Tesla May Offer a New Wall Connector: Rumors and Speculations

Tesla may soon offer a cheaper or more powerful Wall Connector

Tesla

Tesla insider Chris Zheng hints at a possible new charging option for the electric vehicle giant. Tesla may be considering releasing a new home charging option, based on a tweet from the very well-informed Tesla insider Zheng.

A new charging option could potentially make Tesla ownership even more appealing to a wider range of consumers, further solidifying the company's place at the forefront of the EV revolution.

Tesla Insider Chris Zheng's Tweet

Zheng, the same insider who reported the removal of wood trim and the new camera set up in Hardware 4, recently tweeted about the Tesla Wall Connector, hinting at a potential new offering from the company.

Cheaper Wall Connector

In his tweet, Zheng mentioned two possibilities: A more affordable Wall Connector: Zheng suggested that Tesla might introduce a low-price, low-power Wall Connector, which would sacrifice some of its over-the-air (OTA) capabilities. This new charging option could respond to the growing competition in the Chinese EV market, where many Tesla competitors already offer similar products. However, Zheng disapproved of this potential move, stating it was "not fun."

Many owners today choose to charge with Tesla's mobile connector, a cheaper alternative. A cheaper Wall Connector could bridge the gap between the mobile connector and Tesla's more expensive home charging solution.

More Powerful Wall Connector

A next-gen Wall Connector with Cybertruck-style design: Another possibility Zheng mentioned is a new, next-generation Wall Connector featuring a design inspired by the much-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck. This upgraded Connector would have a total power of 21 kW, making it a more powerful option for Tesla owners looking to charge their vehicles.

A more powerful charging solution would likely be aimed at businesses that have access to more power and would like to provide a faster charging solution than the current Wall-Connector-based destination chargers offer. Last year Tesla introduced the ability for businesses to charge for charging through their destination chargers.

Implications of a New Charging Option

A new charging option could have several implications for Tesla and its customers.

Increased affordability: If Tesla were to introduce a more affordable Wall Connector, it could make the prospect of owning a Tesla more attractive to a broader range of potential buyers. This move could help Tesla gain a competitive edge in markets where price-sensitive consumers are more likely to opt for a more affordable EV charging solution.

Enhanced charging experience: A next-generation Connector with Cybertruck-inspired styling could create a more cohesive brand experience for Tesla owners. This new charging option could increase power and highlight the company's commitment to innovation and design.

Expanded market share: Offering new home charging options could help Tesla expand its market share in the global EV industry. By catering to various consumer needs and preferences, the company could attract a more diverse customer base and solidify its position as the leading EV manufacturer.

While Tesla has not yet confirmed these rumors, it's clear that any potential new charging options would play a significant role in the company's growth strategy. As the EV market continues to evolve, Tesla must stay ahead of the curve by offering innovative and affordable solutions that cater to the needs of a diverse range of consumers.

Tesla Is Now Offering Cybertruck Test Drives [List of Locations]

@brandonhd

Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.

Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.

It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.

Advisor-led Demo

This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.

Once FSD V12.5 comes to the Cybertruck, we’re sure they’ll be demoing its capabilities FSD capabilities as well.

Locations

The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.

• Manhasset, New York

• West Covina, California

• Los Angeles, California

• Houston, Texas

• Orlando, Florida

• Westmont, Illinois

• Tucson, Arizona

• Phoenix, Arizona

• Delaware

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Musk Confirms 'Actually Smart Summon' is Coming in a Revision of FSD V12.5

Not a Tesla App

Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.

We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.

Vision-based Improvements

ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.

Just recently, Tesla returned the Model X’s self-presenting doors, using Tesla Vision. Vision has seen some fantastic improvements, and many people are waiting for ASS to bring forth these improvements to Smart Summon.

Smart Summon Today

Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.

I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.

Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.

Actually Smart Summon

ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.

We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.

We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.

Park Seek and Banish Autopark

When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10^th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.

A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.

While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.

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