Tesla has found a problem with “cell denting” in some Cybertrucks and it is starting to change the battery packs. The automaker is even sending the trucks back to Gigafactory Texas to investigate and replace the packs.

Cybertruck has been in production for a year now, and the production ramp has been relatively smooth.

Tesla is now capable of producing several thousands of Cybertrucks per week at Gigafactory Texas.

However, the vehicle program isn’t without issues.

Tesla issued several recalls on the Cybertruck and many owners have reported frequent service visits. Tesla even bought back some Cybertrucks that had many problems.

Now, Electrek has learned about a new Cybertruck problem: cell dents.

According to sources familiar with the matter and documents reviewed by Electrek, Tesla has detected “cell dents” in some Cybertruck battery packs and it is now shipping those trucks back to Gigafactory Texas to have the battery packs replaced.

Cybertruck is the only Tesla vehicle built with Tesla’s own in-house 4680 battery cell.

The issue was detected in “many inventory vehicles,” according to someone familiar with the matter, but it doesn’t appear to have shown up in customer vehicles yet.

As we reported this week, Tesla has been stuck with a high number of Cybertrucks in inventory in the US and it is now taking actions, including converting Foundation Series Cybertrucks into regular ones and homologating over 800 inventory US Cybertrucks for the Canadian market.

Tesla’s service and collision centers are already overwhelmed by these modifications and other issues, like self-driving computer replacements in newer cars.

Therefore, the automaker is sending the Cybertrucks with those battery pack issues to Gigafactory Texas, or other locations that are not as busy.

Tesla hasn’t issued a service bulletin about the problem and it is unclear how many vehicles are affected by this “cell dent” problem.

However, Tesla has recently found another issue with the Cybertruck battery pack and released a service bulletin about it. Some trucks have the battery ancillary harness improperly installed.

The automaker wrote:

On certain Cybertruck vehicles, the HV battery ancillary harness may have been improperly routed, which might strain the harness branches and/or connectors between the High Voltage Controller (HVC) and Battery Management Boards (BMBs), potentially preventing HVC and BMB communication through one of the two harness branches.

If necessary, Tesla technicians are asked to inspect vehicles for symptoms and replace the harness on trucks coming into service if they have to.

Electrek’s Take

It sounds like Tesla is having a tough end-of-quarter/end-of-the-year. On top of the usual madness to try to deliver everything in inventory, the automaker is facing some serious issues with the new version of the HW4 computer and trying to get rid of Cybertruck inventory.

To address the latter, Tesla has to convert them to Canadian vehicles, non-Foundation Series, and now also replace some battery packs.

But Tesla needs to attempt to sell these trucks by the end of the quarter to make its financials look better for the end of the quarter.

The 2025 Nissan Ariya is now available with prices starting under $40,000. Nissan’s electric SUV offers up to nearly 300 miles range and can now charge up at Tesla Superchargers to make road trips effortless.

2025 Nissan Ariya prices and specs

Nissan launched the new 2025 model year on Friday with an MSRP of just $39,770. The latest model year gains wireless charging across all trims.

The 2025 Nissan Ariya is available in two battery sizes: 66 kWh and 91 kWh. The former provides a range of up to 216 miles, while the latter is good for 289 miles (FWD models). You can also choose from front-wheel drive (FWD) or Nissan’s e-4ORCE AWD dual-motor powertrain options.

The AWD e-4ORCE system packs up to 389 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque for “thrilling acceleration.” Nissan’s AWD Ariya models offer a range of up to 272 miles.

As part of its new ENERGY Charge Network, Nissan EV drivers now have access to over 100,000 public charging stations, including 17,800 Tesla Superchargers.

Owners will still need an NACS adapter kit to access the Superchargers. Nissan said the kit costs $235 and can be purchased from a Nissan dealer or online.

Prices for the base Nissan Ariya Engage FWD model start at $39,770 (not including a $1,390 destination fee). The AWD (e-4ORCE) model starts at $43,770, while the top-tier Platinum trim costs $54,370.

Inside, the electric SUV features Nissan’s Advanced Drive-Assist display, which includes dual 12.3″ infotainment and driver cluster screens in a “wave-like” shape.

The 2025 Nissan Ariya also comes with several standard features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a Head-up display, and a Virtual Personal Assistant.

It also includes Nissan’s ProPilot Assist with Navi-link as standard for assisted driving, while ProPilot 2.0 is available for hands-off highway driving.

Ready to try out Nissan’s electric SUV for yourself? We’ve got you covered. You can use our link to find Nissan Ariya models at the best price in your area today.

Rivian (RIVN) has reportedly agreed to a “secret” deal with the UAW as it works toward its next growth phase. The new agreement is contingent on the EV maker reaching profitability. Here’s what you need to know.

What the private UAW deal means for Rivian

Under the confidential deal, Rivian would opt for a neutral stance on unionizing efforts at its Normal, Illinois, manufacturing plant.

According to sources close to the matter (via Bloomberg), the deal is based on Rivian hitting specific targets, including reaching profitability. The private agreement could pave the way for the UAW to unionize workers in Normal.

Rivian has yet to post a quarterly profit on an adjusted basis. The EV maker posted a net loss of $1.1 billion in the third quarter, down from the $1.34 billion loss in Q3 2023. CFO Claire McDonough reiterated that Rivian is still on track to reach a positive gross profit in the fourth quarter.

CEO RJ Scaringe said the company is seeing “meaningful progress” on reducing costs after shutting down its Normal plant in April for upgrades.

The secret UAW deal also reportedly helped Rivian secure its recent $6.6 billion conditional loan from the US Department of Energy. The loan will help fund Rivian’s new manufacturing plant in Georgia, where it will build its more affordable R2. However, the loan is also based on the EV maker reaching certain financial metrics and other requirements.

Ramping EV production

Rivian builds its current R1S SUV and R1T electric pickup in Normal with plans to begin R2 production in 2026. Although the smaller, more affordable EV will initially be built in IL, Rivian plans to significantly expand output with the new plant in GA.

The EV maker expects to build between 47,000 and 49,000 vehicles this year. After upgrading the facility earlier this year, Rivian said it can build up to 150,000 EVs a year in Normal.

When R2 launches in 2026, Rivian expects annual production capacity to be around 215,000, 155,000 of which will be the R2. After its GA plant opens, Rivian expects to add another 400,000 to that number.

According to Bloomberg, Rivian has been “a longtime target for the UAW.” If the deal goes through, workers in Normal would have more say over matters such as pay and working conditions.

The UAW targetting Rivian is part of its broader plans to unionize the EV industry. As more details unfold, the deal could mark a significant step in its efforts, potentially setting Rivian apart from rivals like Tesla.

Last month, Rivian and Volkswagen officially launched their new joint venture, “Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC.” The partnership will use Rivian’s expertise to develop a next-gen EV architecture and “best-in-class software” for both companies’ future EV models.

Scaringe said the collaboration is a “landmark development for the industry.” Volkswagen plans to invest up to $5.8 billion in Rivian and the new JV, which Scaringe calls “a meaningful financial opportunity.”

Rivian’s stock is up around 33% since reporting Q3 earnings on November 7, but share prices are still down 37% in 2024.