Tesla has unveiled its Optimus humanoid robot at its AI Day 2022 today and Elon Musk believes Tesla can bring it to market for “less than $20,000”.
As expected, the event started with Tesla unveiling a working prototype of its humanoid robot – a project first announced at Tesla’s AI day in 2021.
There were two prototypes unveiled at the event.
Tesla started by unveiling Bumble C, which is the first version of the bot and it was developed with “semi off-the-shelves” actuators. It served as a testing bed for Tesla’s first robot developed with in-house parts.
Here’s a picture of Bumble C as it walked on stage at the event:
It didn’t do anything impressive on stage, but it was able to walk around and wave at the crowd.
Tesla did show some videos of the robot performing some tasks in a controlled environment to demonstrate some level of usefulness.
The automaker even showed the robot performing a task at an actual workstation at the Fremont factory.
But after Bumble C, Tesla brought on stage the first generation Optimus robot.
The reason why Tesla didn’t lead with it and showed an earlier and rougher prototype is that it couldn’t actually get the new one to walk yet.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the new robot should be able to walk within the next few weeks, but he wanted to show it today since it looks more like the version of the robot that is going to go into production:
It also couldn’t do much on stage other than wave at the crowd and had to be carried by Tesla employees.
Musk noted that this version was equipped with Tesla-designed actuators, battery pack, and power electronics.
Tesla revealed that it had the first prototype in February of 2022, which led to this new version that is now supposedly about to walk in the next few days.
Tesla did share some specs of Optimus, including a 2.3 kWh battery pack, which the automaker claims should be good for about a day’s worth of work.
As Tesla announced last year, it is also equipped with the same “self-driving computer” inside Tesla vehicles:
After the presentation about the specs and main features of the bot, Tesla moved on the a more in-dept presentation about the robotic and AI approach to developing it.
Again, Tesla’s AI Day is about recruiting and Tesla is basically showing off what it is working on to help attract talent that would be interested in those details.
On a consumer level, Musk highlighted the fact that while people have seen plenty of impressive humanoid robots before, he insists that Tesla’s effort is different because it is focused on developing a robot that is manufacturable in high volume – unlike one-off projects that we have seen in the past.
Furthermore, Musk said that Tesla’s advantage is that its bot is going to be powered by its AI, which has been primarily developed for self-driving technology. He believes Tesla is going to be able to leverage this work to enable the robot to navigate the real-world and perform useful tasks.
The CEO reiterated previous comments about how Optimus can bring a “fundamental change in civilization as we know it” by virtually “ending poverty” through improving economic output when used in industry.
He believes that the robot should cost “less than $20,000” to make. He didn’t update the timeline to production, but he previously said Tesla planned to bring to production as soon as next year.
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Pre-order the new Juiced JetCurrent Pro e-bike at $300 off
Juiced Bikes has launched its new JetCurrent Pro Foldable e-bike. You can read up on what’s new in our initial announcement coverage, and here we’ll cover the savings you’ll receive on this all-new debut. The JetCurrent Pro e-bike is now available for pre-order at $2,499 shipped as a special launch promotion, down from its $2,799 MSRP. Jumping on this deal now gets you $300 in savings until it begins shipping in June, which is when we expect it to return to its MSRP as well. This is the first official discount on this new model as well as the new all-time low going forward. Below, we break down just how those savings stack up for your new commuting solution.
The all-new JetCurrent Pro Foldable e-bike comes in four colorways (purple haze, indigo blue, desert tan, and black) and is equipped with a supercharged 1,200W NeoBlade Motor (2,000W peak) alongside a 52V battery that carries it up to 34 MPH for up to 70 miles on a single charge. It has five levels of pedal assistance that are monitored by joint torque and cadence sensors, as well as a throttle when you just want to cruise, and extra functions like an active cruise control that can be set at any speed below 20 MPH and a race track mode for the most aggressive settings where the e-bike does not electronically limit its speed.
The JetCurrent Pro also comes with a variety of features that truly set this model apart from all the e-bikes that came before it. You’ll find a powerful 1,050-lumen Shadowblaster headlight, front and rear turn signals, a brake light, knobby 4-inch tires with fenders over each, a rear cargo rack, 4-piston hydraulic brakes, a folding mirror, an “automotive-grade horn,” and a backlit LCD display that gives you real-time performance data while also allowing you to customize its performance settings – plus it has a USB port to charge your devices as you ride. Its most noticeable feature, however, is being the first foldable e-bike among Juiced’s lineup, making transport and storage far easier when it’s not in use.
Save up to 42% on Jackery power stations
Jackery has launched an Earth Day sale that is taking up to 42% off a collection of the company’s popular power stations, solar generator bundles, and accessories through April 25. A notable offer amongst the bunch is the Explorer 1500 Portable Power Station for $899 shipped, after using the on-page coupon code for $600 off. Normally fetching $1,499, this standalone model saw fewer discounts over the last year in comparison with its Pro model counterpart or any of its solar generator bundles, with the biggest of them being a fall to $899 for the first time in October. Today’s deal comes in as a 40% markdown off the going rate that lands as a return to the all-time low. The Explorer 1500 comes equipped with a 1,534Wh battery capacity, and can dish out up to 1,800W of power to its seven ports: three AC ports, two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and one car outlet. You can connect up to four 100W solar panels to recharge it from 0 to 100% in just 5 hours, or get a full battery in just 6 hours via a wall outlet.
WORX 12A TURBINE 600 CFM Electric Leaf Blower now $55 in one-day sale
Best Buy is offering the WORX 12A TURBINE 600 CFM Electric Leaf Blower for $54.99 shipped through the end of the day. Down from its usual $80 price tag, it saw its fair share of discounts over 2023, with the biggest being a drop to $55 in July – which was matched a month ago in a similar one-day sale and beaten out by the first discount of 2024 where it dropped to $50. Today’s deal comes in as a repeat 31% markdown off the going rate and lands at the second-lowest price we have tracked – just $5 above the all-time low from January.
This leaf blower provides 600 CFM of power, reaching up to 110 MPH of sweeping force in order to blow through heavy debris. It has two speed modes depending on what surface you’re clearing: speed one covers pavements and tight corners with a slower CFM, and speed two ramps it to its max output for open spaces/lawns. This is a plug-in model, so you will have to worry about cord and extension cord lengths over battery runtime, but it does come with a 11.5-foot cable that attaches to the tool with a retainer to keep the cord plugged in, even when the line is snagged or tugged.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your vehicle, Hyundai may be your best choice. In 2024, Hyundai has six of the top ten most fuel-efficient EVs in the US, including the IONIQ 6, IONIQ 5, and Kona Electric.
Hyundai tops most fuel-efficient EVs in the US charts
Hyundai Motor, including Kia, topped Ford and GM to become the second best-selling EV brand in the US in the first three months of the year.
Between Hyundai’s dedicated IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 EVs, and Kia’s EV6 and EV9, the group sold over 18,500 EVs in Q1. And that’s not including the Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, or its Genesis luxury brand EV sales, which could push it to over 30,000.
Hyundai upgraded the 2024 Kona Electric with more range, faster charger, and a sleek new design. Starting under $33,000, the Kona EV is one of the most affordable electric cars on the US market.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 6, IONIQ 5, and the Kia EV6 and Niro EV are also in the discussion. Not only are they lower priced, but they are also more efficient.
According to data from the US Department of Energy and EPA, Hyundai Motor (including Kia) has six of the top ten most fuel-efficient EVs in the US for 2024.
Hyundai’s 2024 IONIQ 6 Long Range RWD with 20″ wheels trim took the top spot with a combined 140 MPGe rating.
Place
Top ten most fuel-efficient EVs in 2024
MPGe (combined)
1
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Long range RWD w/ 18″ Wheels
140
2
2024 Lucid Air Pure RWD w/ 19″ wheels
137
3
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Standard Range RWD
135
4
2024 Lucid Air Pure RWD w/ 20″ wheels
130
5
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Long range AWD w/ 18″ Wheels)
121
6
2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 Gran Coupe w/ 18″ Wheels)
120
7(tie)
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Long range RWD w/ 20″ Wheels)
117
7(tie)
2024 Kia EV6 Long Range RWD
117
7(tie)
2024 Kia EV6 Standard Range RWD
117
8
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Long Range
116
9
2024 Polestar 2 Single Motor w/ 19″ Wheels)
115
10
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long range RWD
114
Top ten most fuel-efficient EVs in the US in 2024 (Source: US Department of Energy/ EPA)
Other 2024 Hyundai Models to make the list were the IONIQ 6 Standard Range RWD (#3 with 137MPGe), IONIQ 6 Long Range AWD 18″ wheels (#5 with 121 MPGe), IONIQ 6 Long Range RWD 20″ wheels (#7 with 117 MPGe), Kona Electric Long Range (#8 with 116 MPGe), and IONIQ 5 Long Range RWD (#10 with 114 MPGe).
The 2024 Kia EV6 Long Range RWD and EV6 Standard Range RWD models were tied for seventh at 117 MPGe.
The only other EVs to make the list were Lucid’s 2024 Air Pure RWD 19″ wheels (#2 with 137 MPGe), Air Pure RWD 20″ wheels, the 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 Gran Groupe (#6 with 120 MPGe), and the Polestar 2 Single Motor 19″ wheels (#9 with 115 MPGe).
If you’re looking for deals on some of the most fuel-efficient EVs, we can help you get started today. You can use our links below to find deals on 2024 Hyundai electric vehicle models at a dealer near you.
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New details on the longest-range electric car in the US, the Lucid Air Grand Touring, have been revealed. Lucid’s new 2024 Air Grand Touring gains faster charging, a heat pump, and 516 miles range (in more conditions). And you get all that for a 12% discount compared to last year’s model.
Lucid Air Grand Touring gets upgraded, still 516-mi range
The longest-range EV in the US is getting even better. Lucid upgraded the 2024 Air Grand Touring for better efficiency and faster charging.
Lucid’s new GT model is now equipped with the high-performance Air Sapphires’ heat pump. This allows the 2024 Grand Touring to deliver “outstanding range even in extremely cold conditions.”
The proprietary motor design, battery cell chemistry, and thermal features have been enhanced to reduce wasted energy as heat even during “sustained spirited” driving.
Lucid says the 2024 GT model features about 15% to 30% faster DC charging speeds to quickly get you back on the road. The 2024MY gains improved automatic preconditioning as you travel to the charging station, enabling faster charging once you plug it in.
The 2024 Air Grand Touring keeps its 516-mile EPA-estimated range, the longest of any EV in the US.
However, with a borrowed heat pump from the Sapphire, Lucid says the Grand Touring can deliver outstanding range in a broader range of real-world conditions.
“The Air Grand Touring is our longest-range car – in fact the longest-range EV available today – and is now further optimized with a multitude of powertrain updates, including the Air Sapphire heat pump,” CEO Peter Rawlinson explained.
The 2024 Lucid Air Grand Touring starts at $109,900. That’s a 12.5% price cut from the $125,600 starting price in January.