Issue 380 - Narrowing the gap between nickel and LFP batteries
Model Y & S
Tesla launches the Model Y Performance: improved power, range and new 16-inch display 📷
The new Model Y Performance has officially launched in Europe and the Middle East, bringing a big list of improvements. There is now a super quick 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds, up to 300 miles of range (just 1 percent less than the Long Range), a 16-inch center display, and sport seats with thigh extensions. Other upgrades include a sharper exterior, adaptive suspension, improved brakes, and new wheel option.
Tesla Model S Plaid: new info from chief designer and engineer 📹
In this episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Tesla's chief designer and engineering lead showcase the Model S Plaid, diving into what makes this electric sedan so special. Jay gets to experience the insane acceleration and performance firsthand while they chat about design choices and future innovations.
FSD
Tesla reveals FSD take rate: S and X buyers lead, adoption climbs overall
For the first time, Tesla shared real numbers about how many owners opt for Full Self-Driving (FSD). On the Model S and X, between 50 and 60 percent of buyers are choosing FSD, while the more affordable Model 3 and Y see adoption in the low to mid-teens. I personally can’t imagine my Tesla without FSD 🤷♂️.
Tesla is overhauling its Full Self-Driving subscription
Tesla is revamping the way it offers Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscriptions, making it much easier and more visible for new buyers to sign up directly from the Online Design Studio. This is great news for anyone curious to try FSD without paying $8,000 up front, especially since you can now subscribe month to month for $99. Between this new subscription push and the videos showing off FSD’s capabilities, it’s clear Tesla wants to increase the number of customers adding FSD to their cars.
Software Updates
Tesla is upgrading airbag safety through a software update
Tesla just rolled out a wild new safety upgrade: your car's airbags will now use Tesla Vision to predict and trigger earlier in a crash, all thanks to a simple software update. It's currently for the Model Y and echoes Tesla's knack for improving existing cars without any hardware changes.
Tesla to make app change for easier communication following service
Tesla is updating its app so you can message Service for 24 hours after a visit, instead of just 2 hours, which makes it much easier to follow up if something wasn’t quite right. It’s about time, since Service communications are easily one of the most frustrating parts of the Tesla ownership experience.
Misc
Master plan part IV
Tesla has unveiled Master Plan Part IV, setting an ambitious vision of achieving 'sustainable abundance' by leveraging artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and autonomy. The plan lays out how Tesla will build on its foundation in electric vehicles, energy products, and robotics (especially with AI-powered tools like Optimus) to create low-cost, scalable solutions for cleaner energy, smarter transportation, and automating dull or dangerous jobs. The message is clear: this new chapter is all about delivering technology that makes life better for everyone, not just a select few, and aiming for growth that lifts all boats.
Battery
Tesla narrows gap between nickel and LFP batteries with new cell tech
Tesla’s new nickel-based battery cells will soon let drivers bump their daily charge limit to 90 percent, getting closer to the care-free charging of LFP batteries without losing longevity. This means you’ll enjoy a more usable daily range on nickel-based packs, making it a bit less of a trade-off compared to the entry LFP-equipped Teslas.
🤓 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
LFP: Lithium Iron Phosphate (Batteries)