Issue 339 - Cybertruck leasing now available

Cybercab

Tesla displays Cybercab at Santana Row showroom 📷
Tesla is bringing its Cybercab to showrooms across the country. This past week, it was on display at the Santana Row showroom in San Jose, California, alongside the Cybertruck. Visitors have the chance to view the vehicle, known for its gull-wing doors, although they can't sit in it or open/close its doors.

Hardware Updates

Tesla to boost entry-level Model 3 & Y with bigger battery
Tesla is reportedly gearing up to enhance their base Model 3, and potentially the Model Y, with a more efficient battery pack that offers a 4% capacity increase and weighs less, thereby improving range and charging speeds. The new CATL 6M battery, possibly using LFP or LMFP chemistries, may debut in European Model 3 RWD variants by mid-November, hinting at a broader roll-out.

Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' prototype spotted with front bumper cam 📹
An upgraded Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ prototype was recently spotted in the U.S., featuring a new addition—a front bumper camera. This aligns with the trend seen in the Cybertruck and Cybercab. Although the Model 3 Highland was rumored to include a front bumper camera, it ultimately did not.

Cybertruck

Cybertruck leasing options now available
Tesla has opened Cybertruck orders to the public and introduced a leasing option, eliminating the need for prior reservations. The lease terms start at $999 per month with a $7,500 down payment, excluding taxes and fees. Despite the truck’s ineligibility for direct buyer tax credits under new rules, leasing allows access to these benefits, potentially lowering initial costs significantly.

Tesla light bar production and installation update
Tesla is accelerating the production of its light bars and will be contacting customers based on their production order for installation. However, to optimize install efficiency, some installations might occur out of sequence as they plan to group them by service center regions.

Under the hood

Inside look at Tesla FSD's operational mechanics 📷
A Tesla patent provides an in-depth explanation of Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, showcasing the system's ability to process vast amounts of visual data via multiple cameras. The FSD operates via 'Virtual Cameras' at varying heights, which classify objects, and 'Temporal Indexing' to track and predict movements over time. Together, these components create a dynamic 3D map, enabling high-level path prediction and navigation around objects, improving the FSD's decision-making abilities.

Software updates
Tesla introduces offline commands
Tesla has launched a new offline commands feature that allows owners to use their smartphones to operate their vehicles, like unlocking or pre-heating the cabin, via Bluetooth without needing an internet connection. This innovative update is particularly handy for those in no-cell service areas, though it won't be available for legacy Model S and Model X cars built before 2021. To use this feature, owners need the Tesla app version 4.38 or newer.

Tesla update facilitates maintenance tracking for owners and techs
Tesla's recent software update 2024.38.4 has introduced a Service History feature, enabling both technicians and owners to view a detailed record of past repairs and maintenance, enhancing service efficiency and diagnostics. Owners will appreciate the transparency and ability to add notes for simple self-performed maintenance tasks like refilling windshield wiper fluid, while the update also tackles other improvements like reducing battery drain during Sentry Mode usage.

Incentives
Tesla to restart factory tours as a customer perk
Tesla is planning to reintroduce factory tours as an exclusive perk for customers with pending vehicle orders. The tours, returning potentially to Giga Texas, were a pre-pandemic highlight allowing owners to witness vehicle production firsthand. While previously stopped due to public health concerns, Elon Musk hinted during an X live Spaces that these behind-the-scenes experiences would help build excitement for customers awaiting delivery.

Free year of supercharging for European Model Y buyers
Tesla is treating its European customers to a significant perk: one year of free Supercharging. To take advantage of this offer, just order and take delivery of a new Model Y before the end of the year.

🤓 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.

FSD: Full Self-Driving
RWD: Rear Wheel Drive

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