Issue 391 - Fully autonomous robotaxis in Austin
Robotaxi
Fully autonomous robotaxis are rolling out in Austin 📹
A Tesla Model Y has been spotted driving itself around Austin without anyone in the vehicle, marking an exciting milestone for Tesla’s Robotaxi efforts. Looks like Texas is getting the first taste of truly driverless Teslas on public roads!
Community
Lightning McQueen-inspired wrap shared by the community 📷
With the introduction of the new paint shop feature in the holiday release, the community is starting to share some designs they’ve created. In this case, a Redditor designed a Lightning McQueen-inspired wrap for a Tesla and is sharing the file with anyone interested.
2024 Model Y skid plate and coolant line guards install
After seeing some Model Y and Model 3 owners face costly coolant line damage, this DIYer decided to add extra protection underneath their 2024 Model Y. They installed a powder-coated aluminum skid plate and Kevlar-lined coolant guards for around $400, much less than an insurance deductible or battery replacement. The detailed post lists exactly what parts to buy and offers practical tips to prevent corrosion and water damage, which makes a lot of sense for anyone worried about road debris and wanting some peace of mind.
Model Y
6-seat Model Y L receives EU type approval
The long-wheelbase, 6-seater Model Y L just got approved for sale in Europe. This variant is roomier than the regular Model Y, featuring a true third row, Captain’s chairs for the second row, and some unique features like powered armrests and ventilated seats. With a 681 km WLTP range and a launch likely as soon as Q1 2026, this could be the sweet spot for families who want more space but don’t want to pay Model X prices. It definitely looks luxurious in the pictures.
Charging and Energy
New Supercharger maps show actual vehicles charging, including Cybertruck 📹
The latest Holiday Update quietly rolled out new 3D Supercharger site maps that visually show which Tesla models are charging at each stall, including the Cybertruck, Model 3 (old and new), Model S, Model Y, and Model X. Instead of seeing generic cars on the map, you get a live, more realistic view, plus clever details like blocked stalls for third-party EVs with incompatible charging ports and marked accessibility spaces.
PowerShare with Powerwall delayed until mid-2026
The PowerShare integration with Powerwall is being pushed back until mid-2026, meaning Cybertruck owners with home battery systems still cannot use the truck’s battery for seamless whole-home backup alongside a Powerwall. The hold-up is mostly technical: it has been far tougher than expected to get different Powerwall generations and grid-forming devices to cooperate safely and reliably. For now, owners can only use PowerShare for home backup if they don’t have a Powerwall, so anyone waiting to turn their truck and stationary battery into a true power hub will need to hang tight a bit longer.
Software Updates
A look at the Photobooth feature 📷
The new Photobooth app transforms your car’s interior into a fun photo studio right from the Toybox menu. You can snap pics with friends using filters, borders, and stickers, including the ability to make your own custom stickers from anything in the shot, and then doodle all over your photos. Afterward, it is super easy to save or share your masterpieces directly from the app, making this a lighthearted upgrade that will definitely keep everyone entertained, especially on long charging stops.
🤓 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