Issue 336 - Current Tesla US incentives rundown

Full PPF Color Wrap for Tesla Cybertruck
[Sponsored] Our friends at TWRAPS just released a DIY PPF wrap kit for the Cybertruck! This premium 8mil TPU PPF is designed for easy installation, so simple that it can be done by a single person in just 8 hours. The DIY kit is available for $1,699.95, and if you’re in the Bay Area, TWRAPS offers professional installation at their Concord, CA factory for an additional $1,499.95. Unlike traditional shops that charge more and keep your car for 4-7 days, TWRAPS allows you to drive off with your fully wrapped Cybertruck the very next day.

Incentives

Current Tesla US incentives rundown
For those of you thinking of getting a new Tesla this year, here is a great list of Tesla's current US promotions include: Free FSD transfers for various models with year-end delivery, 0% financing on Model 3/Y, a free paid option for Model X with FSD purchase, complimentary paint for Model 3 Performance with FSD, $1,000 military discount on all models, and 1-year free Premium Connectivity for inventory vehicles delivered by year's end.

On top of these, you can add $1k off by using our referral code https://ts.la/ignacio9266

Model Y

Model Y refresh trial production starts at Giga Shanghai
Tesla is poised to commence trial production of the refreshed Model Y, or 'Project Juniper', at its Giga Shanghai facility starting October 22, 2024. This move heralds the introduction of similar updates seen in the Model 3 refresh. While no official release date is announced, early production rates will be conservative, with strict security to prevent leaks, mimicking the strategies used during the Model 3 trials.

Model 3

Latest Tesla Model 3 Is vastly quieter than before, with far more highway range
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD has undergone significant updates that enhance both its highway range and cabin quietness. Notably achieving a 310-mile range in highway tests, it outperforms previous versions thanks to improvements such as custom Michelin tires and a better drag coefficient. Additionally, its cabin noise at 70 mph has been reduced by three decibels due to new acoustic-laminated glass and other aerodynamic tweaks, making it much quieter and more comfortable for long drives.

Reflecting on 5 years with a Tesla Model 3 Long Range
he owner of a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Long Range reflects on the vehicle's performance over 138,856 miles and five years of ownership. Maintenance costs were reasonable without any new expenses over the last 20 months. The car still impresses with its rapid acceleration and FSD capabilities, despite the battery displaying approximately 12.5% degradation. The author acknowledges EV benefits like simplicity over ICE vehicles, and expects the Tesla's battery to last well beyond 500,000 miles with proper care.

FSD

FSD Supervised trials are back
Tesla owners in the U.S. and Canada are being given another opportunity to try Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised for free for 30 days. While most vehicles receive FSD v12.3.6 for the trial, some are updated to v12.5.4.1, featuring Actually Smart Summon and new sunglasses-friendly hands-free driving support. If you tried it in the past and didn’t like it, I highly encourage you to give it another try. I currently do probably 99% of my driving in FSD, and I think it's amazing!

Q3 2024 auto safety analysis shows Tesla Autopilot's impact
Tesla's Q3 2024 vehicle safety report highlights that vehicle crashes are significantly lower when Autopilot is employed, with one crash per 7.08 million miles, compared to one crash per 1.29 million miles without Autopilot. These figures far exceed the national average of one crash per ~670,000 miles, marking Autopilot as a substantial safety advancement. While comparing AP miles vs. non-AP miles might not be ideal, as people tend to engage Autopilot on highways and in other "easy" situations, a comparison to three years ago (Q3 2021) shows improvement, with crashes dropping from one per 5.5 million miles to one per 7.08 million.

Charging

Introducing robotaxi wireless charging 📹
Tesla raises the convenience bar with the introduction of hands-free wireless charging for its Robotaxi fleet. This feature complements the autonomous nature of Robotaxis, emphasizing ease of use and efficiency in recharging without manual intervention. How efficient is Tesla's wireless charging, you ask? According to Tesla on Twitter, the efficiency is over 90%.

Software Updates

Tesla app 4.38.0 enhances user experience
The latest Tesla App update 4.38.0 introduces an array of exciting features enhancing connectivity and user control. Key updates include iPhone Control Center support for quick access to favorite commands, and Offline Commands, allowing execution when near the vehicle, like automatically unlocking as you approach the vehicle for those running the 2024.38+ version in their cars.

Cybertruck
Tesla opens non-foundation Cybertruck orders to the public
Tesla has concluded the Foundation Series of Cybertrucks, transitioning to the non-Foundation variants which are now available for public order. These new options offer a Dual-Motor AWD starting at $79,990 and a Tri-Motor Cyberbeast variant at $99,990. Key changes in the non-Foundation series include premium pricing for White Décor interior trims, original Cyber Wheels and Covers, and a weighty pre-order requirement for the $16,000 range extender expected to arrive in 2025. Notably, delivery estimates for the new orders are not provided, potentially to avoid speculations from critics and market analysts.

Cybertruck's range and production for range extender shifted
Tesla's delay of its Cybertruck range extender into mid-2025, along with a reduction in the added range—now only achieving 445+ miles for the dual motor and 415+ miles with all-terrain wheels for the tri-motor—is disappointing news for those who were really hoping for the extra range.

🤓 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.

EV: Electric Vehicle
FSD: Full Self-Driving
PPF: Paint Protection Film
RWD: Rear-Wheel Drive

Tesletter Supporters & Sponsors

Supporters