| Mobile Web

Search results for rare earths

Mobility

Tesla puts Cybercab robotaxi on Austin roads as EV battery durability draws attention

Tesla has begun operating its steering wheel- and brake pedal-free autonomous robotaxi, Cybercab, on roads in Austin, Texas, drawing attention to its vehicle design and self-driving strategy. Use conditions include a ban on riders under 13, and the timing of general sales remains unclear. Rivals are expanding service footprints, while South Korea’s mobility sector focuses on infrastructure, partnerships and data-based services alongside debate on EV battery durability and safety.

Mobility

Tesla unveils rare earth-free Cybercab motor; doubts remain over supply chain shift

Tesla said it has fitted Cybercab with a new electric vehicle motor that does not use rare earths. The motor is 18 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than its existing high-performance drive unit, and is more efficient, according to Electrek. The company has not disclosed the magnet material used. While the change could matter for supply chains amid tighter Chinese export controls on rare-earth processing, broader adoption beyond Cybercab remains uncertain.

People & Appointments

Science vice minister holds K-Moonshot meeting to discuss project roadmaps

Goo Hyeok-chae (구혁채), first vice minister at the Ministry of Science and ICT, discussed future plans by mission under the K-Moonshot programme. He chaired a meeting in Sejong on Aug. 10, marking the conversion of the programme director posts to national special-appointed researchers and the opening of the support team office. Officials from mission teams and related agencies attended. The meeting discussed mission roadmaps, cooperation and wider use of AI in research.