Issue 379 - Hey, Tesla 👀
Cybertruck
Tesla Cybertruck secures 5-star NHTSA safety ratings for driver and passenger
The Cybertruck now officially holds independent 5-star NHTSA safety ratings for both the driver and passenger seats, solidifying its spot among the safest vehicles in Tesla's lineup. Its unique stainless steel exoskeleton and strong crash test performances in side-impact and rollover tests have helped quiet earlier doubts.
Model YL
Elon Musk: Model YL doesn’t start production in the US until late next year
Elon shared that the new Model Y L is not scheduled to begin US production until late next year and that it might not happen at all if Tesla's self-driving tech progresses quickly.
Experience the seats of the Model YL 📹
We have our first glimpses of the Model YL seats, showing a design that blends newer styling cues with extra comfort compared to the current Model Y. The added cushioning and bolstered sides hint at upgrades that make longer drives and road trips with the family a bit more enjoyable. In the video, we can see the voice commands triggered from the back seat too 👀.
Moose test is no match for Tesla Model YL 📹
The Model YL tackled the moose test at 72 mph with six adults inside, a rare feat for any three-row SUV. Thanks to its adaptive suspension and precise steering, it stayed stable and composed even when fully loaded, showing that Tesla’s focus on family comfort does not mean sacrificing emergency agility.
Service & Ownership
Tesla now offering lease deals on pre-owned vehicles 📷
Tesla is now letting customers in California and Texas lease pre-owned Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with zero down payment required. The leases start at $225 per month with no money down and have 12-month and 24-month options.
Tesla building tool for owners to submit feature requests
Tesla is about to launch an official online forum where owners can submit feature requests and vote on their favorites, finally offering a single, direct channel for feedback. Instead of ideas getting lost on X, everyone will have a fair shot at being heard, and Tesla says they aim to roll this out within a month.
Tesla adds over 700 loaner vehicles to US service centers
Tesla has just injected over 700 brand new vehicles into its US loaner fleet, finally tackling the long-standing complaints about outdated loaners at service appointments. This not only should make snagging a loaner easier but also lets more owners experience the latest hardware, features and even FSD firsthand.
FSD & Software Updates
Tesla offers new feature to save battery and reduce phantom drain 📹
Tesla is rolling out a Low Power Mode to help reduce phantom drain when your car is parked for extended periods, like at the airport. This new mode disables some always-on features such as Sentry Mode and Summon Standby, helping preserve battery without fully powering down your vehicle. Anyone who has come back to a low battery after a trip will appreciate this simple update. The best part? You can enable it form your phone if you are away!
Tesla adds FSD subscription and trial options to Design Studio
Tesla is revamping its Design Studio to prominently display both upfront and subscription options for Full Self-Driving (FSD), making it much easier for new buyers to try FSD without committing to a big payment. The new flow will include a full-screen video demo, allow for instant subscription, and even offer a free trial period so owners can experience FSD right from delivery.
Tesla debuts “Hey, Tesla” wake word for voice assistant in China 📷
Tesla's latest update in China introduces a true wake-word voice assistant, letting any passenger activate it from their seat just by saying 'Hey, Tesla.' The system is now much more conversational and customizable, even allowing users to choose their own wake word or keep the mic open for follow-up commands.
🤓 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