Tesla Week 1/26: BYD Global Leader, Semi with 1.2 MW, Cybercab Launch, FSD Coast to Coast
The first week of 2026 brought some remarkable news for Tesla fans. From global sales figures to groundbreaking charging power and FSD milestones, here are the most important events.
BYD Overtakes Tesla Worldwide
Chinese manufacturer BYD has overtaken Tesla in global sales of pure electric vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2025. With around 595,000 BEVs sold compared to Tesla's 495,000, BYD is now ahead. However, Tesla remains slightly ahead in the full-year 2025 balance. Analysts see this as a sign of growing competition.
Tesla Semi with Megawatt Charging
Tesla has achieved a milestone in charging infrastructure: the Tesla Semi can now charge at 1.2 MW – double the previous specifications. This enables even faster charging times for long-haul transport, accelerating the electric truck revolution.
Cybercab: Production Start in 2026
Elon Musk confirmed that production of the Robotaxi Cybercab will begin in 2026. The vehicle will have no pedals and no steering wheel and is designed for autonomous passenger transport. First deliveries are planned for 2027.
FSD: Coast to Coast Without Intervention
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) has passed another milestone: a fully autonomous drive from the East Coast to the West Coast of the USA succeeded without human intervention. This underscores the increasing maturity of the system and paves the way for European approval.
Hardware Comparison: HW3 vs. HW4
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did BYD overtake Tesla in 2025?
BYD benefited from a broader model range and aggressive price cuts in China. Additionally, BYD massively expanded production of low-cost models like the Seagull, while Tesla remains focused on the Model 3 and Model Y.
What does 1.2 MW charging mean for the Tesla Semi?
Charging time is drastically reduced: instead of over an hour, around 30 minutes are now enough for 80% charge. This makes the Semi even more attractive for carriers, minimizing downtime.
When will the Cybercab come to market?
Series production starts in 2026, with first customer deliveries planned for 2027. Before that, Tesla will test the service in selected cities like Austin, as shown during Cathie Wood's test ride.
Is FSD really fully autonomous now?
The coast-to-coast drive shows that FSD works without intervention under ideal conditions. However, the driver remains legally responsible. In Europe, FSD Supervised is only approved in a few countries, with more approvals to follow.