Cleantech & EV'sNews

Waymo adds Google's Gemini AI assistant and new UI to Ojai robotaxi

Waymo is putting Google’s Gemini AI assistant inside its robotaxis for the first time, alongside the first major redesign of its rider interface in years. Both features are launching in the Ojai, Waymo’s purpose-built vehicle, as the company gets ready to open the car up to more public riders. Gemini in Waymo The headline feature is Gemini in Waymo, a conversational assistant riders can call…
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Cleantech & EV'sNews

BYD launches the 'world's first' SDV kei EV, starting at just $13,000

The Racco went on sale as the “world’s first SDV-based” light EV, BYD said, with a low starting price of around $13,000. BYD Racco debuts as a new type of kei EV BYD held a launch event for the Racco on Tuesday, its first electric kei car aimed at Japan’s light vehicle market, The market has been historically dominated by domestic brands like Honda, Suzuki, and Nissan, but BYD believes…
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Cleantech & EV'sNews

Rivian R2 uses up to 26% more energy than Model Y in real-world test

Out of Spec Reviews put a Rivian R2 Performance and a Tesla Model Y Performance on the same roads on the same afternoon. The R2 used 18% to 26% more energy at every single speed they tested. That’s awkward, because the two SUVs carry identical EPA efficiency ratings, and Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has been telling media the R2 matches the Model Y. What the EPA numbers say We covered the ratings…
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Cleantech & EV'sNews

Musk says Tesla Semi self-driving is a year away, so truckers are safe

Elon Musk says Tesla expects to have self-driving working on the Tesla Semi “probably around the end of this year or early next year.” Going by Tesla’s record on self-driving deadlines, it is: their jobs are safe for a long time. Musk sells the autonomous Semi as a favor to truckers The comment came on Tesla’s Q2 2026 earnings call on July 22, after LightShed analyst Walter Piecyk asked…
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