Issue 368 - 1,000,000 Tesla Powerwalls built
Robotaxi
Autonomous Model Y tests in Austin finish early, first self-delivery next month
Tesla has been running fully driverless Model Y vehicles on public streets in Austin, and so far, all has gone smoothly. What's even cooler is that this is happening a month ahead of schedule. Elon says we could see the first Model Y drive itself from the factory to its new owner as soon as next month, definitely feels like sci-fi becoming reality!
Tesla eyes launch of Austin Robotaxi service for June 12
Tesla is looking to launch its first robotaxi service in Austin as soon as June 12, starting with about 10 Model Y vehicles using FSD in certain parts of the city. The program will be invite-only at first, with plans to ramp up quickly if things go well. Austin is a great choice for this pilot thanks to Texas’ open laws for AV testing and the city’s support for new autonomous services.
Energy
Tesla Powerwall production milestone: 1,000,000 units built
Tesla has hit a huge milestone with one million Powerwall units produced at Giga Nevada. The new Powerwall 3 not only packs more power into the same footprint but makes it easier for homeowners to scale up their storage if needed. Plus, more than 100,000 Powerwalls are now part of virtual power plants, which means users are actually making money by supplying energy back to the grid, a win-win for energy independence.
Model 3
Tesla launches Model 3 Performance projection lights 📷
Tesla is releasing new puddle lights for the refreshed 2024+ Model 3 Performance, projecting a blue and white Performance emblem by the doors when opened. Unlike previous puddle lights, this one features color and is currently exclusive to owners of the refreshed Model 3 Performance, though in practice they could fit all Model 3/Y. They go for $75 in the US and can be used on any door, but you’ll need two packs if you want all four doors glowing.
Tesla officially launches Model 3 tow package in North America 📷
It’s finally here: Tesla has dropped the official Model 3 tow package for North America, but only for the revamped 2024+ Highland models. No more sketchy aftermarket installs or risking your warranty, now you get a factory setup rated to tow up to 2,200 lbs, complete with Tow Mode software. Priced at, it includes installation and shipping to your local Service Center, making life easier for those planning a lightweight trailer road trip this summer.
Optimus
Tesla’s Optimus learning by watching: new skills through first-person and soon third-person 📹
Optimus is now learning to do actual work by observing humans from a first-person perspective, mastering tasks like vacuuming and cooking without direct human control. The coolest part? Tesla’s team is already working on Optimus learning from regular internet videos, meaning the bot could soon pick up skills just by passively watching the world. These rapid improvements show Tesla isn’t just creating a showpiece robot, Optimus is truly gearing up to be useful, even if it will still be a while before he joins us at home.
Demo drives & Services
Tesla expands self-serve demo drive program in Canada
Tesla is making it even easier for Canadians to try out a Tesla with a big expansion of its self-serve demo drive program, now covering 15 locations across Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan. No need to deal with sales staff: just book online, unlock the car with your phone and take it for a spin, it's that simple! Giving folks more flexibility to test drive on their own schedule is a smart move and should help a lot more people get a feel for the cars before making the leap.
Tesla launches approved window tinting service with XPEL
Tesla now officially offers window tinting in the US thanks to a partnership with XPEL, bringing peace of mind for folks who worried about warranty hassles. You can choose from XPEL’s premium nanoceramic tints, get coverage if your windows ever need replacing under warranty, and book everything straight from the Tesla app. Nice to see Tesla making upgrades like this easier and safer for owners, say goodbye to the old tinting headaches.
🤓 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