Issue 402 - Optimus Gen 3 roadmap
Roadster
Roadster demo slips again, now targeted for late April
The next-generation Roadster unveiling has been delayed once more, now aiming for late April after previously projecting an early April reveal. While this is a minor pushback, it extends a years-long trend of delays for the Roadster, which was first shown as a prototype in 2017. Recent trademark and patent activity indicates the final design is nearing completion, but production is still targeted for 2027, so early deposit holders will remain waiting.
Model Y
Model Y L gets new entertainment feature
The Model Y L is now shipping with Immersive Sound X, an exclusive audio upgrade that uses advanced algorithms and 18 speakers to create a customizable 3D soundstage, making the in-car experience more engaging for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. This hardware-dependent feature is rolling out to Australia and New Zealand, setting the Model Y L apart globally, but no concrete plan has been announced to bring it to the U.S.
Comfort braking added to Model Y as Robotaxi expansion points to Las Vegas and battery supply grows
A new 'Comfort Braking' feature is being introduced to the 2026 Model Y, aiming to make routine stops smoother, a subtle but genuinely useful improvement for passengers, though braking itself was already generally smooth with regenerative braking. Observations of Model Ys with robotaxi-specific hardware in Henderson, Nevada strongly suggest Las Vegas will become the next expansion city for the ride-hailing service, which is overdue for growth beyond Austin and the Bay Area.
Charging and Energy
A global tour of unique Supercharger milestones 📷
Milestone Supercharger installations are being marked with unique, often country-themed charger designs around the world. Highlights include Shanghai’s iconic 10,000th in vibrant red, the Ultra Red 50,000th unit in California, a yellow-and-green 100th charger in Australia, digital flag wraps in Austria and Denmark, and more.
Patent reveals air suspension system to boost wireless charging efficiency
A newly published patent details how a vehicle's air suspension could automatically adjust ride height or tilt to maximize wireless charging efficiency, correcting alignment even on uneven pavement or with imperfect parking. This system would use live diagnostics to optimize coil alignment and could enable slight vehicle repositioning, potentially using semi-autonomous movement.
Optimus
Optimus Gen 3 roadmap, AI, and universal high income discussed
At the 2026 Abundance Summit, Elon Musk announced that Optimus Gen 3, the next-generation humanoid robot, will begin initial production this summer with major scaling targeted for 2027. He emphasized a rapid, self-improving AI landscape and reaffirmed his belief that mass robotics and advanced AI will drive the world toward a post-scarcity economy, where money becomes less relevant and governments issue Universal High Income to citizens.
Big Optimus 3 production update shared by Musk
Elon Musk announced that low-volume production of the Optimus 3 humanoid robot will start this summer, calling it the most advanced robot of its kind. High-volume production is targeted for 2027, with annual design iterations and major scaling at both Fremont and Gigafactory Texas. Musk's aggressive timelines and plans for up to 10 million units per year reflect big ambitions for robotics, but the actual manufacturing pace and commercial impact are worth watching closely.
Robotaxi & Cybercab
Robotaxi app gets ready for Android users, hinting at Las Vegas launch
The Robotaxi app is finally being prepared for Android, bringing long-awaited ride-hailing access to a much broader pool of users after iOS was prioritized for nearly a year. The update also introduces Live Activities for Android, giving users a more dynamic experience reminiscent of iOS's persistent notifications. Evidence also points to the Robotaxi fleet expanding to Las Vegas soon, marking a major step if the service finally grows beyond Austin and the Bay Area.
Cybercab spotted with larger front cameras, ambient lighting, and more 📷
New sightings of the imminent Cybercab reveal several substantial hardware updates ahead of its April production kickoff. Key changes include much larger front-facing cameras, possibly hinting at a new FSD hardware generation, ambient lighting in the doorframes, and various interior tweaks like a ruggedized trunk and relocated controls. Other updates include a rear-facing trunk camera to spot forgotten items, full camera washer systems, a premium staggered tire setup, and signs that early units may still have a steering wheel for regulatory reasons while ultimately targeting a fully driverless design.
🤓 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