Issue 373 - The first Tesla diner is here 😍
Incentives
$7,500 federal EV credit will expire on Sept 30th
Big heads up for anyone in the US eyeing a new Tesla: the $7,500 federal EV credit is set to disappear after September 30, and Tesla has started emailing customers to make sure nobody misses out. If you were thinking of placing an order, now’s the time to act before this incentive goes away!
If you are buying a new Tesla, please consider using our referral code http://ts.la/ignacio9266
Charging & Energy
Tesla unveils its first fully off-grid solar Supercharger station 📷
Tesla just opened a massive new Supercharger station in Lost Hills, California that is fully powered by solar panels and battery storage, so it doesn’t need to rely on the grid at all. Once finished, it will become Tesla’s biggest Supercharger in the world, with 168 stalls and a truly impressive amount of renewable power on tap.
The first Tesla diner is here 📷
Tesla has finally opened its long-awaited diner, a retro-style spot that blends classic American vibes with EV charging. It’s a fun addition to the Supercharger network and makes those longer stops actually enjoyable. Vanessa and I are definitely planning to stop by this weekend since we’ll be in the area.
Tesla update to improve Supercharger UI with valet and parking info 📷
Tesla is about to roll out a slick update for the in-car Supercharger map UI that will finally show detailed info like valet-only access, paid parking requirements, access codes, and even which parking floor you need. This should really cut down on the hassle of arriving at a Supercharger only to find a hidden paid garage or a surprise code.
FSD
Tesla expands Full Self-Driving testing to Spain, its fifth European country 📹
Tesla has begun testing Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Spain, marking its fifth active FSD test market in Europe alongside Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. While regulatory approval across the EU remains a hurdle, Tesla is gathering real-world data and pressing forward, with Elon Musk calling the delay "very frustrating" and highlighting the safety benefits of FSD.
Tesla App Updates
Tesla app 4.46.6 release notes
Tesla's latest app update quietly introduces support for logging in to xAI's Grok and receiving notifications, hinting at a tighter integration between Tesla and the Grok AI platform. Other cool finds in this release include expanded notification logging, some groundwork for future Robotaxi Siri and calendar integrations, and the ability for main account holders to restrict car location visibility for secondary drivers. For anyone with Powerwall and Wall Connector, a new rate-based charging mode is on the horizon, which looks like it could help automate charging to take advantage of lower electricity prices.
Tesla app 4.46.5 release notes
This update brings more privacy controls, letting primary account holders hide the vehicle's location from secondary users in the app. Behind the scenes, there are cool hints about upcoming features like Siri integration for Robotaxi and smarter ride suggestions from your calendar, plus some upgrades to Tesla Assist, including voice recognition support. There are also improvements for owners with Wall Connectors, and Canadian users can now use Klarna's pay-later option for Tesla Shop and Service purchases.
Optimus
Tesla refines Optimus robot for next-gen upgrades amid brief production pause
Tesla is temporarily pausing Optimus robot production to roll out upgrades making its humanoid bot even more capable, with better hand dexterity, improved heat management, and longer-lasting components. This redesign means mass production might get pushed past 2025, but Elon says the next version will have voice commands powered by Grok AI for a more natural (and maybe less awkward) conversation with your robot. The Optimus project is now directly under Ashok Elluswamy’s lead, showing how serious Tesla is about pushing robotics to the next level.
Model 3 & Y
Tesla improves Model 3 and Y Long Range in China with more range and performance
Tesla just rolled out bigger batteries and a nice bump in performance for the Model 3 and Y Long Range in China. The Model 3 Long Range now goes 753 km on the CLTC cycle and does 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds—plus what used to be a paid Acceleration Boost is now included by default, though it comes with a small price hike. The Model Y Long Range gets a longer 750 km range with no price increase, and both models now have much shorter delivery times.
🤓 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.
AI: Artificial Intelligence
EV: Electric Vehicle
FSD: Full Self-Driving