A suspicious fire that tore through a Tesla dealership in Rome early Monday morning has left behind a scorched mess of metal and plenty of questions. At least 17 fully electric vehicles were destroyed in the blaze, marking the latest in a string of troubling incidents involving Tesla facilities around the globe.

The incident arrives amid growing backlash against Elon Musk, raising suspicions that this wasn’t just some random electrical mishap. While the exact cause remains under investigation, authorities have not ruled out arson. Fortunately, no one was injured, as the dealership was closed at the time of the fire. Still, the loss is significant, not just in property, but in what it might signal.

More: Man Tries To Torch Tesla Superchargers But Ends Up Torching Himself

According to local media, emergency services were alerted around 4 a.m. on Monday, March 31. Police have since questioned the dealership’s owners and are combing through CCTV footage, Reuters reports.

The fire broke out at the Tesla store located at 48 Via Serracapriola in Rome. Drone footage shared by the YouTube channel Local Team shows the parking lot littered with charred vehicle shells. At least 16 Teslas appear to have suffered irreparable damage.

These cars were reportedly prepped and ready for delivery to customers. Furthermore, the shed covering them was also damaged by the intense heat, though the Tesla dealership’s main building seems to have escaped the worst of it.

A Brand Under Fire—Literally

The timing is hard to ignore. Just two days before the fire, the so-called “Tesla Takedown” movement organized protests outside more than 200 Tesla dealerships across Europe and North America. Most gatherings remained peaceful, but a handful of them escalated into vandalism—and now, possibly worse.

Earlier this month, suspicious fires destroyed multiple Tesla EVs across the USA, as well as in Italy, Germany, and France. In Ontario, Canada, more than 80 vehicles were vandalized at a single Tesla dealership—another flashpoint in what’s quickly becoming a global anti-Musk movement. If there’s no connection between these incidents, it would be one hell of a coincidence.

#Vigilidelfuoco di #Savona in azione stanotte per l'#incendio di 17 automobili nel deposito vetture del porto cittadino. Utilizzata dalle squadre schiuma antincendio per abbattere le fiamme#30marzo pic.twitter.com/KJgVbvL8vw

— Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) March 30, 2025

Lead image Google Maps

Another Tesla Cybertruck has been wrecked, and this time it’s not because it’s been attacked by vandals angry at the automaker’s CEO Elon Musk, or due to some alleged failure of the driver-assist systems. Instead, a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen was the culprit after its driver reportedly suffered a medical emergency, plowing into no fewer than seven vehicles. The Cybertruck took the worst of it, with its bed ripped clean off in the chaos.

Footage and images from the scene show a dark-colored Cybertruck brandishing promotional graphics for Keane Landscaping (they say there’s no such thing as bad publicity, right?) cut in half in the road outside the Dallas Cowboys HQ.

Related: Someone Egged A Cybertruck And Wiped Dog Poop On It

The front end of the truck appears untouched, but everything behind the rear seats is gone, including the bed, frame, and the suspension, motor, and wheels, which can all be seen lying several feet away. Of the eight vehicles involved in the smash, the Cybertruck definitely came off worst, but that doesn’t mean the other cars which, like the Tesla, were all parked and unoccupied, didn’t take some serious hits.

A Ford Mustang, F-series truck, Hyundai Santa Fe, Tesla sedan, and others received major panel damage, but spare a thought for the Mercedes G-wagon, which was given such a smack it was flipped onto its roof and can be seen being righted in CBS’s video.

Police say the accident in Frisco, Texas, was the result of the Mercedes G-Wagen driver suffering a medical episode while behind the wheel last Friday, driving at the intersection of Avenue of the Champions and Cowboys Way. The driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to news reports, and won’t be charged with any driving offenses.

Looking at the amount of damage caused, he must have really hoofed that right pedal, with disastrous, but thankfully not fatal consequences. We imagine that in the future, car safety systems might be able to spot and prevent accidents like this, but until that happens, you might want to stay clear of powerful trucks with super-fast acceleration and curb weights flirting with the 6,000-pound mark, especially if you’re on foot.

Image credit: Dianne Everett/CBS News

While the Tesla Cybertruck seems to be a regular target for ridicule, one example was recently able to tow out a Ford F-150 that got stuck in the snow somewhere in Canada. Although there’s a chance that the whole thing was staged, the clip does show that with a good set of rubber, the truck can put all of its electric power to good use.

Watch: Cybertruck Stuck On Ping Pong Mode In Flowing River

These videos, shared on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum, were filmed by a group of friends who were out enjoying some snow-filled fun in both the Tesla and a Ford F-150. For reasons that are still unclear, the driver of the F-150 seemed to intentionally reverse into a snowbank just off the side of the road—promptly getting stuck, of course. Classic move.

Now, we could all roll our eyes and assume this whole thing was set up—perhaps the F-150 was driven into the snow just for the Tesla to save the day. But regardless of the setup, the video shows one thing: the Cybertruck can actually get things done when it’s not stuck itself.

Driving on snow can be difficult for any road-going vehicle, but this Cybertruck appears to have been aided by the fact that it rocks a set of Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, providing it with better traction than the standard rubber. We’re not sure if it’s a dual-motor AWD version or a tri-motor Cyberbeast, but it apparently had more than enough power to pull out the Ford with ease.

Watch: The Cybertruck Might Be Defeated By Sand, But It Can Rock Crawl

Despite the occasional viral mishap, the Cybertruck’s electric motors and advanced electronics can be helpful in certain off-roading situations. For example, the Tesla has no trouble storming through some of the most difficult and famous rock-crawling areas in the United States, including ‘Hell’s Revenge’ and the ‘Hot Tub’ in Moab, Utah.  

The number of attacks on Tesla cars and company facilities across the United States shows no sign of slowing down. In the span of just 24 hours, the EV brand has been targeted in cities like Las Vegas, Kansas City, San Diego, and more. These incidents come at a time when Tesla’s stock price is in freefall, and Elon Musk continues to stir controversy and make headlines.

One of the most significant attacks happened in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday. According to local police officials, a still-unidentified individual threw several Molotov cocktails and fired shots into a line of Teslas parked at one of the company’s collision centers.

Read: Tesla Owners Brace For Soaring Insurance Costs And Even Bans As EV Attacks Escalate

Authorities say the attack took place around 2:45 a.m., with the suspect wearing all-black attire. By the time police arrived, two Teslas were fully engulfed in flames. Security footage from the scene captured the vehicles burning. In addition to the arson, the suspect spray-painted the word ‘resist’ on the facility’s front doors, leading authorities to label the attack as “targeted” and possibly driven by a “political agenda”.

This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong.

Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks. https://t.co/Fh1rcfsJPh

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 18, 2025

Elon Musk quickly addressed the violence on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the attack in no uncertain terms: “This level of violence is insane and deeply wrong. Tesla just makes electric cars and has done nothing to deserve these evil attacks.”

Kansas Attacks

Meanwhile, in Kansas City, Missouri, two Cybertrucks were set ablaze at a local Tesla dealership on Monday. A local police officer first noted one of the Cybertrucks on fire, and while local fire crews responded to the scene, they weren’t quick enough to avoid a second Cybertruck catching fire. Both EVs suffered extensive damage and are likely not repairable

Local authorities, including the Bomb and Arson Unit, were quickly joined by the FBI and ATF to investigate the incident, reports KMBC.

Vandals Strike Illinois And California

The vandalism isn’t confined to arson. In Buffalo Grove, Illinois, a Tesla dealership was targeted earlier this week, though no vehicles were harmed. Instead, a vandal painted disparaging remarks about President Trump and Elon Musk on the windows. They added that “Trans rights are human rights.” In this case, police have arrested a woman in connection with the vandalism, and she is facing criminal damage to property and trespassing charges, ABC7 reports.

The attacks don’t stop there. Further west, in Encinitas, California, a Tesla location was defaced with swastikas and profanity sprayed on both cars and dealership windows. The police have yet to make any arrests or identify suspects in this case.

Screenshot via Las Vegas Review-Journal

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the Cybertruck has carved out its niche. It might split opinions even harder than its sharp angles and stainless steel skin, but that hasn’t stopped buyers from snapping them up, making it the best-selling vehicle priced over $100,000 in the first half of 2024. Naturally, those sales have fueled a growing market for accessories, with independent companies eager to cash in.

More: Cybertruck Gets Magnetic Wraps That Let You Change Color In Minutes For $2K

One of the more interesting offerings comes from Space Camper, whose latest product, the Cap, turns the back of Tesla’s electric pickup into either a mobile living space or a practical, enclosed cargo area.

The Cap essentially reimagines the Cybertruck’s profile, flattening the roofline to give it the silhouette of an SUV or a panel van. It also adds five inches (13 cm) of height, resulting in an interior space that stands 40 inches (101 cm) tall from the bed floor. By default, it comes in gloss black, but for anyone who’s particular about color coordination, it can be wrapped in any shade you prefer.

Functional Features & Camper Potential

When paired with optional accessories like spanner bars, mole panels, and roof bars, the Cap takes the Cybertruck’s utility up a notch. It’s especially well-suited for camper conversions as it’s compatible with most roof tents and awnings, offering buyers a solid foundation to build their dream overlanding setup.

Inside, you can fit a mattress, wall-mounted storage, LED lights, and even a projector if you’re aiming for a cozy, all-in-one mobile home vibe. And yes, there’s even an optional shower kit if you want to round out the creature comforts.

More: Oh Boy, Mansory Tuned The Cybertruck And Named It The Elongation

Despite its added bulk, the Cap keeps things relatively lightweight at 170 lbs (77 kg) without extras. According to the company, the aerodynamic profile reduces the Cybertruck’s range by around 4-9%, though as always, actual mileage will vary depending on how heavy your right foot is. The roof supports up to 270 lbs (122 kg) while driving, and 650 lbs (295 kg) when parked.

Pricing & Delivery Details

Space Camper plans to begin deliveries of the Cap in June 2025. Pricing starts at $6,385, albeit without the optional extras highlighted in the video. Beyond a roof tent and awning of their choice, camping enthusiasts will need to budget an additional $180 for ventilation fans, $450 for the custom mattress, $450 for bed lights, $830 for wall storage, $900 for the projector kit, and $1,245 for the shower kit.

For buyers planning to use their Cybertruck more like a work van, functional add-ons like spanner bars and mole panels are $175 each, while a set of roof-mounted crossbars costs $270.

Space Camper isn’t stopping at the Cap. The company has also developed the Wedge, a more involved camper conversion first teased through a series of renderings back in 2022. Priced at $24,000, production has been delayed due to funding issues, though Space Camper claims the final design is ready and aims to kick off manufacturing this summer.

Other Alternatives

There are also a few other options for Cybertruck owners eyeing a camper conversion. Another American company, Cybertruck Co, currently offers a similar setup priced between $9,700 and $11,700. For those who prefer something simpler—or cheaper—Tesla itself sells a branded Cyber Tent accessory for $2,975. However, compared to the aftermarket choices, Tesla’s tent seems to fall short on ease of use.

Even with reports of cooling demand, Tesla still managed to move 38,965 Cybertrucks in 2024, ensuring there’s a solid customer base for third-party accessories. As more customization options hit the market, Cybertruck owners have increasing flexibility to tailor their electric trucks for work, adventure, or a bit of both.

While one could easily confuse the 2026 Tesla Model Y as simply being a cosmetic facelift, the changes made to the world’s best-selling EV are much more than skin deep. Not only has Tesla overhauled the SUV’s interior, but it’ also implemented important hardware and software updates, and as the model gets closer to landing in American garages, the brand has detailed one of the biggest changes.

Read: We Compare The 2026 Tesla Model Y Side-By-Side With Its Predecessor

One of the most notable updates is the introduction of a new braking system that blends regenerative and hydraulic braking. As reported by Driveteslacanada, the system incorporates two independent hydraulic brake circuits: one controlled electronically by the vehicle’s onboard driving system, and another for direct driver input.

Tesla claims that the transition between regenerative and hydraulic braking is now seamless, which could change the driving experience—if they’re right.

The Return of Flexible Regenerative Braking

Like most other EVs, the Model Y’s regenerative braking activates the moment the driver lifts off the accelerator. Previously, Tesla offered two settings for this function, called Normal and Low. However, the Low setting was eventually dropped, as it had a negative impact on range and accelerated tire wear.

With the 2026 Model Y, Tesla is reintroducing more flexibility. Now, drivers can choose between Reduced and Standard regenerative braking modes, which adjust the speed at which the car decelerates once you release the accelerator. But it’s not just about offering more options.

A Smarter Approach to Braking

Unlike other Tesla models, which immediately engage mechanical brakes when the pedal is pressed, the new Model Y takes a more nuanced approach. When you press the brake pedal, the car decides whether to keep using regenerative braking or engage the physical brakes, depending on how firmly you push down. This approach aims to maximize efficiency and improve the overall stability of the vehicle’s braking performance.

Brake system in New Model Y has the freedom to use either electric motor or mechanical brake when you push the brake pedal

This brings you maximum efficiency, consistency in pedal behavior & improved stability pic.twitter.com/rIwOUxwpXU

— Tesla (@Tesla) March 3, 2025

For drivers not accustomed to “one-pedal driving” or who just prefer gentler regenerative braking, the Reduced mode should feel more comfortable. Interestingly, in this setting, Tesla says the Model Y still captures as much energy as it would in the Standard mode when the brake pedal is applied.

Autopilot and the No-Pedal Brake

Another added benefit is how the braking system interacts with Tesla’s Autopilot. When Autopilot is engaged and the car needs to slow down, the brake pedal will now remain stationary. Many other cars on the market work in the same way, but this is the first time a Tesla has done this. Is it revolutionary? No, but it is an update that should be welcomed by customers, even though the carmaker seems to have fewer and fewer of them nowadays.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system has officially launched in China, and if its track record in North America is anything to go by, no one should be shocked that it’s running into problems adapting to a new market. During a recent test, a Chinese car blogger managed to rack up no less than seven traffic violations while using FSD, many of them caught on camera, showcasing some of the system’s more questionable driving decisions.

A video shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo by car blogger Chen Zhen shows the EV repeatedly veering into lanes designated for bicycles, motorbikes, and scooters. In one instance, the system mistakenly treated a bike lane as a right-turn lane, and unfortunately for the driver, a police car was waiting at the very same intersection.

Read: Tesla’s Sales In China Fall As BYD Soars In January

During the same test, the Tesla also made illegal lane changes, crossing over solid lines when it shouldn’t have.

As Tesla crowdsources data from its drivers to develop and improve the Full-Self Driving system, it’s reasonable to assume that, like in the US, the system will steadily improve over time as it becomes accustomed to the driving rules of China and is more familiar with things like lane markings and road signs. However, improvements will likely be quite slow.

According to local media outlet Shine, a Chinese car review team recently put FSD to the test in a Tesla Model Y, comparing it against advanced driver-assistance systems from domestic automakers Li Auto and Aito. The results weren’t exactly confidence-inspiring. In the test, Tesla’s FSD racked up 34 traffic violations and required 24 driver interventions.

By comparison, the Li Auto L7 had just 9 interventions and 14 violations while the Aito M9 had 12 interventions and 14 violations. While those two locally-made vehicles performed better than the Tesla, none of the results instill much confidence about the abilities of these systems.

For now, it seems like Tesla’s FSD in China has a long road ahead, hopefully, one without any more bike lanes mistaken for turn lanes.