Tesla’s Q3 2026 deliveries slipped 2% to 486,532 vehicles, but the result still beat analyst estimates, according to figures discussed on the latest Electrek podcast. The episode also covered a new Model 3 update with more range and performance, a US-market feature that lets Tesla drive away while plugged in, and a newly patented “Electric Fan Car” design with four ducted fans ahead of the Roadster reveal.
The Roadster is facing another delay, though the podcast did not give a new target date. In other EV news, Rivian continues to ramp its R2 even as broader EV market growth slows, Ford’s planned $30,000 Fathom pickup faces production uncertainty, and Aptera says it needs $25 million to start production, sending its stock down 15%.
Battery swap is coming back into focus: NIO sold 30% of its battery swap unit to Geely at a valuation above $2 billion. Meanwhile, cheaper EVs are spreading—Hyundai’s Ioniq V starts under $15,000 in some markets, and BYD’s cheapest EV is getting bigger—while the new 2027 BMW i3 offers up to 468 miles of range at a premium price.