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Tesla reportedly met its ambitious quarterly Model 3 production goal
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is having a lousy week, but the company might have something to crow about. A source speaking to Electrek (historically accurate with these rumors) has reported that Tesla met its lofty target of building at least 50,000 Model 3 cars over its summer quarter, producing about 51,000 examples of the 'entry-level' EV by September 28th. The company had been struggling with manufacturing earlier in the period, but apparently ramped back up to 5,000 Model 3s per week by the end of the quarter.
Tesla is hand-delivering the Model 3 to speed up sales
Tesla is determined to move as many EVs as it can before its summer quarter is over, and that includes saving you from even a short trip to get your vehicle. Electrek has learned that the company just launched a "door-to-door" Tesla Direct service bringing the Model 3 directly to customers, and not just those near the automaker's Fremont factory. Customers in Los Angeles (and possibly other areas) are receiving emails offering to deliver cars directly to their homes and offices for free -- helpful if you'd rather not take time off or plan a trip to get your new ride.
Bluetooth key fob for Tesla Model 3 spotted in FCC pictures
Among the quirks of the Tesla Model 3 is that unlike most cars, it doesn't come with a traditional key or key fob at all. Instead, it relies mostly on a Bluetooth Low Energy link to its owner's nearby iPhone or Android device, with keycards available as a backup system to start and unlock the car. Electrek reports that some people have had issues with this system, and spotted a Tesla BLE device making its way through the FCC filing process. Now the documents have been updated with photographs which clearly show the device (as well as its internals and the manual), which is shaped like a Tesla sedan and labeled "Model 3." In real life it will likely look a little slicker than in these unglamorous shots, and it already closely resembles the units available for the Model X and Model S. While Tesla isn't walking back decisions like its center-mounted console in the Model 3, it's definitely taking hints from owners on at least this small part of the experience. Whenever it becomes available, we'd anticipate the newly strengthened security elements will be included, and that other manufacturers working on Digital Keys are taking notes.
Tesla Model 3 receives a perfect safety rating from NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Tesla Model 3 five-star ratings in every single category. That includes the overall front, overall side, side barrier, side pole and rollover categories. The vehicle follows in the footsteps of Tesla's Model S and Model X, both of which received five-star ratings in the past as well.
Tesla is ending its lifetime free Supercharging offer
Tesla's offer of free, unlimited Supercharger access was supposed to have ended in early 2017, but it's been on a form of life support since then. Unless you were buying a regular Model 3, you could get the no-cost charging by ordering your EV with a referral code from an existing owner. Now, however, even that exception appears to be coming to an end. Elon Musk has pointed out that the referral program is about to end. After September 16th, owners will only get to hand out $100 in Supercharging credit to Model S, Model X and Model 3 Performance buyers -- just enough for a few top-ups.
Tesla drops color options to speed up production
We hope you weren't dead set on getting a Tesla vehicle in Silver Metallic or Obsidian Black. Elon Musk has revealed that the company is taking both colors "off the menu" for all its cars in a bid to streamline manufacturing. They'll stick around for people who want the hues on "special request," but it'll cost you more than the $1,500 it does today.
Tesla offers 'immediate' Model 3 deliveries to boost sales numbers
Tesla is determined to burnish its Model 3 sales figures, and that means getting the EV into customers' hands as quickly as possible -- including through some unconventional methods. Electrek has learned that Tesla is emailing reservation holders promising "immediate delivery" of certain rear wheel drive Model 3s on a "first-come, first served basis." It's starting by pitching people with day one reservations, but it's widening the net on September 10th.
Tesla's new President takes control of automotive operations
Tesla wrapped up an interesting week -- CEO Elon Musk took a puff or two from a joint live on Joe Rogan's podcast, its recently-hired chief accounting officer quit after less than a month on the job and its HR chief announced she would not return from a leave of absence -- by announcing a round of executive promotions. In a letter to staff that's also posted on the company's website, Musk said: " For a while, there will be a lot of fuss and noise in the media. Just ignore them. Results are what matter and we are creating the most mind-blowing growth in the history of the automotive industry." Most notable, Tesla now has a new President, Automotive. In a move that may take some direct responsibilities and pressure off of Musk, Jerome Guillen "will oversee all automotive operations and program management, as well as coordinate our extensive automotive supply chain." Guillen will still report directly to Elon Musk, and in the letter he's credited for leading the creation of a new Model 3 production line. Recent turmoil including Musk's behavior and employee turnover combined with failures to meet deadlines and production goals have intensified criticism on the company and its founder. After the two departures were announced this morning and news of Musk's podcast appearance spread, the company's stock price dropped six percent to $263, off more than $100 from the $370 high reached a month ago when Musk tweeted he had "funding secured" for the company to go private. Adding new execs for Gigafactory Operations, Director of HR, VP of Environmental, Health and Safety, VP of Global Recruiting and promoting a senior director of Global Communications could help calm some nerves.
Tesla reportedly missed its latest Model 3 production goal
When Tesla made over 5,000 Model 3s per week at the end of June, it had lofty ambitions for its future -- it was going to press for 6,000 per week by the end of August. So how'd it do? Not so well, if Electrek is accurate. Its source claims that Tesla made 4,300 Model 3 units in the last week of August, and that there hasn't been a week since June where the company produced more than 5,000 of the new machines. The automaker is reportedly still on track to hit its overall EV production goal for the quarter ending in September, but it might not be shouting its Model 3 numbers from the rooftops.
Tesla package will enable Track Mode for more Model 3 buyers
Tesla's Model 3 Performance is potentially a tuner's dream EV thanks to its upcoming Track Mode, but there's a problem: to get that Track Mode, you have to spring for a Performance Upgrade package on top of the Performance trim level. You won't have to worry if you had cold feet and bought 'just' the regular version, however. Tesla has confirmed that it's working on an after-the-fact Performance Upgrade package that should arrive around the same time as Track Mode itself. It's not clear how much this will cost, but it's likely higher than the $5,000 you'd pay to have it included at the factory.
Tesla convinces judge to dismiss Model 3 production lawsuit
Tesla has successfully convinced the court to dismiss the securities fraud lawsuit filed by shareholders over its Model 3 production issues. US District Judge Charles Breyer has officially dismissed the case on Monday, stating that federal securities laws don't punish companies for failing to achieve their production targets. The plaintiffs filed the case against the automaker in October 2017, accusing the company of knowing from the start that it was "woefully unprepared" to achieve its goal of manufacturing 5,000 Model 3s per week. They said the hype around Model 3 misled them into snapping up "artificially inflated" share prices, which dropped after the company cut its production target.
Tesla cars will play video with a future update
Tesla is planning to bring games to its electric cars' giant touchscreens, so why doesn't it have video playback while the car isn't moving -- something drivers have wanted for years? Don't worry, you'll get your wish soon. Elon Musk has responded to a question about the feature with a claim that video playback will be available with "version 10" of Tesla's car software. He didn't say what services would be available or when you could expect to see the update, but version 9 (with Atari games) is due to arrive by the end of August. You could be waiting a while, to put it bluntly.
Former Tesla employee's tweets show allegedly flawed batteries (update)
The employee Tesla is suing for theft of proprietary information has tweeted photos and other details, perhaps in an attempt to back up some of the claims he made against the automaker. Two of the photos Martin Tripp has tweeted out show what he says is a damaged* battery module used in Model 3 vehicles before and after it was "reworked." Tripp has also released a lengthy list of Vehicle Identity Numbers. He says the cars in the list use punctured, dented or damaged battery modules.
Tesla explains Track Mode on the Model 3 Performance
When word got out that Tesla's Model 3 Performance trim included an experimental Track Mode, it raised eyebrows: was it disabling safety limits to let you thrash the EV, or was there something else to it? You now have a proper answer. Tesla explained to both Road and Track and Electrek that Track Mode is changing the very characteristics of the car. It switches up the regenerative braking to rely more on the traction of the dual motors and slip distribution, increasing the regenerative power and providing the lift-off oversteer that drift fans crave. You'll also see a new powertrain cooling algorithm that's better-suited to the constant demands of a day at the circuit.
Tesla is quietly making its own AI chip for self-driving cars
In a recent earnings call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed the automaker has been 'stealth' developing a custom-built AI chip for at least two years.
Tesla is adding classic Atari games to its cars
Tesla isn't limiting its fun-oriented EV updates to its upcoming party mode. Elon Musk has promised that "some of the best" Atari games will be playable in Tesla cars as part of a version 9.0 software update coming in roughly four weeks. The exec didn't provide a full list of titles, but he indicated that Missile Command, Pole Position and Tempest would ideally be part of the release, which will make them available as Easter eggs. And crucially, you won't just be tapping the screen or twiddling thumbwheels. For Pole Position, you'll use the car's steering wheel to drive in the game.
Tesla aims to make 10,000 Model 3 cars per week in 2019
Now that Tesla is finally making over 5,000 Model 3 cars per week, it's eager to move to the next production goal... and it knows it needs to pick up the pace. As part of its second quarter earnings release, the automaker signaled plans to ramp up production to 10,000 Model 3 units per week sometime in 2019. The "majority" of its production lines would be ready for that volume by the end of 2018, it said, but it will still have to boost output in "certain places."
Tesla 'party and camper mode' turns EVs into tailgating machines
Teslas are nothing if not giant batteries on wheels, so it would only make sense if you could use the battery for something other than getting from A to B, wouldn't it? You will soon. Elon Musk has teased the future addition of a "party & camper mode" that will keep the car's climate systems, "selective" lights, audio and device-powering features alive for "48 hours or more" while the car is stationary. Yes, you could host an all-day tailgate party with your Model X while the music keeps pumping and your phone stays charged.
Tesla asking suppliers for money back is a risky move
The Model 3 will do one of two things for Tesla: It'll make the company a profitable seller of cars, solar panels, and batteries; or, it'll drag it further into debt. To keep the latter from happening, the company is doing something that seems insane: It's asking some of its suppliers for money back for parts it already bought. Parts going back as far as 2016.
Tesla reportedly asks for money back on payments to suppliers
Tesla's financial woes have been in the headlines for awhile now, and their latest move isn't exactly one that instills confidence. According to The Wall Street Journal, Tesla has been sending memos to its suppliers asking for retroactive discounts. In other words, it's asking for cash back on payments it has made to these suppliers since 2016. While hard numbers aren't available, Tesla described it as a "meaningful amount of money" in the memo.
