Issue 394 - Firebaugh Supercharger expansion planned with 304 stalls
FSD
Best tech 2026: FSD (Supervised) named top driver assistance system
MotorTrend just named Tesla FSD (Supervised) its Best Tech Driver Assistance system for 2026, highlighting how much it has improved in recent versions. They tested it across thousands of miles and concluded that no other system comes close in terms of features, road coverage, and user experience, even if it still has its quirks. I’m not sure if anyone who has used FSD had any doubts, but just in case…
Ashok says future FSD feature has already partially shipped
Tesla’s Ashok Elluswamy has revealed that some much-anticipated reasoning features for FSD have already started rolling out quietly in version 14.2, particularly for routing during construction and smarter parking options. This means Tesla drivers might already be seeing their cars act smarter as it navigates tricky or unfamiliar situations, with even more intuitive behavior promised later this quarter.
10 billion miles of data needed for safe unsupervised FSD
Elon just raised the bar for Full Self-Driving: to really crack safe, unsupervised autonomy, Tesla needs about 10 billion miles of training data thanks to the endless edge cases in real life. With FSD already clocking over 7 billion miles (and more than 2.5 billion in city driving), Tesla is still way ahead of competitors when it comes to real-world data, but hitting Musk's goal shows just how hard nailing true self-driving really is.
Hardware Updates
Door handle redesign moves forward to meet new regulations
Tesla is being pushed to redesign its signature hidden door handles due to new safety rules in China and a US federal investigation. These regulations require that emergency door openings be obvious and mechanical for quick exits, especially during power loss, which challenges Tesla's current approach of concealing mechanical releases. Expect a new global handle design as early as late 2026 that combines electronic convenience with an integrated, easy-to-use manual release, a big shift from Tesla's usual minimalist style but clearly a move toward greater safety.
Service Toolbox confirms Cybertruck has active noise cancellation hardware
Cybertruck owners are in for a treat: hidden in Tesla’s Service Toolbox is confirmation that all the hardware for Active Noise Cancellation is already in place, just waiting for a future software unlock. The main holdup seems to be the unique acoustics of the Cybertruck’s roomy, all-glass cabin and large off-road tires, but it sounds like it’s only a matter of time before Tesla tunes it for this beast. Let’s hope for an OTA update not too far in the future.
Roadster & Giga Texas
Giga Texas expansion and Roadster details in new interview 📹
Elon Musk dropped some big news in his latest chat with Peter Diamandis. Giga Texas is set to get a gigantic Optimus robot factory, almost doubling the site's footprint, with the wild futuristic twist that Optimus robots will eventually make more Optimus robots. Musk also re-ignited excitement for the Roadster, teasing its hover capabilities via cold-gas thrusters (definitely not your typical Sunday drive) and calling it the best of the last human driven cars.
Software Updates
Holiday update adds 19 undocumented features (2025.44) 📹
Tesla's latest holiday update quietly packed in a bunch of nice touches on top of the headline features. Highlights include easier car wash notifications, a new V4 Supercharger visualization, and a real-time Supercharger map that shows exactly which vehicles are at each stall. The Dashcam Viewer got a boost with zoom, filters and storage management, Express Lane navigation made its way into more cars, and small conveniences like clear camera warnings and easier Bluetooth handoffs just make life smoother for owners. Also, Hebrew is now a supported language and there are improvements for service mode, suspension controls, and new wheel visualizations, overall, a very practical set of upgrades!
Model Y
Model Y Standard Long Range RWD launches in Europe
The Model Y lineup gets a new boost in Europe with the Standard Long Range RWD, clocking a wild 657 km WLTP range and sipping just 12.7 kWh per 100 km, making it not only the most efficient Model Y yet but also super competitive on price compared to rivals like the Q4 e-tron and Mach-E. Top Gear’s early review praises its range, all the Tesla comforts, and sharp infotainment, so this could be your moment if you’ve been eyeing a spacious, long-range EV without the premium price tag.
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Model Y gets 7-seat option, new wheels, and black interior in U.S. refresh
Tesla is spicing up the US Model Y lineup with the return of the 7-seat setup (on the Premium Long Range AWD), a sleek new black headliner for a more upscale vibe, and upgraded infotainment hardware that brings a 16-inch display to upper trims (with a sharper 2K QHD screen for Performance buyers). On the outside, all trims now flaunt matte black badging and a new dark grey wheel option, pulling the look together with the existing black trim.
Charging
Massive Firebaugh Supercharger expansion planned with 304 stalls
Tesla is taking the Firebaugh Supercharger off I-5 in California to the next level with a huge expansion: the site will soon boast 288 passenger charging stalls, along with 16 Megacharger bays for the Tesla Semi, making it the world's largest charging location. This is a major play, especially since Firebaugh is a key stop for both regular drivers and heavy freight on California's busiest highway and the layout will have designated areas and amenities just for Semi drivers.
🤓 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.
AWD: All-Wheel Drive
EV: Electric Vehicle
FSD: Full Self-Driving
RWD: Rear-Wheel Drive
WLTP: Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure
Not sure why they refer to this as the “Firebaugh” supercharger…..it’s 30 miles west of Firebaugh!