Issue 363 - FSD transfer is back
Robotaxi
FSD supervised ride-hailing service is live for early employees in Austin and Bay Area 📹
Tesla has kicked off testing its FSD Supervised ride-hailing service with employees in Austin and the Bay Area, racking up more than 1,500 trips and 15,000 miles already. This early rollout is helping Tesla fine-tune its self-driving networks, fleet management, and remote support, edging closer to a full RoboTaxi experience.
NHTSA loosens rules on autonomous vehicles in boost to Tesla
The NHTSA is rolling out new policies to speed up autonomous vehicle adoption in the US, which is excellent timing for Tesla as it prepares to launch its robotaxi service in Austin this summer. With lighter crash reporting requirements and a broadened exemption program that now benefits US-made vehicles like the upcoming Cybercab, Tesla will have a much simpler regulatory path to get its driverless cars on the road.
Semi
Tesla shares progress update on Semi factory
Tesla offers a glimpse inside its new Semi Factory in Reno, Nevada, highlighting the progress as exterior construction finishes and interior outfitting begins. The facility is designed for an annual capacity of 50,000 electric trucks, with the first units planned to be on the production line by the end of this year. This high-volume factory is key to Tesla's goal of scaling the Semi as a direct, zero-compromise replacement for diesel trucks.
Updates
Tesla may add lumbar support to driver profiles, offer turn signal stalk retrofit
Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, is considering two user-requested features: adding lumbar support adjustment to driver profiles, and possibly offering a retrofit for a turn signal stalk for the refreshed Model 3. While lumbar memory should be fairly doable with some extra engineering, a retrofit for the stalk is a bit less certain but at least on their radar. It feels good to see Tesla actually taking feedback seriously and maybe even simplifying the daily quirks we live with as owners.
Tesla app 4.44.0 release notes 📷
Tesla app 4.44.0 brings some handy new features and updates. Live Supercharging cost is now shown in real time while charging, and you can get better info on nearby Superchargers, including easier ways to report issues. The new version hints at flexibility for Robotaxi owners to toggle fleet participation, and the much-anticipated child left-alone detection is becoming more integrated, complete with climate controls and emergency alerts.
FSD
FSD transfer is back
Tesla just brought back the ability to transfer your FSD to a new vehicle, which is awesome news for those considering an upgrade. They are also offering 0% APR on new Model 3 orders and even giving early Model Y owners a $2,000 discount if they go for a new one. Plus, some extra perks like free premium paint and interior options for the new Model 3 Performance make this a tempting time to buy.
If you are buying a new Tesla, please consider using our referral code http://ts.la/ignacio9266
Tesla vehicle safety report shows Autopilot is 10x better than humans
Tesla’s latest Vehicle Safety Report reveals that cars using Autopilot experience one crash every 7.44 million miles, over ten times safer than the national average of one per 702,000 miles. Even Teslas not using Autopilot are far safer, doubling the US average.
New Models
Tesla's cheap EVs will be stripped-down Model 3s and Model Ys
Tesla plans to make EVs more affordable by launching no-frills versions of the Model 3 and Model Y, produced on existing lines and likely available in 2025. These lower-priced models will cut costs by removing extras like rear touchscreens, premium sound systems, and features such as ventilated seats and panoramic roofs.
Tesla Model Y three-row with longer wheelbase rumored for China
There are rumors that Tesla will soon launch production of a three-row, extended wheelbase Model Y in China, addressing past complaints about limited third-row space in earlier seven-seat versions.
🤓 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
NHTSA: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration