Tag: Tesla

Apr 26

This 2018 Tesla Model S Drove 413,000 Miles With Its Original Battery

The Tesla Model S is a true high-mileage EV hero, and we’ve seen countless examples going strong even after driving hundreds of thousands of miles. However, most of these high-mileage Model S sedans go through several battery packs throughout their lives, so seeing one that covered over 400,000 miles before it needed a new battery is impressive.

The Fully Charged Show tells the story of Nigel Raynard from Australia, who covers around 350 miles daily and drove his 2018 Tesla Model S on its original battery pack until it reached about 413,000 miles. He says that he decided to try to get the battery changed after the car started giving error messages, and it no longer provided full power when the state of charge dropped to a certain point (when the car had about 30 miles of range left, according to the owner).

The Tesla Model S makes for a great taxi

Throughout Europe, you will see Tesla Model S sedans used as taxis and many of them have covered hundreds of thousands of miles some on their original battery pack

He notes that the car still drove fine with its original battery, but he wanted to take advantage of the eight-year unlimited-mile Tesla battery warranty that still covered his Model S. Speaking to Tesla, he was told that it was eligible to receive a refurbished battery, but they installed a brand new (and bigger) 90-kilowatt-hour pack. The owner doesn’t say in the video, but the car’s original battery was probably the 75 kWh pack.

Perhaps more impressive about this particular case is that Nigel says he regularly DC fast-charges his car, although he also has home charging. He says he also frequently charged it to 100% and then ran it until a very low state of charge, which is known to affect the longevity of EV battery packs, although in this case, it didn’t seem to make much of a difference.

Getting over 400,000 miles out of one battery pack seems consistent (even a bit above average) with the other high-mileage Tesla Model S sedans we’ve covered. The highest-mileage Model S in existence, a 2014 P85, has done over 1.24 million miles, and it’s now on its fourth battery pack, so it’s gotten about 300,000 miles out of each pack.

Apr 26

2024 Tesla Cybertruck: InsideEVs 70 MPH Highway Range Test Results

Introduction to the Tesla Cybertruck

After several years of anticipation, the Tesla Cybertruck has finally been released. As an enthusiast, the first test I conduct on any new EV is the InsideEVs 70 MPH Highway Range Test. This week, I had the opportunity to perform this test on an all-wheel-drive Foundation Series Cybertruck rented from Turo.

Conducting the Range Test

The Cybertruck I tested had just over 2,000 miles on the odometer and was completely stock. InsideEVs conducts all range tests consistently to ensure accurate vehicle-to-vehicle comparisons. Although the Cybertruck has not yet received its official EPA range certification, Tesla estimates that the all-wheel-drive model with 35″ all-terrain tires will have a combined EPA rating of 318 miles. A future model with less aggressive all-season tires is expected to achieve a range of 340 miles.

Our highway range tests differ from EPA tests, aiming to provide consumers with realistic expectations based on actual driving conditions. The Cybertruck’s estimated EPA ratings serve as a reference point, but our focus is on real-world performance.

Test Results and Analysis

Test Segment Miles Driven Total Miles Wh/Mi Mi/kWh kWh Used
100% to 75% 77 77 399 2.51 31
75% to 50% 74 151 403 2.48 30
50% to 25% 72 223 406 2.46 29
25% to 0% 69 302 398 2.51 30

Historically, Tesla vehicles tend to underperform their combined EPA range ratings by 10% to 12%, while other brands often exceed their published range figures. During this test, favorable weather conditions—starting at 60°F and rising to 68°F with minimal wind—contributed to the Cybertruck’s impressive performance.

The test concluded with the Cybertruck covering 302 miles and a consumption rate of 2.51 miles per kilowatt-hour. The vehicle displayed zero miles remaining at 299 miles, and the final three miles utilized the lower-end battery buffer. The battery, with a total capacity of 123 kWh, indicated 120 kWh used during the test, suggesting a bit more reserve.

Based on this data, it’s reasonable to assume the Cybertruck could potentially reach 310 miles before completely depleting its battery. My friend, Kyle Conner, from the Out Of Spec YouTube channel, managed to drive his tri-motor Cyberbeast for 304 miles, using the full 123 kWh.

Future Comparisons and Considerations

Keep an eye out for our upcoming Tesla Cybertruck vs. Ford F-150 Lightning comparison. Our 70-mph highway range tests, while not perfect, provide valuable insights. We account for variables like wind, traffic, topography, and weather, ensuring consistent testing standards for all vehicles.

These tests offer potential customers another data point to consider when evaluating the driving range of a specific EV. Understanding the real-world performance of EVs like the Tesla Cybertruck helps consumers make informed decisions about their next vehicle purchase.

Apr 26

Tesla Autopilot Under Scrutiny: 13 Fatalities and Hundreds of Crashes Investigated

Overview of Tesla Autopilot Investigation

Ongoing Safety Concerns

U.S. federal regulators are examining whether a recent recall by Tesla effectively addressed the safety concerns surrounding its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems. Despite Tesla’s detailed description of what its Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) can and cannot do, it still requires vigilant human oversight to ensure driver safety. This conclusion from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights significant challenges for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has placed considerable emphasis on the company’s autonomous driving technology.

Findings from NHTSA Investigation

The NHTSA’s comprehensive investigation, which spanned nearly five years and analyzed around 1,000 crashes, found that many incidents were due to driver misuse and the system’s insufficient monitoring of driver attention. Of the 956 crashes studied, the NHTSA identified that 13 resulted in fatalities and numerous others caused serious injuries. The Office of Defective Investigations (ODI) stated that “Tesla’s weak driver engagement system was not appropriate for Autopilot’s permissive operating capabilities,” indicating a critical safety gap.

Tesla Autopilot

The agency discovered that drivers could easily bypass the safety mechanisms designed to ensure they remained attentive while using Autopilot. For example, early Tesla models allowed drivers to use objects like an orange or a ball to apply pressure on the steering wheel, tricking the system into thinking the driver’s hands were still on the wheel. Although this issue was addressed in later models, it remains a significant point of concern.

Detailed Examination of Crashes

Among the 956 crashes reviewed, the NHTSA focused on trends in approximately half of these incidents. Specifically, they found:

  • 211 cases where the front of a Tesla collided with another vehicle or obstacle, situations where an attentive driver could have avoided or mitigated the crash.
  • 111 cases where the vehicle departed from the roadway due to the driver’s inputs inadvertently disengaging Autosteer.
  • 145 cases where the vehicle left the roadway under low traction conditions, such as on wet surfaces.

These patterns were observed across all Tesla models and hardware versions, underscoring systemic issues with Autopilot’s functionality.

Continued Regulatory Oversight

While the NHTSA closed its initial investigation following Tesla’s recall in December, which included modifications to Autopilot’s functions, the scrutiny is far from over. The agency has launched another probe into the effectiveness of these over-the-air updates, affecting over 2 million Tesla vehicles across all five models. This new investigation aims to confirm whether the fixes implemented have adequately resolved the safety concerns.

Broader Implications and Recent Incidents

The debate over Autopilot’s safety continues to be a hot topic. Recently, a Tesla driver was charged with vehicular homicide after their 2022 Model S, reportedly using Autopilot, collided with and killed a motorcyclist near Seattle. Although the police have not confirmed if Autopilot was engaged at the time, the driver admitted to using the system and being distracted by their phone.

This ongoing investigation highlights the critical need for drivers to remain attentive, regardless of the advancements in autonomous driving technology. Even with sophisticated ADAS systems, the responsibility of safe driving ultimately falls on the human behind the wheel.

Apr 26

Tesla Model Y vs. Tesla Model 3: A Comprehensive Comparison of Range, Price, Efficiency, and More

Comparing Tesla Model Y and Model 3

Introduction

The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 are among the best-selling electric vehicles on the market. With the recent buzz surrounding the Tesla Cybertruck, it’s easy to overlook the impressive technology, range, and performance that the Model 3 and Model Y offer. Both vehicles have their unique strengths, making it essential to compare them to determine which one best suits your needs.

Pricing and Value

Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Cost Analysis

2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland)

Recently, the Tesla Model 3 received an update for the 2024 model year, while the Model Y saw a significant price reduction. The Model 3 starts at $38,990, with the Performance model priced at $52,990. On the other hand, the Model Y begins at just $29,420, making it more affordable, especially with eligibility for federal tax credits that further lower its cost.

Tesla Model Y

In comparison, the Model 3 All-Wheel Drive is priced at $47,740. The Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive is slightly cheaper at $34,490, with the top-tier Performance model costing $37,990 before additional options. Both models offer various upgrades, including color, wheels, and Full Self-Driving Capability, which costs $8,000 as of April 2024.

Range and Efficiency

Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Range Capabilities

2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland) interior

The Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant boasts an impressive range of 341 miles, while the Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive offers up to 310 miles. Although these numbers are high, actual range can vary based on factors such as driving conditions, speed, and temperature. The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive provides 272 miles, whereas the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive has a range of 260 miles.

Both models also feature Performance versions with slightly lower ranges due to their high-speed capabilities. The Model 3 Performance AWD has a range of 296 miles, while the Model Y Performance AWD offers 279 miles. These range estimates make both models suitable for long commutes and areas with limited charging infrastructure.

Charging and Performance

Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Charging Speed and Acceleration

Tesla’s Supercharger network can add 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes, making it convenient for long trips. Both the Model 3 and Model Y benefit from this fast-charging capability, with Superchargers now accessible to non-Tesla EVs as well. In terms of acceleration, the Model 3 Performance AWD is the quickest, achieving 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, while the Model Y Performance AWD completes the sprint in 3.5 seconds.

Tesla Model Y Home

The base Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive reaches 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, and the Long Range AWD variant takes 4.2 seconds. The Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive takes 6.6 seconds, and the Long Range AWD variant accelerates in 4.8 seconds. These impressive performance figures highlight Tesla’s commitment to delivering high-speed, efficient electric vehicles.

Interior and Build Quality

Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Interior Features and Build Quality

Tesla interiors are known for their minimalist design, featuring a central touchscreen for all controls and displays. The Model 3 includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass roof. The Model Y offers similar features but lacks ventilated seats.

Tesla Model 3 Performance 2024

Build quality has been a mixed bag for both models, with issues like panel alignment and noise insulation being common complaints. However, the updated Model 3 has shown improvements in these areas, offering better quality control and fewer build issues.

Driving Experience and Comfort

Tesla Model 3 vs. Tesla Model Y: Ride and Handling

Tesla Model Y LHD

The new Model 3 provides a sharp driving experience with a well-tuned suspension that balances comfort and agility. Its low center of gravity, thanks to the floor-mounted batteries, ensures stable handling. Enhanced noise insulation in the 2024 model makes it quieter and more relaxing on highways.

Tesla FSD V12

The Model Y, with its higher seating position and spacious interior, offers a comfortable ride but can feel firm at times. Despite this, it remains a practical choice for families needing extra space. The Model Y’s handling is competent, with responsive steering and braking, though it lacks some of the Model 3’s noise insulation improvements.

2024 Tesla Model 3 (Highland) interior
Tesla Giga Texas
Tesla Model 3 Performance 2024
Tesla Model Y

Conclusion

The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y cater to different needs but share many strengths. The Model 3, with its recent updates and improved quality, is a more refined choice. However, the Model Y’s spacious interior and lower price make it an attractive option for families. Ultimately, both models provide excellent range, performance, and value, solidifying their positions as top choices in the electric vehicle market.

Apr 26

Tesla Cybertruck Teardown Continues With A Look At Its Steer-By-Wire System

The Tesla Cybertruck is one of the first passenger vehicles with no mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels.

Even though Infiniti was the first manufacturer to bring steer-by-wire to a production car almost 10 years ago, that system was optional, and you could still opt for a conventional setup with a mechanical link between the helm and the wheels. It’s also offered as an option in the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ450e.

The first true steer-by-wire production vehicle is the Tesla Cybertruck, and driving one takes a bit of getting used to since you have to apply a lot less lock than in a traditional setup, and it also has a variable ratio. This means it’s not very sensitive off-center, but the more you turn the wheel, the lock you apply increases progressively. This ratio also varies depending on the driving speed.

The Tesla Cybertruck is steer-by-wire only

Unlike other manufacturers that have offered steer-by-wire as an option in their vehicles, for the Tesla Cybertruck it’s the only available setup and it makes for an unusual driving experience that takes a bit of getting used to.

One of the most unusual characteristics of the Cybertruck with its steer-by-wire system is that you can turn the steering wheel when the vehicle is powered off, and none of the wheels will turn. Do the same after powering on the Cybertruck, and you will see both its front- and rear-wheel steering racks working.

Steer-by-wire is definitely still a novelty in cars, although several manufacturers have announced plans to introduce it in production cars in the next few years—Mercedes is rumored to give its next S-Class steer-by-wire. If you’ve ever wondered how a system like this works, this video by Sandy Munro of Munro Live—the latest part of his Tesla Cybertruck teardown series—should shed some light. Sandy and his team first demonstrated how it works, then they extracted the front and rear subframes from the truck to get a better look at how they work.

They also show the steering column, which looks very different from any steering column you may have seen before. It stops where you would expect it to continue with a shaft that links to the steering rack, and it just has electronics, servos and wires that enable it to have a variable ratio. The steering rack (which interestingly appears to be supplied by ZF) has two motors for redundancy, so if one malfunctions, the backup motor can take over and keep the steering system alive.

Apr 26

Tesla Cybertruck’s Battery Can Power A House. Owner Quoted $30,000 To Make That Happen

Costs vary wildly and owners have to go through Tesla-approved installers, which may make it harder for some to get the work done.

The Cybertruck is Tesla’s first consumer EV that supports bidirectional charging. The EV maker calls the feature Powershare and it basically means that the truck’s roughly 123-kilowatt-hour battery pack can be used to power tools and appliances, charge other EVs and even provide backup power to an entire house if the grid goes down.

To act as a mobile generator, though, Tesla requires Cybertruck owners to install a so-called Powershare Gateway–a hardware panel that takes power from the pickup’s battery and routes it to the house’s electrical installation. It can also route power from the grid to the car’s battery to keep it topped up. Those who ordered the top-spec Cyberbeast Foundation Series get a $4,000 installation credit included in the vehicle’s purchase, but as one owner recently found out, that amount might be extremely low.

One Tesla Cybertruck owner was quoted over $30,000 to install the necessary hardware that transforms the angular EV into a battery generator capable of powering an entire house. However, as several commenters pointed out, that estimate might have been inflated, with other owners saying they were quoted less than $5,000.

Joe Tegtmeyer, who’s best known in the EV community for his drone videos of Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas, bought an all-wheel drive Foundation Series Cybertruck, so he didn’t get the $4,000 installation credit. The purchase did, however, include a $595 Powershare home charger, a $230 Powershare mobile connector and the aforementioned $1,800 Powershare Gateway.

As he explained in detail in the X post embedded below, Tegtmeyer wanted to take advantage of his truck’s power-exporting capabilities and contacted Tesla about it. The company sent a certified installer to his house to survey the electrical system which included an existing 36.6 kW roof-mounted solar system and an upgraded 250-amp main panel.

After everything was said and done, the Tesla-approved installer–Treehouse in this case–came up with an eye-watering estimate of $33,837.5. According to the company’s estimate, the biggest piece was represented by a utility upgrade to 320A amounting to $24,150. With two Tesla Powerwalls–that’s a stationary battery that also acts as a generator–the estimate went up to $64,275.

Tegtmeyer was told that the utility upgrade was necessary to make all the components work together flawlessly and that it wasn’t an option that could be deleted, but some commenters pointed out that might not necessarily be the case.

People also revealed in the comments section that Tegtmeyer’s situation might be an outlier and that the cost of installing Tesla’s Powershare gateway varies wildly from home to home. One person in Southern California said he got quoted $3,500 for the installation. Others got estimates of $4,400, $2,150, $2,870 and $5,000.

As a reminder, the all-wheel drive Tesla Cybertruck starts at $79,990, so a $33,000 installation cost for the extra hardware amounts to almost half the price of the car, which is unreasonable, to say the least.

Apr 26

Here’s How Much New EV You Can Get for $40k

If you have been considering an EV, you’ll want to see the cheapest new ones you can buy.

So you’ve been wondering if an EV would be a good choice for you. But all of the cool ones seem to cost $100k or more. Well luckily prices have been coming down and there are five EVs you can buy in the U.S. for $40k. They are:

Model Average Sale Price Average Listed Price
Nissan Leaf $27,956 $34,706
Nissan Ariaya $35,556 $51,438
Hyundai Ioniq 6 $36,506 $46,917
Tesla Model 3 $40,547 $43,649
Toyota bZ4X $40,646 $48,087

Why two columns? That “average listed price” is before any automaker discounts, federal tax credits, or local tax breaks. One big difference for the federal EV tax credit in 2024 is that it is applied at the point of sale, so you don’t need to wait until you file your taxes to see the cash.

Nissan is one of the oldest names in EVs. The Nissan Leaf, introduced in 2009, is the longest running model on this list. It looks like Nissan is cashing in on this reputation and some dealerships are marking up Leafs. The average Leaf is currently going for 6% above MSRP, so you’ll want to shop around.

The face of the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Allison Barfield | MotorBiscuit

Experts worry that these EV prices won’t stay so low. But Tesla’s recent stock woes have driven it to slash prices. And other automakers are doing the same to compete. The Model 3 is by far its cheapest model. While it is a little outdated by the quick charging speeds of competitors, the Model 3 still benefits from Tesla’s comprehensive “Supercharger” network.

While Toyota’s bZ4X (and its Subaru Solterra twin, MSRP $44,995) are getting mixed reviews, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is getting rave reviews. With this first generation of EVs, everything is about the numbers and Hyundai is leading its segment with 800-volt charging speeds. Because you can charge the Ioniq 6 for 20-30 minutes, then drive for several hours, it is one of the only EVs you can roadtrip indefinitely.

Apr 22

U.S. Non-Tesla EV Sales Slowed Down In Q1 2024, But There Are Some Clear Winners

Ford is the only brand besides Tesla that sold over 20,000 EVs. Kia, BMW and Hyundai exceeded 10,000, while Cadillac’s EV share surged.

With the first quarter of 2024 behind us, it’s time to look at how electric vehicle sales are faring in the U.S. amid what many believe to be a slowdown in the rate of EV adoption. And while it has slowed down in some ways, several brands with strong EV games are doing well anyway—and there are a few surprise winners here too.

According to sales data analyzed by InsideEVs, during Q1 2024, the 19 brands we examined below sold over 102,000 all-electric vehicles. For this group, it’s the third-highest quarterly result ever. However, the year-over-year increase amounted to 18%, which is the slowest result for the group in a few years.

It is also crucial to note that this data looks at non-Tesla EV sales; you can find that company’s latest results here.

BEV sales surged in 2023

In 2023, all-electric car sales increased to about 1.1 million units (estimated). Out of that, no less than 450,000 were sold by traditional carmakers (up 83% compared to 2022). 2024 is predicted to be a potentially slower year as many consumers wait for more charging, cheaper options and new battery technologies to take off.

This group of non-Tesla brands includes traditional carmakers that report their all-electric car sales in the U.S., like Audi, BMW, General Motors’ BrightDrop delivery van division, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

Not all manufacturers report their sales results in the U.S., especially the newer companies like Tesla, Rivian, Polestar, Lucid, Fisker and VinFast. They do not break out sales by country or region so their figures can’t be included in this report. They are also 100% electric already.

new-all-electric-car-sales-in-q1-2024-us-select-19-brands

Several non-Tesla brands are missing from the group. Additionally, assuming that Tesla represents roughly half of all EV sales in the U.S. (probably well over 100,000) we can estimate that the U.S. total EV sales in Q1 were somewhere between 225,000-250,000.

EV Sales By Brands – Q1 2024

In Q1, just like in Q3 2023 and Q4 2023, Ford sold more all-electric vehicles (20,223) than any other non-Tesla brand in the U.S. It was the only result above 20,000 within the group.

Only three other brands exceeded a level of 10,000: Kia (11,412), BMW (10,713) and Hyundai (at least 10,468). In the case of Hyundai, we don’t have the number for the Hyundai Kona Electric, as its sales are lumped in with the gas-powered Kona.

A fifth-position finish for Chevrolet is a disappointment, but we know that the brand’s ramp-up issues with the Ultium platform, followed by software issues, played a role here. The brand no longer produces the popular Chevrolet Bolt EV/Bolt EUV duo, which underpinned most of its EV sales in 2023.

Overall, we can see a strong position for many premium brands, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz and most recently Cadillac.

new-electric-car-sales-in-q1-2024-us

* Excludes Tesla and other brands for which data was not available

** Hyundai sales without the Hyundai Kona Electric model

Now let’s look at the share of EVs out of the automaker’s total sales. This shows how advanced a carmaker is on its electrification journey to become 100% electric someday.

The list of brands includes only traditional ones, for which data is available. Brands that sell only all-electric cars are excluded because their share is always 100 percent.

In Q1, the highest EV share was achieved by Cadillac at 16.4%. It was a bit surprising but a very positive outcome for General Motors’s luxury arm. Cadillac’s EV share noticeably exceeded several German luxury brands (Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) that all had 12+ percent results.

Volkswagen continued to be the number one mainstream brand in terms of EV share (7.5%), followed by Kia (6.4%), Hyundai (at least 5.7%) and Ford (4.2%). Chevrolet noted 2.2%.

all-electric-car-share-in-total-new-sales-in-q1-2024-us-b

* Excludes Tesla and other brands for which data was not available

** Hyundai sales without the Hyundai Kona Electric model

*** Mercedes-Benz (excluding vans)

For reference, the U.S. average EV share for traditional brands might be estimated at over 3% (assuming roughly 7% average EV market share, when including Tesla and other all-electric brands).

Stay tuned for more data on which brand is the most electrified; a separate report for automotive groups is coming next. If you are interested in seeing more detailed sales results for the individual brands, please check our previous reports:

Apr 22

2024 Update: Tesla’s Vision-Powered Autopark Shows Promise in Precision Parking

Revolutionizing Parking: Tesla’s Shift to Vision-Based Technology

Tesla’s transition from ultrasonic sensors to its Vision-based system for Autopark and other features marks a significant pivot in automotive technology. By 2022, Tesla had phased out the hardware for these functions, committing to enhance them purely through advanced visual processing. This shift suggests a future where software updates continually enhance vehicle capabilities, highlighting Tesla’s innovative approach to vehicle automation.

Evaluating Tesla Vision’s Autopark Functionality

Since the removal of ultrasonic sensors, Tesla has promised the return of enhanced Autopark capabilities via over-the-air updates. Recent tests, including detailed reviews from automotive channels like AI DRIVR, reveal that while the new system named “Banish” operates slower than its predecessors, it excels in complex maneuvers such as tight parallel parking. This detailed feedback from real-world applications provides valuable insights into the functionality and potential areas for improvement in Tesla’s vision-based technology.

User Experience and Practical Challenges

Despite its prowess in challenging parking scenarios, the current iteration of Tesla’s Autopark shows limitations in everyday situations. Users report that the feature is overly cautious, resulting in slow operation and frequent unnecessary adjustments. Moreover, the system struggles with recognizing unconventional parking spots and can often park too close to other vehicles, complicating passenger exit. These practical challenges underscore the need for ongoing refinement in Tesla’s software to balance caution with efficiency.

Additional Insights and Consumer Feedback

The new Autopark feature, though slower, has demonstrated significant potential in handling particularly difficult parking tasks, especially in busy urban environments where parallel parking is often dreaded. Users looking forward to future updates hope for speed improvements that could make the feature more practical for regular use. Consumer feedback also suggests a mixed reception due to these operational quirks, indicating areas where Tesla might focus to enhance user satisfaction and system utility.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Tesla’s Autopark

Tesla’s foray into vision-based parking assistance is a bold step towards fully autonomous vehicle technology. While current functionalities show promise, particularly in complex parking environments, there is room for improvement in speed and adaptability. As Tesla continues to refine its technology, the automotive community eagerly watches, anticipating advancements that could redefine the convenience and safety of automated parking.

Apr 22

U.S. EV Registrations Experience First Decline Since 2020: Tesla’s Impact Highlighted

Tesla’s Influence on February’s EV Market Dip

In February 2024, the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market saw its first drop in new registrations since 2020, largely driven by a significant decrease in Tesla’s figures. Tesla, the leading force in the EV industry, reported a notable 25% decline in new registrations compared to the same month last year. This downturn led to an overall 2.8% reduction in total EV registrations for the U.S., showcasing Tesla’s crucial role in influencing market trends. The last comparable dip occurred in August 2020, when a decline in Tesla’s registrations also affected the overall segment.

Surge in EV Registrations Without Tesla’s Influence

When excluding Tesla’s data, new EV registrations showed a remarkable 32% increase in February compared to the previous year, signaling strong growth in the industry from other manufacturers. Companies such as Ford, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, and Rivian reported impressive gains, with Ford experiencing an 84% rise and BMW seeing a staggering 166% increase in new registrations. This growth highlights a vibrant and expanding EV market driven by innovation from various manufacturers, even amidst Tesla’s temporary setback.

Performance of Major EV Players

Ford’s impressive performance in February included 7,656 new registrations, a significant leap from the previous year. Hyundai and Kia also showed strong growth, with registrations rising by 54% and 58%, respectively. BMW’s registrations more than doubled, reaching 3,559 units, while Rivian saw a 56% increase with 3,251 new registrations. Together, these companies accounted for 22,010 new EV registrations, while Tesla alone reported 36,697. Despite Tesla’s decline, these figures demonstrate the continued expansion and competitive nature of the EV market.

Tesla EVs at V4 Supercharging station. From left: Model 3, Model S, Cybertruck, Model X and Model YTesla EVs at V4 Supercharging station. From left: Model 3, Model S, Cybertruck, Model X and Model Y

Impact of Tesla Models on Market Trends

The February decline was partly attributed to the underperformance of Tesla’s Model 3, which saw a dramatic 73% drop in registrations. This decline was influenced by the loss of eligibility for the $7,500 tax credit and a temporary production halt at Tesla’s Fremont Gigafactory. In contrast, the Model Y, Tesla’s most popular EV, experienced a 6.7% decrease in registrations, while the Model X saw a notable 47% increase. These trends reflect shifting consumer preferences and the impact of regulatory changes on EV sales.

Additional Insights

The fluctuation in EV registrations underscores the dynamic nature of the market, influenced by both consumer preferences and manufacturer performance. As the EV landscape continues to evolve, it remains essential for industry stakeholders to monitor these trends closely and adapt strategies to maintain growth and competitiveness. For those interested in the latest developments in the EV sector, keeping track of registration data and market shifts provides valuable insights into future industry directions.