Tag: Model Y

  • Affordable Model Y Puddle Lights with High-Def Tesla Logo

    Affordable Model Y Puddle Lights with High-Def Tesla Logo

    After a successful introduction in China, Tesla has now brought an affordable and eye-catching accessory to the US: car door puddle lights.

    Affordable Pricing and Easy Installation

    These new Model 3 and Model Y Projection Lights are available for only $65, making them a competitive option compared to other Tesla accessories. Installing them is straightforward; just remove the current driver and passenger door lights and replace them with the new $65 lights.

    Although a 4-pack of similar Model Y projection lights is available for half the price on Amazon, they are not official Tesla products. The official puddle lights from Tesla project a high-definition logo onto the ground whenever the doors are opened.

    Unique Features of Tesla’s Puddle Lights

    According to Tesla, "Model Y Projection Lights project a high-definition Tesla wordmark onto the ground every time you open the door of your Model Y." This set includes two projection lights designed to replace the standard door lights of both the Model 3 and Model Y. The old lights can be easily removed with a flathead screwdriver, and the new puddle lights can be installed by connecting the existing cable.

    Tesla has also introduced an ambient light retrofit for the Model Y in China, which pairs well with the new Projection Lights accessory. This RGB retrofit, featuring 256 colors, costs $180 in China. However, it requires modifications to the textile dashboard of the updated 2023 Model Y, meaning the wood grain dashboard must be swapped out.

    Simple Replacement Process

    Fortunately, no such modifications are needed for the new official Model Y Projection Lights, as they simply replace the existing lights at the bottom of the driver and passenger doors.

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  • Tesla Model Y Catches Fire, Burns Completely at Supercharging Station

    Tesla Model Y Catches Fire, Burns Completely at Supercharging Station

    A Tesla electric vehicle was completely destroyed by fire while at a charging station in Pennsylvania, United States. The incident occurred at the Sheetz supercharging station in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania on July 8. Although the exact model of the vehicle hasn’t been confirmed, it is suspected to be a Model Y.

    Quick Response from Fire Services

    The fire at the Pennsylvania supercharging station prompted a swift response from the Upper Allen Fire Department and other local fire services. Responders included the Upper Allen Police, Mechanicsburg Fire Company, TEAM 200, Lisburn Fire Company, and Hampden Township Fire Department. Despite their combined efforts, the car was almost entirely consumed by the flames.

    Detailed Incident Report

    The Upper Allen Fire Department released a detailed report on the incident, but the cause of the fire remains undisclosed to the public. During the firefighting efforts, the fire department shut down the street and used a fire hydrant from the opposite side of the road. They stayed on the scene for about 5 hours, concerned about the possibility of reignition.

    Tesla’s Fire Safety Record

    There have been multiple reports of Tesla vehicles catching fire, but the company maintains that its cars are safe. Tesla recently published a report stating that its vehicles catch fire 9 times less frequently than the US average per 1 billion miles driven. It is always recommended for car owners to follow preventive measures to reduce the risk of their car catching fire.

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  • Advanced Hardware Upgrade for the Model Y Now Available in China from Tesla

    Advanced Hardware Upgrade for the Model Y Now Available in China from Tesla

    Tesla has announced that it will be upgrading its Model Y lineup in China with the cutting-edge Hardware 4.0 (HW 4.0) self-driving computer. Despite the significant enhancements, Tesla has decided to keep the pricing for the Model Y the same, showcasing its dedication to providing advanced technology without increasing costs for consumers.

    HW 4.0 Upgrade Enhances Autonomous Capabilities

    The HW 4.0 upgrade brings substantial improvements to the Model Y’s autonomous capabilities. With a maximum detection range of 424 meters, the vehicle gains the ability to see farther distances. The upgraded self-driving computer also boasts a remarkable five-fold increase in chip computing power, resulting in enhanced responsiveness and faster processing speeds.

    Unchanged Pricing for Model Y Lineup

    China’s Model Y lineup consists of three versions: the base rear-wheel-drive model, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive Model Y Long Range, and the dual-motor all-wheel-drive Model Y Performance. Despite the hardware upgrade, Tesla has decided not to alter the pricing for these variants.

    Tesla China announced the HW 4.0 upgrade on its Weibo account, highlighting the improved visibility, clarity in perception, and faster processing speed offered by the advanced autonomous driving hardware.

    New Color Option and Previous Implementations

    Alongside the hardware upgrade, Tesla has also introduced a new color option for the upgraded Model Y in China – “Quicksilver.” This color was previously exclusive to Giga Berlin vehicles but is now available in China due to advanced paint shop technology.

    It is worth noting that Tesla had quietly implemented Hardware 4.0 in Model S and Model X vehicles in the United States last year. Customers reported enhanced processing power and improved Tesla Vision technology.

    Future Developments and Pricing Adjustments

    During the Q4 and Full Year 2023 earnings call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk hinted at ongoing developments with Hardware 5. He described it as the third version of the Tesla-designed AI inference chip and mentioned that Hardware 5 is currently in the design completion phase.

    In terms of pricing, Tesla has recently reduced the starting prices of the Model Y entry edition and Model Y Long Range in China. The automaker is also offering cash discounts on select Model Y stock vehicles, providing customers with additional savings. Additionally, Tesla customers in China can enjoy a significant discount on paid paint for both Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.

    Tesla’s Autopilot Evolution

    Tesla’s Autopilot journey began in October 2014 when the company introduced pre-purchasable Autopilot, initially relying on hardware version 1 (HW1) developed with Mobileye. However, the partnership with Mobileye ended in July 2016 due to safety concerns, prompting Tesla to transition to independent hardware development. From September 2014 onwards, cars were equipped with HW1, marking the start of Tesla’s Autopilot journey.

    In October 2016, Tesla shifted to hardware version 2 (HW2) for new vehicles, collectively known as Autopilot 2.0. Despite the label, HW2 initially had fewer features than its predecessor. The term “Enhanced Autopilot (EA)” was introduced, featuring the notable “Navigate on Autopilot” capability, allowing automated highway driving.

    In early 2016, Tesla began developing the Full Self-Driving (FSD) Computer, or Hardware 3 (HW3), which replaced the NVIDIA DRIVE PX 2 AI computing platform, significantly enhancing processing power.

    The latest Hardware 4 (HW4) not only upgrades the FSD Computer but also introduces a comprehensive sensor suite with enhanced cameras and radar. HW4 features a faster FSD Computer based on the Samsung Exynos architecture, additional high-resolution cameras, and a new radar named “Phoenix” for improved accuracy, setting the stage for a transformative advancement in Tesla’s autonomous driving technology.

    With these continuous advancements and pricing adjustments, Tesla’s Shanghai factory, which produces both the Model 3 and Model Y, remains at the forefront of electric vehicle manufacturing, solidifying its position as the largest Tesla factory globally.

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