm. Tesla saw standout growth, recording its highest monthly sales in over two years and helping Norway further its world-leading electrification efforts.
NEXTSTAR ENERGY FINISHES $5B WINDSOR BATTERY PLANT
NextStar Energy, a Stellantis and LG joint venture, has completed Canada’s largest battery plant in Windsor, capable of supplying 450,000 EVs annually and supporting more than 2,500 jobs. The factory is fully approved for safe operation and will play a pivotal role in North America's transition to electric vehicles.
FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES OUTSTRIP EV TAX CREDIT
Analysis shows that while the US federal EV tax credit has ended, fossil fuels still receive hundreds of billions in government support annually, far outstripping historical EV subsidies. This context highlights the ongoing need for policy equity as the market shifts toward cleaner transportation solutions.
AFFORDABLE CLEAN CARS COALITION GROWS TO 13 GOVERNORS
The Affordable Clean Cars Coalition has grown to 13 state governors united in expanding access to cost-effective EVs and supporting domestic automakers. The group's collaboration focuses on lowering barriers for consumers and maintaining state authority under the Clean Air Act to accelerate vehicle electrification.
RIVIAN SHARES R2 WATER-FORDING DURABILITY TEST AS PRODUCTION NEARS
Rivian demonstrated the resilience of its upcoming R2 SUV with a successful water-fording test, underscoring its capability before production starts in 2026. These rigorous trials ensure the vehicle meets high durability standards, aiming for a base price around $45,000.
4SB MOBILITY TO DEMONSTRATE SWAPPABLE EV BATTERIES
4SB Mobility will showcase swappable battery technology at Fleet & Mobility Live, giving UK fleet operators a hands-on look at how rapid swaps—completed in as little as two minutes—can enhance EV usability. The system can even retrofit existing EVs, improving range flexibility and future-proofing fleet investments.
ARCHER MIDNIGHT eVTOL REACHES 7,000-FOOT ALTITUDE
Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL achieved a 7,000-foot altitude in testing, successfully demonstrating its power and potential for urban mobility solutions. The milestone is a positive development toward eventual FAA certification, with the aircraft now tested at speeds exceeding 150 mph and distances over 50 miles.
Tesla Model Y
"Tesla has opened US orders for the Refresh Model Y Performance ahead of the federal tax credit which expired three days ago. They opened orders just hours before the expiration."
The Tesla Model Y Performance is a fast version of Tesla's electric SUV. It's designed to be fun to drive while still being eco-friendly, using electricity instead of gasoline.
The Tesla Model Y Performance is a high-performance variant of Tesla's compact SUV, known for its quick acceleration and advanced technology features. It is part of Tesla's lineup of electric vehicles, which are designed to offer both efficiency and performance.
Polestar 3
"For Tesla News in a moment, first of all, the Polestar 3 gets a big upgrade, just like the Volvo EX90 did. So moving to the 800-volt electrical system, charging speeds of 350 kilowatts, amazing new internal compute power."
The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV made by Polestar, which is part of Volvo. It has cool features that help it charge quickly and perform well.
The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV from Polestar, a performance brand under Volvo. It features advanced technology, including an 800-volt electrical system, which allows for faster charging and improved performance.
Volvo EX90
"...olestar 3 gets a big upgrade, just like the Volvo EX90 did. So moving to the 800-volt electrical system,..."
800-volt electrical system
"So moving to the 800-volt electrical system, charging speeds of 350 kilowatts, amazing new internal compute power."
An 800-volt electrical system helps electric cars charge faster than the usual systems. This means you can spend less time waiting for your car to charge.
An 800-volt electrical system in electric vehicles allows for faster charging and improved efficiency compared to traditional 400-volt systems. This higher voltage can reduce charging times significantly, enabling quicker turnaround for EV users.
bidirectional charging
"Model Y performance, back to the Model Y news by Tesla News, has bidirectional charging."
Bidirectional charging means an electric car can not only take in electricity to charge but can also send electricity out. This can help power your home or other devices when needed.
Bidirectional charging refers to the ability of an electric vehicle to both receive and send electricity back to the grid or to other devices. This technology allows EVs to act as energy storage units, potentially providing power to homes or other vehicles.
bidirectionality
"Starting with the Model Y performance, we've known that the on-board systems could bidirectionality for a while..."
Bidirectionality means that an electric vehicle can both take in electricity to charge and send electricity out to power other things.
Bidirectionality in electric vehicles refers to the ability to both receive and send electricity. This allows vehicles to not only charge from the grid but also supply power back to it or to other devices.
Tesla Cybertruck
"... has bidirectional charging. So, seeing it on the Cybertruck, obviously, but now coming to the world's most po..."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new type of electric truck that looks very different from regular trucks. It can also share its battery power with other vehicles or gadgets, which is a cool feature that shows how advanced electric cars can be.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck known for its futuristic design and robust performance. It features innovative technology such as bidirectional charging, allowing it to power other devices or vehicles, which makes it significant in discussions about electric vehicles and their capabilities.
over the air update
"yet it'll be confirmed or rather enabled through and over the air update before the end of the year."
An over the air update is when a car gets new software or features sent to it wirelessly, like how your phone updates apps.
An over the air update is a method of wirelessly updating software in vehicles. This allows manufacturers to improve vehicle performance, add features, or fix bugs without requiring a visit to a dealership.
pure BEV
"Norway just hit 98.3% last month, pure bev of the new car market."
Pure BEV means a car that runs only on electricity and has no gas engine at all.
Pure BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a type of electric vehicle that runs entirely on electricity stored in batteries, without any internal combustion engine or hybrid components.
LG
"Next star energy is the joint project between Stellantis and LG."
LG is a large company from South Korea that makes electronics and also works on car batteries.
LG is a South Korean multinational conglomerate known for its electronics, chemicals, and telecommunications products. In the automotive sector, LG is involved in manufacturing batteries and electric vehicle components.
Stellantis
"Next star energy is the joint project between Stellantis and LG."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars, like Jeep and Dodge.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group. It encompasses a wide range of brands including Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot.
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