Issue 343 - Cybertruck after 50k miles

New Models

Tesla's next-gen model specs & price unveiled
A recent report sheds light on Tesla's forthcoming 'Model Q,' tentatively priced below $30,000 to target the affordable car sector, scheduled for a debut around June 2025. The compact vehicle, expected to be around 15% smaller and 30% lighter than the Model 3, aims for a range of up to 310 miles with two versions: a 53 kWh RWD and a 75 kWh AWD option. Additionally, Tesla's 'Project Juniper' was mentioned, hinting at a refreshed Model Y with a 3-row, 7-seat configuration, potentially launching in China early next year.

Cybercab to have fewer parts, lead engineer reveals 📹
Tesla's Cybercab is set to revolutionize efficiency with 50% fewer parts than the Model 3 and a body structure consisting of 60% fewer components than the Model Y, as unveiled by Tesla's lead engineer. This is expected to translate into significant cost savings.

Software Updates

Tesla 2024 holiday update brings exciting new features 📷
Tesla's 2024 Holiday Update promises a sleigh-load of new features including the integration of Dashcam & Sentry Mode clips with phones, Autoshift for the stalkless Model 3, upgraded SiriusXM and TuneIn services, smarter navigation with weather and points of interest overlays, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert for improved safety. Cybertruck owners will specifically enjoy custom wraps and plates, upgraded rear camera feed, new rear arcade games, and a festive Santa Mode. The update, rolling out over-the-air soon, also includes various quality-of-life enhancements like scheduled light shows, adjustments of passenger seats from the control panel, a new in-car party game, and a detailed maintenance summary screen.

New Tesla app for Apple Watch 📷
The Tesla community is buzzing about the new Apple Watch app, which enables key functionalities like unlocking the car and checking the battery status. However, the app requires the car to be running version 2024.44.25 or later for the watch to be set up as a key.

FSD

Tesla AI delivered: FSD 13 is mind-blowing 📹
The release of Full Self-Driving (FSD) version 13 is heralded as a massive leap forward, showcasing remarkable smoothness and intelligence during real-world driving conditions, including complex city navigation and foggy environments. FSD 13's intuitive decision-making, like waiting to signal for a turn and impressive maneuvering around other vehicles, is particularly noted. However, minor issues like unnecessary windshield wiping and the occasional over-cautious behavior in parking lots hint there's still room for polish in this otherwise impressive update.

Tesla FSD to roll out enhanced parking capabilities
Tesla plans to significantly update Full Self-Driving (FSD) with improved parking options, which include smoothly guiding the car into garages, driveways, and designated parking spots. The update will help vehicles navigate tight spaces autonomously and might come with printable guides for precision parking in snug spots. Freeing owners from the need to mark parking areas themselves, this upgrade is set to make FSD even more intuitive and adaptable to diverse parking scenarios.

Cybertruck

Cybertruck after 50k miles 📹
My good friend Rafael (aka Teslatino) shares his extensive experience after driving 50,000 miles in his Cybertruck, including tours across North America and the Arctic Ocean. Upgrades like an adventure rack and off-road tires have been added to meet travel needs. While the original rated range decreased slightly from 318 to 309 miles, various factors such as speed and terrain influence driving distances. He reported only minor issues, notably with the tonneau cover, and noted that Tesla has proactively addressed potential problems. His adventures highlight the Cybertruck’s practicality and durability, featuring an on-board off-road app, a feature-rich setup like steer-by-wire, and maintenance ease apart from minor replacements.

Charging & Efficiency

Maximize safety and efficiency with Tesla’s winter tips
As temperatures drop, Tesla provides customers with key tips to ensure safe and efficient driving during the winter season. Optimizing energy use by preheating your Tesla while plugged in, deploying scheduled departure, and preparing the vehicle for icy conditions are among the top suggestions. Additionally, Tesla recommends using winter-specific accessories like snow tires and installing protective films, plus keeping an eye on the snowflake icon indicating a cold battery to maintain vehicle performance.

NACS to become US federal EV charging standard
The US government is set to endorse Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) as the official federal EV charging standard, aiming to unify charging infrastructure across the country. This will include incorporating NACS into federally funded projects, with no need for new regulations but instead an emphasis on gradual integration alongside the current CCS ports. A webinar and FAQs are planned to address the transition on December 17, 2024.

🤓 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.

CCS: Combined Charging System
EV: Electric Vehicle
FSD: Full Self-Driving
NACS: North American Charging Standard
RWD: Rear-Wheel Drive

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