Tag: Tesla

  • Tesla Model Y: Special APR Financing Rates Available Now

    Tesla Model Y: Special APR Financing Rates Available Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is offering a new 1.99% APR financing rate for the 2026 Model Y Long Range AWD, aimed at enhancing affordability.
    2. Monthly payments for the AWD Model Y can start at $603 with a federal tax credit factored into the down payment.
    3. The 1.99% APR financing is available for various loan terms but cannot be combined with Tesla’s $2,000 Loyalty Incentive.
    4. A new Model Y RWD trim is introduced at $4,000 less than the AWD version, but it has a higher standard financing rate of 5.49%.
    5. The RWD variant offers the longest range among Model Y options, and lower APR financing may be introduced for this model in the future.

    After rolling out a 0% APR financing option for the Model 3, Tesla is now enhancing the affordability of the Model Y with a new interest rate offer.

    Financing Details

    While this offer isn’t as enticing as the zero APR available for the Model 3, it’s still significantly lower than the rates applied to the Model S, Model X, or even the Model Y RWD. The new deal features a 1.99% APR financing rate specifically for the 2026 Model Y Long Range AWD. This is available to eligible buyers who have a strong credit rating and requires a minimum down payment, which can be partially covered by the federal tax credit.

    Payment Options

    For the AWD trim of the Model Y, which starts at a price of $50,990 before tax credits, monthly payments can begin at $603 when utilizing the federal subsidy as part of the down payment. This option is available for the longest term of 6 years, but the 1.99% APR promotional rate is also applicable for 36-, 48-, and 60-month terms.

    However, it’s worth noting that this financing offer cannot be combined with the $2,000 Loyalty Incentive that Tesla currently provides to existing Model Y owners. Other promotions or credits from Tesla’s Refer and Earn Program can still be used alongside this new interest rate offer.

    New Model Y RWD Trim

    Tesla has also launched a more affordable Model Y RWD trim, which is priced $4,000 less than the AWD version, but it does not qualify for the 1.99% APR financing rate. Instead, the RWD variant is financed at the standard 5.49% APR, which is why the monthly payment is nearly the same as that of the dual-motor Model Y.

    The RWD trim remains a new offering that delivers the longest range amongst the Model Y options. It’s likely just a matter of time before Tesla decides to introduce lower APR financing options for this more economical Model Y as well.

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  • Tesla Cybertruck Owners Receive Free One-Year FSD, Autosteer Removed

    Tesla Cybertruck Owners Receive Free One-Year FSD, Autosteer Removed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is offering Cybertruck owners a complimentary one-year Full Self-Driving (FSD) package, expanding access beyond just the Foundation Series trim.
    2. Owners must sign up for the FSD offer before June 6, 2025, using a special link, and it’s crucial to cancel the subscription afterward to avoid a $99 monthly charge.
    3. Current FSD subscribers may have their expiration dates extended by an additional 12 months, hinting at exclusivity for early adopters.
    4. The Autosteer feature will only be available through the FSD package for Cybertruck owners, meaning non-subscribers will not have access to it.
    5. Autosteer helps keep the vehicle in its lane but requires drivers to remain alert and ready to take control if needed.

    Tesla has reached out to Cybertruck owners with news about its new promotion: a complimentary Full Self-Driving (FSD) for one year. Previously, the FSD was available only on the Foundation Series trim, but now it is being offered to more models.

    Details of the Offer

    This complimentary offer is not the same as the 30-day FSD trial that some Tesla vehicles come with. To take advantage of this one-year deal, Cybertruck owners need to sign up for FSD before June 6, 2025, using a special link provided for activation. It’s important for them to remember to cancel the subscription afterward to prevent an automatic charge of $99 per month once the trial period ends.

    Subscription Extensions

    Some Cybertruck owners who already have an FSD subscription have noted that their expiration dates have been pushed back by an additional 12 months. The way the email was written hints that this promotion may be exclusive to those who adopted early.

    Autosteer’s Future

    An intriguing detail in the communication is regarding the future of the Autosteer feature in Cybertrucks. While Tesla includes this feature in other models, it is not preloaded in Cybertrucks. Owners of the electric pickup may be disheartened to learn that Autosteer will only be available as part of the FSD package. This means that if they do not renew their FSD subscription, they may never get access to Autosteer.

    Autosteer is designed to help keep the car in its lane by recognizing lane markings, the edges of the road, and other vehicles, although drivers need to stay vigilant to regain control if necessary.

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  • Older HW3 Teslas Can’t Use New 360-Degree Sentry Mode Feature

    Older HW3 Teslas Can’t Use New 360-Degree Sentry Mode Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla cars with Hardware 3.0 (HW3) are getting the new Dashcam Viewer feature in the 2025.14 Spring Release update.
    2. Enhanced Sentry mode features are not available for older HW3 vehicles due to resource limitations.
    3. Even HW3 vehicles with the faster Ryzen FSD processor cannot access the new 360-degree Sentry mode.
    4. The Dashcam Viewer provides improvements like a grid view with four camera feeds and quicker previews of Sentry footage.
    5. The Cybertruck, equipped with the AI4 kit, also lacks the B-pillar camera update for Sentry mode, with further updates expected later this year.

    Tesla cars equipped with the old Hardware 3.0 (HW3) system, which makes up the majority of their fleet on the roads, are receiving the new Dashcam Viewer feature through the 2025.14 Spring Release update.

    Limited Features for Older Models

    The upgraded Sentry mode, which offers enhanced video surveillance, cannot be utilized on older HW3 vehicles. This is due to the lack of resources needed to manage the additional video feeds from the B-pillar cameras, which would allow Sentry mode to provide a full 360-degree surveillance experience. Instead of opting for an external dash camera solution, like Vantrue, Tesla has chosen to limit these features to newer models that use the HW4 system, now referred to as AI4.

    FSD Computer and New Features

    Even HW3 vehicles that are equipped with the quicker Ryzen processor for their FSD computer aren’t able to access the new 360-degree Sentry mode feature. But they will enjoy the new Dashcam Viewer, which enhances the display with improvements, like a grid view that shows four camera feeds simultaneously and quicker previews of Sentry footage in 15-second intervals.

    Cybertruck’s Unique Position

    Interestingly, the Cybertruck, which boasts the latest AI4 kit, also misses out on the B-pillar camera update for Sentry mode. Being a taller vehicle, it appears that Tesla might require more time to develop a comprehensive 360-degree surveillance system for it. Cybertrucks have been targets of vandalism even prior to Elon Musk’s involvement with the federal government, which created some negative perceptions of the Tesla brand. Therefore, it’s likely that the HW4-exclusive upgrades for Sentry mode will be rolled out to the Cybertruck through an OTA update later this year.

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  • Tesla Chair Denies Efforts to Remove Elon Musk as CEO

    Tesla Chair Denies Efforts to Remove Elon Musk as CEO

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla denied rumors of searching for a new CEO to replace Elon Musk, with confirmations from the board chairwoman and Musk himself.
    2. Reports suggested that Tesla’s board reached out to executive search firms, indicating Musk should focus more on Tesla’s operations.
    3. Musk plans to reduce his responsibilities with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and allocate limited time to it.
    4. Tesla is facing challenges with declining demand and rising manufacturing costs, leading to a drop in net income.
    5. The company is set to introduce more affordable versions of the Model Y and Model 3 to address sales declines, but results may take time to evaluate.

    A report suggesting that Tesla is searching for a new CEO to replace Elon Musk has been firmly denied by the company, its board chairwoman Robyn Denholm, and Musk himself.

    Claims of Executive Search

    The rumor claimed that Tesla’s board reached out to prominent executive search firms to explore the possibility of finding a replacement. They reportedly focused on one particular firm, indicating to Musk that he should dedicate more time to Tesla’s operations.

    Musk did not raise any objections and declared that starting in May, he would cut back on his responsibilities with the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He has exited the West Wing office, where he was working on reducing government expenditure. During the last cabinet meeting, Trump expressed gratitude towards Musk and mentioned that he probably wishes to “return to his cars.”

    Ongoing Communication

    The Chief of Staff for Trump stated that communication with Musk remains regular, but instead of face-to-face meetings, they are now conversing over the phone, achieving “the same net effect.”

    Musk had previously mentioned that he would only allocate one or two days a week to DOGE, leaving his assembled team to manage operations.

    Challenges for Tesla

    Tesla is currently grappling with a significant drop in demand and rising manufacturing costs, a situation that has worsened since Musk took up his role at the White House, leading to a notable decline in net income last quarter.

    While the company attempted to connect the drop in shipments to the timing of the new Model Y launch and factory upgrades, the ongoing decline in sales, particularly in Europe, suggests a possible long-term shift in brand perception.

    To tackle these challenges, Tesla is preparing to introduce more affordable versions of the Model Y and Model 3, which will feature lower specifications and reduced interior comforts. However, despite Musk’s renewed focus on daily operations, it may take several quarters before shareholders can accurately assess the effectiveness of these strategies.

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  • Tesla Model Y to Charge at Megawatt Semi Chargers Soon

    Tesla Model Y to Charge at Megawatt Semi Chargers Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is building advanced V4 Superchargers for its Semi, launching commercially in 2026.
    2. The 1.2 MW charging stations can provide energy to 8 charging stalls simultaneously, enhancing efficiency.
    3. Tesla has permits for 46 Semi charging locations this year and plans to add over 300 charging piles by 2026.
    4. New stations use most components from existing Superchargers, allowing for faster and cheaper rollout.
    5. Tesla is enabling white-label Supercharger projects for other companies, promoting faster network growth through collaboration.

    Tesla is in the process of building the advanced V4 Superchargers meant for its Semi, which is set to launch commercially in 2026.

    Powerful Charging Capability

    These 1.2 MW charging stations are made to work with Tesla’s passenger cars, including the Model Y. The power units can provide energy to as many as 8 charging stalls simultaneously, which is quite efficient.

    Tesla has received permits to establish 46 charging locations for the Semi this year and in 2026, aiming to add over 300 charging piles to its rapidly expanding network.

    Sharing Insights from the ACT Expo

    During the ACT Expo 2025 clean energy conference, Dan Priestley, who leads the Tesla Semi project, mentioned that the new 1.2 MW stations use most of the internal components from the existing Superchargers, except for the stronger cables and connectors necessary for megawatt-level charging.

    This design will enable Tesla to roll them out quickly and at lower costs, which should positively impact the pricing per kWh while maintaining the reliability and uptime that users expect from the Supercharger network.

    Expanding Through Collaboration

    In addition, Tesla is leading initiatives for white-label Supercharger projects, allowing other companies to install and brand these chargers. This move lets them benefit from local or federal subsidies while ensuring quicker growth of Tesla’s charging network.

    The details of the Hardware Sales program were shared at the Power2Drive EV industry event in Munich. Tesla’s Moritz Gutbrod hinted that interested parties could have “full control, yet zero hassle” when they install and manage Supercharger stations under their own brand and pricing models.

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  • 30% Cheaper Model Y: 55 kWh Battery & Cloth Seats Leaked

    30% Cheaper Model Y: 55 kWh Battery & Cloth Seats Leaked

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla plans to introduce more affordable models, including a budget-friendly version of the Model Y, with a design similar to the Model Y and Model 3 but not identical.

    2. The new Model Y, referred to as project E80, is expected to be priced between $20,600 and $26,000, representing a 30% decrease compared to the current Model Y’s pricing.

    3. To reduce manufacturing costs, Tesla will utilize existing production lines and modify the design of the Model 2, which is now on hold due to other projects.

    4. The budget Model Y will feature a smaller battery (50-55 kWh) and fewer comfort features, such as cloth seats and reduced audio systems, to keep costs low.

    5. Despite the lower price point, the basic specifications like range and acceleration are anticipated to remain similar to those of the current Model Y.

    According to the Chief Financial Officer of Tesla and lead engineer Lars Moravy, the company is set to unveil more affordable models that will share a “similar shape and form” to its best-selling electric cars, the Model Y and Model 3, soon.

    New Design Insights

    However, similar does not mean identical. Recent leaks have revealed the framework and specifications for the more budget-friendly Model Y. A drone flying over Tesla’s Fremont factory has captured images of several body frames resembling the Model Y SUV, although the roof appears to be smaller than that of the popular crossover. Additionally, there is a frame that seems to feature falcon wing doors, hinting at a potential facelift for the Model X.

    Another recent sighting shows a disguised vehicle being towed, maintaining the crossover silhouette but with a more sloped rear, similar to what was previously seen at Giga Texas.

    Project E80 Unveiled

    This aligns with Tesla’s plans for the Model 2, its most affordable car, which was said to look like a smaller version of the Model Y. With Tesla’s sales declining and the Model 2 project being put on hold for the launch of the Cybercab, it seems that the design for Model 2 has been modified to fit the existing production lines.

    Lars Moravy mentioned that this approach is aimed at reducing manufacturing expenses to offer the lowest monthly payments for buyers. Instead of creating an entirely new design that would necessitate major retooling or new production lines, Tesla is focusing on leveraging its current setups.

    Pricing and Specifications

    As the first body frames for the smaller, more affordable Model Y may be taking shape, its specs and pricing have begun to surface from China. Known as project E80, the new compact Model Y could be priced between $20,600 and $26,000, depending on the sources from Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory. This pricing is more competitive compared to rivals in the crossover market and represents at least a 30% decrease from the Model Y Juniper facelift in China.

    Interestingly, a few weeks ago, rumors surfaced about a budget Tesla vehicle codenamed E41, indicating that the US might see an entry-level Model 3. During the quarterly earnings call, Tesla’s CFO confirmed that the company’s research and development efforts are concentrated on “cheaper models.”

    Features and Specifications

    To achieve this lower price point for the Model Y, besides downsizing the vehicle, insiders suggest that a more basic version will be released. Initially, the battery will be in the range of 50-55 kWh, which should help in lowering production costs significantly. Despite the smaller battery, the range is expected to remain relatively unchanged due to the lighter weight and smaller wheels.

    Many design and comfort features typically found in Tesla vehicles will be absent. Following the trend set by the RWD Cybertruck and Model 3, the cheaper Model Y will likely come with cloth seats that are neither heated nor ventilated. Additional features such as a rear screen, dual-layer acoustic glass, and multicolor ambient lighting will also be removed, and the number of speakers will drop from 15 to seven.

    The automatic trunk gate and panoramic glass roof will also be eliminated, yet there’s no confirmation regarding the distinctive exterior light bars that characterize the new Model Y design. The RWD Cybertruck does not include light bars, indicating that the cheaper Model Y may follow suit if Tesla aims to keep costs low.

    Conclusion

    In essence, the more affordable Model Y will be a “smaller, to be sure” version of the current Juniper refresh, as Elon Musk commented on the Model 2 a few quarters ago, and it will be a basic model in terms of comforts and design features.

    Basic specifications like range and acceleration are not expected to differ much, while the price is projected to be around 30% lower, which would place it in the desirable $25,000 to $30,000 range in the US after accounting for federal tax credits.

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    30% Cheaper Model Y: 55 kWh Battery & Cloth Seats Leaked30% Cheaper Model Y: 55 kWh Battery & Cloth Seats Leaked30% Cheaper Model Y: 55 kWh Battery & Cloth Seats Leaked30% Cheaper Model Y: 55 kWh Battery & Cloth Seats Leaked
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  • Tesla Model Y: New Larger 3-Row Version with Extra Seats Launching in May

    Tesla Model Y: New Larger 3-Row Version with Extra Seats Launching in May

    Key Takeaways

    1. The latest Model Y currently offers only a five-seat interior option, indicating potential future variants.
    2. Insiders suggest that a six-seat version will be released before a seven-seat version, particularly in China.
    3. The new six-seat Model Y may have a different design compared to typical Chinese models, which often include three rows of full-size seats.
    4. Tesla is planning to start production of a three-row Model Y at Giga Shanghai soon.
    5. The upcoming Model Y with a third row will likely feature an extended wheelbase for increased comfort.

    At the ordering page, the latest Model Y is shown with just one “five seat interior” option in both the US and China. This suggests that Tesla is possibly considering other versions in the future.

    Potential Variants

    Last September, some insiders stated that the Juniper refresh could also include a seven-seat and even a six-seat versions, depending on the market demand.

    Thinking about a new Model Y with seven seats isn’t too far-fetched, since the previous model offered an option with an additional row of two tight seats stored in the trunk floor. Tesla’s lead engineer, Lars Moravy, confirmed the arrival of this model “later this year” during an interview with Jay Leno, shortly after the facelift of the 2026 Model Y in the US.

    Market Differences

    At that time, insiders mentioned that the six-seat version of the Model Y would be released before the seven-seater, especially in China, where this setup is gaining popularity among families. However, the varying seat numbers in the rumors about the new Model Y can coexist without problem.

    Unlike Tesla, which adds extra child seats in the trunk, many Chinese six-seaters, such as the well-liked M4 Yacht Forthing hybrid, typically feature an extended wheelbase. This design includes three rows of two full-size seats each and a foldable child seat in the last row.

    Manufacturing Plans

    Tesla might be working on a similar setup for the Chinese market. A source known for reliable leaks regarding automakers’ future plans has reported that a 3-row Model Y is set to start production at Giga Shanghai as early as this week.

    According to reports, the new Model Y with a third row will also have an extended wheelbase. This indicates that Tesla may be considering a more comfortable option compared to its earlier model, which maintained the same wheelbase regardless of the seating arrangement.

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    Tesla Model Y: New Larger 3-Row Version with Extra Seats Launching in May
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  • Tesla Offers Free FSD Transfers and $2,000 Off New Model Y

    Tesla Offers Free FSD Transfers and $2,000 Off New Model Y

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla has not introduced 0% APR financing for the Model Y in the US, unlike in China, but is running promotions to boost shipments after Q1 earnings disappointment.
    2. New Model Y buyers in the US will receive a complimentary FSD transfer from their previous Tesla, applicable to various models.
    3. The Model Y Launch Series and Cybertruck Foundation Series are excluded from the FSD transfer offer.
    4. Tesla offers a $2,000 discount for older Model Y owners considering the Juniper facelift, with specific conditions for eligibility.
    5. The free FSD transfer promotion has been offered in four of the last five quarters and does not apply in Europe.

    Tesla has not yet introduced 0% APR financing for the new Model Y in the US, similar to what it did in China, but is currently running a new promotion to boost lagging shipments after disappointing Q1 earnings.

    Free FSD Transfer for New Buyers

    While buyers of the new Model Y in the US won’t enjoy zero interest rates on their payments, they will receive a complimentary FSD transfer from their previous Tesla. This applies to owners of any model, including the Model 3, older Model Y, Model S, Model X, or even the Cybertruck.

    Exclusions in Promotions

    However, the Model Y Launch Series and Cybertruck Foundation Series editions are not included in this offer, as they originally came with FSD as part of their expensive packages.

    Legacy Model Y owners can pass on the FSD option they previously purchased to their new Model Y. Additionally, to encourage owners of older models who are undecided, Tesla is providing a $2,000 discount on the price of the Juniper facelift.

    Important Details to Note

    Tesla states that the price reduction is aimed at owners who purchased its first SUV early on, although the specific production cutoff date isn’t clear. Therefore, those interested in this promotion will need to wait for an official announcement from Tesla, which can be viewed below.

    “Used vehicles are not included,” Tesla warns, adding that “the promotional credit must be linked to an order under the same Tesla account as your current Model Y by June 30, 2025, or it will be lost.”

    Tesla appears to be making free FSD transfers a regular offering, as this promotion has been available in four of the last five quarters and is now back on the Tesla deals list for the US and Canada. However, this does not apply to Europe, where customers who paid for FSD still cannot use it.

    On another note, the market value of a used legacy Model Y has decreased since the introduction of the new Juniper refresh. Consequently, the trade-in value Tesla gains can be offset by the free FSD transfer offer without causing significant impact to its core business.

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    Tesla Offers Free FSD Transfers and $2,000 Off New Model Y
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  • Tesla’s New Model Y: First Robotaxi with Rideshare App Preview

    Tesla’s New Model Y: First Robotaxi with Rideshare App Preview

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla’s Robotaxi service will launch with the Model Y, not the more affordable Cybercab or Model 3.
    2. The autonomous Model Y will use the unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature without changes to the existing vehicle design.
    3. Updated Model Y cars will drive directly to customers’ homes once assembled, starting in Austin in June.
    4. The rideshare app for the Robotaxi service is being tested with staff drivers, logging over 15,000 miles in Austin and San Francisco.
    5. Tesla plans to expand the Robotaxi service to multiple U.S. cities by the end of this year.

    Tesla is set to launch its Robotaxi rideshare service, starting with the widely popular Model Y rather than its more cost-effective options like the Cybercab or Model 3.

    Details on the Model Y

    According to Elon Musk, the only distinction between the upcoming autonomous Model Y vehicles and the current ones is that they will operate using the unsupervised version of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature on public streets. “To be clear, the Model Y that we are talking about in being autonomous in Austin in June are the Model Ys we make currently, there’s no change to it,” Musk stated.

    Right now, the freshly manufactured Model Y cars do employ unsupervised FSD, but this is limited to transporting them from the factory to the designated parking areas where they await pickup by delivery trucks.

    Future Plans for the Model Y

    Musk assured that soon the Model Y, alongside other new Tesla models equipped with the HW4/AI4 camera systems and computers, will be able to drive straight to customers’ homes once they are assembled and configured.

    He reiterated that the updated Model Y is “currently on track to be able to do paid rides fully autonomously in Austin in June and then in many other cities in the US by the end of this year.”

    Testing the Rideshare App

    The refreshed Model Y is Tesla’s latest offering, making it an ideal candidate to be the first vehicle in its robotaxi initiative, for which the Tesla AI team recently showcased a ride-hailing app in a video.

    The team is testing the app and refining the new rideshare features using the 2026 Model Y with staff drivers, traveling back and forth in Austin and San Francisco, and has already logged over 15,000 miles on the robotaxi platform.

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  • Camouflaged Tesla Model Y Seen in India Before Launch

    Camouflaged Tesla Model Y Seen in India Before Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is nearing the launch of the Model Y and Model 3 in India, with ongoing certification processes.
    2. A Model Y was spotted undergoing public testing in Mumbai, indicating active preparations for the Indian market.
    3. Tesla has secured showroom locations near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai and Delhi.
    4. The company is hiring for various roles in India, signaling increased operational activity ahead of launch.
    5. Tesla views India as a key market for recovery following a downturn in global sales.

    Keen observers have recently spotted signs that Tesla is getting closer to launching its products in India. A Reddit user named shameelck shared a picture of a covered Tesla Model Y parked outside a store, but didn’t mention where exactly the sighting took place.

    Certification Progress

    Tesla is currently going through the necessary certification processes to sell the Model Y and Model 3 in the world’s most populous country. In March 2025, the company submitted its eighth test permit.

    Public Testing in Mumbai

    On the platform X (previously known as Twitter), user @ashishpol86 shared two brief videos of a fast-moving Model Y on a highway in Mumbai. The electric SUV was also camouflaged, as Tesla conducts public testing for its vehicles.

    Showroom Developments

    Reports indicate that Tesla has secured locations for showrooms close to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in both Mumbai and Delhi. The company is hiring for roles in vehicle service, sales, customer support, and operations. This surge in pre-launch activities follows a meeting between CEO Elon Musk and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi earlier this year.

    India represents a significant opportunity for Tesla as it seeks to recover from a downturn in global sales. The company plans to start delivering the Cybertruck in the Middle East by the end of 2025, although the truck is still prohibited in certain European nations.

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