Issue 362 - Tesla's Hollywood diner getting close to opening
Cybertruck
Tesla increases Cybertruck inventory discounts in Canada and the U.S.
Tesla has bumped up discounts for in-stock Cybertrucks, with savings as high as $16,590 CAD in Canada and $11,990 USD in the U.S. These deals are available for select Foundation Series and older year model trucks, and include free lifetime Supercharging in both countries, a great bonus for frequent road trippers. The new RWD Cybertruck is not discounted, but does qualify for the federal tax credit in the U.S., though it comes with fewer features than the higher trims.
Cybercab
Cybercab incoming? 📷
A new giga casting part spotted at Giga Texas has sparked rumors that it's designed for the upcoming Cybercab, Tesla's dedicated robotaxi, and not for a refreshed Model Y. The casting is significantly lighter, uses less material, and is optimized for efficient production, all signs that Tesla could be preparing to launch its robotaxi network soon in Austin. The clever details like the 'RTTX' label and the space-saving design add fuel to the speculation, making June look especially promising for anyone following Tesla’s robotaxi dreams.
Tesla Cybercab no longer using chase vehicles in Giga Texas
Tesla's Cybercab prototype has been spotted at Giga Texas testing without chase vehicles, suggesting growing confidence in the robotaxi's fully autonomous driving capabilities. Elon Musk reiterated that Cybercab production is on track for 2026 and that his renewed focus on Tesla will accelerate the development of the robotaxi platform, FSD Unsupervised, and affordable vehicle models. Musk boldly claimed that fully autonomous rides, starting with Model Ys in Austin, could arrive as soon as this summer.
Community
Tesla promises to improve the delivery experience
After a first-time Model Y owner's underwhelming delivery in Michigan went viral, Tesla has responded by promising updates that will make the experience less daunting for new buyers. We can expect clearer step-by-step guidance in the app and on the web, as well as better in-person support for newbies, rolling out in the next few weeks. Hopefully, these tweaks will help make the delivery day feel every bit as special and approachable as it should be.
Batteries & Charging
Tesla 4680 battery director talks development and what's next
Bonne Eggleston, Tesla's Senior Director for the 4680 cell project, shared some behind-the-scenes insight in a recent interview. The second-generation 4680—currently used in all Cybertrucks—has become Tesla’s lowest-cost cell per kWh, thanks in part to a new dry electrode process that skips solvents and ovens, making things more sustainable and efficient. Eggleston also teased that learnings from the 4680 project and its structural pack are likely to flow into future Tesla models, even as competition pushes hard with their own fast-charging battery tech. Looking forward, Tesla is keeping the pedal down to stay ahead on both cost and charging speed, with eyes on upcoming Model S and X updates getting the latest battery boosts.
Tesla's Hollywood diner is finally getting close to opening 📷
Tesla's new Hollywood diner and Supercharger in Southern California looks nearly ready, with lit-up stalls, fully paved parking lots, and finishing touches underway after a lengthy construction period.
Model Y
Tesla to delay launch of affordable model - cheaper Model Y
According to a Reuters report, Tesla is pushing back the launch of its more affordable Model Y variant, now aiming for production between late 2025 and early 2026 in the US. The 'E41' project focuses on cost-cutting by offering stripped-down versions of popular models instead of launching a brand new platform, and similar plans are in place for a budget Model 3. This shift helps Tesla respond to increased competition and demand while navigating tricky tariff and supply chain issues, but those hoping for a true $25,000 Tesla will have to keep waiting.
Tesla Model Y spotted testing in India ahead of launch 📷
The Model Y has been seen testing in India, signaling that Tesla is finally gearing up to launch sales in the country after years of negotiation with the government. Tesla has already certified both the Model Y and Model 3 for sale and is preparing its first store in Mumbai with another planned for Delhi, while also recruiting locally and possibly partnering with Tata Group for local sourcing. This first Model Y could be an RWD or Performance variant. It's exciting to see Tesla making real moves toward an India debut, which has been a long time coming.
FSD
Tesla’s FSD v13 pushes HW4 hardware capabilities
FSD V13 is taking full advantage of the power in Tesla's HW4 hardware, offering larger and smarter neural networks for a noticeably smoother ride, but this new software is simply too big for HW3 vehicles to handle. While older Teslas running HW3 will continue to get their own tailored FSD updates, it seems clear that more advanced autonomy features are going to focus on HW4 and beyond. For owners with HW3 who have purchased FSD, Tesla has promised free hardware swaps if updates become impossible.
🤓 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
HW3: Autopilot Hardware version 3, manufactured in/after February 2019 for Model S / Model X, and in/after April 2019 for Model 3
HW4: Autopilot Hardware version 4