Tesla continues to capture the attention of the automotive world, particularly with its ambitious plans and impressive production capabilities. Recently, the company has shared exciting updates from its Giga Shanghai facility, along with plans for testing its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology in Sweden. These developments not only highlight Tesla’s growth but also its commitment to innovation in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
In this article, we’ll explore the latest updates from Tesla, including its production efforts in Shanghai, FSD testing in Sweden, and insights from recent studies on EV battery performance.
Giga Shanghai is operating at full capacity
Tesla has recently posted an optimistic teaser showcasing Giga Shanghai, particularly emphasizing the upcoming deliveries of the Model Y L. This teaser was shared on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, marking a rare glimpse of the factory’s exterior, which is now restricted from drone flyovers, unlike its counterparts in Texas and Berlin.
The video revealed a busy scene at Giga Shanghai, with numerous Model Y vehicles being loaded onto transport trucks. Among them were a significant number of Model Y L units, Tesla’s extended wheelbase, six-seat variant, which only began deliveries last month.
Surge in insurance registration reports
Tesla China appears to be experiencing substantial momentum as it heads into Q4 2025. Recent industry whispers indicate that the company recorded approximately 16,500 new vehicle registrations in the week of October 13-19. This impressive figure stands out when compared to earlier weeks, where Tesla registered 5,020 new vehicles in the week ending October 5 and 11,300 in the week ending October 12.
The rising popularity of the Model Y L has significantly contributed to these figures. In September, this model helped drive Tesla China’s wholesale numbers to 90,812 units, making it the fourth best-selling mid-to-large SUV in China. This growth is indicative of Tesla’s strategic focus on expanding its product lineup to cater to a broader market.
Tesla explores FSD testing in Sweden
On the front of autonomous driving technology, Tesla has expressed interest in conducting Full Self-Driving (FSD) tests in the city of Karlstad, Sweden. The proposal has garnered a positive reception from local officials, marking a potential expansion of Tesla’s FSD capabilities in Europe.
As of now, FSD has been deployed in various regions, including the United States, China, and Australia, but has yet to see a launch in Europe. Tesla’s request for testing in Karlstad was reported by Värmlands Folkblad, highlighting the company’s proactive approach to expanding its autonomous technology trials.
Notably, the municipality of Karlstad has not made a final decision regarding Tesla’s request, but local councilor Linda Larsson expressed that FSD tests in the area “sound interesting.” If approved, these tests would still involve safety drivers behind the wheel, ensuring a layer of human oversight during operations.
Collaboration with local authorities for FSD tests
Tesla has emphasized its intent to work closely with Karlstad’s municipality and local entities throughout the testing process. This collaborative approach could enhance the likelihood of receiving approval, especially given the positive response from local officials.
However, Tesla’s journey to test FSD in Sweden hasn’t been entirely smooth. Earlier this year, the company faced a setback when its request to conduct FSD tests in Stockholm was rejected by the Swedish Traffic Department. The department cited ongoing testing pressures and concerns regarding infrastructure and public safety.
Waymo under scrutiny after safety incident
In a related development within the autonomous vehicle sector, Waymo is currently facing a federal investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This probe was initiated following reports that one of its self-driving taxis failed to stop for a school bus, raising serious safety concerns.
The NHTSA is reviewing approximately 2,000 Waymo vehicles to assess whether the autonomous systems have violated traffic laws. Reports indicate that during the incident, the Waymo taxi did not stop as required when approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.
Recent safety improvements implemented by Waymo
In response to the incident, Waymo has indicated that it has already developed and implemented software improvements aimed at preventing similar occurrences in future operations. A company representative stated that driving safely around children remains a top priority for Waymo.
The company operates a fleet of over 1,500 robotaxis across key U.S. cities, including Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin, and continues to expand its operations internationally.
Kia and Tesla lead in EV battery performance
A recent Swedish study conducted by car broker Kvdbil has revealed that Kia and Tesla have the best-performing electric vehicle batteries in terms of capacity retention. This study evaluated more than 1,300 used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids to determine which models maintain their battery health over time.
The results showed that the Kia EV6, Kia e-Niro, and Tesla Model Y stood out as the top performers in battery retention.
Insights from the Swedish battery performance study
This study is particularly encouraging for the EV market as it found that 80% of used electric vehicles still retain at least 90% of their original battery capacity. The significant performance of Kia’s EV6 and e-Niro, along with Tesla’s Model Y, indicates a shift towards more sustainable vehicle options.
Factors influencing battery life and performance
Kvdbil noted that the impressive results can be attributed to advancements in battery management systems and engineering. Additionally, several factors can influence battery capacity retention, including:
- Charging routines
- Driving styles
- Vehicle age
The study also featured entries from other manufacturers such as Opel, Mazda, Audi, Fiat, Volvo, Citroën, and Volkswagen, highlighting a competitive landscape in the EV battery sector.
Tesla’s strong showing is particularly noteworthy given that the Model Y is one of Sweden’s best-selling electric vehicles, providing a larger sample size compared to Kia’s offerings. This performance is a testament to Tesla’s commitment to quality and innovation in battery technology.
As a point of reference, reports from last year indicated that a Tesla Model S 90D had traveled an impressive 430,000 miles on its original battery and motors, only losing 65 miles of range throughout its usage—a remarkable achievement in battery endurance.