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Tesla Owner Hacks Model Y To Charge On Gas

  • Video from China shows a Tesla Model Y modified to be a hybrid.
  • A gasoline generator fed the SUV’s battery pack in emergencies.
  • The owner wanted range security while travelling to Mount Everest.

Even today, when most populated areas of the US and Europe provide access to at least some EV charging points, it’s all too easy to succumb to the panic of range anxiety when the remaining charge indicator lights up red. Now imagine you’re trying to explore rural Asia and you’ll understand why one EV owner came up with an unusual method of keeping range anxiety at bay.

Related: Cybertruck’s $16K Range Booster Is Dead And Tesla Isn’t Saying Why

The Chinese Tesla owner, who wanted to visit the Mount Everest viewing platform in Lazi County before road-tripping through uninhabited areas of Tibet, decided to turn his fully-electric Model Y into a kind of range-extender hybrid.

A Gasoline-Powered Back-Up Plan

To do it he mounted a gasoline generator to the rear of his SUV, complete with its own license plate to stay within the bounds of the law. The idea wasn’t to rely solely on the ICE power station and to avoid real static EV charging stations, but to help keep the Tesla going in remote areas where those chargers were few and far between.

While hardly capable of cranking out DC fast charging levels of power, the owner found it was still able to produce 3 kW even at the 17,400 ft (5,300 m) of the Everest viewing platform. That was enough to add 12 miles (19 km) of range per hour, though as Car News China points out, it’s not a true range extender because it can’t charge the Model Y on the move,

 Tesla Owner Hacks Model Y To Charge On Gas
image: Xiaomo

The owner, who’s known as @Xiaomo, reportedly paid ¥2,800 ($390) for the generator, which swallowed around 22 US cents’ worth of gas for every mile (1.6 km) covered. That makes running on gas more expensive than running on electricity piped in from a cheap mains supply in China, but it’s certainly preferable to finding yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead EV.

Tesla doesn’t seem interested in offering range extenders for its cars, but we’ve come across plenty more owners who’ve had the same idea, including one who added a turbo-diesel engine to the trunk of his Model S.

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Images: @Xiaomo

Hate Your Cybertruck’s Mirrors? There’s A Delete Kit For That Too

  • The first 80 examples of the kit used genuine stainless steel from the Tesla pickup.
  • Future versions of the delete kit will be made from aluminum and plastic.
  • When Tesla first showed the Cybertruck as a concept, it had no wing mirrors.

Do you own a Tesla Cybertruck but despise the wing mirrors that it comes with? Well, Tesbros has a “solution” for you. They’ve started selling a mirror delete kit for the electric pickup, which will make your vehicle look a little less… conventional. But before you rush to buy one, it’s worth checking whether your state even allows driving without wing mirrors. After all, you might end up with a ticket instead of a cleaner-looking truck.

Many states across the United States require cars to have both left and right wing mirrors, while others require at least one wing mirror. For states where mirrors aren’t explicitly required in local legislation, such as Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, and Montana, this is an intriguing way to make your Cybertruck look a little nicer(?).

Read: Masked Man Allegedly Caught With Tesla Map After Torching Cybertruck

When the mirrors of the Cybertruck are removed, an ugly hole is left behind on the door. Tesbros solution is a small stainless steel plate and a piece of ABS plastic to cover up the mess. The plate’s underside mimics that of the mirror and screws into place, securing it and ensuring it’s sturdy. Tesbros says the kit has been designed to work in all different conditions, including in states like Arizona, where it gets very hot in the summer.

The small piece of stainless steel used has been cut from a scrap Tesla Cybertruck door that Tesbros was able to secure, meaning it matches up nicely. However, they only had enough stainless steel to produce 80 kits, and it seems the entire first batch has already sold out. A future version of the kit, likely made from aluminum, is in development, with a plastic version also under consideration.

The original stainless kit wasn’t exactly a bargain, priced at a staggering $299 for what’s essentially two pieces of stainless steel and two bits of ABS plastic. And just to add a little more drama to the mix, at least one user on the Cybertruck Owners Club reported that after installing the kit, the adhesive holding the ABS piece to the stainless steel gave way, causing it to fly off on the highway. However, they did note that the company sent replacements which appear to be fine.

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Tesbros

Cybertruck Flips Over After Alleged Road Rage Attack

  • A Cybertruck flipped after allegedly being hit by a Ram pickup driver on a California highway.
  • The EV’s cameras recorded the entire incident, reportedly helping police charge the driver.
  • The Tesla driver avoided serious injury, and the totaled Cybertruck was later listed on Copart.

A Cybertruck driver recently found himself in a terrifying situation after what he claims was an aggressive move by another motorist on a California highway ended with his truck upside down. The incident occurred in broad daylight near Ukiah, and the entire event was captured by the Tesla’s onboard cameras.

The footage, later shared on YouTube by the Wham Baam Teslacam channel, shows how the crash unfolded. A black Ram 1500 overtakes the Cybertruck, then abruptly cuts into the right lane just ahead of it. Moments later, the Ram driver taps the brakes, prompting the Cybertruck driver to move left in an attempt to pass. That’s when things take a turn – literally.

More: BMW M4 Took A Wrong Turn Into The Mountain

The Ram swerves into the Tesla’s path, pulling off what appears to be an unintentional PIT maneuver that forces the Cybertruck off the highway. As it veers off the road, the slad-sided electric truck slams sideways into a ditch, causing it to roll over. While the truck lay upside down, its sensors detected the crash and automatically alerted emergency services. Fortunately, the driver wasn’t seriously injured, though he was taken to the hospital by ambulance after reporting back pain.

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Copart

According to the Tesla owner, he had no prior interaction with the Ram driver, something he says is backed up by the footage he shared with police. After reviewing the video, the California Highway Patrol has reportedly charged the Ram driver with vehicular assault, though official confirmation from authorities has not been released publicly.

More: Cybertruck Was Just Charging Until Chaos Showed Up With A V8 And No Grip

The aftermath wasn’t kind to the Tesla. The truck sustained heavy damage to its roof, wheels, suspension, and body panels. It later appeared on Copart, looking far worse for wear. Some parts may be salvageable, but the cost of repairing such a heavily damaged vehicle likely outweighs any benefit. The driver is presumably seeking reimbursement through his insurance provider.

As for motive, nothing has been officially confirmed. However, the incident brings to mind other recent reports of road rage or hostility directed at Tesla drivers. Unlike the usual vandalism or minor clashes, though, this sort of encounter could have ended far more dangerously. With any luck, the Ram driver, if found responsible, will think twice before acting on impulse behind the wheel.

Screenshot Wham Baam Teslacam/Copart

Man Who Vandalized Six Teslas Avoids Jail Time And Still Keeps His State Job

  • A man who vandalized several Teslas avoided charges through a legal diversion program.
  • Law enforcement and state officials voiced frustration over the lack of felony prosecution.
  • Prosecutors defended the decision, stating the suspect is still held fully accountable.

In an age where public frustration takes increasingly bizarre forms, even parked Teslas aren’t safe. Last month, a 33-year-old man was caught vandalizing several of the vehicles in downtown Minneapolis, yet he won’t face any criminal charges. Despite a formal recommendation from police, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has opted for a diversion program. This approach allows the suspect to avoid prosecution as long as he fully reimburses the car owners.

More: FBI Warns Americans Of Escalating Attacks On Tesla Cars And Dealerships

Security footage captured the man keying several Teslas in broad daylight, an act that authorities say caused around $20,000 in total damage to six different vehicles. Though spared a felony conviction, he’s still on the hook for the full cost of the repairs.

A Legal Decision With Mixed Reactions

According to Fox News, the man is a state employee working at the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office explained that diversion was chosen to allow the individual to maintain his job while still being held accountable. A spokesperson for the office shared the following statement:

“Our main priorities are to secure restitution for the victims and hold Mr. Adams accountable. As a result, we will file for pre-charge diversion to best facilitate both of those goals. This is an approach taken in many property crime cases and helps to ensure the individual keeps their job and can pay restitution, as well as reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses. Criminal prosecution remains a possibility should unlawful behavior continue.”

Hennepin County District Attorney Mary Moriarty stood by her decision, stating that it serves public safety and was not influenced by politics. She argued that felony convictions often make things worse in the long run.

More: Ohio Sheriff Calls Tesla Vandals ‘Fat People Living In Mom’s Basement’

“If they go through the traditional system, and they have a felony conviction on their record, they are much more likely to come back and commit a new crime. That is because a felony conviction destabilizes their lives, they may lose their job, lose their housing, and it can just lead to future criminal activity. What does work, and the recidivism rates are much, much lower, is diversion. And that’s been proven over and over here and throughout the country.”

Police and Public Officials Push Back

Not everyone agreed with the move. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed disappointment on behalf of investigators who worked the case:

“The Minneapolis Police Department did its job. It identified and investigated a crime trend, identified, and arrested a suspect, and presented a case file to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for consideration of charges. This case impacted at least six different victims and totaled over $20,000 in damages. Any frustration related to the charging decision of the Hennepin County Attorney should be directed solely at her office. Our investigators are always frustrated when the cases they poured their hearts into are declined. In my experience, the victims in these cases often feel the same.”

Minnesota State Representative Kristin Robbins also voiced concern, calling the decision “troubling and unacceptable.”

In recent months, Tesla vehicles have increasingly become targets of vandalism, a trend seemingly tied to rising public backlash against Elon Musk’s politics. Some owners have responded by selling their cars in unusually high numbers, while others have resorted to putting stickers on their Teslas in hopes of deflecting potential attacks.

Regardless of one’s opinion of Musk, damaging private property should not serve as a form of protest. As for the punishment for those who cross the line and break the law, we should probably leave that to the judges.

This Genius Is Giving The Tesla Model Y A Bubbly New Exhaust

  • A custom made bubble exhaust kit adds two tailpipes to the Tesla Model Y.
  • The system is operated remotely and comes with a trunk-mounted reservoir.
  • Those interested can buy the $700 kit directly from its creator in Massachusetts.

Many car enthusiasts often gripe about electric vehicles lacking “soul,” mainly because they don’t feature an engine that churns out thousands of mini-explosions every minute. And of course, they don’t need an exhaust system, since there are no emissions to expel. But one man is trying to change that, well, kind of. He’s created an exhaust system for the Tesla Model Y. And no, it’s not what you’re expecting.

Rather than blasting out smoke, soot, or toxic fumes into the atmosphere, this exhaust system sends for the Model Y spews out nothing but bubbles. It’s quirky, it’s fun, and it might just be the perfect way for the Tesla to show off a little personality. The best part? It seems like other owners might be able to get in on the action too.

Read: Tesla Finally Launches Cheaper Model Y Juniper In America

A video showing the bubble exhaust in action was first shared on Reddit and attracted quite a lot of attention from Model Y owners wanting something similar. The man who created the kit has since published a Facebook Marketplace listing for it, promising to sell the bubble exhaust for $700, including installation.

The listing states that the kit includes a small reservoir installed in the trunk that is filled with the bubble solution. The system is then operated by a wireless remote control and sends out bubbles from two silver tailpipes installed into the rear bumper. Its creator says his son came up with the idea, and thanks to his engineering background, he was tasked with making it a reality.

The bubble exhaust kit can be purchased and installed in Weston, Massachusetts, a short drive from Boston. However, in a Reddit post, a neighbor of the kit’s creator mentioned that more units will be produced soon. The plan is to ship them out to customers across the lower 48 states.

17 Teslas Torched In Rome In What May Be Largest Attack In Europe Yet

  • A new fire in Rome is the latest in a series of incidents targeting Tesla around the world.
  • High temperatures from the blaze damaged 17 EVs, and the surrounding structure.
  • No injuries were reported, and local authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

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

Cybertruck Ripped In Half By A Mercedes Built Like A Tank

  • A Tesla Cybertruck was wrecked in a massive multi-vehicle accident in Texas.
  • The EV’s bed was torn off, and seven other vehicles were damaged in the crash.
  • Police say the Mercedes driver suffered a medical episode before losing control.

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

Real Or Staged? Tesla Cybertruck Yanks Stuck Ford F-150 From Snow

  • With a simple tug, the Tesla saved this Ford F-150 from an area of deep snow.
  • Huge amounts of horsepower and torque help the EV in situations like this.

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.  

Tesla Under Siege As Multiple EVs Set On Fire And Vandalized Across The US In One Day

  • Two Teslas were set on fire outside a Las Vegas collision center early Tuesday morning.
  • Police are investigating two fire-damaged Cybertrucks at a Kansas City Tesla dealership.
  • Multiple Tesla locations have recently been targeted with vandalism and graffiti.

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

Space Camper Turns Your Tesla Cybertruck Into A Tiny Mobile Home

  • Space Camper’s Cap transforms the Cybertruck into a van or camper from $6,385.
  • The Cap increases interior height by 5 inches, offering 40 inches of total usable space.
  • Optional extras include roof tents, wall storage, LED lighting, and even a shower kit.

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

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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

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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.

Tesla’s New Model Y Applies Regen When You Hit The Brake Pedal

  • The revamped Model Y will continue to regenerate power when the brake pedal is pressed.
  • Tesla says the update means the brake pedal no longer moves by itself when Autopilot is on.
  • Drivers can choose Reduced and Standard settings, but the energy recouped stays the same.

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.

 Tesla’s New Model Y Applies Regen When You Hit The Brake Pedal

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 New Model Y Applies Regen When You Hit The Brake Pedal
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