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Teslarati
Tesla Robotaxi to Operate 24/7: Timeline Emerges for Round-the-Clock Service
Tesla's AI leadership has signalled that 24-hour Robotaxi service is nearing deployment, with full overnight capability expected around October 2026. The current network operates from 06:00 to 22:00 across six cities. The expansion requires additional software integration from the v15 Full Self-Driving architecture, which represents a significant upgrade in autonomous capability.
CarNewsChinaChangan Nevo Q06 enters pre-sales phase starting at USD 22,000
Changan opened pre-sales for the Nevo Q06 on September 4, 2026, introducing its SDA Pilot intelligent driving system. The vehicle features an 800V silicon carbide platform with 6C fast charging that reaches 80% battery in 9 minutes. Available in pure electric and range-extender variants, pre-sale pricing begins at 149,900 yuan (USD 22,000).
CarNewsChinaXiaomi Debuts Dragonscale Battery with Lifetime Fire Safety Guarantee for Skynomad Models
Xiaomi announced the Dragonscale battery in partnership with CALB and Sunwoda, featuring a lifetime safety guarantee against fires from manufacturing defects and collisions. The battery will debut in Skynomad EREV models on 7 September 2026, starting with the N90 and N70 variants.
ElectrekBYD Set to Launch Great Seagull Electric Hatchback by End of 2026
BYD has officially announced the Great Seagull, a new electric hatchback arriving by late 2026. The larger model features a 95 kW motor and dimensions positioned between existing Dolphin and Seagull variants, offering an intermediate size and price point in BYD's affordable EV lineup.
ElectrekTesla's Rare-Earth-Free Motor: Engineering Achievement Amid Supply Chain Pressures
Tesla unveiled a rare-earth-free motor at its Cybercab event, achieving 18 percent smaller size and 25 percent weight reduction compared to other high-performing drive units. The development represents a response to escalating Chinese export restrictions on critical rare earth processing, though its impact on overall system efficiency remains relatively modest.
BYD) · via ElectrekBYD launches biggest-ever sales promotion in UK with discounts up to £2,500
BYD launched its biggest-ever promotional campaign in the UK in September 2026, offering discounts up to £2,500 on plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. The promotion features Dolphin G DM-i, Atto 2 DM-i, and Seal U DM-i models with low-interest financing plans. The event runs from 10 to 21 September 2026.
ElectrekRivian Launches Unified RivianOS 2 Across R1 and R2 Models
Rivian began deploying RivianOS 2 on 4 September 2026, marking the largest software overhaul since the original R1 launched. Version 2026.31 unifies all company vehicles on a single software platform for the first time, introducing a redesigned interface and advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.
TeslaratiUS Safety Authority Opens Audit into Tesla Cybercab Certification Process
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an audit query into Tesla's self-certification of the Cybercab following its commercial deployment launch in Austin on September 3, 2026. The inquiry focuses on the vehicle's lack of conventional controls and compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards.
ElectrekTesla's Full Self-Driving Now Intervenes During Manual Driving to Prevent Collisions
Tesla has launched Full Self-Driven Supervised v14.3.9 featuring a new active safety layer that can automatically take control of the vehicle when an imminent collision is detected, even during manual driving. The system can engage steering and braking together when braking alone cannot prevent impact, or if it detects driver distraction or accidental FSD disengagement.
ElectrekFederal Investigation Opens into Tesla Cybercab After Commercial Launch
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into Tesla's Cybercab on September 3, 2026, coinciding with the company's commercial launch in Austin. The probe examines how Tesla certified the two-seater vehicle—which lacks a steering wheel, pedals, and mirrors—as compliant with federal safety standards.
Voyah · via CnEVPostVoyah Opens Pre-Sales for Dream 9 MPV on September 5
Voyah, a Dongfeng Motor subsidiary, will launch pre-sales for the Dream 9 on September 5 Beijing Time. The flagship luxury MPV targets the 500,000-yuan market segment and will be offered in plug-in hybrid and fully battery electric versions. Display vehicles arrive at dealerships the same day for customer experience and test-drives.
Freelander · via CnEVPostFreelander 8 Secures Over 5,000 Firm Orders Within 12 Hours of Launch
The Freelander 8, the debut model from the revived Chery-JLR joint venture brand, secured over 5,000 firm orders within 12 hours of its launch in Beijing on September 3, 2026. Starting at 289,900 yuan after incentives, the luxury extended-range SUV features Huawei's autonomous driving system and 818 hp dual-motor all-wheel drive, signalling strong early market reception in China's competitive NEV segment.
Tesla · via CnEVPostTesla Cybercab Enters Operations in US, China Showcase Planned for Mid-September
Tesla's Cybercab autonomous robotaxi has begun operations in Austin, Texas, marking a milestone transition to commercial service. The two-seat vehicle will be displayed in major Chinese cities starting mid-September 2026, though Tesla has clarified these appearances are showcase events only, with no commercial operations or sales planned in China.
TeslaratiTesla Opens Interest Registration for Cybercab Fleets
According to Teslarati, Tesla opened a form on 3 September 2026 for businesses to register interest in Cybercab fleets and related infrastructure. The form provides a contact channel, rather than confirmation of binding purchase orders; fleet pricing and delivery dates remain unannounced.
Hyundai) · via ElectrekHyundai and Toyota Lead End-of-Summer EV Clearance as 2027 Models Arrive
Hyundai and Toyota are offering substantial incentives in early September 2026 to clear 2026 model-year inventory ahead of 2027 launches. The IONIQ 5 promotion includes savings up to $5,500 and zero-percent financing, while Toyota's bZ leasing begins at $439 monthly for qualified buyers.
TeslaratiTesla Robotaxi App Lets Riders Choose Between Cybercab and Model Y
Tesla updated its Robotaxi app in September 2026 to let riders choose between the two-seat Cybercab and four-seat Model Y before booking. The in-app selection now displays both vehicles side by side in Austin, matching each trip to the most efficient option based on passenger count and requirements.
ElectrekBYD Sealion 08 Surpasses 12,000 Orders Within First 24 Hours of Launch
BYD's Sealion 08 flagship SUV accumulated over 12,000 orders within 24 hours of launching on 2 September 2026. Available in fully electric and plug-in hybrid variants under the Ocean lineup, pricing starts at 229,900 yuan, approximately $34,000. The model combines advanced battery technology with premium features across five- and six-seat configurations.
TeslaratiTesla Cybercab sightings expand across major US cities as autonomous operations intensify
Tesla's Cybercab autonomous vehicles are appearing in multiple locations beyond Austin, with fleets spotted at Miami International Airport and near Philadelphia. These sightings reflect rapid expansion of Tesla's autonomous operations across the United States as commercial deployment approaches.
Freelander · via CnEVPostChery and Jaguar Land Rover launch Freelander 8 in China below pre-sales expectations
Chery and Jaguar Land Rover unveiled the Freelander 8 extended-range electric SUV on 3 September 2026, with prices starting at 289,900 yuan ($42,750) after incentives—below the previously announced pre-sales level of 329,900 yuan. The model features dual-motor all-wheel drive producing 610 kilowatts combined power, a 60.3-kWh battery offering 310-kilometre electric-only range, and an 800-volt platform enabling 12-minute charging from 20% to 80%.
CarNewsChinaFreelander 8 Begins China Sales at 46,120 USD, Sets Guinness Record
The Freelander 8 from Chery Jaguar Land Rover commenced sales in China on 3 September 2026, priced at 309,900 yuan (46,120 USD) before promotional discounts. The model set a new Guinness World Record as a PHEV reaching the highest altitude of 6,002.33 meters. It features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 60.3 kWh CATL battery pack.
ElectrekElectric vehicles outsell petrol cars in Australia for the first time
Electric vehicles achieved a historic milestone in Australia in August 2026, selling 27,078 units representing 24.9% of the new-car market, surpassing petrol-powered vehicles which sold 25,824 units. BEVs grew 171% year-over-year, while electrified vehicles including hybrids captured 51.8% of total market share. The shift marks the first month combustion-only cars became a minority in the Australian market.
Freelander · via CnEVPostFreelander 8 Limited Edition Sells Out Ahead of Official Launch
The Freelander brand, revived through a joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, announced that all 1,000 units of its limited-edition launch variant have sold out at 459,900 Chinese yuan. The luxury extended-range electric SUV marks the brand's first model, with its official global launch scheduled for September 3, 2026, in Beijing.
CarNewsChinaHorse Powertrain Unveils 3DHT200 13-in-1 PHEV System with 4920 Nm Wheel Torque for Off-Road Performance
Horse Powertrain, the joint venture between Geely and Renault, has unveiled the 3DHT200, a 13-in-1 PHEV drivetrain engineered for off-road capability. The consolidated system delivers maximum wheel torque of 4920 Nm and enables vehicles to tackle 45-degree slopes. It will debut on the Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700.
CnEVPost · via CnEVPostAudi Inaugurates Shanghai R&D Center Dedicated to AUDI Brand, Planning Four New Models
Audi and SAIC Motor established the Audi Innovation & Technology Center (AITC) in Shanghai on September 3, 2026, marking an expansion of their partnership into localized R&D operations. The joint venture will develop four new AUDI brand models using the ADP 2.0 platform, with the first model launch anticipated in 2028. Operating with approximately 300 employees, AITC will prioritize smart EV technologies, vehicle dynamics, AI-powered cockpits, and advanced driver-assistance systems.