Tesla is offering a one-month trial of its $12,000 Full Self-Driving Beta software to all U.S. customers with compatible hardware, while also mandating demos for prospective buyers. This move comes as the company faces a civil lawsuit over a 2018 crash involving Autopilot. The new "V12" version of the software, running on neural networks, has received praise but also criticism. Expanding access to the software could provide more training data but also raises concerns about misuse and safety.
Tesla unveils the Ludicrous (Performance) Model 3 in Spain, featuring aerodynamic upgrades and playful branding, with production set to begin in the second quarter of 2024. Additionally, Tesla plans to introduce FSD Beta subscription and Premium Connectivity annual plan in Canada, aiming to make its advanced driver assistance systems more accessible. Meanwhile, the latest FSD Beta v12 update showcases impressive capabilities such as U-turn execution and parking, but also removes the Traffic-Aware Cruise Control ability, prompting both praise and room for improvement from drivers.
Tesla is making strategic shifts to adapt to market changes, potentially impacting its workforce of over 140,000 employees. The company is focusing on refining operations, ramping up advertising, and enhancing product value amidst challenges in the current economic climate. Additionally, the Cybertruck is making its presence felt in Japan after a successful tour in China, and Tesla's Full Self-Driving beta may be enabled on European streets as early as September 2024 due to a new UN regulation.
Tesla's FSD Beta software has a "God mode" called "Elon mode," which mainly removes steering wheel nags and changes braking behavior to "less intense." Ethical hacker Green tested the feature during a 600-mile road trip and found it to be better than his prior attempt. He suggests that getting rid of the nags would be a good thing because people would spend less time noticing FSD Beta shortcomings, but it could also result in accidents. To enable "Elon mode," one would need someone at Tesla to enable it or force their way into the software to activate it.
Elon Musk's visit to China is sparking rumors of a FSD Beta release and a new version of the Model 3. Musk is expected to visit Tesla's Gigafactory Shanghai and meet with Premier Li Qiang to discuss automated driving technology. Tesla is hoping to gain regulatory approval to launch FSD Beta in China, which could result in a large boost in revenue since the automaker has delivered hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the country that can be upgraded to FSD Beta.
Tesla's Model 3 RWD variant will be eligible for the $7,500 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) EV tax credit until April 18th, 2023, due to updated guidelines that will be released on that date. The new guidance will affect the eligibility of several electric vehicles (EVs) for full or partial credits, including Tesla's Model 3 RWD, which uses CATL's LFP cells produced and assembled in China. Meanwhile, Tesla's FSD Beta v11.3.4 is rolling out to employees, with improvements in performance and safety, as the company continues to refine its autonomous driving technology.
