Wait times for new Teslas have dropped considerably

Wait times for a Tesla have been drastically reduced

Tesla

Just in time for Christmas, Tesla's wait times are considerably shorter. Model S or Model X Plaid have estimated delivery dates from November to December, as do the Performance variants of the Model 3 and Model Y. So, there is plenty of time for Santa to drop one off in the driveway with a big bow. Not only that, but several areas also have Model Ys and Model 3s available right now.

It's in stark contrast to a few months ago when some buyers reported wait times of up to a year. This new situation could be viewed two ways. Tesla has achieved much better production times to keep those wait times lower, or demand has slowed for the vehicles.

Piecing together the company's headlines from the past year and you spot a few themes, production has been ramping up, there is now an abundance of batteries, and the shipping bottlenecks appear to be solved. The Model Y, which Elon Musk says will be the best-selling vehicle in the world in 2023, has been the focus of the Gigafactory in Texas. On October 30, the company tweeted Giga Texas had produced 20,000 Model Ys. The tweet came just 43 days after announcing the factory had reached 10,000.

In September, Tesla's vice president of investor relations gave a private presentation to Goldman Sachs. Martin Viecha was quoted by the Business Insider saying, "For the first time I can remember, we can access all the supply we need for both businesses." The businesses are vehicles and Powerwalls. So, getting the single most crucial component in an electric car is no issue.

However, dropping demand for several months to just a few weeks could also indicate fewer orders. The reigning king of the electric vehicle space has had a lot more company in the past year. Every automaker worldwide has been tripping over themselves announcing electric vehicles. Tesla had a ten-year head start on the competition, which started right after the first Model S was delivered in 2012. Now consumers have more choices, and some loyal to a brand can switch to electric while remaining with that same brand. While Tesla creates the best electric cars on Earth, they only have four models available to pick from, which may not fit everyone's needs.

Tesla has also recently stopped allowing buyers to hold off on an order when it's their turn to complete the purchase. You. used to be able to put off orders, but you're now limited to a one-time hold of up to seven days. At that point, you'll need to go through with the purchase or forfeit your place in line.

This change to Tesla's policy may also have played a role in reduced wait times.

Another factor that may be playing a role is the new U.S. tax credit that begins in 2023. Many reservation holders may be putting off their orders or canceling them in order to qualify for the upcoming tax credit.

While most vehicles are available within weeks, the Model 3 long-range is still unavailable for order. However, the website says it will be available in 2023. Keep in mind this doesn't include the Cybertruck, which will start to be delivered next year. Those wait times have been long.

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Tesla Launches Model 3 Tow Package in North America

Not a Tesla App

Tesla has finally launched a tow package for the refreshed 2024+ Model 3 in North America. While Tesla offered the tow package in the European and Asia-Pacific markets, this is the first time it has been made available in North America.

Until today, owners have had to use third-party hitch options, which do not support Tesla Tow Mode support or other features and can void your warranty.

Tow Package

The new package includes a high-strength steel tow bar, with the standard 2” receiver and 7-pin connector. As the package enables Tow Mode, the full trailer harness is also part of the installation.

As per Tesla’s specifications, this hitch supports towing up to 2,200 lbs (998kg), which is lower than the Model Y, Model S, and Model X, whose hitch supports up to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg). You’ll need a 2” hitch and a ball of your choice to get towing with this new receiver, which neatly tucks away underneath a panel that’s accessible via two plastic bolts, similar to the rest of Tesla’s lineup.

The tow package neatly tucks away when not in use.

Not a Tesla App

You can purchase the Model 3 Tow Package for $1,300 USD or $1765 CAD on the Tesla store or through your Tesla app. Installation is included in the price, and the parts are shipped directly to your local Tesla service center, where they’ll be installed. However, delivery can take one to two weeks.

As a note, this package is only compatible with the 2024+ Model 3 RWD and AWD. The Performance model is not compatible, likely due to the larger rear motor's size.

Installation

The total package price also includes shipping to your local Tesla Service Center. In addition, Tesla will enable the config changes that will allow you to use Tow Mode. The entire process takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the scope of work, as some Model 3s will require additional harness wiring.

It’s nice to see Tesla finally adding this much-missed feature to the North American Model 3, as many customers have had to use third-party solutions up to this point. Now, anyone can tow light loads with the refreshed Model 3 while also keeping their vehicle under warranty and taking advantage of Tow Mode.

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Tesla Launches Approved Window Tinting Service in Collaboration With XPEL

Not a Tesla App

Tesla has partnered with XPEL, one of the leading manufacturers of automotive tints, for an OEM-approved window tint. Previously, Tesla did not approve window tints on its vehicles and had even denied warranty claims for window issues if the windows were tinted.

Over the past year, Tesla Service has stopped denying warranty claims for cracked windows caused by excessive motor force, factory misalignments, or other minor issues — even when window tints are applied.

XPEL / Tesla Partnership

With this partnership, Tesla owners can find window tints directly through the Tesla app, just like they’d find any other Tesla accessory. The difference is that the purchase is completed on XPEL’s website instead of through the Tesla app.

Tesla is essentially promoting the service and presumably making it an approved product. However, the Tesla owner also benefits from having a better warranty instead of just going through XPEL directly.

XPEL offers two official tints for all Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck - its Prime XR+ and Prime XR lines. The best part is that XPEL and Tesla’s combined warranty covers the cost of reinstallation if the glass is damaged under Tesla’s vehicle warranty, which means you won’t have to pay anything additional to get your tint replaced.

You can check out the official specifications of the two tint options below.

Vehicle tints, like the ones XPEL offers, have numerous advantages. They reduce cabin heat, block UV rays, minimize glare from external light sources, and increase privacy.

The order is placed through XPEL’s website, and then you will be referred to your local installer. They will conduct the installation, and then you’re set and ready to go - no payment is needed from the installer. The process takes between 1-2 business days, including time for the tint to fully set on the glass. This reduces the chance of the window tint peeling prematurely from your frameless window, which automatically lowers and raises when you open and close the door.

For now, this service is only available in the United States, and you can get referred to an XPEL official installer through the button on XPEL’s Partner website here. You can select the shade/tint percentage of your window film on the installation date.

Of note, windshield tinting is not available through the partnership program, but XPEL advises that your local installer can provide you with an additional quote on the day of installation.

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