Issue 330 - New Tesla referral program unveiled

Incentives

Current Tesla incentives overview
Tesla's assortment of incentives can be hard to keep track of, so Sawyer Merritt created this rundown: free FSD transfers for deliveries by Sept 30, Model X AWD buyers get a top-priced complimentary option with FSD (qualifying for the $7,500 federal credit), special financing at 1.99% for Model Y and Model 3 (excluding 3 RWD) with similar deadlines, free paint on Model 3 Performance with FSD, a $1,000 military discount for all models, and a $1,000 referral discount. Plus, it was recently announced that Model X AWD purchasers now get a free paid option when adding FSD.

New Tesla referral program unveiled: save $1,000
Tesla's revamped referral program offers a $1,000 discount to the first ten buyers using a person's referral link, with the referrer earning $500 redeemable towards Supercharging, merchandise, or a new Tesla. The program emerged shortly after the previous one ended and marks a shift from credit-based incentives to direct rewards. All details and access are available via mobile app v4.36.1, reflecting Tesla's continual tweaks to its referral strategies aligned with consumer and financial considerations.

Here is my referral link if you want to buy a Tesla: https://ts.la/ignacio9266

FSD

Tesla HW3 vehicles get FSD v12.5.1.4 support
Tesla's recent update to FSD v12.5.1.4 broadens compatibility to include HW3 vehicles, much to the relief of owners waiting beyond the initial 10-day promise. While no new FSD features are expected to debut in this update aside from HW3 support, future updates are set to bring enhancements like better-planned turns and vision-based control with sunglasses. It's noteworthy that despite the divergence in hardware, there shouldn't be observable performance differences between HW3 and the newer AI4 vehicles at this stage.

Early test impressions of FSD 12.5.1.5 on HW3
Tesla owners with HW3-equipped cars are now receiving the Full Self-Driving (FSD) version 12.5.1.5, which started rolling out to a select early access group. Initial feedback from an OG FSD beta tester indicates that the new update performs comparably to the earlier release for HW4 vehicles, with a few notable exceptions and some minor issues needing further testing.

Inside look at Tesla's Cortex AI training supercluster 📹
Elon Musk has shared a rare glimpse into Cortex, Tesla's colossal new AI training supercluster located at their Austin HQ. This state-of-the-art system is set to tackle the complexities of real-world AI, opening a new chapter in how Tesla develops its autonomous technologies.

EV Charging

Tesla's Supercharger adapter production hits 8,000 a week
Tesla has announced a significant boost to their Supercharger adapter production, now reaching 8,000 units weekly at their New York Gigafactory. This surge in production supports the adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS), spearheaded by Tesla. With major automakers like Ford and GM adopting NACS and planning to outfit future EVs with Tesla-compatible charging ports, the availability of these essential adapters will be crucial until new vehicles come equipped with the necessary charging hardware. This increase in production is also crucial to Tesla's mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.

Cybertruck

Cybertruck's new vision park assist test 📹
Tesla's latest software release introduces Tesla Vision Park Assist for the Cybertruck, exclusively using cameras since the vehicle lacks ultrasonic sensors. This update, currently in early access, doesn't include Auto Park but offers assistance with parking through visual cues. Feedback from testing in a grocery store parking lot indicates that the rear camera offers clearer guidance than the forward-facing one, particularly when aligning with parking lines, though there are some discrepancies in visualization accuracy.

Cybertruck owners should expect FSD in their cars in September.

$40 million worth of Cybertrucks 📹
At Tesla's Giga Texas, Cybertrucks valued at roughly $40 million are lined up in the outbound lot.

Model 3

Tesla's quicksilver Model 3 is stunning 📷
Tesla's new Quicksilver color for the Model 3, already a hit in Europe, has landed in North America with its first display at the Century City, Los Angeles showroom. Pictures don't do it justice, as it features a purplish metallic sheen that changes with light angles. While immediate California-only deliveries are priced at $56,990 with an extra fee, wider availability is slated for August-September.

🤓 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.

AWD: All Wheel Drive
EV: Electric Vehicle
FSD: Full Self-Driving
HW3: Hardware 3. Autopilot hardware manufactured in/after February 2019 for Model S / Model X, and in/after April 2019 for Model 3
NACS: North American Charging Standard
RWD: Rear Wheel Drive