Issue 327 - Insights from tracking 3000 used Tesla listings

Cybertruck

Dry cathode Cybertruck showcased by Tesla engineer 📷
Tesla Senior Manufacturing Engineer Cole Otto revealed on LinkedIn the first-ever Dry Cathode Cybertruck, headquartered with the new in-house dry cathode 4680 cells. With its sleek matte black wrap, this marks a critical step forward in Tesla's battery technology and manufacturing cost efficiency. A dry cathode Tesla Cybertruck is important because it means better batteries that last longer, charge faster, and can hold more energy. This makes electric trucks more efficient, cheaper, and better for the environment.

ADAS Drivers are now validating 12.5.X on Chuck’s UPLT in a Cybertruck 📷
Chuck took pictures of a Cybertruck attempting his infamous UPTL, likely validating a future 12.5 version of FSD. This is another sign that confirms Cybertruck owners should expect to have FSD in their cars soon. Let's go!

Charging

Tesla Supercharger station with lounge in Switzerland 📷
Tesla has something quite special in Switzerland—a Supercharger station with a lounge that's sure to impress. While we haven't been there, it seems like a fancier version of the Kettleman Lounge, probably my favorite charging spot on the US West Coast. It looks like an excellent spot for Tesla owners to relax while their vehicles charge. Check out the pics!

Data Analysis

Tesla ranks top in low maintenance costs by Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports has highlighted Tesla for having the lowest maintenance costs, adding one more reason for potential buyers to opt for a Tesla. As a Tesla owner since 2017, I can confirm that we haven't needed much maintenance for ours, other than refilling the windshield wiper fluid and changing tires as done in other cars. It's reassuring to know that we're in for fewer expenses over the life of the vehicle.

Insights from tracking 3000 used Tesla listings
A Redditor monitored the pricing of 3,000 used Teslas and discovered various insights: Model Y and 3 listings last about 5 days, while Model X and S take about 7. Key factors impacting price include mileage, vehicle age, and previous repairs, with automatic price drops averaging $200 per day if a car doesn't sell. Model and premium options like Autopilot variants also affect resale value, with clear trends based on color and wheel size. If you are thinking of buying or selling a used Tesla, take a look at the data!

Tesla's latest safety report shows Autopilot safety gains
Tesla's newly released safety report for Q2 2024 reveals a minor improvement in the frequency of Autopilot-related crashes, with one crash occurring every 6.88 million miles driven using Autopilot, compared to one every 1.45 million miles without it. This represents a year-over-year improvement from one crash every 6.18 million miles driven using Autopilot.

Manufacturing

Tesla drive unit production reaches 1 every 5 seconds, Musk aims for 1 each second
Tesla's drive unit production has achieved a remarkable pace of one unit every 5 seconds across its global Gigafactories. Elon Musk signifies greater ambitions, aiming for an extraordinary goal of one drive unit per second, which would be a massive leap in manufacturing output and vehicle production capacity.

FSD

FSD 12.5.1.1 rolling out 📹
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta version 12.5.1.1 is beginning to roll out, with the release promising to deliver refinements and improvements to Tesla's autonomous driving capabilities. In the video, you can see how the car drives to the Venice Boardwalk with zero interventions.

Tesla owners' first impressions of FSD v12.5.1.1
Early reviews from Tesla owners using the newly rolled out FSD v12.5.1.1 update seem positive, despite recognizing the FSD Beta isn't yet flawless. Notable improvements include handling multi-lane roundabouts with notable success, and the update seems smoother with more discerning decision-making than previous versions. The post includes videos demonstrating how FSD 12.5.1.1 handles complex driving challenges like difficult intersections and U-turns

🤓 What the acronym
As a Tesla fan, I find myself sometimes having to remember what are all those acronyms, here is a list of the ones you can find in this issue.

ADAS: Advanced Driver-Assistance System
FSD: Full Self-Driving
UPLT: Unprotected Left Turn

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