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Formula E, the electric open-wheel racing series, has pushed back plans to introduce a mid-race 600 kW charging session until next year. The series had planned to have a short charging pit stop during races this year, but supply chain issues have delayed the implementation of the plan.

This year, Formula E introduced a new, faster “Gen3” car, which is lighter and more powerful than last year’s car. The new car includes a high DC charge capacity, which helps to enable stronger regenerative braking but also unlocks the potential of mid-race charging.

The series planned to introduce mid-race charging this year, with cars taking one “pit stop” per race to do a charge of around 30 seconds. While 30 seconds doesn’t seem like a lot of time as far as EV charges go, the Gen3 cars have such high charge rates that every second can make a real difference.

At a charge rate of 600 kW, that means a 30-second charge can deliver about 5 kWh of energy, which is 1/8th the size of the Gen3’s 39 kWh battery pack. So the cars can charge more than 10% in just 30 seconds.

Formula E says the technology is all there for these chargers, but the problem has been in supply chains for the ABB charging unit that would be used in the races.

As a result, the plans to introduce charging at the beginning of this season were pushed back to mid-season, and now it looks like the chargers would only be ready for the last one or two race weekends of the season.

At that point, it becomes an issue of fairness – in an already-tight racing season, introducing a change at the very end of the season could swing the championship at the last moment. Some teams objected to that, arguing that changes shouldn’t be made mid-season and that the rules should remain the same all season long. Porsche, which is currently in the lead for both the teams’ and drivers’ championships, has opposed the rule change in particular.

The series now plans to introduce charging at the start of the 2024 season instead and seems confident that supply issues will be worked out by then and that racing teams will be more on board with a full season change.

Electrek’s Take

We’re very excited to see this mid-race fast-charging happen. 600 kW is a lot of charge capacity, and EV drivers should be interested in a proof-of-concept of this type of technology. Sometimes, it can take 30 seconds to even start a charging session at major DC charge networks, and by that time, the Formula E car would have already put more than 10% into the battery.

While 10% may not seem like a lot, Formula E races are optimized down to tenths of a percent of charge. In the nine seasons of its running, teams have gotten good enough at managing their energy use that most cars finish the race with exactly 0.0% battery left, using their regenerative braking on the last straight to put just a little juice into the battery to stay over the minimum battery regulations in the racing rules. So in light of that, 10% gives a lot more wiggle room.

Drivers who have used DC chargers on the road know that sometimes it takes time for chargers to ramp up to speed. So if we can get a proof-of-concept of cars starting these charges rapidly and safely, maybe we could do something about the long ramp-up and handshaking times on public chargers. Or maybe that’s a naive hope, but regardless, I’m still quite interested in seeing these charges happen. Plus, they’ll shake up the racing, which is always good.

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Personalize your Tesla and add range with HALODISC 2 wheel covers

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Personalize your Tesla and add range with HALODISC 2 wheel covers

Tesla drivers, if you’ve been looking for a way to protect your OEM wheels, turn heads, and bonus – squeeze out more range! – the all-new HALODISC 2 Custom Numbers wheel covers from Haloblk (pronounced “halo-black”) check every box.

Electrek readers can use promo code ELECTREK25 for 25% OFF throughout October.

These aren’t just any wheel covers. They’re explicitly engineered for Tesla and proven by thousands of drivers to boost range by up to 10%. The sleek, aerodynamic design cuts through air resistance and reduces wheel turbulence, so you get more miles out of every charge – especially on highways and long road trips. Available in black or white, you can pick the color that best matches your Tesla’s look.

Racing-inspired performance meets everyday practicality

The HALODISC 2 wheel covers feature a racing-inspired center-lock system, ensuring maximum stability and safety at every speed. Installation takes just 30 seconds using the included tool, and the full-coverage design shields your OEM wheels from scratches and curb rash. They even come with an integrated anti-theft mechanism, so you know they’ll always be secure.

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Personalize them: your number, your story

Here’s where things get really fun. The Custom Numbers Series lets you choose a number from 00 to 99 – maybe it’s your birth year, a lucky number, or something meaningful to you. You can also engrave up to 30 characters of custom text on each wheel cover. Whether it’s a motto, a dedication, or something that makes you smile, this bespoke touch makes your Tesla truly yours.

Built for every Tesla

The HALODISC 2 wheel covers fit all major Tesla models, including the Model 3, Model 3 Highland, Model Y, Model Y Juniper, Model S, and Model X. They’re compatible with 20+ OEM wheel sizes, so you can upgrade your ride no matter what you drive.

Early access & exclusive discounts

Electrek readers get special treatment:

  • But here’s the best part: Electrek readers can use promo code ELECTREK25 for 25% OFF. One-time use per customer. A set of four wheel covers starts at $449.

Boost your range, protect your wheels, and tell your story – all in one sleek upgrade.

Bonus gift for Electrek readers

The first 10 customers who purchase HALODISC 2 Custom Numbers using the ELECTREK25 promo code will receive a free HALOBLK Carbon Fiber Emblem – Halo Effect Series.

This emblem is crafted from genuine carbon fiber – not plastic or chrome – delivering lightweight durability, impact resistance, and a high-performance aesthetic. Built to resist UV, weather, and everyday wear, it retains its gloss and finish over time, unlike standard ABS or plated emblems that fade.

With eight different carbon weave and light-reflective finishes, the Halo Effect Series gives Tesla owners unique styling options. It’s a rare upgrade: True carbon fiber emblems are typically reserved for racing and high-performance vehicles.

Choosing one is more than just an aesthetic decision; it’s a cultural nod to motorsport heritage and a way to stand out from uniform OEM emblems. It ships together with your HALODISC 2 order (US only).

Follow Haloblk on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook


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Tesla pushes Tron: Ares ad inside its cars, upsetting owners

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Tesla pushes Tron: Ares ad inside its cars, upsetting owners

Tesla has partnered with its recent foe, Disney, to promote its latest movie, Tron: Ares, with an in-car update that is not making everyone happy.

Many owners view it as Tesla making in-car advertisements and/or working on something that distracts them from needed software updates.

Today, Tesla announced and began pushing an update to its car owners, which essentially amounts to an advertisement for Disney’s new movie, Tron: Ares.

The update enables owners to turn their in-car visualization into a Tron bike.

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The update is surprising on several levels, as it essentially serves as an advertisement for a Disney movie.

Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, is notoriously not a fan of Disney and has even removed Disney+ from the Tesla Theater.

However, more importantly, Tesla is pushing advertisements to its vehicle owners inside their cars, and people are not happy.

Examining the first few dozen comments below the announcement, the reaction is mainly negative.

Tesla owner Matt Chinander wrote:

“Oh good, advertisements are making it in my car.”

Austin Harrison added:

I’m sorry but this is an absolutely worthless update. Also, when did Tesla start partnering with woke companies like Disney? Didn’t Elon just go a rampage LAST WEEK against woke?

Tesla owners are also upset that the automaker spent time and resources developing this software update rather than working on more significant updates, such as delivering on its long-promised full self-driving capabilities, especially on older HW3 cars, which have been left untouched for more than a year.

Electrek’s Take

Yes, this is not a good look. This is definitely a promotional effort for the movie. The question is: Is Tesla getting paid for this?

Is it really pushing advertising inside its vehicles?

Even if it is a cross-promotional effort, it doesn’t look great, and it’s a clear step toward automakers pushing ads inside connected vehicles.

I am not a fan all around. The idea of Tesla pushing ads in-car is not ideal, and this partnership itself is a questionable move.

I loved the original Tron movie. Legacy wasn’t great, but the soundtrack was outstanding. That said, I don’t have high hopes for this new one based on the trailer, which looked cheesy. It currently holds a 55% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The most disappointing aspect is that Tesla would spend any effort on this rather than on much-needed updates to its user interface and other software features within its vehicles.

Prediction: within the next year, Tesla will start doing this more often and offer an “ad-free experience” with its “premium connectivity subscription.”

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Ford just scrapped its $7,500 EV tax credit program, but there’s still a way to save

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Ford just scrapped its ,500 EV tax credit program, but there's still a way to save

Ford is no longer planning to offer a program that would extend the $7,500 EV tax credit for at least another few months. The company said it will continue offering competitive lease payments.

Ford ends $7,500 EV tax credit program for leases

Just a day after GM suddenly ended plans for a program to extend the $7,500 EV tax credit for leases, Ford announced it will also end the offer.

“Ford will not claim the EV tax credit,” a company spokesperson confirmed with Reuters on Thursday. However, don’t expect all the savings to disappear. At least, not yet. The spokesperson added Ford will still offer the “competitive lease payments we have in the market today.”

The move comes after crosstown rival GM announced a similar decision on Wednesday. Last week, Reuters reported that Ford and GM were planning to launch programs to extend the $7,500 tax credit for EV leases.

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The program involved purchasing EVs from dealer inventories through their financing divisions, enabling them to become eligible for the credit.

Ford-EV-tax-credit
Ford Mustang Mach-E (left) and F-150 Lightning (right) (Source: Ford)

Ford and GM would then use the funds to continue offering the $7,500 credit for those leasing an EV. The programs were expected to run at least a few months after the September 30 deadline.

The company spokesperson said Ford Credit is still offering 0% APR financing for 72 months, along with other incentives, for electric vehicle buyers.

Ford-EV-tax-credit
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning (Source: Ford)

A source close to the matter told Reuters that GM scrapped the program after Republican Senator Bernie Moreno called to close a loophole that enabled the credit to be passed on through leasing.

“GM worked on an extended offer for the benefit of our customers and dealers,” a company spokesperson said, adding, “After further consideration, we have decided not to claim the tax credit.” The company will provide about $6,000 of its own cash instead to continue supporting EV leases. GM will also continue to fund the incentive lease terms until the end of October.

Several automakers are promising to keep the savings going with incentives of their own, including Hyundai, BMW, and Stellantis.

Looking to grab the savings while they are still here? You can use our links below to find available models in your area.

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