This week’s top stories: Early Model 3 impressions, new Autopilot 2.5 hardware, TSLA raises more money, & more

In this week’s top stories: Early Tesla Model 3 owners offer their thoughts on the vehicle, we get a first look at Tesla’s new maps and navigation engine, Mercedes-Benz received a reality check when gauging interest in an electric car, and more. Read on for all of this week’s top stories.

The Tesla Model 3 continued to dominate the news this week as early investors and employees continue to get their hands on the vechile. One investor offered his thoughts on the vehicle, saying it “drives like Porsche, but it cost the same as a Prius.” Also this week, Tesla salespeople started telling Model 3 reservation holders that the $7,500 federal tax credit runs out this year, something Tesla later said that it disapproves.

More details about the Model 3 continued to emerge this week as the EPA revealed the car packs 258 hp, while Elon Musk said the Model 3 battery packs have capacities of 50 kWh and 75 kWh.

We also got our first look at Tesla’s new maps and navigation engine this week thanks to a resourceful Model S driver. While the feature isn’t yet available to most users, you can check out an in-depth look at the new interface here.

Finally, we reported on Tesla’s new Autopilot 2.5 hardware suite that packs more computing power for autonomous driving.

These and the rest of this week’s top stories below:

Tesla |

• Tesla has a new Autopilot ‘2.5’ hardware suite with more computing power for autonomous driving
• Early Tesla Model 3 owner gives interview full of analogies about his experience
• Tesla salespeople are telling Model 3 reservation holders that $7,500 federal tax credit runs out in 2017
• Tesla Model 3 annual demand could surpass 700,000 units, says Elon Musk
• First look at Tesla’s new maps and navigation engine
• New Tesla Model 3 details revealed by EPA: ~80 kWh battery pack, 258 hp, and more
• Tesla Model 3 battery packs have capacities of ~50 kWh and ~75 kWh, says Elon Musk
• Tesla is working on a reward for early Model 3 reservation holders, says Musk
• Tesla (TSLA) is raising $1.5 billion to expand Model 3 production
• Tesla brings a Model 3 to New York to sell its new bonds
• Tesla to focus on ‘major’ expansion of urban charging network, says Elon Musk
• Tesla (TSLA) bonds were oversubscribed by $300 million, $1.8 billion raised for Model 3 production

EV |

• Mercedes-Benz gets reality check from Tesla owners after asking fans if they want electric cars
• Infiniti unveils all-electric concept with next-gen Nissan Leaf technology
• Nissan confirms the sale of its electric car battery business
• First overhead contact line to charge moving electric trucks is being built on Autobahn in Germany

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