Issue 367 - Model X refresh interior spotted
Optimus
New Tesla Optimus video shows humanoid robot doing household chores 📹
A new video of Tesla's Optimus robot reveals it performing basic household tasks like stirring a pot, taking out the trash, and opening cabinets. While it is cool to see Optimus making progress, many commenters pointed out that it still moves pretty slowly and looks better suited for controlled demos than the chaos of real-life kitchens. I love the ambition here, but it feels like folding laundry without mixing up all the socks might be the ultimate test; if Optimus masters that, I'll be genuinely impressed!
Model S & Model X
Model X refresh interior spotted 📷
The upcoming Model X interior refresh has been spotted, teasing a series of subtle updates. It is always fun to try and spot which small design touches or tech features are getting tweaked before the official release.
Refreshed Tesla Model S and Model X spotted uncovered in California 📷
The upcoming refresh for the Model S and Model X has been spotted uncovered in California, revealing a front-facing camera in the bumper, subtle changes to the front and rear, interior ambient lighting, and a new exterior paint color on the X. While these visible tweaks are nice, a lot of enthusiasts (myself included) are still holding out hope for some bigger upgrades under the hood.
Model 3 & Model Y
Tesla Model 3 gets perfect 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating
The 2025 Model 3 just scored an impressive 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, with standout features like the Active Hood for pedestrian protection, upgraded automatic emergency braking, and a clever door system that helps prevent accidents with passing cyclists or motorcycles. I’m also happy to see Tesla rolling out even more proactive safety updates like head-on collision avoidance and Child Left Alone Detection, showing the company isn’t just resting on its crash-test laurels. It feels pretty reassuring to know that the Model 3 keeps leveling up on daily peace-of-mind features, not just stats.
Tesla launches Alcantara dash trim upgrade for new Model 3 and Model Y 📷
Tesla is now offering a premium Charcoal Suede (Alcantara) dash trim as an upgrade for refreshed Model 3 and Model Y owners in the US and Canada. This $250 upgrade, previously exclusive to Launch Edition Model Y, gives your Tesla a soft, upscale interior feel and comes with professional installation at a service center.
Software Updates
Update 2025.14.12 - release notes
The latest Tesla update comes packed with quality-of-life and safety improvements. Highlights include Child Left Alone Detection, Adaptive High Beams for cars with matrix headlights, and slicker Dashcam and Sentry Mode features like B-pillar side camera recording and an improved viewer grid. Trip navigation gets more flexible with the alternative route and highway avoidance options, and you finally have more control over the trunk, frunk, accessory power, and keyboard settings. I especially appreciate the media upgrades, like Apple Music shuffling is smoother, and you’ll now see 'Up Next' in YouTube Music. As always, a handful of little surprises: Cybertruck gets more language options, a more intuitive Sentry Mode menu, and the Speedometer display is now the right casing for km/h.
FSD
Tesla demonstrates FSD in Australia, no regulatory blockers 📹
Tesla is actively testing FSD (Supervised) in Australia and just showed off a successful drive in Melbourne, including the uniquely tricky "hook turn" maneuver. Thom Drew, who heads up Tesla Australia, confirmed there are no regulatory barriers to releasing FSD there, which is a huge win compared to all the headaches Tesla has had in Europe and China. It sounds like Aussies could see FSD hit their roads by the end of the year.
Charging and incentives
Tesla adds Semi Megacharger at Giga Texas 📷
Tesla just installed its first Semi Megacharger at Giga Texas, right by the outbound lot, marking the charger’s debut outside of Giga Nevada. This version has only one stall and is set up for "bobtail" trucks, so it looks like it’s aimed more at site operations than for highway long-hauls. What is really exciting is Tesla's broader plan to roll out 46 public Megacharger stations by 2027, making electric trucking across North America a real possibility in the not-so-distant future!
Tesla moves free lifetime Supercharging to inventory Model S and X vehicles
Tesla's lifetime free Supercharging is now exclusively available on inventory Model S and X purchases in North America, Europe, Puerto Rico and the Middle East, rather than on new custom orders. This perk, which helps soften recent price hikes, is only valid for the original owner and cannot be transferred if the car is sold. Some buyers in Europe also get free lifetime Premium Connectivity, which is nice, just not as nice.
🤓 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
NCAP: New Car Assessment Programme