Tag: Tesla

  • Tesla Cybertruck Price Drops with New Federal Tax Credit

    Tesla Cybertruck Price Drops with New Federal Tax Credit

    Tesla’s Cybertruck stands out as one of the most American-made vehicles, boasting that 90% of its components come from the US, Canada, or Mexico. The assembly takes place at Tesla’s vast Gigafactory located in Texas.

    Since its launch, the Cybertruck has qualified for the federal made-in-US electric vehicle tax credit. However, due to its initial pricing above the government’s set eligibility limit, first buyers had to purchase it for over $100,000 without receiving any subsidies.

    Price Drop and Tax Credit

    Recently, Tesla has stopped making the exclusive Foundation Series units and shifted to delivering regular dual- and tri-motor Cybertrucks. This change effectively reduced the price of the Cybertruck by $20,000, allowing the dual-motor version to fall below the $80,000 limit. This change has made it eligible for the $7,500 government EV tax credit, which has been available for Tesla’s other models for some time now.

    With the IRS now listing the Cybertruck as a qualifying vehicle for the full government EV tax credit since the start of the year, it has created a dilemma for early buyers. These customers are facing significant losses from their purchases, as the reservation list ballooned to 2.5 million people, leading to a spike in second-hand prices that soared above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) about a year ago. Tesla had previously restricted owners from reselling their vehicles for several quarters but relaxed these rules once production could keep up with demand.

    Market Changes and Buyer Struggles

    As the initial orders were filled, the reservation list for the high-priced Cybertruck quickly diminished. Those who opted for the more affordable dual-motor Foundation Series, which initially cost over $100,000, are now confronted with a starting price of just $70,500 after accounting for tax and referral credits.

    A particular example involves an owner who invested $115,000 into their Cybertruck, including California sales tax, Tesla’s destination fee, and a matte black wrap. This individual now reports having no buyers at an asking price of $89,000.

    Comparing Prices and Options

    It comes as no surprise that even when adding Full Self-Driving (FSD) and other features that were part of the Foundation Series trim, the total cost for a new all-wheel-drive Cybertruck only reaches $86,000.

    It’s worth noting that the Foundation Series trim being sold is not in pristine condition, having only been driven for 2,800 miles. Its value has plummeted by over twenty thousand dollars, especially with rumors of a more economical rear-wheel-drive model set to launch later this year.

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  • Best Model Y Juniper Refresh Images: New Seats & Light Bar Turn Signals

    Best Model Y Juniper Refresh Images: New Seats & Light Bar Turn Signals

    The new Model Y Juniper facelift has been seen being tested in multiple locations including the US, UK, and China, suggesting that an announcement about its release is imminent.

    Production Insights

    Reports from the Berlin Gigafactory indicate that Tesla will manufacture the 2025 Model Y Juniper for Europe there. Employees are being called to a meeting next week to discuss the launch. However, the main production site is likely to be Tesla’s Giga Shanghai, which is now reportedly producing around 600 Model Y Juniper units daily after starting trial runs back in October.

    Spy Shots Reveal Details

    Spy shots of the Model Y Juniper taken in Palo Alto have been captured from a distance. These images suggest that the turn signals are integrated into the light bars of the vehicle. This observation is echoed by some of the clearest photos of the Juniper refresh leaked so far, showing a camouflaged test mule in the UK.

    In addition to the integrated turn signals, these images reveal new shapes for the seats and steering wheel that differ from the current Model Y. The “squircle” design of the steering wheel bears a resemblance to the unique yoke design seen in the Cybertruck. It remains unclear if there will be a traditional round steering wheel available as an option.

    Features and Upgrades

    It seems almost guaranteed that the steering wheel will include turn signal buttons, as Tesla plans to adopt the minimalist, stalkless design from the Model 3 Highland interior, along with adding ambient lighting.

    The stitching on the seat headrests also appears to be different, featuring a sharper design compared to the existing Model Y seats. This might align with the rumored more aggressive exterior design inspired by the 2023 Highland facelift. Reports suggest that the Model Y Juniper will be equipped with vented seats similar to those in the Highland variant, which could account for their new shape.

    The refresh showcased in the photos is fitted with Tesla’s well-known 20-inch wheels. However, it’s possible that more wheel and tire options could be available when the refresh is officially unveiled later this month. An announcement about the Model Y Juniper facelift is anticipated soon, with specifications likely including a larger battery and more efficient motors that could offer over 400 miles of range on a single charge.

    Charging Improvements

    Additionally, faster charging for the Model Y Juniper is expected, as Tesla has stated that the advanced 800V powertrain and 48V low-voltage systems from the Cybertruck will be integrated into its upcoming models. This aligns perfectly with the rollout of Tesla’s new 500 kW V4 Superchargers that are set to come online this year.

    Source: Link

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  • Tesla Sales Drop as Chinese Electric Cars Surge in Popularity

    Tesla Sales Drop as Chinese Electric Cars Surge in Popularity

    Tesla moved 1.79 million vehicles to buyers last year, which is a small drop from 1.8 million in the year before. The production numbers also dipped a bit, landing at 1.77 million vehicles. Even the much-anticipated Cybertruck, Tesla’s cutting-edge pick-up, fell short of sales expectations. Alongside the Model S and Model X, the Cybertruck represented less than 5% of overall sales. The Model 3 and Y still reign supreme as Tesla’s top sellers, making up the bulk of their sales.

    Electric Vehicle Market Struggles

    Tesla’s difficulties are not unique; the entire electric vehicle sector is facing a downturn. Global obstacles like ongoing inflation, increasing interest rates, and persistent supply chain issues are affecting what consumers want. Additionally, shifts in subsidy regulations in various countries are further slowing down electric vehicle sales.

    BYD’s Rising Success

    In contrast to Tesla’s challenges, BYD is experiencing remarkable growth. The Chinese automaker sold a stunning 4.27 million vehicles in 2024, up from 3 million the prior year. A major part of this achievement is the rising appeal of plug-in hybrids in China, with BYD selling 2,485,378 of these models in 2024 alone, thanks to favorable government subsidies.

    Volkswagen’s Troubles

    On the flip side, the German automotive giant Volkswagen (VW) faces its own set of problems. VW projects it sold 9 million vehicles in 2024, which is 200,000 units less than in 2023. Besides the troubles affecting the broader electric vehicle market, Volkswagen grapples with high production expenses in Germany, lower productivity rates, and heavy reliance on the Chinese market. In China specifically, VW has seen a sharp decline in sales due to fierce competition from local companies like BYD.

    Data Protection Issues

    To complicate things further, Volkswagen is also dealing with data protection concerns. A recent security flaw was found at VW’s subsidiary, Cariad, which develops software for VW vehicles. Sensitive location data for about 800,000 VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda vehicles was left exposed for months.

    New Competitor Emerges

    Meanwhile, another competitor is emerging in the electric vehicle arena. Xiaomi, known primarily for its smartphones, made its entry into the e-car market in 2024. In its first year, around 130,000 Xiaomi SU7 vehicles were sold. The company plans to ramp up its efforts in 2025, aiming to double its sales numbers.

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  • Tesla Tests Model Y Juniper Wipers in Heavy Rain with New Features

    Tesla Tests Model Y Juniper Wipers in Heavy Rain with New Features

    Tesla might soon unveil the Model Y Juniper facelift, potentially as early as next week. This refreshed model is expected to feature a redesigned side mirror, a front that resembles the Model X with its logo, and a new rear light bar.

    New Design Features

    The speculations about these updates arose after a recent sighting of the camouflaged Model Y Juniper driving at high speeds on the highway during heavy rain. In addition to the fresh design aspects, the performance of the facelift’s body on the slick road suggests that it may come with a new, more comfortable suspension. This is something current Model Y drivers have been asking for quite some time now.

    Wiper Functionality

    For the first time, the Model Y Juniper’s wipers were seen in action. However, the focus is not just on how well the wipers clean the windshield at high speeds. Instead, attention is on how the automatic wiper system behaves in autonomous driving mode. Tesla’s wipers have had their share of issues, often working too hard in sunny conditions or failing to adjust to varying rain intensities since they depend solely on the vehicle’s cameras. The wipers on the Model Y Juniper appeared to be cleaning effectively, but we will need to wait until next month, when the refresh is launched from Giga Shanghai, to see how they perform in real-world conditions.

    Rear Light Bar Innovation

    In a clearer observation of the Model Y Juniper facelift, we can see its new rear light bar in operation. Tesla has made an opening in the camouflage tarp for the midsection of the light bar, which seems to function as a third brake light and extends across the rear. This change hints at a more streamlined and aggressive look, reminiscent of the design approach taken with the Model 3 Highland facelift released last year.

    Moreover, a larger 95 kWh battery option is rumored to be part of the package. This, combined with a new 4th-gen Tesla motor, is expected to provide a greater range on a single charge for the Model Y Juniper.

    Powertrain Upgrades

    Under the hood, Tesla may have also upgraded the powertrain with modern 800V high-voltage and 48V low-voltage systems, which were first seen in the Cybertruck. However, it remains unclear whether the Model Y Juniper will also incorporate the Cybertruck’s second-generation 4680 battery, as concerns about its cost and performance have been raised by CATL, suggesting that Elon Musk may be overly optimistic.

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  • Tesla Launches Portable Megapack Chargers for Holiday Congestion

    Tesla Launches Portable Megapack Chargers for Holiday Congestion

    Tesla has one of the largest public charging networks in the world but is working to make holiday travel simpler for electric vehicle (EV) owners. The company is addressing the issue of crowded public rapid charging stations by introducing the MegapackCharger, a portable charging solution.

    What is the MegapackCharger?

    MegapackChargers are like Supercharger stations that Tesla can set up quickly in various locations. Each unit features 8 V3 stalls mounted on semi-truck trailers. This design makes them flexible and easy to deploy in areas where there is a high demand for charging. A standout aspect of the MegapackCharger is its built-in batteries, which can hold up to 3 MWh of energy. This amount is sufficient to charge around 75 vehicles at a rate of 250 kW.

    Connectivity and Setup

    The MegapackChargers utilize SpaceX’s Starlink internet service for connectivity, showcasing the collaboration between the two companies. This connection allows drivers to check the chargers’ availability in real-time on Tesla’s navigation system, similar to how they would with standard Superchargers.

    Although Tesla could place these chargers anywhere, they are mainly being located near existing Supercharging stations that are already linked to the power grid. This strategic placement enables the batteries to recharge via a Supercharger cabinet during off-peak hours, like nighttime.

    Locations and Efficiency

    So far, Tesla has deployed MegapackChargers in states like California, Nevada, and Ohio. These new chargers can provide faster charging speeds compared to the nearby V2 Superchargers, which are limited to only 150 kW.

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  • Model Y Juniper Refresh Spy Shots: Rear Light Bar Design Revealed

    Model Y Juniper Refresh Spy Shots: Rear Light Bar Design Revealed

    After beginning with several Model Y Juniper refresh trial units in October, Tesla has reportedly achieved a production rate exceeding 200 updated vehicles per day at its Gigafactory in Shanghai, gearing up for mass production that is set to commence in January.

    Launch Preparations

    Preparations for the Model Y Juniper launch are also in progress at Tesla’s facilities in Texas and Berlin. Notably, the German Gigafactory is waiting for a staff meeting next month to discuss production plans for the facelift. These details hint at an upcoming announcement from Tesla regarding the Model Y Juniper and shed light on the various sightings across the US, Europe, and China over the past few weeks.

    Design Insights

    During the Christmas holidays, the Juniper facelift was spotted again, this time being tested on the roads of California and New York. A photograph from Santa Clara shows an intriguing design feature at the back, as there is growing agreement that a light bar will be positioned across the tailgate.

    Instead of being hidden behind the test mule’s camo tarp, a single red light on this prospective Model Y Juniper sticks out through a cutout, appearing to function merely as a third brake light. This doesn’t rule out the possibility that the final rear light bar could illuminate in sections, but until the camouflage is removed, we can’t be certain if Tesla chose to stick with the initially seen design of a continuous light bar across the rear.

    Performance Testing

    Another sighting of the Model Y Juniper was captured on video, featuring the camo-covered prototype navigating through heavy rain, testing its suspension over speed bumps and similar obstacles. The Juniper’s suspension appears to be softer than the current Model Y, which has been a common complaint among owners of Tesla‘s top-selling vehicle.

    The other anticipated upgrades for the Juniper include a larger battery, more efficient motors, and the introduction of a HW4 kit alongside 48V low-voltage and 800V high-voltage systems, similar to the Cybertruck. The 800V powertrain will enable the Juniper refresh to charge approximately 30% quicker compared to the existing Model Y vehicles, especially when using Tesla’s newly introduced V4 Superchargers.

    Source: Link

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  • Tesla Model Y Owners: Free FSD Offer Extension for Subscribers

    Tesla Model Y Owners: Free FSD Offer Extension for Subscribers

    After previously providing free trials of its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) service exclusively for inventory vehicles, and later extending the promotion to include free Supercharging for new purchases across its fleet, Tesla is now offering FSD trials at no cost.

    Free FSD Subscriptions for Model Y Owners

    Some owners of the Model Y are now receiving a complimentary month of the FSD subscription to experience the autonomous driving feature, which has recently been updated to its 13th version, introducing numerous enhancements in parking and traffic awareness.

    “You have been granted a complimentary trial of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for your Model Y,” Tesla’s holiday message states, explaining the functionalities of FSD and how to navigate the additional trial period.

    Limited Offer for Newer Models

    Interestingly, this offer also applies to current FSD subscription users, who can enjoy the service without the usual $99 monthly charge during the trial. However, the invitations are primarily sent to owners of newer Model Y batches equipped with Tesla’s latest AI4 hardware, leaving many Model Y owners in the US, who still have the HW3 kit, unable to access FSD 13 at this time.

    Tesla has assured that free HW4 upgrade retrofits will be available if it cannot get the latest FSD versions to operate on the older Hardware 3.0 platform. Until then, most owners of Model Y or Model 3 will miss out on the newest advancements that the self-driving software can provide.

    A Strategic Move Towards Approval

    This initiative clearly aims to enhance the popularity of the latest FSD 13 version, as Tesla requires intervention data to present to regulators in its effort to eliminate the “supervised” aspect of its paid Full Self-Driving service.

    Elon Musk has stated that unsupervised FSD is expected to launch in 2025, starting in Texas and California for existing models, before Tesla rolls out its driverless Robotaxi on public streets.

    Future of Tesla’s Ride-Share Service

    Reports indicate that Tesla’s Cybercab ride-share service will initially utilize company-owned vehicles, including Robotaxis, while current Tesla owners will have the opportunity to rent their cars to the service for extra income in the future.

    Musk has also suggested that he might use his position as the head of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the upcoming Trump administration to lead the way in federal regulations for autonomous vehicles.

    This would streamline the approval process for self-driving cars on public roads, according to Musk. Additionally, Tesla is collaborating at both state and city levels, including training first responders to handle situations that could arise from its driverless vehicles, such as the Robotaxi when they become more prevalent on the streets.

    Source: Link

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  • Tesla Superchargers Boost Cold Charging Speed for Model Y LFP Batteries

    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.

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  • Tesla Trains First Responders for Cybercab Challenges on Roads

    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.

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  • Tesla HW4 Computer Failures as FSD 13 Launches for AI4 Vehicles

    Tesla HW4 Computer Failures as FSD 13 Launches for AI4 Vehicles

    While drivers of older Tesla vehicles equipped with HW3 computers are eagerly anticipating the much-anticipated FSD 12.6 update, those fortunate enough to own newer HW4 models are already enjoying the latest FSD 13.2.1.

    Issues with the New AI4.1 Upgrade

    However, there’s a significant problem for buyers of the latest Tesla models, which come with an unannounced upgrade to the HW4 computer, referred to as AI4.1. These new units are reportedly experiencing failures shortly after purchase, causing them to shut down unexpectedly.

    In some instances, the AI4 computer breaks down after just a few hundred miles, leading to the loss of not only the FSD feature but also the functionality of cameras and GPS navigation, making range estimates impossible to determine. Reports suggest that this issue is quite common, with Tesla’s service team receiving numerous alerts regarding it. The potential cause seems to be a low-voltage system that could be damaging the HW4 system boards during the calibration of the cameras.

    Uncertain Causes and Possible Recalls

    It remains unclear what exactly is causing the short-circuiting that leads to the failure of AI4.1 computers in Tesla vehicles manufactured in recent months; this could potentially be a production flaw. If that’s the case, it may lead to a recall for full unit replacement, even though Tesla is reportedly trying to postpone this outcome with a software solution.

    Despite providing quicker AI processing capabilities, Tesla’s HW4 computer doesn’t offer many other benefits compared to the HW3 unit. The primary aim appears to be reducing production costs, as HW4 has less RAM and storage in models like the Model Y and Model 3, along with increased power consumption when not in use.

    Cost-Cutting Consequences

    Tesla might have pushed the boundaries of cost-saving measures too far with the AI4.1 version of their computer, leading to potential weaknesses. Elon Musk had promised that all HW3 computers would be upgraded to AI4 units for free if FSD 13 couldn’t be made functional on them. Given the issues with the AI4 computer, this assurance doesn’t seem as promising now as it did at the time of the retrofit announcement.

    — Ashok Elluswamy (X), Electrek

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