A sleek design and teardrop shape will boost the EV’s efficiency.
Tesla design boss Franz von Holzhausen says ditching a rear window has allowed it to maximize storage space.
Comfortable seats that lack normal side bolstering underline Tesla’s prioritization of the car’s self-driving abilities.
Tesla has big plans for the Cybercab, its all-electric, fully autonomous robotaxi that it plans to start building before 2027. Not only does it expect them to be ferrying around passengers across the United States before the end of the decade, but Elon Musk foresees a world where people could own multiple Cybercabs and manage a fleet of them.
At the car’s unveiled two months ago, one element that really captured the world’s attention was its bold design. Not only is it unlike any other Tesla to come before it, but it’s different from most other four-wheeled vehicles. Of course, that’s if you disregard the VW XL1 from 2013, but that’s another story. To provide us with a glimpse into the design of the Cybercab, Tesla design boss Franz von Holzhausen recently spoke with the Petersen Automotive Museum, where one of the EVs is on display.
The discussions start at the rear of the car. Just like the Polestar 4, the Cybercab lacks a rear window. Von Holzhausen says that in a self-driving vehicle designed to ferry passengers from A to B, there’s really no need for occupants to see what’s going on behind them. By ditching a rear window, Tesla has also been able to make the storage compartment as large as possible.
For the first time in a Tesla, the Cybercab uses dihedral doors which are usually reserved for high-priced supercars. These doors make it feel like “you’re stepping into the future,” according to Von Holzhausen. The wheels feature solid aero discs aimed to maximizing efficiency. Tesla has also painted strips around the tires in the same shade as discs, making it seem like the wheels are bigger than they really are.
The EV’s interior is even more minimalist than other Tesla models. Dominating the cabin is a large central screen that’ll keep passengers entertained, and there are a pair of seats that look more reminiscent of lounge chairs than traditional car seats.
Whether or not the Cybercab will be a success remains to be seen. It’ll have to sell well, and for regulations concerning self-driving vehicles with no conventional controls like a steering wheel and pedals, which currently limit their permits to 2,500 per year, to change radically. If reports about incoming President Donald Trump’s intentions turn out to be accurate, this may actually happen sooner rather than later, as his transition team has allegedly said that crafting a federal framework for self-driving cars (and likely removing existing restrictions) is a “top priority”.
A heavily camouflaged prototype of the updated Tesla Model Y was spotted in California.
Chinese media report that production of the updated EV will start in Shanghai next month.
The Model Y Juniper will feature exterior, interior, and mechanical upgrades.
The Tesla Model Y is gearing up for its most significant update since its 2019 debut. Of course, by “significant,” we mean it’s still largely the same car—just with enough fresh bells and whistles to keep it reigning atop global sales charts. Now, a camouflaged prototype of the updated Model Y was spotted in California, coinciding with reports that production could kick off in China as early as next month.
According to the latest information circulating in Chinese media including Sina, production of the facelifted Model Y, codenamed “Juniper”, is set to kick off in January 2025 at Tesla’s Shanghai plant. This aligns with Elon Musk’s earlier comments indicating that the facelifted Model Y wouldn’t launch in 2024. Reports also suggest that Tesla has already built prototypes in Shanghai as part of its preparations for full-scale production, signaling that the company is moving quickly to refine the next iteration of its best-seller.
A New Longer Six-Seater Variant For China
Tesla is expected to introduce two versions of the updated Model Y: a standard five-seat model, which offers an optional third row for two additional (and very small) passengers, and a longer-wheelbase six-seater variant designed exclusively for the Chinese market, set to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2025. Both versions will come with a range of exterior, interior, and mechanical updates to keep the Model Y fresh and competitive.
The redesigned bodywork of the Model Y is expected to echo the updates seen on the Model 3 ‘Highland’, featuring slimmer headlights and a more streamlined front bumper. In a recent spy video shared on X by photographer Colin W., the new DRLs (daytime running lights) can be seen glowing through a thick camouflage wrap. The prototype is also equipped with newly styled wheels. While the rear end remains fully covered, earlier spy shots revealed a full-width LED taillight bar with a frosted finish, adding a more modern touch to the design.
Inside, the Model Y is expected to ditch its wiper and turn signal stalks, along with the gear shifter, in favor of an even more minimalist design. However, it will gain a redesigned steering wheel, an infotainment display with slimmer bezels, more comfortable seats, multi-color ambient lighting, and an additional touchscreen for rear passengers to control climate settings, just like the Model 3 facelift.
More importantly, the EV will reportedly benefit from better-quality materials inside the cabin and improved NVH, courtesy of chassis and suspension upgrades. These will be likely joined by onboard technology upgrades too.
Battery and powertrain options should be carried over from the outgoing model, although a more powerful Model Y Performance trim sounds plausible, mirroring the specs of the Model 3.
In the lead-up to the updated model’s release, Tesla has cut the price of the Model Y in China by an additional ¥10,000 ($1,370), dropping it to its lowest price ever. The move seems to be paying off: between January and November 2024, the Model Y was China’s best-selling vehicle, with 373,000 units sold, accounting for 73% of Tesla’s sales in the region.
Prospective Tesla Model Y buyers in the U.S. face a tough decision: wait for the updated model or buy the current version now to secure the $7,500 federal tax credit, especially with the possibility that the next administration may follow through on its promise to eliminate it.
The offer has returned just after the Model S Long Range prices jumped to $79,990.
Interested customers should know that the offer excludes Teslas used for taxi and rideshare services.
Sales of the Model S are thought to have slipped considerably this year.
The end of 2024 is fast approaching, and Tesla looks eager to sell as many Model Ss as it can before the end of the month. It’s so desperate to sell its flagship electric sedan that it has reintroduced a free Supercharging for life offer that was last available in 2018.
Tesla recently updated its website to reveal that customers who purchase or lease a new Model S after December 13, 2024, will be eligible for free Supercharging. However, the offer does include some important caveats that somewhat limit its appeal.
For starters, the free Supercharging offer is tied to an owner’s Tesla Account and cannot be transferred to another vehicle, person, or order, “even in the case of ownership transfer.” That means any Model S sold at a later date won’t retain free Supercharging. Additionally, Tesla says that “vehicles used for commercial purposes,” including taxi, rideshare, and delivery services are excluded from the promotion. While we’re not sure how Tesla can determine if a vehicle is being used for commercial purposes like this, it’s an important catch to take note of.
Tesla has added that owners remain responsible for Supercharger idle and congestion fees when applicable. The carmaker also says it “reserves the right in its sole discretion to remove the free Supercharging from your vehicle in the event of excessive charging or unpaid fees related to Supercharging.” So, in theory, you could wake up and find your car is no longer eligible for free Supercharging.
Price hikes
The announcement of this deal also comes just a few days after Tesla jacked up prices of the Model S in the US by $5,000, meaning the Long Range now starts at $79,990 and the flagship Model S Plaid is priced from $94,990 before destination fees. While anyone who splashes on a new Model S this month will get free Supercharging, they’ll indirectly be paying for it through this price increase.
With Supercharging costing an average of $0.25 per kWh, $5,000 is about 200 full charges of the Model S’s 100 kWh battery pack.
Tesla does not break down sales for each individual model in its lineup, and as of late, it has grouped together sales of the Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and Semi into a single figure. In Q2, 21,551 of these models were sold, and Electrek believes sales of the Model S/X may have amounted to between 12,000 and 13,000 units, roughly a ~30% decline from the year prior.
A man who was selling stolen trade secrets is now going to prison.
The FBI caught the criminal through an undercover operation.
A second man connected to the case is reportedly still at large.
Klaus Pflugbeil thought he had it all figured out. Swipe some trade secrets, make $1.3 million, and quietly build a tech business overseas. Instead, the former employee of a company bought by Tesla is now facing two years in federal prison. Why? Because, unsurprisingly, the FBI has little patience for blatant industrial espionage. His partner is allegedly still at large.
Authorities nabbed Pflugbeil back in March after he allegedly attempted to sell sensitive tech to someone he thought was a buyer. It wasn’t. It was an undercover FBI agent ready to ruin his day. According to the Department of Justice, Pflugbeil “built a business in China to sell the sensitive technology that belongs to a U.S. company.” That’s a sanitized way of saying he and his partner cooked up a scheme to peddle trade secrets while hoping nobody in America would notice. They noticed.
As we noted in our original coverage, the DOJ doesn’t specifically say that Pflugbeil stole these secrets from Tesla. However, several factors, including its acquisition of a Canadian tech manufacturer (Hibar Systems) in 2019, for whom Pflugbeil used to work for, point to Tesla as the “leading U.S.-based electric vehicle company” the official records refer to.
“His actions were bold – he even advertised that he was selling the victim’s products – because he thought, incorrectly, that he was outside the reach of U.S. prosecutors,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message to would-be offenders: My office will do everything it can to protect American innovation and national security no matter where you try to hide.”
In that same vein, it’s worth noting that Pflugbeil’s co-defendant, Yilong Shao, remains at large according to the DOJ. Evidently, the pair were quite blatant in their work. The DOJ says that Pflugbeil sent several documents including trade secrets to Shao and even said things like “[it’s] in a different format, so it looks very original and not like a copy.” The pair then advertised their products, precision dispensing pumps, and battery assembly lines, across the globe.
They showed up at trade shows, sent emails, and even claimed directly that their products didn’t infringe on any patents, copyrights, or other intellectual property. Somewhat ironically, Pflugbeil’s LinkedIn profile features a quote from Benjamin Jowett as his banner: “The way to get things done is not to mind who gets the credit for doing them,” it says. Perhaps he should’ve made sure that Tesla got full credit for the tech he professed to create.
An increasing number of Tesla owners report issues where many car features stop working.
The problem appears to affect only cars with hardware version 4, and the fix remains unclear.
No recall or service bulletin has been issued to address this growing issue yet.
Imagine getting to work a few days or weeks after buying a brand new Tesla only to realize there are major issues. The cameras aren’t functioning, the GPS still thinks you’re sitting at home, and features like emergency braking don’t work. That’s exactly the type of situation that a number of Tesla owners are dealing with right now.
Several of these drivers claim to have taken delivery within the last month or two. This detail is important not just for the inconvenience it causes, but also because it might point to the root of the problem. These owners report that they all have Tesla’s AP4 or hardware version 4 chipset, which is responsible for the features mentioned above. If it has a problem, those features won’t work, so it could very well be the crux of this whole situation.
Glitches, Delays, and Angry Owners
Over on Reddit, several owners report very similar symptoms. On top of that, they claim that Tesla service centers are routinely scheduling to swap out AP4 hardware and delaying appointment times.
“Happened to me: 2024 Model Y. Navigation shows me at home. All the time. Cameras out. Even the display does not adjust. Auto lights don’t adjust. Appointment on January 13 wayyy delayed,” said one commenter.
“I was contacted by Tesla today and the tech from my local service center told me that Tesla has told them to stop replacing the computers until they get to the root cause. He said they’re going to try and fix it with a software update and to expect 30 days. I find this mind-blowing because my symptoms started happening on Dec 2 and now my service date has been pushed back to Jan 23, nearly 2 months later,” said another.
There are many more complains on forums, including this one: “After a software update pushed by Tesla, the AP4 computer in my 2024 Tesla Model Y shorted out, causing a complete failure of all systems controlled by this computer.”
Electrek reports that sources from inside Tesla say that it’s related to a short circuit: “The cause is still being investigated, but one source told Electrek that one of the possible causes is the low-voltage battery short-circuiting the computer during the camera calibration process.” According to the outlet, one source claimed that Tesla Service has a mandate to “to play down any safety concerns related to this problem to avoid people believing their brand-new cars are not drivable.”
That seems like a tough job for Tesla Service employees considering how much emphasis the brand itself places on touting its safety record and technology. Notably, the NHTSA currently requires cars to have a functional backup camera, so it’s strange no recall related to this issue has been announced. That could change any day, but it’s also possible that Tesla will send an update that will fix the problem remotely, if it’s software related.
We’d ask Tesla, but, well, they don’t have a press department, though it appears that they might’ve recently hired one, as you can see from this Linkedin posting. We’ll keep an eye out to see if they decide to actually say something.
Are you a Tesla owner dealing with this headache? Share your saga in the comments. You can also report the issue to the NHTSA here, or if you’re in Canada, go ahead and do that here
Tesla just increased maximum charging speeds for the Cybertruck at some V4 superchargers.
The update enables the angular pickup to go from 8% to 80% charge in 35 minutes.
The automaker says it’ll increase the charging rate up to 500 kW in the coming year.
The Tesla Cybertruck has a big battery. At 123 kWh, it’s bigger than anything else on offer from Tesla to normal customers. Of course, with a big battery comes a lengthy charging time. Early adopters ended up having to wait well over an hour to go from 0-100%. Now, an update will literally speed things up at the charging station.
Tesla says that select V4 Superchargers can now push up to 325 kW to the Cybertruck. Notably, they won’t maintain that speed during the entire charge, although the boost is big enough to significantly decrease overall charging time. The Cybertruck is technically capable of accepting at least up to a 400 kW charge rate, but Superchargers don’t offer that. In addition, speeds often peak early in the session and then drop off.
Nevertheless, we’ve got some insight into what Cybertruck owners can expect when rolling up to a 350 kW supercharger. According to one owner charging in Blaine, Washington, they went from 8-40 percent charge in just 10 minutes.
In 35 minutes, they were up to 80 percent state of charge. Notably, the max speed for their session was 321 kW and they hit that speed when the battery was just 14 percent charged. From there, speeds diminished down to just 95 kW by the 80 percent mark. The same owner reported very similar figures from another charger in Tacoma, Washington as well.
@cybertruck can now charge up to 325kW on select V4 Supercharger posts. Rollout in progress.
It’s worth noting that for now, only about 19 Supercharger locations throughout the nation offer this type of speed. Tesla says more are coming online soon. In addition, the EV automaker claims that in 2025, some V4 stations will support charging at up to 500 kW speeds.
That would be remarkable and cut charging time down even further. While the speeds won’t be consistent throughout the charging session, a higher maximum speed will enable a higher overall average speed throughout the session. As is the case with many Tesla promises though, let’s wait til it happens to celebrate it.
I got 10-80% in 35min & 8-80% in 35 min last night testing it out
Tesla replaced premium paint protection wraps with cheaper vinyl wraps that offer less durability.
Customers can have their Model 3 or Model Y wrapped for $4,000, and the Cybertruck for $4,500.
The company’s wrapping services are limited to just five U.S. locations, all on the West Coast.
Tesla has made its colorful wrap options for the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck significantly cheaper in the States, and it now seems poised to offer a wider range of color choices too. But, because this is Tesla we’re talking about, after all, we can’t have nice things without a catch. The company has ditched its pricier, higher-quality Paint Protection Film (PPF) wraps in favor of the more basic (read: cheaper) vinyl wraps.
Cost Savings and Trade-Offs
As pointed out by Notateslaapp, Tesla’s previous PPF wraps were thick, durable, and actually protected your car’s paint. But protection costs money (and time), so Tesla decided to cut a corner, roll out vinyl wraps, and slap a “more affordable” sticker on the move. Vinyl wraps are thinner and easier to apply, which makes them faster and cheaper to install. The trade-off is the reduced durability and protection compared to PPF.
If you own an eligible Tesla and want to make it stand out for the holiday season, now could be a good time to do so. However, you’ll need to live in California or Washington, as only certain service centers are participating in the program.
Tesla launched its wrap service last year, initially limited to Model 3 and Model Y. At that time, PPF wraps were priced between $7,500 and $8,000. The service then expanded to include the Cybertruck, which offered five color options, priced between $6,000 and $6,500 for PPF wraps.
Now, Tesla has updated its website to confirm that the cheaper, lower-quality vinyl wraps (of course, they don’t say it like that) are now available for the Model 3 and Model Y at $4,000, with wraps for the Cybertruck priced at $4,500. Interestingly, Tesla is no longer listing a specific selection of colors. Instead, after customers make an online purchase for a wrap, a Tesla Advisor will arrange an appointment where they can choose their preferred color and texture. This likely means a wider array of options will be available. Tesla mentions that all wraps are made from polyvinyl chloride and come in matte, satin, and gloss finishes.
Limited Availability of Tesla Service Centers
Unfortunately, there are just five Tesla Service Centers in the US providing wrapping services. Four are in California, including Costa Mesa, Oceanside, Santa Clara, and West Covina, and the other one is in Seattle, Washington.
Tesla says that the wrap installation typically takes a few days and customers may be provided with a loaner vehicle. All wraps from Tesla include a 12-month warranty for any installation defects and a five-year warranty for material defects.
Interested buyers should be aware that Tesla does not wrap door jambs as standard and this is only available for an additional cost. Additionally, Tesla will inspect the paint before fitting the wrap and may direct buyers to have a complete paint correction performed to ensure the surface is absolutely perfect.
A Tesla Cybertruck whose owner says it was damaged by a pothole in the road needed $34,000 of repairs.
Fortunately his insurance company payed out for the extensive fix, which sidelined the EV for almost four months.
Despite the huge bill, the owner claims he is “astounded at how tough and capable this truck is.”
Tesla’s long-hyped, Mad Max-meets-LEGO Cybertruck has been on the streets for a year now, and, predictably, the drama has already arrived with it. One owner is out here claiming their electric pickup fell victim to a mere pothole on the road, racking up an eye-watering repair bill of over $34,000. Yes, thirty-four grand. Yet he still thinks the EV is tough and capable.
In a Facebook post picked up by Reddit, the unnamed Cybertruck lover reveals images of the damage and a screenshot of the total repair bill, which came to $34,013 including tax.
“I finally got my truck back after nearly four months,” he wrote. “It got worked over pretty hard, and many more things needed to be replaced than originally expected.”
Certainly more than would be expected from a typical hard pothole strike in a full-size truck, the kind of vehicle that’s usually one of the most resilient on the road. Just how big was this pothole? I’m imagining something the size of the sinkhole that opened up at the Corvette museum back in 2014 maybe?
“The rear suspension mounts broke and then punched through the frame, requiring the full rear frame replacement,” he explains. “Front and rear rack and pinion steering, suspension all the way around, front and rear bumpers, air suspension systems, and bed components, to name a few.”
Some Reddit commenters have openly questioned whether a pothole really would cause that much damage to a truck, regardless of whether its a traditional body-on-frame pickup or built around aluminum castings, like the Tesla.
One commenter claims (without offering proof) that the owner posted in August that the damage occurred when he jumped the truck 22 ft (6.7 m), and the owner’s slightly cryptic comments in this latest post only serve to fan the flames.
“Since the insurance paid for it I won’t comment on how it was driven, just that a very large pothole in our washed-out road caused all the dominoes to fall,” he says.
But despite suffering such a huge amount of damage and needing an equally huge amount of work and money to get it back in working order, the owner doesn’t think any less of his Tesla.
“This is not a commentary on the durability of the truck,” he says. “You would be astounded at how tough and capable this truck is. This is still the most amazing truck I’ve ever had!”
Many of the Cybertrucks up for sale are Foundation Series models.
While prices have fallen, there are still plenty of hopeful sellers out there.
Earlier this year, the first Tesla Cybertrucks started to hit the used market, and to say that some people were paying insane premiums for them would be an understatement. In fact, one of the first Cybertrucks was sold for a frankly ridiculous $244,000. However, since now it’s possible to order a brand new one and take delivery in just a matter of weeks, how has that affected used prices?
After browsing through the classifieds, we’ve found more than 250 Cybertrucks on the market looking for new homes. While most used Cybertrucks are now much cheaper than they were six months ago, there don’t appear to be all that many bargains out there.
Quite a lot of them listed for sale through AutoTrader are Foundation Series models. When first launched, the Foundation Series Cybertruck cost $99,990, a $20,000 premium over the standard model that’s now available. The Foundation Series Cyberbeast also commanded a $20,000 premium over the regular Beast. These special-edition models come with a handful of accessories, including an off-road light bar, gear locker dividers, a Powershare mobile connector, a glass roof sunshade, and a center console tray.
There are some dual-motor Foundation Series models listed between $85,000 and $90,000, but plenty are sitting between $90,000 and $100,000. More surprising than that is that dozens of used Cybertrucks still have asking prices over the original MSRP, despite having several thousand miles under their belts. The single most expensive AWD Foundation Series we could find has been listed for sale by Celebrity Auto Group for a frankly ridiculous $189,900. That’s pricier than even the most expensive Cyberbeast Foundation Series on the market, most of which are for sale for between $100,000 and $130,000.
It’s worth mentioning that these are simply asking prices and aren’t completely reflective of what Cybertrucks are currently trading hands for. A look at Bring a Trailer reveals that in November, two Cyberbeast Foundation Series examples were sold for $96,500 and $99,500, respectively. In October, an AWD Foundation Series traded hands for just $75,000.
More than 101,000 EVs were registered in the US in October.
Registrations were up 5 percent on the same month in 2023.
Tesla’s numbers dropped 1.8 percent, but it remains miles ahead.
We’re constantly hearing about an EV downturn and how automakers are changing their electrification strategies because consumers aren’t consuming. And sure, sales of electric cars are down in countries like Germany, but in the US people are still buying EVs, and they’re buying more of them than they did 12 months ago.
EV registrations climbed 5 percent in October versus the same month in 2023, topping out at 101,403, according to data from S&P Global Mobility. And it wasn’t Tesla driving that growth, but legacy automakers.
Chevrolet’s EV sales jumped 38 percent to 6,741 helped by demand for the Blazer and Equinox, while Cadillac Lyriq registrations grew threefold to 2,489 and the Hummer shifted 1,015 electric trucks, four times as many as it did last October.
Like the Equinox, Honda’s Prologue, which is built on the same GM platform and in the same Mexican GM plant, wasn’t available in 2023, but made its presence felt this year. It found 4,168 homes, only 12 fewer than Chevy did of its version. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 facelift also gave its sales numbers the desired nip and tuck, boosting registrations from 3,555 to 4,485.
Although the overall number of EV sales is up, the rate of growth has slowed and some models registered fewer deliveries than previously. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, for instance, was down from 3,949 to 3,479 according to S&P Global Mobility’s spreadsheet and Rivian R1S sales dropped by more than 500 to 2,456. There are also fears that the EV segment relies heavily on tax credit availability to boost demand, and public interest could wane if Trump pulls the plug on the incentives when he takes office.
BEST SELLING EVs USA
MODEL
OCT-24
OCT-23
Tesla Model Y
21,787
25,220
Tesla Model 3
17,419
16,237
Hyundai Ioniq 5
4,485
3,555
Chevrolet Equinox
4,180
0
Honda Prologue
4,168
0
Tesla Cybertruck
4,041
0
Ford Mustang Mach-E
3,479
3,949
Chevrolet Blazer EV
2,561
167
Cadillac Lyriq
2,489
887
Rivian R1S
2,456
2,961
Total
67,065
52,976
Data: S&P Global Mobility
SWIPE
Tesla’s registration numbers actually fell by 1.8 percent, and if you remove Tesla from the equation, EV sales increased not by 5 percent, but by 11 percent. And this isn’t a blip for Tesla: the automaker’s numbers have fallen in seven of the first 10 months of 2024, Auto News reports, and that’s despite the facelifted Model 3 and Cybertruck being new for this year. While the Model 3 gained ground, the Model Y fell back, sales tumbling from more than 25,000 to under 22,000.
But before anyone gets the idea that Tesla is falling behind in the EV race, we should make clear that it still outperformed the second best-selling brand’s EV models six times over. Or every single brand in the 2nd to 12th spots combined.
Donald Trump might end a crash reporting requirement for autonomous driving tech.
The move would reduce government oversight of such systems.
Elon Musk’s Tesla opposes the current reporting requirement.
If there’s one thing America loves, it’s a good tug-of-war between corporate power and government oversight, especially when it involves cutting-edge tech, fiery CEOs, and a whole lot of car crashes. Today, any accident involving an automated driving system must be reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thanks to a Standing General Order issued in June 2021. This rule keeps automakers honest—well, sort of—but now, a newly surfaced document suggests that the Trump administration wants to kill it.
And surprise, surprise: the potential repeal would be a massive win for Elon Musk and Tesla, while also leaving regulators with fewer tools to keep autonomous driving tech in check.
Reuters reports that it has seen a document that “recommends repealing requirement that companies report automated vehicle crash data.” That’s notable for several reasons, not least of which is one of the requirement’s biggest opponents: Elon Musk. The high-profile CEO, who not only campaigned openly for Donald Trump before the election but also became his largest donor, spending at least $277 million to support him, now stands to benefit in a significant way.
A Rule Tesla Really Hates
Under the current rules, Tesla, like many other companies, must report crashes to the NHTSA under the General Order if they meet two specific criteria. First, the vehicle’s Level 2 autonomous driving system must have been in use within 30 seconds of the accident. Second, the crash must either involve a vulnerable road user (like a pedestrian or cyclist) or result in “a fatality, a vehicle tow-away, an airbag deployment, or any individual being transported to a hospital for medical treatment.”
Musk takes exception to this order for several reasons. To be fair, the NHTSA itself even outlines some of the potential issues with the order on its website. For instance, car companies can only report the accidents that they’re aware of—which isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds.
“For example, some entities may have access to detailed vehicle and crash data immediately after a crash, because the vehicles supply instantaneous telematics, while others may only learn of crashes from consumer complaints submitted days or weeks afterwards and which may include limited crash information,” says NHTSA.
Reuters points out that its analysis of the NHTSA crash data shows Tesla accounted for 40 out of 45 fatal crashes reported to the agency through Oct. 15. It’s plausible that Tesla not only reports more incidents but also that the statistics look tilted against the brand because so many of its cars have Level 2 driving technology and owners use it more.
Moreover, Bryant Walker Smith, a law professor in the University of South Carolina who focuses on autonomous driving, said Tesla collects real-time crash data that other automakers don’t and, as a result, probably reports a “far greater proportion of their incidents” than its rivals.
Did Tesla Wait This Out? Probably.
To that end, Reuters says a source claims that Tesla executives have wanted to squash the crash reporting for years. The team evidently decided that the only solution was to wait until President Biden, whose administration was supportive of the program, was out of office.
In the meantime, stay tuned—because if this unfolds the way it seems, you’ll probably be hearing about it next time someone’s Tesla decides to “assist” them into a ditch.
Lukasz Krupski had been labeled a “disgruntled former employee” by the carmaker.
Information uncovered by the whistleblower revealed several Autopilot issues.
Krupski sued Tesla for lost wages and emotional distress, seeking a total of €250,000.
In a significant legal ruling, a Norwegian court has ordered Tesla to pay a former employee more than €10,000 (equal to $10,500 at current exchange rates) in damages and cover upwards of €170,000 ($178,000) in legal fees after finding the company had violated his rights as a whistleblower.
The case stems from the actions of Lukasz Krupski, a former service technician at Tesla’s plant in Drammen, Norway. Krupski had provided more than 100 gigabytes of data to German publication Handelsblatt, revealing security flaws and a series of data protection problems. It included information related to problems with the Autopilot system and Tesla’s struggles to bring the Cybertruck to the market.
His leak also revealed that private information about Tesla customers and employees was publicly available, as were contracts with business partners, design plans, and confidential presentations.
Six days after the data was made public, Tesla’s reaction was swift and aggressive. At the company’s behest, Norwegian authorities raided Krupski’s apartment, seizing his computer, phone, and storage devices. Tesla quickly branded him a “disgruntled former employee.” In retaliation, Krupski filed a lawsuit against Tesla, seeking compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and the unlawful treatment he endured.
Court Rules in Favor of the Whistleblower
Earlier this week, the Norwegian District Court of Buskerud ruled in favor of the whistleblower, the Handelsblatt reports, confirming that he is entitled to compensation, although he won’t get the full €250,000 (~$262,000) that he had been seeking.
“A Victory for Transparency”
Despite the partial financial settlement, Krupski viewed the court’s ruling as a personal victory. “Tesla made my life hell after I raised concerns about serious safety issues within the company,” he said. “I tried to act in good faith, but instead I was faced with retaliation, demotion and isolation. Even if I didn’t get everything I had hoped for, this decision is an important victory for transparency. Now I want to concentrate on looking forward and rebuilding my life.”
Before becoming Tesla’s enemy number one, Krupski had been recognized by none other than Elon Musk. In March 2019, while helping deliver new vehicles to customers in Norway, Krupski saved the day by disconnecting a modified charger from under a Model 3 that had caught fire, preventing a potentially devastating blaze.
Musk emailed him directly saying “Congratulations for saving the day,” but when Krupski replied back expressing safety concerns, he started to draw the ire of his superiors, who claimed he no longer had a future at the automaker. He was fired in 2022 over accusations of poor time management and of being a bad influence on other staff, but also for taking photographs on-site, which is against company policy.
Elon Musk became the first individual to surpass $400 billion in net worth.
Tesla’s shares have reached an all-time high, adding $556 billion to its market capitalization.
Trump could scrap the $7,500 EV tax credit and ease regulations for self-driving cars.
After aligning himself with Donald Trump and pouring $277 million into his successful 2024 presidential campaign, according to Federal Election Commission filings, Elon Musk has seen his personal wealth skyrocket, while Tesla shares have reached an all-time high. This comes despite Trump’s long-standing opposition to electric vehicles. However, with Musk now in Trump’s ear—and seemingly at every event he hosts—investors are encouraged by the prospect of fewer regulations.
Tesla Shares Surge Following Election
On Thursday, Tesla shares reached as high as $429 before dipping to $419.80 at the time of posting, marking a remarkable 69% rise since the election. This surge has added $556 billion to the company’s market cap, pushing Tesla’s stock price to levels not seen since late 2021—and far above its January 2023 low of $108.10. The uptick is being hailed as the “Trump bump,” with analysts pointing to Musk’s vocal support of Trump as a catalyst for the renewed interest in Tesla.
As Craig Irwin, an analyst at Roth MKM, told CNBC:“Musk’s authentic support for Trump likely doubled Tesla’s pool of enthusiasts and lifted credibility for a demand inflection.”And it’s not just Roth MKM—Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and Morgan Stanley have also raised their price targets for Tesla in response to the stock’s impressive rally.
Musk’s Growing Influence in Government
In return for his significant backing of Trump’s re-election campaign, Elon Musk will co-lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency with fellow billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk is believed to be advising Trump on which agencies, budget items, and regulations should be trimmed down or eliminated altogether. This influence could pave the way for policy shifts that benefit Musk’s business interests.
Musk has also expressed interest in establishing a federal approval process for autonomous vehicles. As it stands, approvals happen at the state level, but if Musk can leverage Trump’s support to shift this to the federal level, his long-awaited robotaxi, the Cybercab, could see a major boost.
With his newfound influence as Trump’s close ally, Musk’s personal fortune has skyrocketed—up by 77%, for those keeping track. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, his wealth now stands at $447 billion, making him the first person in history to surpass the $400 billion net worth mark. In addition to the surge in Tesla’s stock price, SpaceX and other investors recently purchased $1.25 billion in shares from employees and insiders. This deal has boosted SpaceX’s valuation to $350 billion, adding an estimated $50 billion to Musk’s net worth.
A California woman alleges Tesla’s locking system allowed an assailant to access her vehicle.
The plaintiff claims says she locked her car while she waited inside the cabin at a charging station.
Before she could finish charging, an assailant entered despite indications the car was locked.
Tesla is currently facing a wide array of legal challenges. While the company works to expand the adoption of robotaxis and continues to be investigated over concerns about Autopilot, it is now dealing with a lawsuit brought by a California woman. She alleges that a flaw in Tesla’s locking system allowed an assailant to enter her vehicle and attack her.
The plaintiff, identified only as Jane Doe in court filings from the Golden State, claims that Tesla doors can still be opened from the outside, even when the car is locked via the Tesla app.
According to the filing, the incident occurred at the Galleria at Tyler mall while Jane Doe was charging her Tesla Model Y. After plugging in the vehicle, she moved to the passenger seat to take a nap while the EV charged. Upon getting in, she used her Tesla app to lock the car. Evidently, the wing mirrors folded in and she saw an icon indicating that the car was locked.
Before she woke up, a person identified in the lawsuit as Jabari Marquis shook the car from the outside and then entered through the driver’s side door. While the woman believed the vehicle was locked, the exterior door handle allegedly worked as normal.
She claims that Marquis proceeded to assault her and she called 911, attempting to alert them to her predicament by saying things like “I hate this Mall, it’s full of rapists,” and “The charging stations are so slow.” The call apparently lasted for approximately seven minutes and ultimately police arrived and intervened.
The lawsuit accuses Tesla of failing to secure the vehicle’s doors from the outside and for not alerting occupants about the situation either. Interestingly, the suit isn’t solely against Tesla as the woman also includes the site of the assault, Galleria At Tyler. Her council claims that the mall failed to provide adequate security. Finally, the defendant, Mr. Marquis, is also facing legal consequences here as the woman is suing for damages related to assault and battery.
A new report from Deutsche Bank says Tesla plans to use remote drivers for robotaxis in 2025.
The move aims to enhance safety and redundancy during the initial phase of autonomous rides.
Federal regulations continue to be the biggest hurdle to Tesla’s large-scale robotaxi rollout.
The future of autonomous driving is edging closer, but Tesla’s latest plans reveal it may not be as driverless as we’ve been led to believe—at least for now. On December 5, Deutsche Bank hosted an Autonomous Driving Day in New York City, featuring Tesla executive Travis Axelrod.
A private report from the event reveals several details about Tesla’s robotaxi plans for 2025. Perhaps most notably, Tesla envisions using a remote teleoperator as an initial safety measure. That’s right—these “robotaxis” will have a human on standby as a safety backup to take control if needed.
Elon Musk said earlier this year that Tesla would begin testing of Level 5 autonomous robotaxis in 2025. Now, we know more about that plan based on documents from the Deutsche Bank meeting reviewed by Carscoops. According to that report, “Tesla believes it would be reasonable to assume some type of teleoperator would be needed at least initially for safety/redundancy purposes.”
A Practical Reality Check
No doubt, the launch of any robotaxi inevitably demands significant safety considerations. Despite extensive efforts, even geo-fenced Level 5 robotaxis have been involved in dangerous accidents. Having a human remote operator could increase safety but Tesla is coy on the details. For instance, we don’t know how much work the teleoperator will do in the car. We don’t know how much control they’ll have, and we don’t know how long Tesla plans to use them after the launch of robotaxi rides.
In addition, Tesla reiterated that these robotaxis will be based on existing Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Whether that means brand-new models or cars returned from leases is unclear (because, let’s be honest, who’s going to pay the absurdly high buyouts Tesla is proposing?). That means in theory, one could be giving up control of their very own vehicle to a Tesla employee during robotaxi rides. Notably, the meeting notes do provide a little more insight into the rollout.
First, it tells us that these will be paid rides, so don’t expect to go from A to B without throwing some cash at Tesla. Second, it says that the initial roll-out will consist of company-owned vehicles. The automaker will then “eventually dynamically adjust supply based on customer demand/traffic patterns.”
Users will hail a ride via an internally developed ride-share application which, as the report brings out, will enable Tesla to control the “value chain.” Essentially, Tesla gets about as much control (and data) here, from the start of the hailing process to drop off, as it could want.
Regulatory Hurdles Ahead
Finally, the report also clarifies something else that seems obvious. “Tesla views regulation as the biggest headwind to broad deployment of robotaxi, which the company hopes will be adjusted at the federal level through updating of rules at NHTSA.”
It’s no secret that the NHTSA currently has very strict regulations when it comes to robotaxis in the USA. If those rules don’t change it won’t matter how fast Tesla develops true self-driving because the law doesn’t allow for Tesla to launch a giant fleet. It could, at most, deploy 2,500 cars per year under current rules.
Whether or not all this comes to pass is about as clear as mud right now though. We’ll know by the start of 2026 if Tesla can hit these targets. Of course, that’s the year it plans on beginning production of its Cybercab, another big maybe in the brand’s future.
Tesla’s Head of Investor Relations, Travis Axelrod, attended Deutsche Bank’s Autonomous Driving Day in New York.
The bank’s report highlighted the launch of a new affordable EV for early 2025, tentatively named “Model Q.”
A stretched, three-row Model Y variant targeting the Chinese market was also mentioned in the report.
The EV world lit up with speculation yesterday after reports emerged from China stating that Tesla, and specifically its Head of Investor Relations, Travis Axelrod, had confirmed plans for a new lower-cost EV set to debut next year during a Deutsche Bank meeting in NYC on Monday.
Predictably, the rumor mill began grinding away. To separate fact from fiction, we obtained a copy of Deutsche Bank’s report summarizing the meeting. While the report offers some clarity on Tesla’s ambitions, it stops short of providing concrete details, leaving plenty of room for speculation about what’s to come.
According to the Deutsche Bank report, Axelrod participated in the bank’s Autonomous Driving Day in New York, where discussions centered around Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, robotaxi development, and the Optimus humanoid robot. Somewhere in this high-tech mix, Tesla’s product plans for 2025 emerged, though the details were far from comprehensive.
Product Roadmap
The Deutsche Bank report offers a broad overview of the meeting, albeit without attributing direct quotes to Axelrod. However, the context strongly suggests that the new lower-cost model was a key topic of discussion. If true, this marks a significant shift in Tesla’s product strategy for the coming years.
The report outlines Tesla’s strategy to unveil several new vehicles in 2025:
New models and 2025 volume growth
A new, entry-level EV referred to as “Model Q” is set to launch in the first half of 2025. It will reportedly be priced under $30K with subsidies (or $37,499 without).
In the second half of 2025, Tesla is expected to release additional models aimed at expanding its total addressable market (TAM). One of these is believed to be a 3-row, longer-wheelbase Model Y variant, likely exclusive to China.
Tesla plans to build all new models on existing production lines, emphasizing efficient use of capacity to achieve its targeted 20–30% volume growth in 2025.
While management remains confident in scaling up the China supply chain, the high end of Tesla’s volume target will require flawless execution, particularly in North America.
The company’s plans for its Mexico plant remain dependent on geopolitical developments and tariff policies under the new Trump administration.
Now, let’s dissect the key points regarding the model presentations. Arguably, the most noteworthy aspect here is the introduction of a more affordable model, tentatively named “Model Q” by Deutsche Bank rather than Axelrod himself. Notably, the report made no mention of specifications or the rumored “Redwood” codename circulating online.
Elon Musk has been skeptical of low-cost models in the past, not out of dislike, but because of the significant challenges in achieving profitability, maintaining quality, and overcoming high development and production costs.
Back in October, during an investor call, he stated, “Having a regular (aka driveable) $25K model is pointless. It’d be silly.” That said, the projected $30K price point for the Model Q doesn’t contradict Musk’s remarks. If anything, it suggests Tesla is threading the needle by offering a lower price point without completely compromising its profitability.
Currently, Tesla’s least expensive vehicle in North America is the RWD, single-motor Model 3, priced at $34,990 with the $7,500 federal tax credit (or $42,490 without). This makes the introduction of a sub-$30K Tesla a significant move – assuming it’s more than just a smaller, stripped-down version of the Model 3.
What Form Could The Model Q Take?
If the Model Q materializes, it begs the question: will it be an entirely new, compact offering or a derivative of existing models like the Model 3 or Y? Perhaps it could take shape as a smaller hatchback with crossover-like proportions, as shown in our rendering. A more far-fetched, albeit intriguing, possibility might involve a driveable version of the Cybercab. But I digress. It’s anyone’s guess at this point, but the report points to a reveal in the first half of 2025, meaning we won’t have to wait long for answers.
The Deutsche Bank report also confirms recent rumors from China about a stretched, three-row version of the Model Y. This longer-wheelbase variant is designed specifically for Chinese buyers and is expected to build upon the refreshed Model Y, codenamed “Juniper,” which is set to debut next year. The addition is logical in a market where larger/longer family vehicles are highly appealing, enabling Tesla to better compete with local rivals.
What Else Is Coming?
As for the “other new models” mentioned in the report, details remain vague. However, Tesla’s focus on expanding its Total Addressable Market (TAM) indicates the company is aiming to capture new customer segments – whether through pricing strategies, diverse body styles, or regional exclusivity.
Additional points in the report highlight Tesla’s confidence in scaling its supply chain, particularly in China, while also emphasizing the challenge of flawless execution in North America. Regarding Tesla’s much-discussed Mexico plant, its future hinges on geopolitical factors and tariff policies under the new Trump administration, which is an unpredictable variable, to say the least.
A Critical Year Ahead
While the Deutsche Bank document offers an intriguing glimpse into Tesla’s roadmap, it stops short of providing concrete details. What we do know is that 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the EV maker, with affordability and versatility taking center stage.
Looming over all of this, however, is the potential for a seismic shift in America’s EV policy. If the upcoming Trump administration scraps the $7,500 federal tax credit – arguably the key driver of EV sales – Tesla and the broader industry could face serious headwinds. Germany serves as a cautionary tale; after subsidies were cut in December 2023, Tesla’s sales there plummeted by over 43% this year.
Obviously, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Yet, as always with Tesla, the answers remain as unpredictable as the company itself.
Puts and takes for 2025 margins
Tesla explained that 2025 will be a year of product launches, and whenever that happens, there will be disruption to profitability as it will be in the early days of building a product and have more inefficient fixed cost absorption.
But this could be offset by a lower cost of goods sold from the more affordable products.
2025 margins will also hinge upon where ASP (Average Selling Prices) lands based on the demand curve.
The main goal is to focus on growing volume and garnering incremental gross profit (as opposed to targeting a certain gross margin %), delivering at least overall FCF (Free Cash Flow) breakeven. The auto business is basically funding more ambitious future projects.
Tesla is in court again over claims that Autopilot is defective.
The family of a deceased driver says Tesla intentionally concealed problems with Autopilot.
Tesla responded that the driver failed to use the system properly.
Driving is an inherently dangerous task, but several modern tech features are supposed to increase safety. According to one family in California, one such tool, Tesla’s Autopilot, is actually to blame for the death of their loved one. He crashed into a parked fire truck around 4 a.m. on February 18, 2023, and didn’t survive.
Carscoops covered the crash when it first happened. At the time, it was unclear whether or not the driver were using any semi-autonomous driving features. Now, we know that the driver, Genesis Giovanni Mendoza Martinez, 31, had engaged Autopilot when he crashed into the fire truck.
According to the Independent, the complaint against Tesla on behalf of the Mendoza family says that Giovanni was using Autopilot for 12 minutes prior to the crash. Data reportedly shows that he “generally maintained contact with the steering wheel until the time of the crash.” Why he didn’t see the flashing emergency lights of the truck and slow down or move over is unclear.
In any case, the complaint says that Autopilot itself is flawed and that Tesla “undertook a widespread campaign to conceal thousands of consumer reports about problems with [its] ‘Autopilot’ feature, including crashes, unintended braking, and unintended acceleration.” For Tesla’s part, it’s responded the way it has with so many cases like this. It argues that the crash and its results “were caused by misuse or improper maintenance of the subject product in a manner not reasonably foreseeable to Tesla.”
Slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles. Truck 1 was struck by a Tesla while blocking I-680 lanes from a previous accident. Driver pronounced dead on-scene; passenger was extricated & transported to hospital. Four firefighters also transported for evaluation. pic.twitter.com/YCGn8We1bK
There’s no question that this entire situation is sad. We all make mistakes and sometimes that includes misunderstanding what a product is or isn’t capable of. Tesla, no doubt, could make it more clear that Autopilot and FSD don’t actually provide genuine Level 5 autonomy – perhaps starting with their names, which may mislead consumers into thinking the cars can actually drive themselves without any human interference.
This seems to be the case here, according to the lawsuit: “Not only was he aware that the technology itself was called ‘Autopilot,’ he saw, heard, and/or read many of Tesla or Musk’s deceptive claims on Twitter, Tesla’s official blog, or in the news media,” the complaint states. “Giovanni believed those claims were true, and thus believed the ‘Autopilot’ feature with the ‘full self driving’ upgrade was safer than a human driver, and could be trusted to safely navigate public highways autonomously.”
At the same time, it seems that previous legal victories for the automaker make one thing clear: ultimately, the driver is responsible for always maintaining control of the vehicle.
As we pointed out in our original coverage, countless such accidents happen every year involving all kinds of vehicles, not just Teslas. It’s why the NHTSA has created campaigns like “Slow Down, Move Over” to remind drivers what they should do when they encounter an emergency vehicle.
Three teenagers were killed when the Tesla slammed into a cement wall and caught fire.
Police believe that speed played a role in the fatal crash.
Initial investigations didn’t indicate that mechanical problems contributed to the accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed it’s looking into a recent fatal crash involving a Tesla Cybertruck that killed three teenagers in California late last month.
The accident occurred in the early hours of November 27 in Piedmont. Local police officers quickly responded to the scene and found the Cybertruck engulfed in flames. A witness pulled the sole survivor from the truck. All four occupants were 2023 graduates of the Piedmont High School who had returned home to celebrate Thanksgiving.
While recently speaking with Business Insider, a spokesperson from the NHTSA said the agency “is aware of the crash and is gathering information from the manufacturer and law enforcement.” The official noted that no formal investigation has been launched at this stage.
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, both the Piedmont Police Department and California Highway Patrol said they were looking into the cause of the crash. Piedmont police chief Jeremy Bowers suggested that speed likely played a role.
“It’s safe to say that speed was a factor. Now, are there other factors associated? That is certainly possible, but speed is likely a contributing factor to this collision,” he said. Police added there were no immediate signs that mechanical problems with the Cybertruck had contributed to the crash.
The Tesla caught fire soon after colliding with a cement wall and getting wedged between it and a large tree, but it’s currently unknown whether its high-voltage battery pack was the cause. While Piedmont fire chief Dave Brannigan said that it resembled a “typical car fire”, Bowers commented that it was “too intense” and the police officers, who tried to extinguish it, couldn’t. Eventually, fire crews put out the blaze.
This was the second fatal accident involving a Tesla Cybertruck in the US. The first occurred in early August when a man driving his electric pickup crashed near Beach City in Chambers County, Texas, slamming into a concrete culvert and triggering a fire.
Unplugged Performance has released new upgrades for Tesla’s Model 3 Performance.
The full aero kit includes a new carbon lip spoiler, canards, and rear diffuser.
It also offers offers carbon ceramic brakes and advanced suspension upgrades.
In recent years, Unplugged Performance has firmly established itself as the go-to tuner for everything Tesla, and it has just rolled out a series of new upgrades for the refreshed Model 3 Performance codenamed ‘Project Highland’ . These modifications give the car a significantly more aggressive appearance compared to the standard model.
Like other high-performance Tesla models, the Model 3 Performance doesn’t stray far from its lesser variants in terms of design. Sure, it features sportier touches like a revised front bumper and a subtle rear spoiler lip, but it’s still fairly restrained. To address this, Unplugged has introduced a range of carbon fiber parts, beginning with a redesigned aero kit at the front.
Priced at $3,050 when purchased as a complete kit, the overhauled front fascia includes a carbon lip spoiler, canards, aerodynamic deflectors, and a lower diffuser area. Those who don’t want all of these parts can buy them individually.
Matching the aggressive new front end are carbon fiber side skirts priced from $995, carbon fiber accents for the rear bumper ($395), a carbon diffuser ($595), and a fixed carbon fiber rear wing costing a cool $2,695 and offered in satin and gloss finishes. The entire kit, including all of the front, side, and rear parts, is priced at $7,430.
Unlike many other kits on the market, these aero parts aren’t just for good looks, but also claim to produce an additional 426 lbs (193 kg) of downforce.
Unplugged also offers handling upgrades for the Model 3 Performance, as well as all other Model 3 variants. These include carbon ceramic brakes, several different coilover suspension systems, front and rear limited-slip differentials, new sway bars, adjustable front upper control arms, and braided brake lines. Several different wheel options are also on offer.
Owners seeking the ultimate in performance and willing to spend whatever it takes can buy Unplugged’s flagship wheels with carbon fiber barrels and forged aluminum spokes, starting at an eye-watering $19,995.
Made from plastic and silicone, the aftermarket tray attaches to the steering wheel for $78.
Teslaunch claims it turns the electric truck into a “functional workspace,” but we’re skeptical.
In the ever-expanding universe of Tesla accessories, some are genuinely useful, and then there’s this—a bizarre steering wheel tray for the Cybertruck. It’s not just oddly specific; it’s oddly expensive too, leaving you to wonder: Who and why exactly asked for this?
What you’re looking at is a weird steering wheel tray designed specifically for the electric pickup and being sold by Teslaunch, a website specializing in aftermarket accessories for Tesla’s full range of EVs. The tray, which appears to be made from a combination of plastic and rubber, slides around the center of the steering wheel and locks into place.
One photo published by the seller shows a coffee and a McDonald’s McMuffin and a cup sitting on the tray. It’s also been shown helping to prop up a phone. The description adds the tray “transforms your Cybertruck into a functional workspace” (presumably when not driving), although it doesn’t appear strong or large enough to support a laptop of a large tablet, so we don’t think many buyers will use it for work. Instead, it’d probably be best used for dining while owners sit at a public charging station and wonder why they didn’t buy a hybrid or why they’re not charging at home.
Pricey for Plastic and Rubber
At $78, this oddball accessory is surprisingly expensive for what is essentially a curved piece of plastic with a rubber base. But, as any Tesla owner knows, accessorizing your ride is never a budget-friendly affair.
Teslaunch isn’t just selling steering wheel trays. The site also offers a range of other aftermarket parts for the Cybertruck, including carbon fiber interior trims, under-seat storage boxes, and a center console organizing tray—items that might actually make the truck a bit more functional. But if you’re looking for accessories that are a little more practical than a steering wheel tray, Tesla itself has plenty of options.
From pet liners for the back seat to a massive cooler box for the frunk and a sunshade for the massive panoramic glass roof panel, Tesla’s official accessory line is stocked with items. And for more serious gear, like tailgate ramps or bumper protectors, it’s probably best to go straight to the source. After all, you don’t want to be caught charging your Cybertruck with nothing but a McMuffin and an overpriced plastic tray.
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