Saudi Communications Minister Meets with ITU Secretary-General, Global Tech Leaders

The discussions in Davos focused on stimulating partnerships and initiatives aimed at connecting the world and the importance of seizing opportunities in generative artificial intelligence. SPA
The discussions in Davos focused on stimulating partnerships and initiatives aimed at connecting the world and the importance of seizing opportunities in generative artificial intelligence. SPA
TT

Saudi Communications Minister Meets with ITU Secretary-General, Global Tech Leaders

The discussions in Davos focused on stimulating partnerships and initiatives aimed at connecting the world and the importance of seizing opportunities in generative artificial intelligence. SPA
The discussions in Davos focused on stimulating partnerships and initiatives aimed at connecting the world and the importance of seizing opportunities in generative artificial intelligence. SPA

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha has discussed with the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ways to enhance cooperation and digital inclusion.

The discussion in Davos on Monday also focused on stimulating partnerships and initiatives aimed at connecting the world, empowering individuals, and protecting the planet.

The meeting, held as part of the Saudi delegation's participation in the annual World Economic Forum meeting, emphasized the significance of expanding partnerships to foster the digital economy's growth.

It also highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities in generative artificial intelligence, developing national digital skills, and enabling digital entrepreneurship.

Al-Swaha also met with various leaders of prominent global technology and innovation companies to enhance partnerships in the digital economy and innovation sectors.

The discussions focused on developing solutions and technologies related to cloud computing, generative artificial intelligence, and enhancing the digital capabilities of Saudis in emerging technologies and localizing digital content.

Additionally, the minister conducted meetings with the founder and CEO of Scale AI, Alexander Wang and President and CEO of the Ericsson Group Borje Ekholm to explore partnerships, exchange expertise, and foster the growth of the digital economy and innovation.



Tesla Plans Four New Batteries in 2026, Including for Robotaxi

FILE PHOTO: A staff member attends to customers inside a Tesla Model Y car at a showroom of the US electric vehicle (EV) maker in Beijing, China, Feb. 4, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A staff member attends to customers inside a Tesla Model Y car at a showroom of the US electric vehicle (EV) maker in Beijing, China, Feb. 4, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/File Photo
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Tesla Plans Four New Batteries in 2026, Including for Robotaxi

FILE PHOTO: A staff member attends to customers inside a Tesla Model Y car at a showroom of the US electric vehicle (EV) maker in Beijing, China, Feb. 4, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A staff member attends to customers inside a Tesla Model Y car at a showroom of the US electric vehicle (EV) maker in Beijing, China, Feb. 4, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/File Photo

Tesla plans to design four new versions of its in-house battery to power the Cybertruck, its forthcoming robotaxi and other electric vehicles, the Information reported on Thursday, citing people with knowledge of its plans.

The Elon Musk-led firm currently sources most of its EV batteries from other companies, including Panasonic Energy and LG Energy but has been trying to ramp up production of its 4680 battery cells in the United States to lower costs and boost margins.

The development of the 4680 battery has been facing troubles, with the company losing 70% to 80% of the cathodes in test production compared with conventional battery makers, which lose fewer than 2% of their components to manufacturing defects, the report said.

Cathodes, a key part of the battery, helps in creating energy that propels an EV, Reuters reported.

The company has also been trying to scale production of dry-coated version of the 4680 cells but has been struggling with the speed at which they can make the batteries, Reuters had reported last year.

Tesla is planning to introduce the dry cathodes in Cybertruck batteries by the middle of next year, the Information report said, adding that the company plans to make between 2,000 and 3,000 Cybertrucks a week using the dry-coating technology.

By 2026, Tesla plans to introduce four versions of the 4680 that use the dry cathode, one of which, code-named NC05, will power the robotaxi, according to the report.

The EV maker is expected to unveil its long-awaited robotaxi product next week as it looks to shift its focus to AI-powered autonomous technology amid slowing demand for battery-powered cars.