Tag: Model 3 Highland

  • Model 3 Premium Adds Non-Retrofit Front Bumper Camera & $595 Stalk

    Model 3 Premium Adds Non-Retrofit Front Bumper Camera & $595 Stalk

    Key Takeaways

    1. The refreshed Model 3 Highland in the US lacks the front bumper camera, unlike initial leaked images.
    2. The front bumper camera and washer system are now standard on all Tesla models except the pricier Model 3 Premium.
    3. Tesla has started manufacturing the updated 2026 Model 3 Premium, which includes a front bumper camera and turn signal stalk.
    4. Owners of older Model 3 Highland refreshes can retrofit the turn signal stalk for $595, but not the front bumper camera.
    5. The front bumper camera is crucial for Full Self-Driving (FSD) features, possibly affecting older models’ eligibility for Robotaxi service.

    While the initial leaked images of the Model 3 Highland refresh showcased a front bumper camera similar to the one first seen on the Cybertruck, the refreshed version released in the US did not include this feature.

    Missing Features

    The camera and washer system that is meant for the front bumper camera has since become standard across all Tesla models, including the more affordable Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard, leaving the pricier Model 3 Premium out of the loop.

    New Production Begins

    Tesla has commenced manufacturing an updated 2026 Model 3 Premium at its Fremont factory, and all new units now come equipped with both a front bumper camera and a turn signal stalk. Owners of the previous Model 3 Highland refresh who purchased their cars before this update can retrofit a turn signal stalk by paying $595 through Tesla’s online store.

    Retrofit Limitations

    However, the front bumper camera cannot be retrofitted, even though it seems like it would only require swapping out the Model 3 grille. This is disappointing since the camera is not just for parking assistance; Tesla removed the USS sensors from the bumper to save $144 each. There are indications that Tesla is integrating the feed from the bumper camera into its Full Self-Driving (FSD) algorithms, suggesting that older models lacking this camera may miss out on joining the Robotaxi service if Tesla eventually opens the platform to existing owners.

    Tesla tends to avoid spending on components that will see minimal use, so the inclusion of the front bumper camera might indeed be part of the FSD 14 feeds. This could be the reason Tesla is adding it to their future production units. The new FSD 14 allows users to choose where to park at the end of a journey, and the upcoming v14.2 will feature on-the-spot selection in parking garages, where a front bumper camera feed could prove to be very useful.

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    Model 3 Premium Adds Non-Retrofit Front Bumper Camera & $595 StalkModel 3 Premium Adds Non-Retrofit Front Bumper Camera & $595 StalkModel 3 Premium Adds Non-Retrofit Front Bumper Camera & $595 StalkModel 3 Premium Adds Non-Retrofit Front Bumper Camera & $595 Stalk

     

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  • Tesla Launches Costly Model 3 Turn Signal Stalk Retrofit for Highland

    Tesla Launches Costly Model 3 Turn Signal Stalk Retrofit for Highland

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla has updated the Model 3 with a bigger battery, front bumper camera, and a more common turn signal stalk for regions like Europe.
    2. Older Model 3 owners can retrofit their vehicles with the new turn signal stalk for approximately $770 in Europe and $350 in China.
    3. The design change replaced traditional turn signal levers with controls on the steering wheel, leading to customer complaints and regulatory issues, especially in Europe.
    4. The retrofit option is available for all 2023-2025 Model 3 vehicles in Europe, while in China, it is limited to models made after February 7, 2025.
    5. The new turn signal stalk is only for signaling turns and does not control other functions like high beams or windshield wipers, which remain managed by buttons.

    Tesla has made some updates to the Model 3, which now comes with a bigger battery, a camera on the front bumper, and a turn signal stalk that is becoming more common in regions like Europe. For those who own older versions of the Model 3, Tesla is providing a retrofit option for the turn signal stalk, priced at around $770 in that area.

    Changes in Design

    In the Model 3 Highland refresh, the traditional lever was replaced with turn signal controls on the steering wheel. Tesla marketed this change as a way to create a more simplistic interior, aiming to cut costs. However, customers missed the familiarity of the turn buttons, leading to complaints. Furthermore, this change caused regulatory issues, especially in Europe, where driving schools avoided Teslas for students, and officials hinted that the car’s safety ratings might be affected because of the absence of the turn signal lever.

    Reaction in Different Markets

    A similar situation unfolded in China, where Tesla brought back the turn stalk for the Model 3 during the summer. For those who had already purchased the refreshed Model 3, Tesla initiated a retrofit program. In China, the cost for the turn signal stalk assembly, which includes both the component and installation, is about $350. This makes the retrofit in Europe more than twice the cost, which is quite significant.

    In China, the retrofit for the signal lever can only be performed on Model 3 cars without steering stalks that were made after February 7, 2025. Conversely, in Europe, the new turn signal stalk retrofit is available for all 2023-2025 Model 3 vehicles lacking one, covering nearly all Highland refresh models sold in that market.

    How to Get the Retrofit

    The price for the Model 3 turn stalk retrofit includes both the parts and installation. Buyers just need to contact their nearest Tesla Service Center to set up an appointment. The lever appears to be similar to the one used in the 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh. It is designed solely for signaling left or right turns and does not control high beams or windshield wipers, which are still managed by buttons on the steering wheel or through various multifunction Model 3 stalks available on Amazon at a much lower price than Tesla’s official but rather basic retrofit.

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