Tag: Tesla Model Y

  • Tesla Model Y Owners Face $2.40 Charging Tax at Wisconsin Superchargers

    Tesla Model Y Owners Face $2.40 Charging Tax at Wisconsin Superchargers

    Wisconsin has rolled out a new tax on electric vehicle charging, imposing a fee of three cents per kWh for any power delivered through Level 3 chargers up to 250 kW, as well as Level 1 and Level 2 chargers installed after March 22.

    Cost Impact on Tesla Owners

    For owners of the Tesla Model Y in Wisconsin, this change means an additional cost of about $2.40 for a complete charging session at these stations. The 2023 Wisconsin Act 121 states that the registration and excise tax applies no matter if the charging station is publicly accessible or if consumers are charged for the electricity.

    Tax Affects All EV Owners

    This new fee will also impact those who own older models like the Model S or X, who previously enjoyed free Supercharging for life. On top of this, there’s already a considerable $175 “combined electric surcharge fee,” acting as an annual road tax for electric vehicle owners in the state.

    Starting January 1, 2025, all owners or operators of EV charging stations must register online with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue before they can begin delivering electricity that is subject to the excise tax. Home charging stations, such as the Tesla Gen 2 Wall Connector, won’t be affected by this new tax unless they are installed in public areas like hotels.

    Reason Behind the Tax

    David Casey, the Secretary Designee of the Department of Revenue, has stated that the additional EV charging tax is necessary for road upkeep. He insists that the excise tax is a vital funding source for preserving Wisconsin’s roads and infrastructure. It aims to ensure ongoing financial support for repairs and construction as more drivers switch to electric vehicles, while also creating a fair system where all motorists contribute to road maintenance costs.

    After a lengthy period of leniency for electric vehicle owners, many states are now implementing specific annual road taxes. These EV taxes often surpass those for traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Revenue departments argue that electric cars are generally heavier and contribute to more wear and tear on local roads. Nonetheless, Wisconsin’s latest charge on EV charging sessions seems like a case of double taxation for road maintenance.

    Source: Link,Link

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  • Tesla Optimizes Sentry Mode to Reduce Battery Drain from Cameras

    Tesla Optimizes Sentry Mode to Reduce Battery Drain from Cameras

    Tesla has been facing complaints regarding its Sentry Mode system, which notifies owners about suspicious activities near their cars. Users have found that this feature has been draining the battery since it was introduced.

    Functionality of Sentry Mode

    Sentry Mode is turned off by default but can be activated using voice commands or through the app. This feature keeps the necessary cameras and sensors powered up, allowing them to record movements around a locked Tesla in Park mode. However, the ongoing power needed for the cameras in Sentry Mode has turned out to be a significant battery drain. The system must constantly process and record a large amount of video footage, which can be saved on a dedicated drive located in the glove compartment.

    Law Enforcement Awareness

    Police are familiar with Tesla’s Sentry Mode. There have been instances where officers were unable to reach the vehicle’s owner. In such cases, they have towed the car to the nearest precinct under a court order to access the potential crime scene recordings for investigations.

    Addressing Battery Drain

    To tackle the battery drain issue associated with Sentry Mode, Tesla released the 2024.32.6 software update. This update reduces power consumption by shutting down the 12V outlets and USB ports in theft-prevention mode. This means that devices plugged into these ports won’t be able to charge or draw from the main battery.

    While this might not be the best solution for those who like to keep their devices charging in the car or need to run a portable fridge overnight, it does help reduce the immediate power drain caused by Sentry Mode.

    Improvements with New Updates

    For the ongoing power drain caused by processing video recordings from multiple cameras— which can consume as much as 14% of a Model Y’s battery in a single day—Tesla has introduced a more sophisticated solution. The recent 2024.38.4 software update promises an up to 40% decrease in Sentry Mode battery drain. The company has optimized how the video feed is processed, which helps preserve battery capacity while Sentry Mode is activated.

    This update is initially being rolled out to the Cybertruck, and it remains unclear how quickly the Model 3 and Model Y will receive the significant improvements in battery drain for Sentry Mode.

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  • Cybertruck and Honda Prologue Gain Popularity as EV Lease Prices Fall

    Cybertruck and Honda Prologue Gain Popularity as EV Lease Prices Fall

    Thanks to the 16,692 sales of the Cybertruck in the third quarter, Tesla now holds the top three spots in the list of the most loved electric vehicles in America.

    Competition in the EV Market

    In fourth place is the Ford Mustang Mach-E, with 13,392 units sold. Meanwhile, a surprising newcomer has entered the top five: the Honda Prologue, which has successfully sold 12,644 electric SUVs. This shift in the rankings highlights the growing diversity and competition in the EV market.

    Affordable Leasing Options

    A contributing factor to the Prologue’s success might be its attractive lease options starting at $289 per month. Currently, leasing has become the favored method for purchasing an electric vehicle in the U.S., making up 80% of the market, a notable rise from just 16% at the start of this year. Moreover, as new EV prices have dropped, the average monthly lease payment has plummeted from $950 to $582, making EVs more accessible to a wider audience.

    Changes in Used EV Pricing

    The inventory of second-hand EVs is also on the rise at dealerships, prompting sellers to reduce prices by 25%. As a result, the average price of a used EV has now dipped below that of a traditional gas-powered car.

    Despite these trends, the pricy $100,000 Cybertruck has secured its position as the third best-selling EV in the United States during the last quarter. With Tesla already launching a more affordable version that is not part of the Foundation Series, it is expected to maintain its ranking in Q4.

    Tesla’s Popular Models

    The Model Y and Model 3, which are the top-selling and second-best-selling electric cars in America, are likely to stay at the forefront as Tesla has rolled out attractive 0% APR financing and zero down payment offers for these models.

    Sources: WSJ, KBB (PDF)

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  • Cheapest Model Y Now Offers 5% Longer Range Per Charge

    Cheapest Model Y Now Offers 5% Longer Range Per Charge

    Tesla appears to be quite cautious, or maybe more accurately, realistic, when it comes to estimating the range of its own electric vehicles.

    Before the EPA put the base Model Y RWD Long Range through its updated and rigorous range testing, Tesla estimated its least expensive Model Y would have a range of 320 miles on its own.

    Now that the EPA has completed testing under its stricter standards, the official range for the Model Y RWD LR is an impressive 337 miles, which is 5.3% more than Tesla’s earlier estimate.

    Updated Range Makes Model Y More Attractive

    Unsurprisingly, Tesla quickly adjusted the Model Y Long Range RWD‘s official range to reflect this new figure, making this most affordable Model Y not only the cheapest but also the one with the best range of all the versions they offer. It can now be purchased for under $35,000, especially with some inventory discounts.

    In Europe, Tesla has been offering a more economical RWD Model Y since spring, boasting an even longer range of 375 miles. However, this figure comes from the local WLTP cycle, which is usually about 10% more lenient than the EPA’s standards. The European version of the 375-mile Model Y RWD LR is equipped with 2170 cells, the same as the AWD version sold in the U.S., qualifying it for the entire federal tax credit.

    Challenges with Battery Variants

    Tesla faced some difficulties with the base Model 3 RWD that used the Chinese LFP battery, which they have since phased out because it turned out to be pricier than the AWD version that is eligible for the full tax credit.

    The Model 3 RWD LR, now the cheapest option, has a range of 363 miles, making it the longest range among Tesla’s two top-selling models. While the highest range still goes to the base Model S, rated for an astounding 402 miles, it is worth noting that it sells in much lower numbers, starting at $74,990.

    Recently, the EPA updated its electric vehicle range testing standards, placing greater importance on highway driving efficiency to better reflect real driving habits in America.

    So, even though Tesla had to lower some of its official Model Y range estimates, the fact that the base Model Y RWD is now rated at 337 miles on the new EPA cycle is quite remarkable.

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  • Tesla Market Share Falls Below 50% as Model Y Gains Popularity

    Tesla Market Share Falls Below 50% as Model Y Gains Popularity

    Tesla’s Model Y is nearing the title of the best-selling car in the United States, surpassing the Toyota RAV4, just as it previously did with the Ford F-150 truck. As the most American-made passenger vehicle, the Model Y has gained popularity thanks to various deals and tax incentives, despite an upcoming facelift called Juniper.

    Market Share Dynamics

    While the Model Y is currently the world’s top-selling passenger vehicle, Tesla’s overall electric vehicle (EV) market share in the US appears to be declining. Just a couple of years ago, Tesla accounted for over 80% of the electric vehicle sales in the country. Recent analyses suggest that this figure may have dipped below 50% for the first time, as preliminary delivery data is set to be revealed tomorrow.

    The decline in Tesla’s popularity among electric vehicle buyers is due to increasing competition and a lack of new models. Rivals such as Hyundai, Kia, and Ford are gaining market share, while Tesla experiences an unprecedented loss. This downturn occurs even as the overall EV market has grown, reaching 9% of total vehicle sales in the US—its highest point ever.

    Q3 Delivery Estimates

    Tesla’s delivery estimates for the third quarter are projected to reach 472,000 units, which would still keep the company in the “less than 50%” market share territory since the launch of the Model Y. In 2022, Tesla’s brand loyalty fell below the industry average for the first time, leading S&P analysts to predict a gradual decline toward a 20% market share, driven by the influx of competitive electric vehicle options.

    Analysts have identified 2025 as a critical year when Tesla may drop to the 20% market share threshold, with many automakers preparing to launch their own mass-market EVs. However, a general drop in demand for electric cars might require a reassessment of this prediction. The rapid decline from 80% to below 50% market share in just two years suggests that increased competition could exert further pressure on Tesla’s market position.

    Future Prospects

    In 2025, Tesla plans to introduce the Juniper refresh of the Model Y, lower the price of the Cybertruck, and launch its first Robotaxi service. These developments could help stabilize Tesla’s market share against competitors like Hyundai, Ford, and GM, which is now shipping the most affordable 300-mile electric vehicle in the US.

    WolfStreet & TroyTeslike (X) via CleanTechnica.

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  • NIO Onvo L60 Review: Why Tesla Model Y Juniper May Be Obsolete

    NIO Onvo L60 Review: Why Tesla Model Y Juniper May Be Obsolete

    With its 900V architecture, an impressive drag coefficient of 0.229, swappable battery, a more energy-efficient drivetrain, and a significantly lower starting price, the new Onvo L60 crossover seems to outshine the Model Y Juniper even before Tesla’s major reveal.

    Design and Efficiency

    The Onvo L60 is larger than the Model Y but has a lower profile and a superior drag coefficient compared to the existing Y model. The vehicle’s design, along with NIO’s lightweight 900V motors and powertrain, contributes to its remarkable energy efficiency of 12.7 kWh/100km in the all-wheel-drive version, which easily surpasses the dual-motor Model Y.

    Battery and Charging

    Equipped with an up to 85 kWh LFP battery pack, which is notably thin and forms the floor of the Onvo L60, the car offers spacious rear seating despite its sleek, aerodynamic rear design. Charging takes between 20 and 25 minutes, but future owners can also utilize any current NIO battery swap station for a quick battery change in just a few minutes.

    Interior Features and Performance

    Inside, the Onvo L60 boasts heated and vented massage front seats, a sizable 17.2-inch main display, a smaller screen for rear passengers, a 50W wireless charging pad, and a 1000W sound system equipped with 18 speakers. Its driver-assist system functions on highways and in urban settings, using 13 cameras and a 4D mmWave radar for accurate monitoring and autoparking.

    With a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds, the Onvo L60 combines luxury and performance while undercutting the Model Y’s price by over $4,000. If Tesla launches the Juniper at the same price point as the previous model, it will face stiff competition from the impressive new L60.

    NIO introduced its Onvo brand on May 15, with the first model set to debut on September 19, featuring a major event to unveil the L60’s specifications, pricing, and battery-as-a-service discounts that could lower its price to around $22,500.

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