Tag: Tesla

  • Tesla Offers Free Supercharging and FSD Promo to Boost Sales

    Tesla Offers Free Supercharging and FSD Promo to Boost Sales

    Tesla is offering complimentary Supercharging and Full Self-Driving (FSD) trials for anyone who buys a vehicle from its inventory by the year’s end.

    Customers who take delivery of a new inventory car between November 14 and December 31 will enjoy three months of free access to the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature, along with free Supercharging during the same timeframe.

    Restrictions on the Offer

    It’s important to note that this offer cannot be used later or transferred to different accounts or vehicles. Buyers who have already paid for the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature might be disappointed with this new promotion.

    Sadly, not all used vehicles in Tesla’s inventory qualify for the free Supercharging and FSD trials, and business account orders are also excluded.

    Promotional Efforts and Sales Boost

    Tesla has rolled out numerous promotions to boost its shipment figures in the final quarter of the year, making it challenging to track them all. However, these efforts could lead to record deliveries right before the anticipated release of the Model Y Juniper.

    The most sought-after offer among the current Model 3 and Model Y deals is the 0% APR financing, which no longer requires customers to buy FSD as a condition, a change made at the start of the month.

    Long-Term Strategies

    Additionally, Tesla has introduced free FSD transfers, a benefit that seems to be becoming a regular offering. This has been in place for four straight quarters, even though Elon Musk has indicated that it’s a temporary promotion, emphasizing the need for Tesla to “make money somehow.”

    Tesla is also keen on providing free FSD trials, as it aims to attract customers towards buying or subscribing to the service. Furthermore, the company needs to log many miles driven with FSD to show regulators its strong safety track record, especially as it prepares for the launch of the Cybercab/Robotaxi ride-sharing service.

    New Inventory Highlights

    For the first time, Tesla has Cybertrucks available in its inventory, but only the free Supercharging offer will be of value to future owners. All these are Foundation Series units, which come with FSD included at no additional cost.

    Source: Link

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  • Tesla’s New Plan Threatens Model Y Juniper Tax Credit

    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

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  • Tesla Offers 0% APR Financing on Home Chargers and Cybertruck Gear

    Tesla Offers 0% APR Financing on Home Chargers and Cybertruck Gear

    After launching its Model 3 and Model Y with 0% APR financing, Tesla is expanding that offer to its accessory and parts shop as well.

    New Financing Options

    The Tesla Shop has partnered with Klarna to allow customers to make four equal monthly payments without any interest on almost all products available in the store. This means you can purchase Tesla’s $550 universal home charger for just $137.50 each month, or get the newly available Cybertruck wiper blade for $18.75 monthly.

    Replacement Parts for Cybertruck Owners

    The Gigawiper is a distinct feature of the Cybertruck that many owners found difficult to replace without going through Tesla’s service centers. However, as Cybertrucks become more common on roads and a year has passed since their debut, Tesla has added replacement Gigawipers to its store.

    Klarna’s payment options are widely recognized across many online retailers, and the fintech company is so prominent that it is looking to file for an IPO in the US soon.

    Interest Rates and Payment Plans

    If you prefer to extend your payment beyond the four installments, be prepared for a hefty interest charge, as Klarna needs to profit somehow. However, as long as you stick to the four-month plan, you won’t incur any interest.

    For pricier items in the Tesla Shop, like the $5,000 Model Y Clear Paint Protection Film, Klarna will apply an interest rate based on your credit score from the start, since these loans aren’t available for the four equal payment method.

    Source: Link

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  • BYD Set to Launch Passenger Cars in South Korea Next Year

    BYD Set to Launch Passenger Cars in South Korea Next Year

    Next year could pose some difficulties for Tesla and Hyundai in South Korea, largely due to BYD’s recent announcement about entering the local passenger vehicle market. BYD has been active in South Korea since 2016, but primarily in commercial vehicles like buses and forklifts. For those who aren’t aware of this brand and why it might concern Tesla or Hyundai, it’s important to note that the Chinese electric vehicle company has secured an order for at least 100,000 electric vehicles from Uber. Additionally, the upcoming 2025 refresh of the BYD Seal AWD is set to give Tesla’s similarly priced models a run for their money in terms of value.

    New Market Entry

    As reported by KED Global, BYD is set to launch in the South Korean passenger car market next year with premium models. The company aims to be the first Chinese car brand to win over Korean consumers, a feat that has eluded its Chinese competitors in the past due to their inability to meet the high standards of Korean drivers.

    Lessons from the Past

    Previous electric vehicle models that struggled in South Korea, like the BAIC Motor Corp. KENBO 600, faced significant safety and quality problems that hindered their acceptance in the market. However, the BYD Seal midsize sedan and the Atto 3 compact SUV come equipped with features that could help them avoid the same pitfalls.

    The Seal offers over 500 km on a single charge and is projected to be priced below $30,000 in South Korea. In contrast, the Atto 3 boasts a range exceeding 400 km at a similar price point. If these models succeed, BYD is considering introducing additional high-end electric vehicles, including the luxury Denza brand and the HAN series, according to sources familiar with the company’s plans, as reported by KED Global.

    Source: Link

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  • Tesla Offers Inventory Cybertrucks for Immediate Purchase

    Tesla Offers Inventory Cybertrucks for Immediate Purchase

    Tesla has a variety of Cybertrucks available in its inventory for the first time, signaling what might be an early conclusion to the two-million reservations that were once valued higher than BMW.

    Easy Access to Cybertrucks

    Now, anyone interested in a Cybertruck can purchase one for under $80,000, with delivery possible in about a week. For those who can’t wait, select locations offer immediate access to vehicles from the inventory lot.

    Current Inventory Details

    The available Cybertrucks consist solely of the Foundation Series AWD and tri-motor Cyberbeast models. This could mean that these are either canceled orders or extra stock that Tesla is trying to move, especially since customers can now choose lower-priced models.

    The cheaper models do not include all the features of the Foundation Series, which retails for $100,000 and comes with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) package, an additional $8,000. Plus, the Foundation Series has more premium interior details that add up in value.

    Market Implications

    Despite the Cybertruck’s unexpected popularity as an electric pickup, making it the third best-selling electric vehicle in the US, the sudden decrease in the reservations list with millions of preorders could indicate challenges for this segment in the future.

    If anyone wishes to purchase a Foundation Series Cybertruck without being an early supporter on the reservations list, they can now buy it directly from Tesla’s inventory.

    Source: Link

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  • Tesla Offers 0% APR on Model Y and Cybertruck with Luxury Tax in Canada

    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.

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  • Elon Musk: Tesla Phone Will Only Launch If There’s Demand

    Elon Musk: Tesla Phone Will Only Launch If There’s Demand

    There have been many stories about a possible Tesla phone, with one saying it’s called "Model Pi." In a chat with Joe Rogan, Elon Musk said these stories aren’t true and mentioned that the company isn’t "doing a phone."

    Musk’s Perspective on Competition

    Musk pointed out that since Tesla cars run on advanced software, the company is "probably" in "a better position" to create a phone that could compete with Android and iPhone than "any company in the world." But, he also added that it won’t happen unless it becomes necessary.

    Conditional Smartphone Development

    One scenario where Tesla might think about making a smartphone is if Apple and Google start doing things that are "really bad," like censoring apps or controlling access. This shows that Musk doesn’t feel there’s a need to create a new competitor in the smartphone market right now.

    Past Attempts by Other Companies

    Other large companies have also tried to bring a third option into the market. For example, Amazon launched the Fire Phone in 2014, which used a modified version of Android. With its own app store and a strong online presence, Amazon’s phone seemed like it could be a strong competitor, but it ultimately failed for several reasons.

    Microsoft’s Struggles

    Another significant case is the Windows Phone. Despite Microsoft’s best efforts, it couldn’t attract app developers, which made it hard for the platform to get popular. Musk likely thinks about these past efforts, which might be another reason why Tesla isn’t rushing into making a phone just yet.

    Joe Rogan Experience podcast via: Android Authority

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  • Tesla Increases Pay by 4% at German Gigafactory

    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.

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  • Tesla Blocks Door Opening if Bikes or Cars Are in Blind Spot

    Tesla Blocks Door Opening if Bikes or Cars Are in Blind Spot

    With the forthcoming 2024.44 software update currently being tested by Tesla staff, a new safety feature is on its way for users in the United States.

    New Feature Introduction

    This new feature, known as Blind Spot Warning While Parked, is already available in a different version in China. It will soon be accessible to North American Tesla drivers ahead of the major holiday software update. When this blind spot detection function is ready, the Tesla will evaluate the driver’s intention to open a door and exit the vehicle if it detects someone speeding by the rear left corner, an area that can be hard to see in mirrors without additional accessories like the Model Y blind spot mirror.

    Importance of Safety

    Anyone who has ever suddenly opened a car door while biking past parked cars knows just how crucial awareness of blind spots can be. There are numerous incidents where moving cars have damaged the doors of distracted drivers or those who were unable to react in time to someone coming from the blind spot. This is exactly why Tesla plans to launch its Blind Spot Warning While Parked feature in the US soon, which appears to include both audio and visual alerts.

    If a driver attempts to open a door when an object is approaching from the blind spot—like a cyclist or another vehicle—the blind spot warning light will flash, an audio alert will sound, and the door won’t open upon the first button press.

    A Thoughtful Approach

    While it may seem like the system is second-guessing the driver’s actions, in truth, many will likely be thankful for the added safety in moments where a split-second decision could prevent a bike from crashing into the door. Tesla simply recommends waiting for the moving object to pass before pressing the door button again to stop the warnings and open the door.

    Interestingly, the Blind Spot Warning Light mentioned in Tesla’s release notes is only available on its newest models, like the Model 3 Highland refresh and the Cybertruck. The forthcoming Model Y Juniper facelift may also include this feature next to the front speaker, but for now, it’s exclusive to Tesla’s 2024 models.

    At this point, it remains uncertain whether the Blind Spot Warning While Parked feature will be available solely for the Cybertruck and Model 3 refresh or if it will also extend to the Model Y, albeit without the visual alert.

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  • Tesla Simplifies Identification of HW4 and HW3 Vehicles with License Plates

    Tesla Simplifies Identification of HW4 and HW3 Vehicles with License Plates

    Tesla has made it simpler for users to determine if their vehicles are equipped with HW3 or HW4 Full Self-Driving (FSD) cameras and processing power.

    With the most recent software update, version 2024.38, users can now view the FSD hardware version right in the additional vehicle info submenu. By selecting the Additional Vehicle Information option located under the FSD computer section in the Controls > Software menu, drivers can see if their Tesla features HW4, HW3, or the older HW2.5 setup.

    Understanding FSD Hardware Designations

    Tesla has rebranded Hardware 4.0 as the AI4 computer, which is how it appears in the fresh FSD hardware version display option. Previously, identifying whether a Tesla has a HW3 or HW4 kit has been quite complex, relying on physical traits such as the red tint associated with AI4 cameras or the vehicle’s delivery date.

    Although HW4 vehicles are still relatively rare, they were the first to receive the FSD 12.5 update. Tesla’s AI chief has indicated that these vehicles will also be prioritized for the forthcoming FSD 13 update, which includes new features.

    Free Upgrades for HW3 Vehicles

    Elon Musk has stated that if HW3 vehicles are unable to support the unsupervised FSD that comes with the v13 update, they will be upgraded to the AI4 computer at no cost. Initially, it was believed that retrofitting HW3 to HW4 was impractical due to differences in the system board size and connectors. However, visiting a Tesla service center will help navigate these constraints, as the company needs to collect miles driven on FSD to prove its safety to regulators overseeing the Robotaxi and Cybercab services.

    After introducing the FSD hardware version on the vehicle display, Tesla is also working on a feature to show the car’s license plate number. A hacker named Green has explored Tesla’s 2024.38 update code and discovered hints of a license plate number display on the central console screen. This feature appears to be rolling out first for Chinese models, as is common for the company, before becoming available worldwide.

    Personalization Options for Tesla Owners

    In addition to displaying the license plate number in the previously blank area, owners will have the ability to enter any text they wish. Parents whose kids enjoy customizing their virtual Teslas with unique colors will find this new feature to be another fun way to personalize their vehicle’s display, whether for a specific purpose or just for enjoyment.

    Green, NotATeslaApp

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