Tag: Model Y

December 21, 2024
Tesla Trains First Responders for Cybercab Challenges on Roads
Tesla is currently evaluating how to introduce its autonomous Robotaxi in certain cities after reviewing its training sessions with local emergency response teams.
Engagement with Local Authorities
Tesla has reached out to city officials in Austin since May, expressing its interest in joining the local autonomous driving regulation task force. This information comes from an official email from the company. Unlike California, Texas lacks a statewide regulatory structure for self-driving cars. Instead, it treats autonomous vehicles like standard cars that must follow general traffic laws, leaving specific regulations up to individual cities.
Strategic Launch Plans
Elon Musk has indicated that Tesla is looking to roll out its unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Texas and California first. Texas is appealing because it has no regulations, while California already has rules governing autonomous vehicles. This unsupervised FSD would enable current Tesla models to participate in the Cybercab ride-sharing service, setting the stage for the eventual launch of Robotaxis on public roads.
Safety Training Initiatives
Austin has become a key location for testing autonomous vehicles, with companies like Waymo, Zoox, and VW operating there. To enhance safety, the city has formed a task force focused on developing safety guidelines and training for first responders dealing with self-driving cars. Tesla is eager to be involved in these efforts and conducted its initial training session with Austin’s first responders on December 5. The objective of this training is to gather feedback, collect incident data, and create safety protocols for situations involving Tesla’s Robotaxi, which do not have a steering wheel, or a Model Y in unsupervised FSD mode used for Cybercab services.
Based on the outcomes of the training and feedback from the task force, Tesla will make decisions on how and where to launch its initial fleet of unsupervised FSD vehicles. Initially, Tesla will manage these cars before introducing the Cybercab platform to Tesla owners, allowing them to generate income from their vehicles when they’re not in use, something Musk has been hinting at for some time now.
Source: Link
Tags: Model Y, Robotaxi, Tesla
December 17, 2024
Model Y Juniper Price Rise as Gov Funds Shift to Tesla Lithium
Instead of spending $200 million each month on direct tax credits that make electric vehicles cheaper, the government might be using that money to buy raw materials for batteries. Tesla plans to do this with the first lithium refinery in America.
Tesla’s Progress
Tesla has just processed its first sustainably sourced raw material in its Gulf Coast refinery, aiming to have it fully operational by 2025, as they promised. Interestingly, Trump’s transportation transition team is working on laws for self-driving vehicles that could help Tesla’s Robotaxi rollout. At the same time, they may shift the $7,500 tax credit for the Model Y towards projects like Tesla’s refinery.
Government Funding Changes
The transition team has labeled materials like lithium and rare earth minerals as “critical to defense production” in a leaked document, which is different from the focus on regular electric vehicles or charging points. Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act includes $7.5 billion for building charging infrastructure and also offers a $7,500 direct tax credit, with Tesla’s Model Y being the main recipient. This funding could change if a new administration comes into power.
This shift could mean that future buyers of Tesla’s Model Y Juniper refresh may not benefit from the same tax credit that current owners received.
Future Implications
Trump’s team believes that the main focus of government funding should be on securing the supply chain for battery materials, not on EV subsidies, citing studies by the Defense Department that highlight the importance of this for national security. The Inflation Reduction Act does have a part that supports local battery production, but only vehicles with US-made battery packs are eligible for it, so it’s uncertain if this funding will remain.
Moreover, the Trump administration is getting ready to revert emission and fuel economy standards for gasoline cars to the levels of 2019 and to prohibit government mandates for electric vehicles. This could create more challenges for automakers like Tesla. A spokesperson for the transition team stated, “When President Trump takes office, he will support the auto industry, providing space for both gas-powered and electric vehicles.”
Source: Link
Tags: Inflation Reduction Act, Model Y, Tesla
November 25, 2024
Tesla Responds to High Fatality Crash Rate with Model 3 Safety Data
Tesla’s chief engineer, Lars Moravy, is actively countering claims from a recent report that states Teslas have the highest fatality crash rate among all vehicles. He argues that the report’s conclusions are misleading.
Report Overview
The report examined data from the federal U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), which is managed by the NHTSA. It focused on accidents involving cars from the 2018 to 2022 model years that resulted in at least one death, either for drivers or passengers.
In this analysis, Tesla emerged as the brand with the highest fatality crash rate overall. Although the Hyundai Venue held the worst record for individual models, the Model S had a fatality rate that was twice the average, while the popular Model Y of Tesla had a crash death rate nearly four times higher than average. This placed it among the top 10 most dangerous vehicles in the U.S., according to the study.
Issues with Comparisons
However, while it may seem accurate to label Tesla as having the highest fatality rate based on the FARS data, this comparison is flawed. Tesla has significantly fewer models on the market compared to other manufacturers, which often offer a wider range of vehicles.
In defense of Tesla, Moravy asserted, “the math is incorrect – crash test data is real; Teslas are among the safest cars.” He suggested that the calculations might suffer from a poor denominator, noting that by the end of 2022, U.S. model year miles driven exceeded 7 billion, with the Model 3 alone at around 19 billion. While Tesla’s safety data from crash tests is indeed impressive, it doesn’t necessarily explain the fatality rates in real-world accidents, which could be influenced by many factors.
Additional Information
If you’re in the market for charging solutions, you can find the 80A Tesla Gen 2 Wall Connector with a 24-foot cable on Amazon.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: Model S, Model Y, Tesla
November 21, 2024
Tesla offers free charging and FSD trials with new vehicle purchases
Now that Tesla’s stock of vehicles has decreased noticeably, the company is offering free Supercharging and Full Self-Driving trials for all new car purchases.
New Offers for Inventory Vehicles
Last week, Tesla rolled out a fresh deal for buyers of its existing stock of vehicles, excluding used ones. The promotion includes three months of complimentary charging at Tesla stations and the Full Self-Driving feature for free during the same duration, allowing customers to test it out and see if they can manage without it.
Cybertruck Details
However, those looking to get an inventory Cybertruck were limited to the free Supercharging deal. This is because the only available models are the Foundation Series pickups, which already have FSD included but come with a starting price of over $100,000. In contrast, Tesla does offer non-Foundation Series Cybertrucks that start below $80,000; however, these do not qualify for the free FSD offer as it is only for inventory vehicles.
Expanded Promotion for New Models
Now, Tesla is broadening its free Supercharging and FSD trial offer to customers who receive any new Model Y, Model 3, Model S, Model X, or even the base Cybertruck by the year’s end. Customers who take delivery of a new Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, or Cybertruck before December 31, 2024, can receive three months of free Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and Supercharging. This offer can’t be delayed or shifted to another account or vehicle. Also, no alternative will be provided for those who buy Full Self-Driving (Supervised). This promotion does not apply to used vehicles or business orders.
Potential for Record Shipments
This push for year-end incentives could lead to unprecedented quarterly shipments, as Tesla now has numerous promotional offers running. Besides the Supercharging and FSD trials, they are also offering a 0% APR financing rate and free FSD transfers, along with state-specific promotions like free overnight charging in Texas.
Source: Link
Tags: Full Self-Driving, Model Y, Tesla
November 15, 2024
Tesla’s New Plan Threatens Model Y Juniper Tax Credit
Tesla dominates the electric vehicle market in the US, accounting for nearly half of all sales. The government allocates approximately $200 million each month in subsidies, which can reach up to $7,500 in tax credits for the Model Y. This model is also set to receive a facelift, known as the Juniper, which is anticipated to launch next quarter.
Immediate Price Cuts
Moreover, the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has made tax credits available at the point of sale, providing an instant price cut. As a result, Tesla’s most popular vehicle now starts at a compelling price of $37,490.
Tesla has also taken steps to ensure that its best-selling Model 3 and Model Y remain eligible for subsidies. The company removed some base rear-wheel-drive variants that were equipped with Chinese LFP batteries and did not qualify, leaving only long-range models that use Panasonic or LG batteries.
Potential Changes Ahead
However, the tax credit benefits for the Model Y might be at risk. Insider sources suggest that Trump’s energy transition team is planning to eliminate EV subsidies included in the IRA as a means to fund the extension of corporate tax cuts. This team, led by oil executive Harold Hamm and Trump’s pick for Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum, aims to cut government support for established renewable energy sectors like wind and solar, along with the favored $7,500 electric vehicle tax break.
In conjunction with this, Hamm intends to ease regulations on oil and gas drilling and remove the ban on LNG exports. Nonetheless, tax credits for emerging technologies, such as carbon capture and storage—which benefit Hamm’s Continental Technologies—are likely to remain.
Musk’s Perspective
Elon Musk has stated that Tesla can manage without tax credits. While the removal of these incentives might have some short-term effects, he believes it could “devastate” other electric vehicle manufacturers:
“I think it would be devastating for our competitors and for Tesla slightly… But long term, this probably actually helps Tesla.”
Now, Musk may get to see if this holds true under the new administration. Reports indicate that Trump’s energy policy team has met with Tesla representatives, who conveyed that they wouldn’t oppose the elimination of the Model 3 or Model Y tax credit subsidy.
This might seem illogical at first glance, but Tesla has a lower production cost than both leading EV companies and traditional automakers. On average, Tesla’s vehicles cost less than $30,000 to produce, while Ford and GM incur an additional $17,000 per vehicle, often selling at a loss. Even conventional internal combustion engine vehicles have an average manufacturing cost of $40,000, allowing Tesla to keep prices low for a longer duration than legacy automakers can sustain their electric vehicle operations.
In conclusion, the potential removal of tax credits for the Model Y and Model 3 could actually be a positive outcome for Tesla, potentially increasing its market share in what might become a smaller overall market.
It’s uncertain how Trump’s energy team will address EV battery subsidies. Currently, the government offers $35 per kWh of US-made battery capacity, which helps Tesla keep its 4680 battery’s costs competitive against suppliers like Panasonic and LG.
If this subsidy gets eliminated, Tesla’s innovative dry cathode mass production technique may not achieve the anticipated 50% cost reduction for 4680 cells that was discussed during Tesla’s Battery Day event.
This could threaten Tesla’s ambitions to incorporate affordable 4680 batteries into all its US-made products, including the Cybertruck, Model Y Juniper, and the forthcoming Robotaxi, which are all intended to take advantage of the IRA’s tax credit offerings.
Source: Link,Link
Tags: Inflation Reduction Act, Model Y, Tesla
November 7, 2024
Tesla Offers 0% APR on Model Y and Cybertruck with Luxury Tax in Canada
Tesla is almost finished with the initial Cybertruck reservations in the US, leaving only a week or two of orders to be filled, and is now moving swiftly to accommodate new requests.
Cybertruck Launch in Canada
This might be one reason Tesla has decided to expand the Cybertruck’s availability beyond the US, launching it in Canada starting this week. However, British Columbia’s government has announced that the Cybertruck will be subject to a luxury tax of up to 20%, significantly raising its already high cost.
Pricing Details
In Canada, the starting price for the Cybertruck is around CA$137,990 for the dual-motor AWD version. Once all taxes, including the federal luxury item levy, are added, the base price can quickly exceed the equivalent of US$120,000. This price point was previously for the tri-motor Cyberbeast Foundation Series trim in the US.
Tesla challenged the federal luxury tax, but the BC government decided that the Cybertruck’s hefty price tag and weight make it eligible for the tax aimed at expensive vehicles.
Financing Options for Canadian Customers
To ease the disappointment for its Canadian customers, Tesla has rolled out the same zero-interest financing deal for the Model Y that was offered in the US last month. Buyers of the FSD feature along with the Model Y or Model 3 in Canada can benefit from a 0% APR financing option for terms of up to 48 months.
Starting this month, Tesla has also lifted the FSD purchase requirement for obtaining the 0% APR financing for the Model Y in the US, and it may extend this offer to Canadian customers in the future as well.
Tags: Cybertruck, Model Y, Tesla
November 6, 2024
Tesla Boosts Model 3 Long Range Estimate with Premium Wheels
Tesla has recently been expanding the range of its popular Model Y and Model 3 cars, updating their performance figures positively.
Updates Following EPA Testing
These positive adjustments typically occur after Tesla finishes the new EPA range evaluations, leading to updates on previously reported numbers from its more rigorous internal testing system. There was even a pause in deliveries of the Model Y AWD until the EPA tests were completed, resulting in a confirmed longer range on a single charge.
Efficiency Boost for Model 3 Highland
In the case of the Model 3 Highland refresh, Tesla has shifted into a mode focused on enhancing efficiency. The internal estimate for the Long Range version’s distance on a charge has been increased, especially when equipped with a specific set of wheels.
If a buyer opts for the Long Range Model 3 with the $1,000 Nova wheels instead of the standard 18-inch Photons, they will enjoy an 11-mile increase in range. Previously, the Model 3 with the 19-inch Nova wheels was rated for 305 miles according to Tesla’s internal tests, but that has now been raised to 316 miles with the larger Nova wheels and all-season tires.
Aesthetic and Performance Changes
This increase in range for the Model 3 when using the pricier wheels is a welcomed change, as the 19-inch wheels look sleek but are larger and have a bit more resistance compared to the standard 18-inch Photon wheels.
The gap in range between these two types of wheels was quite significant, with the stock wheels outperforming the 19-inch version by a full 41 miles, based on EPA estimates. However, this difference has now been reduced, and Tesla has not disclosed any specific gains in tire efficiency or changes in their testing procedures that may have led to this favorable update.
Tags: Model Y, Nova wheels, Tesla Model 3
November 6, 2024
Tesla Increases Pay by 4% at German Gigafactory
Between 2015 and 2018, Tesla had plans to open its first gigafactory in Europe. However, the specifics of the Giga Berlin, also known as Gigafactory 4, were revealed by Elon Musk in November 2019. The grand opening occurred in late March 2022, and by the end of April, the facility began producing the Model Y Performance featuring 2170-cells. With a workforce of 12,000 and an annual output of 250,000 vehicles, this sole production site in Europe has the potential to reach a capacity of 1 million vehicles per year in the future, though current market conditions have put this ambition on pause.
Job Security and Wage Increases
Last month, Tesla made the decision to convert 500 temporary positions into permanent ones, effective November 1st. Just today, the company announced that all employees at the German gigafactory will receive a 4% wage increase starting this month. Erik Demmler, the HR director, stated,
"This is particularly good news for our workforce – especially when many companies in the German automotive industry are discussing layoffs and plant closures."
Cost-Cutting Measures
According to Reuters, Tesla has not renewed contracts with some subcontractors and has also implemented voluntary staff reductions earlier this year as part of its efforts to cut costs. However, these measures did not include any pay reductions. In contrast, Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker, is currently requesting that its employees accept a 10% salary cut to retain their jobs and maintain competitiveness.
Tags: Giga Berlin, Model Y, Tesla
November 3, 2024
Tesla Raises Model Y Range Estimate and Resumes AWD Deliveries
Tesla has recently completed the updated EPA range tests and has provided a revised range estimate for the Model Y, enabling the company to resume deliveries of this popular vehicle to customers who have placed orders.
Improved Range Ratings
Similar to the entry-level Model Y RWD, the Model Y AWD now has an official range rating that is higher on a full charge according to the new EPA testing requirements, surpassing Tesla’s previous figures. Initially, Tesla’s internal tests for the Model Y AWD indicated a range of 308 miles per charge. However, the recent EPA evaluation has increased this estimate by one percentage point, bringing it to 311 miles.
Temporary Delivery Halt
Recently, Tesla paused the deliveries of the Model Y for a few days while it complied with the new government testing protocols, which are better aligned with how Americans typically drive on highways. Now, Tesla has official EPA range estimates for all three variants of the Model Y it offers in the US:
It’s clear that the single-motor RWD Model Y version boasts the greatest range on a full charge. However, it’s worth noting that Americans do not receive the global Model Y that has the longest range rating.
Global Range Comparisons
This distinction belongs to regions like Europe, where a fourth variant, the Model Y RWD LR, has a range rated at 600 km, or 372 miles per charge. Tesla only unveiled this version this year, and its range estimate is based on the local WLTP testing cycle, which tends to be around 10% more generous than the newly implemented EPA EV range testing standards. Consequently, the second-cheapest Model Y in Europe effectively provides a similar real-world range as the most affordable Model Y in the United States.
Tags: EPA Range, Model Y, Tesla
November 2, 2024
Uber Drivers Can Earn Free Model Y and Model 3 Credits with Tesla
Tesla is teaming up with Uber to offer free credits to drivers who decide to switch to a Model Y or Model 3.
Details of the Offer
Uber drivers who qualify will receive $1,000 in Tesla Credits when they take delivery of a new Model 3 or Model Y. Once they complete 100 Uber trips using their new Tesla, they will earn an additional $1,000 in cash.
These Uber drivers who choose the Model Y or Model 3 can use their Tesla Credits for charging costs, services at a Tesla center, buying a new Tesla, or various accessories. It’s important for them to maintain good standing with Uber. This initiative is also beneficial for Tesla, as many Uber drivers are increasingly utilizing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature, which allows them to work longer hours with less effort.
Impact on Driving Data
As more Uber drivers adopt the Model Y or Model 3, the number of miles logged with Full Self-Driving (FSD) will grow significantly. This data will be valuable for Tesla in its regulatory filings. The company is working hard to persuade state authorities that FSD is safer than human drivers, which is crucial for the approval of their upcoming Robotaxi service for use on city streets. Tesla aims to achieve this milestone in the upcoming quarters, allowing for the introduction of unsupervised FSD.
By doing so, Tesla plans to enable Model Y and Model 3 owners to participate in its emerging Cybercab ride-share platform, providing demonstration rides to test the service while waiting for the Robotaxi launch.
Challenges Ahead
However, Tesla will need to accumulate a significant amount of distance covered using FSD and ensure a notable increase in safely driven miles before receiving approval for unsupervised FSD in urban areas. One effective way to reach these targets is to encourage Uber drivers to purchase Model Ys or Model 3s, knowing they will likely be motivated to use FSD.
This strategy explains the newly created section for Uber drivers on Tesla’s website, where they can find an offer of up to $2,000 in free credits toward the purchase of a Model Y or Model 3.
Despite Uber’s CEO expressing skepticism about the profitability of Tesla’s ride-share model, particularly concerning a driverless Robotaxi, Tesla is tackling the challenge another way—by incentivizing Uber drivers to select its vehicles and accumulate FSD miles.
Tags: Model Y, Tesla, Uber