Tag: Model 3

April 2, 2025
Tesla Bankruptcy: Leaked Docs Show Huge Discounts on Model 3, Y, Cybertruck
Key Takeaways
1. An emergency sale on Tesla vehicles will happen next week, featuring significant price cuts on popular models.
2. Elon Musk’s recent political activities have negatively impacted his popularity and Tesla sales in Europe.
3. The sale includes unbelievable prices: Model 3 for $5,999, Model X for $6,666, and Cybertruck for $9,999.
4. Potential buyers should be cautious and read the fine print before making a purchase.
5. The entire article is a prank for April Fool’s Day and not based on real events.
If you’ve ever wanted to own a Tesla electric vehicle but didn’t have the cash to make it happen, this is your chance for a rare opportunity. Next week, an emergency sale will be kicking off, as reported by the trustworthy leaker @itstruebelieveme on Reddit. This event is only going to be available for a short time, and it will feature huge price cuts on popular models like the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck.
Elon Musk’s Political Drama
It’s no surprise that the turmoil is linked to Elon Musk’s recent political activities. His popularity has taken a hit, especially in Germany and across Europe, due to his public relations efforts with the right-wing AFD party. He also made waves internationally with a certain salute at Donald Trump’s inauguration. These actions have caused a drop in sales for the first quarter of 2025 in Europe, and a recent tweet from Musk on March 31 has seriously damaged his reputation:
“All Teslas must now turn right only – to respect the Earth’s rotation! Except for the Mars Rovers, because on Mars we believe in freedom… and sensible traffic laws.”
– Elon Musk on X
Prices and Discounts
From next week until May 7, the Tesla Model 3 will be available for an unbelievable price of just $5,999. Meanwhile, you can snag the Model X for $6,666, and the Cybertruck will be priced at $9,999. But hold your horses before you dash out to buy a Tesla at such a great price; it’s wise to read the fine print, because nothing screams “deal” like unexpected catches.
A Prank for April Fool’s Day
This so-called sale of the century comes with an important note that you shouldn’t overlook—because, of course, this entire article is completely made up. To everyone who has made it this far through the misquotes and absurdities, NBC wishes you a joyous April 1st!
Tags: April Fools, Model 3, Tesla
March 30, 2025
Tesla Model 3 Testing FSD with Cybercab Cameras Up North
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla is using a standard Model 3 equipped with the Cybercab’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) kit to gather driving data in challenging weather conditions.
2. New camera arrangements on the Model 3 mirror those planned for the Cybercab, suggesting a focus on collecting relevant data for autonomous driving.
3. Tesla is preparing for an unsupervised FSD pilot program in Austin, Texas, as part of their efforts to promote safe electric transport.
4. Securing permits for the Cybercab will be more challenging than for the Model 3 or Model Y, which still have traditional controls.
5. The testing of the Model 3 may help demonstrate safety and readiness to regulators ahead of the Cybercab’s mass production goal in 2026.
Since Tesla can’t really train the Cybercab for every situation and event that occurs on the streets during bad weather before it gets the required permits, they are trying something else.
Innovative Approach
They have seemingly equipped a standard Tesla, which has pedals and a steering wheel, to drive around on public roads with the Cybercab’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) kit. A Model 3 was spotted with unusual HW4 camera positions way up in Concord, New Hampshire, suggesting that Tesla might be collecting driving data in tough weather conditions, similar to what the Cybercab would face.
New Camera Arrangements
The new cameras include one oddly positioned in the rear window, exactly where the side camera of Tesla’s two-seater robotaxi is located. There’s also another one attached to the fender with some additional fittings, again in the same spot and angle as seen on the Cybercab.
Recently, Tesla shared a thank you message to the Texas Department of Transportation, featuring a city official inside a Cybercab. The message read, “Thanks to Austin City & Texas DOT for hosting & supporting our efforts to unlock safe & low-cost premium point-to-point electric transport,” likely pointing to the unsupervised FSD pilot program they plan to start in the city in June.
Challenges Ahead
Obtaining a permit for the Cybercab to operate on public roads is expected to be much more difficult for Tesla than launching unsupervised FSD for its Model 3 or Model Y that come with pedals and a steering wheel.
This could be the reason behind retrofitting the Cybercab’s HW4 kit onto a Model 3, using it as a testing vehicle to see how the autonomous robotaxi performs outside the controlled environments of the Gigafactory where it has been tested so far.
Tesla aims to start mass production of the Cybercab by 2026, and it needs to showcase its safety records and road readiness to regulators before that. Thus, utilizing this Model 3 test vehicle may be a clever strategy to accelerate the approval process for their first car without pedals.
Source:
Link
Tags: Cybercab, Model 3, Tesla
March 18, 2025
Tesla Moves Forward with Model 3 and Model Y Homologation in India
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla has filed for homologation for its Model 3 and Model Y to meet Indian regulatory requirements.
2. The company initially sought seven test permits and has now added an eighth.
3. Tesla’s entry into India began in 2021, facing challenges from high import tariffs.
4. A discussion between CEO Elon Musk and Prime Minister Modi has led to a more favorable situation for Tesla.
5. Tesla is expanding its presence in India with a showroom near Mumbai airport and is recruiting for various positions amidst rising consumer interest in electric vehicles.
Tesla is eager to introduce its products to India and has filed for homologation for its two most popular models.
Understanding Homologation
Homologation is a crucial step for car manufacturers before they can officially market their vehicles in a new region. This process guarantees that the cars meet the local regulatory requirements. The automaker must comply with safety regulations, emissions standards, and roadworthiness checks.
Recent Developments
Reports from IANS indicate that Tesla initially sought seven test permits but has now put in an eighth. These permits are for the Model 3 and Model Y.
In 2021, Tesla began its journey into the Indian market by establishing a subsidiary, but the high import tariffs of up to 110 percent posed challenges. Nevertheless, after a discussion between CEO Elon Musk and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the company feels that the situation has improved.
Expansion Plans
Tesla has already secured a showroom location in a high-end area close to the Mumbai airport. Additionally, it has begun recruiting for various positions, including vehicle service, sales, customer support, and operations.
The interest in electric vehicles among Indian consumers is on the rise, with nearly 100,000 units sold in 2023, representing a 20 percent increase from the previous year. Tesla will face competition from established automakers that already offer electric vehicles, such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Audi, and Porsche.
Source:
Link
Tags: Model 3, Model Y, Tesla
March 17, 2025
Tesla Repair Costs High, But Insurance Claims Like New Gas Cars
Key Takeaways
1. High Repair Costs: Teslas have the highest average insurance claims, with repair costs exceeding $6,236 for electric vehicles, significantly impacting insurance rates.
2. Comparison with Other Vehicles: Mild hybrids are the least expensive to repair, averaging $4,726 per claim, while plug-in hybrids cost about $5,583.
3. Impact on Rental Companies: High insurance costs and long repair times have led rental companies like Hertz to avoid Tesla vehicles, resulting in financial losses for them.
4. Concerns About Vandalism: Rising vandalism rates linked to political activities surrounding Elon Musk may lead to increased insurance premiums for Teslas.
5. Tough Choices for Buyers: Car buyers face difficult decisions between keeping older gas-powered vehicles or opting for mild hybrids due to the high insurance rates of electric vehicles.
Insuring a Tesla can be quite expensive, as many owners will tell you, and a recent study from parts supplier and insurance company Mitchell explains why that is.
High Repair Costs
Interestingly, Teslas have the highest average insurance claims compared to all other brands and types of vehicle propulsion. Last year, the average cost to repair an electric vehicle (EV) in the United States was $6,236, while Tesla repairs tend to be even more expensive. The Model Y and Model 3 contribute largely to the majority of EV claims.
Comparison with Other Vehicles
In contrast, mild hybrids are the least expensive to fix, averaging $4,726 per claim for insurers in the US in 2024. Plug-in hybrids, however, do not fare as well, with an average claim cost of $5,583, which is quite substantial.
Many Tesla owners, who have received some outrageous estimates for minor repairs like bumper replacements, might believe these figures underestimate actual repair costs. It’s important to note that these are just average claims.
Impact on Rental Companies
The high costs of insurance and lengthy repair times have led rental companies like Hertz to shy away from Tesla vehicles, resulting in a significant loss when they sold off their Tesla EV fleet.
In the past year, insurance rates for the top-selling electric models in the US rose by 28%. This is double the increase seen in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, making electric cars 23% more expensive to insure, with an average rate of $3,430. Data analyst Matt Brannon mentions that as of February 2025, the “Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Model X are the priciest EVs to insure,” with the Model 3 costing around $4,362 per year.
Concerns About Vandalism
The Cybertruck, which was once considered uninsurable, is close behind, with an annual insurance rate of $3,813. Insurers are also concerned about rising vandalism rates against Tesla cars linked to Elon Musk’s recent political activities, which could lead to even higher insurance premiums.
For Tesla owners seeking reassurance, their average insurance claim cost is similar to that of newer gasoline-powered vehicles. As cars become more complex, the latest models filled with electronics and sensors recorded an average claim cost of $6,127 in the US last year. This is only slightly less than the average for electric vehicles, particularly Teslas.
Tough Choices for Buyers
This situation leaves car buyers in a tough spot. They have to choose between keeping their older gas-powered vehicles to avoid high insurance rates or opting for mild hybrids instead.
Source:
Link
Tags: EV insurance, Model 3, Tesla
March 5, 2025
Tesla Expands to India: Showrooms Coming to Mumbai and Delhi
Key Takeaways
1. Tesla is set to enter the Indian market with its first showrooms in Mumbai and Delhi, starting with a location in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.
2. The starting price for the Tesla Model 3 is around $40,000, but there are plans for a more affordable model priced at $25,000 (approximately 22 lakh INR) for the Indian market.
3. Tesla’s entry is expected to significantly impact the Indian electric vehicle industry by introducing advanced technologies such as autopilot features.
4. The company may consider local manufacturing in India while initially importing vehicles from China.
5. Tesla’s move follows a meeting between Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, indicating potential government negotiations.
After a lot of chatter and reports, Tesla is finally set to step into the Indian market. The company is preparing to launch its well-known electric vehicles in the region shortly, with a new report outlining the key cities where these cars will make their first appearance in India. Let’s take a look.
First Showroom in Mumbai’s BKC
The American electric vehicle manufacturer is said to be planning to open its first showrooms in the bustling cities of Mumbai and Delhi, as reported by MySmartPrice. They have secured a 4,000 square foot area on the ground floor of the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai. This location will mark Tesla’s official arrival in India. After the unveiling in Mumbai, the company is also looking to set up another flagship showroom at Aerocity in Delhi.
Tesla Model 3 Pricing
Sadly, the specific location for the Delhi showroom is not yet disclosed. This news comes on the heels of a meeting between Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The company seems to have intentions to make its electric vehicles more budget-friendly in India. The starting price of the Tesla Model 3 is around 40,000 US Dollars, but there are whispers about the brand developing a model priced at 25,000 US Dollars specifically for the Indian market. This roughly equates to about 22,00,000 INR (or 22 lakh INR).
Industry Impact with Tesla’s Entry
With Tesla making its move into the Indian electric vehicle sector, the whole industry is likely to feel a significant effect as the brand introduces advanced technologies, including the autopilot feature. However, it’s still unclear how the company will implement many of these features. Tesla is expected to be considering local manufacturing and may be negotiating with the Indian government. Nevertheless, the initial vehicles are anticipated to be imported from China.
Tags: India, Model 3, Tesla
March 4, 2025
Tesla Offers 0% APR Financing to Boost Model 3 Sales
Key Takeaways
1. The Model 3 sales have dropped significantly, with an 81% decline in Australia and nearly a 50% decrease in Europe.
2. In the US, Tesla introduced a 0% APR financing offer for the Model 3 to boost sales before quarterly results are reported.
3. The financing offer requires a 15% down payment and is available for a 5-year term, with additional options for 72-month financing at 0.99% APR.
4. Monthly payments for the Model 3 can range from approximately $540 to $748, making the financing option competitive compared to the average new car payment of $737.
5. Anticipation for the Model Y Juniper refresh and external factors like brand boycotts are impacting Model 3 sales negatively.
With the new Model Y Juniper refresh and Elon Musk’s political activities, the Model 3 seems to be facing tough times, as its sales have dropped significantly around the world.
Sales Drop in Australia
In Australia, factors like a brand boycott and anticipation for the Model Y Juniper refresh, set to arrive in May, have led to an astonishing 81% decline in Model 3 sales. Over in Europe, Tesla’s sales figures have almost been cut in half since the start of this year, even though other electric vehicle brands are experiencing growth.
US Market Challenges
The situation in the US isn’t looking great either, as Tesla has rolled out a 0% APR financing offer for its most affordable vehicle. This move aims to sell as many Model 3s as possible before the company has to disclose its quarterly sales results.
Financing Details
This 0% financing offer requires a minimum down payment of 15%, excluding fees and taxes, and is only available for a 5-year financing term. Buyers with good credit who qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit can use that amount as their down payment. For those opting for a 72-month financing term, Tesla also has a 0.99% APR rate available.
To sum it up, a Model 3 Long Range RWD can now be financed for around $540 per month, while the high-end Model 3 Performance version would cost approximately $748 monthly. The average car payment for a new vehicle in the US stands at $737, making Tesla’s 0% APR offer quite attractive. However, it remains uncertain how many people will take advantage of this deal, especially with the new Model Y just hitting the market.
Additional Offer
You can also find the 80A Tesla Gen 2 Wall Connector with a 24-foot cable available on Amazon.
Source:
Link
Tags: Model 3, Model Y, Tesla
February 2, 2025
Tesla Prices Rise CA$9,000 in Canada Amid Cybertruck and Model 3 Changes
Tesla has raised the prices of its vehicles by as much as $9,000 CAD (about $6,189 USD) following the recent announcement of a 25% tariff by the Trump administration over the weekend.
In response, Canada imposed its own import tariffs, prompting Tesla to implement the price hikes it had initially warned about on January 22.
Price Changes on Model 3 and Model Y
For example, the price for the new Model 3 Performance has increased to $79,990 in Canada, marking a 9% rise from its previous price, which suggest that Tesla might be absorbing some of the extra costs due to the tariff hike.
The Model Y saw a smaller increase of $4,000 for the older model. It remains unclear if the price for the upcoming 2026 Model Y Juniper Launch Series will also rise from the current $84,990 as its release date approaches in Canada.
Promotions and Discounts
In other news, Tesla is kicking off its quarterly promotions for the Model 3 and Cybertruck earlier than usual, aiming to boost sales before the 2026 Model Y becomes available.
For instance, the referral credit for buying a new Model 3 has been increased five times, from $500 to $2,500. Additionally, monthly lease prices for both the Model 3 and Cybertruck have been reduced by as much as 17%.
The dual-motor Cybertruck can now be leased for $749/month, down from $899/month. The base Model 3 Long Range RWD is now available for $249/month, a decrease from the previous $299/month lease price.
Tax Credits and Special Offers
These leases still qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. To help clear out the Cybertrucks sitting in inventory, Tesla is also offering complimentary XPEL wraps for orders made in the U.S. or Canada before the end of March.
Source:
Link
Tags: Cybertruck, Model 3, Tesla
December 24, 2024
Tesla Superchargers Boost Cold Charging Speed for Model Y LFP Batteries
Tesla is set to launch a battery heating feature at its V3 and V4 Supercharger stations. This enhancement will enable standard range Model 3 and Model Y RWD versions equipped with LFP batteries to charge up to four times quicker during winter months.
Performance in Cold Weather
Typically, LFP cells, like those found in portable power stations, do not perform as well in low temperatures. This might be a reason why Tesla has prioritized the Supercharger battery heating option specifically for the standard range Model Y and Model 3.
Innovative Heating Method
The new heating service differs from the usual preconditioning process that Tesla vehicles undergo when heading to a Supercharger. Instead of slowly warming up the battery pack, the Supercharger transmits ripple AC current straight through the individual LFP battery cells, effectively heating them during cold weather conditions.
“This is made possible by Tesla’s vertical integration and some of our brilliant engineers,” says Max de Zegher from Tesla. He notes that this new feature might remain exclusive to vehicles that utilize CATL LFP batteries.
Speeding Up Charging Times
The Supercharger battery heating option can allow a standard range Model Y to get back on the road up to four times faster than previously, addressing the main issue faced by LFP batteries. Elon Musk has previously discussed the slower charging speeds of Teslas with LFP batteries in extreme conditions:
In cold weather, LFP batteries charge at a slower rate compared to NCA batteries, and their range diminishes more than that of NCA batteries as well. It’s important to remember that both types of batteries perform poorly in cold weather, but LFP batteries are more affected. While on a road trip to a Supercharger, the vehicle will prewarm its batteries, which can help alleviate some of the slower charging issues. However, this means you may spend an additional six or seven minutes at the Supercharger during winter with LFP batteries. This could be a concern if you intend to rely on your vehicle for frequent cold weather supercharging, though it won’t affect you if you charge your car at home overnight.
Tesla’s LFP battery supplier, CATL, now has new LFP cells that do not experience slow charging in cold conditions. However, these specific cells are not used in the standard range Model 3 or Model Y. In the US, Tesla is primarily selling only long-range options, as its vehicles with Chinese LFP cells do not qualify for federal tax incentives.
Source: Link
Tags: LFP batteries, Model 3, Tesla
November 23, 2024
Judge Rejects Tesla’s Bid to Dismiss ‘Phantom Braking’ Lawsuit
Tesla, a leading name in self-driving technology, is facing its share of unhappy customers. In 2023, the well-known car maker was named in a class-action lawsuit in a Chicago district court. Judge Georgia Alexakis, overseeing the case, has decided that it will proceed despite Tesla’s efforts to dismiss it.
Lawsuit Details
The case, titled Joshua Santiago et al. v. Tesla, claims that the company did not inform potential buyers about a “phantom braking” problem, which they have known about since 2015. The two individuals who filed the lawsuit argue that Tesla’s forward collision detection system gives false alerts when there is no actual danger, which can lead to the vehicle unexpectedly slowing down or stopping altogether.
Court Rulings
While Tesla was unable to get the entire lawsuit dismissed, Judge Alexakis did agree to remove some parts of it. She threw out claims that Tesla’s insurance division charged drivers too much for premiums based on the supposed braking issue. The argument that the false collision alerts resulted in higher insurance costs for drivers did not persuade the judge.
Tesla claims they were unaware of the alleged problem until one of the plaintiffs purchased their Model 3 in 2021.
Future of Tesla’s Technology
However, Judge Alexakis recognized that the lawsuit has shown that potential buyers ought to be able to rely on the information presented on Tesla’s website, supporting claims of Tesla’s failure to disclose safety-related information.
Tesla has ambitious goals for its self-driving capabilities. The company recently introduced the Cybercab and Robovan, which received a lot of attention. The Cybercab is a future taxi designed for two passengers without a steering wheel or pedals. The Robovan is a larger automated vehicle meant for public transport.
Tesla currently provides Autopilot with every new model, featuring basic options like Cruise Control and Autosteer. The Full Self-Driving (Supervised) option includes more advanced functions such as Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, and Smart Summon, available through either a subscription or a one-time payment.
Source: Link
Tags: autonomous driving, Model 3, Tesla
November 15, 2024
Tesla Offers Free Supercharging and FSD Promo to Boost Sales
Tesla is offering complimentary Supercharging and Full Self-Driving (FSD) trials for anyone who buys a vehicle from its inventory by the year’s end.
Customers who take delivery of a new inventory car between November 14 and December 31 will enjoy three months of free access to the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature, along with free Supercharging during the same timeframe.
Restrictions on the Offer
It’s important to note that this offer cannot be used later or transferred to different accounts or vehicles. Buyers who have already paid for the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature might be disappointed with this new promotion.
Sadly, not all used vehicles in Tesla’s inventory qualify for the free Supercharging and FSD trials, and business account orders are also excluded.
Promotional Efforts and Sales Boost
Tesla has rolled out numerous promotions to boost its shipment figures in the final quarter of the year, making it challenging to track them all. However, these efforts could lead to record deliveries right before the anticipated release of the Model Y Juniper.
The most sought-after offer among the current Model 3 and Model Y deals is the 0% APR financing, which no longer requires customers to buy FSD as a condition, a change made at the start of the month.
Long-Term Strategies
Additionally, Tesla has introduced free FSD transfers, a benefit that seems to be becoming a regular offering. This has been in place for four straight quarters, even though Elon Musk has indicated that it’s a temporary promotion, emphasizing the need for Tesla to “make money somehow.”
Tesla is also keen on providing free FSD trials, as it aims to attract customers towards buying or subscribing to the service. Furthermore, the company needs to log many miles driven with FSD to show regulators its strong safety track record, especially as it prepares for the launch of the Cybercab/Robotaxi ride-sharing service.
New Inventory Highlights
For the first time, Tesla has Cybertrucks available in its inventory, but only the free Supercharging offer will be of value to future owners. All these are Foundation Series units, which come with FSD included at no additional cost.
Source: Link
Tags: Full Self-Driving, Model 3, Tesla