Issue 351 - Unsupervised FSD launch in Austin this year
Robotaxi
Tesla plans unsupervised FSD launch in Austin this year
Tesla is set to launch Unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) as a paid service in Austin, Texas, this June, according to Elon Musk.
Tesla Shows Off Robotaxi Cleaning Robot 📹
Tesla has unveiled a new robotic cleaning system designed for its upcoming Robotaxi fleet, set to roll out in Austin, Texas. The robotic arm, equipped with interchangeable attachments, specializes in cleaning vehicle interiors, including seats and center screens, and can even pick up left items like backpacks. Only if I could have a smaller version in my garage :)
FSD
Skeptics of FSD are the only ones who haven’t tried it, Elon Musk on earnings call
During Tesla's Q4 2024 earnings call, Elon Musk highlighted a tenfold improvement in the Autopilot Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, urging users to try the latest version for a vastly improved experience. Moreover, Tesla achieved an annual production rate of 2 million vehicles, and Musk expressed confidence in the company's path toward becoming the world's most valuable through advancements in vehicle autonomy and Optimus humanoid robots.
HW3 computer upgrade for FSD owners
Tesla will upgrade HW3 computers in cars with Full Self-Driving (FSD) packages to a hybrid HW3/HW4 system to improve processing power. Although Musk described the process as "painful and difficult," the upgrade promises enhanced performance for existing FSD-equipped vehicles. However, this offer is exclusive to those who've purchased the FSD package—not subscribers—indicating potential future costs for interested subscribers.
Teslas now drive themselves from factory to delivery lot 📹
Tesla is showcasing a new innovation in its production process by utilizing Unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) for factory operations. Newly built vehicles at the Fremont factory can now autonomously drive themselves to the logistics lot without human intervention, optimizing efficiency, cutting costs, and honestly, just a cool flex.
Software Updates
Tesla app 4.41.5 release brings service and security enhancements
The Tesla App 4.41.5 introduces a slew of improvements aimed at enhancing service appointments and safeguarding user data. You'll find it easier to manage service dates, with the app no longer auto-selecting the earliest appointment slot. Added security measures now include a comprehensive list of third-party apps with access to your vehicle, along with clear information on what each app can access.
Incentives
Cybertruck qualifies for federal tax credit
The Cybertruck now qualifies for a generous $7,500 federal tax credit, making it more attractive for those looking to purchase one.
Tesla ups Model 3 referral discount to $2,500 in the U.S.
Tesla has sweetened the deal for potential Model 3 buyers in the United States by increasing the referral discount to $2,500, doubling the previous $1,000 offer. This attractive discount applies to all Model 3 trims, including RWD, Long Range, and Performance, for cash and financed purchases, but excludes leases.
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Semi
Tesla Semi plans high-volume production for 2025
The Tesla Semi remains on schedule for factory production commencement in 2025, paving the way for the Class 8 all-electric truck to become more mainstream on roads soon. With the Reno Semi factory expected to produce 50,000 units annually, the high-volume builds will kick off late in 2025 and ramp up in early 2026.
🤓 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-DrivingWhat the acronym
HW3: Hardware 3, Autopilot version 3
HW4: Hardware 4, Autopilot version 4
I've been an owner of $10,000 FSD since 2021. As old retired IT guy (BS Computer Science and MSEE Digital Systems in 70's) who once tested USNavy systems that delivered nuclear warheads, I know "good software" when I see it. Tesla FSD is damn good...at MOST of what it is designed to do: Control the auto while being closely supervised by a human driver. As of 5Feb2025, it is FAR from good enough to plop my grand-child into the front seat with instructions to FSD to take her to school and return. My YP would likely survive, but it is also likely to result in an accident before the next version of FSD is released. IMHO. When Elonia releases his internal company data showing 99.999% effectiveness, I *might* believe him. Otherwise, his long repeated annual promises of "100% ready by end of year" are merely just "puffery" as he explains his TSLA pumping to the SEC.