Model Y
New Model Y Performance now available in the US ($7,500 tax credit)
Tesla dropped the new Model Y Performance in the US with some sweet upgrades like a 3.3 second 0-60, top speed at 155 mph, and a 308 mile range. The car also brings a revamped look, carbon spoiler, Adaptive Damping suspension, and new Arachnid wheels, making it feel even sportier without sacrificing comfort. Inside, you get quiet, premium touches plus upgraded seats and a big touchscreen.
Covered Model Y 📹
This short video teases a covered Tesla Model Y, sparking curiosity about what’s beneath the wrap. While it doesn’t reveal details, this is likely the long-awaited cheaper Model Y variant.
Battery & Charging
Cybertruck hit 483 kW at the new V4 Supercharger in Redwood City 📹
A Cybertruck owner shared footage of their truck briefly peaking at an impressive 483 kW charging rate at the new V4 Supercharger in Redwood City, the highest we’ve seen on a Tesla so far. It didn’t hold for long and quickly ramped down under 400 kW, but it’s still exciting to see V4 hardware showing off real progress for fast DC charging.
Panasonic’s new battery could add up to 100 miles of range to a Tesla
Panasonic is working on an anode-free EV battery that could boost Tesla ranges by up to 90 miles, potentially giving the Model Y Long Range a real-world estimate of 456 miles per charge. The breakthrough lies in eliminating the traditional anode at manufacturing, which frees up space for more energy-storing material and improves density. It will be up to Tesla whether to use this tech for longer range or cheaper vehicles, but either way, new battery chemistry is coming fast and could make the next-gen Teslas even more appealing for those of us juggling kids and road trips.
FSD
Tesla FSD V14 set for early wide release next week: Elon Musk
Elon Musk just confirmed that FSD V14 is about to start its early wide release next week, which should be a pretty big leap for those of us using Tesla’s FSD. By the time version 14.2 lands, Musk says cars running FSD should feel almost ‘sentient,’ and the update should also cut down on those annoying steering wheel nags. The rollout highlights the major boost in FSD’s AI capabilities this time around, making it feel more natural and less like you’re babysitting the computer.
Tesla makes changes to HW4/AI4 computers in cost-cutting push
Tesla is paring down its Hardware 4 (HW4/AI4) computers by removing things like non-essential connectors, onboard clock batteries, and some heavy wiring to streamline costs as they plan for more affordable EVs and the rollout of newer hardware. These changes, uncovered by Tesla hacker Green The Only, highlight how Tesla is pushing for efficient production on the current chips while keeping an eye on future AI5 and even AI6 chips.
Hardware updates
China releases door handle draft after Tesla scrutiny
China’s auto regulators have released draft standards for door handle safety after specific concerns with Tesla’s designs, focusing on ensuring mechanical releases for every door and improving ease of use in emergencies. Tesla appears ready to make updates, considering a combined electronic and mechanical solution
Optimus
Elon gives update on Tesla Optimus progress
Elon Musk shared that Tesla is intensely focused on ramping up Optimus, its humanoid robot project, which he claims will eventually represent around 80 percent of Tesla’s value and could be the biggest product of all time. The development is moving along, though making highly dexterous hands for Optimus is still a tough nut to crack.
Software Updates
Tesla patches diner in-vehicle purchase bug
Tesla fixed an annoying bug at its Hollywood Diner that let anyone using the car order and bill food to the owner, even if the in-car purchases setting was disabled. Now, if you’ve turned off in-vehicle purchases in the Tesla app, the Diner’s touchscreen blocks checkout and shows clear instructions instead. Good move from Tesla to keep tighter control over your wallet, especially if you ever lend or rent out your car in LA!
Tesla is bringing a huge improvement to Actually Smart Summon
Elon Musk confirmed that Actually Smart Summon is set for important upgrades, including the sought-after ability to call your car to your floor in multilevel parking garages. This should make the feature way more useful in day-to-day situations where most current owners find it frustrating.
🤓 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.
EV: Electric Vehicle
FSD: Full Self-Driving
But what about all us HW3 people? I’ve “heard “ that there is to be a free upgrade on older models!? Can anyone tell me anything about this?