Tesla's cheapest Model 3 will be eligible for the tax credit for several more weeks
Tesla
Tesla's Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant will be eligible for the $7,500 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) EV tax credit for a little longer than expected. The tax credit was initially expected to end for the rear-wheel drive vehicle on March 31st. However, the updated guidelines are now set to be released on April 18th, 2023. The updated guidance will cover battery production, assembly, and mineral sourcing requirements, affecting the eligibility of several electric vehicles (EVs) for full or partial credits.
The rules released for January 1 have been updated. Under the new guidance, at least 50% of an EV's battery components must be produced and assembled within the United States or in a country with a free trade agreement for the vehicle to qualify for the IRA tax credits. Additionally, at least 40% of the minerals used in an EV's battery must be sourced from the US or a country with a free trade agreement with the US. This percentage will increase by 10% annually, reaching 50% by 2024.
Impact on Tesla Model 3 RWD Tax Credit Eligibility
Tesla's Model 3 RWD battery pack, produced and assembled in China, uses CATL's LFP cells, which do not meet the new battery sourcing guidance. Consequently, the Model 3 RWD will not qualify for tax credits. The current Tesla Model 3 RWD price is $42,990 without the tax credit. However, Tesla's Model 3 Performance variant, equipped with domestically produced and assembled battery packs, will still be eligible for the full $7,500 EV tax credits.
A US official told Reuters that the Treasury's battery guidance would result in fewer EVs qualifying for credits. The Biden administration hopes the tax credit changes will lead to more EV sales as automakers adapt their supply chains to comply with the critical mineral and battery component rules.
Compliance Definitions: Extraction, Processing, and Recycling
To certify compliance with the US battery sourcing guidance, the Treasury has defined activities and processes related to the extraction, processing, and recycling of battery materials. The rules are part of a $430 billion climate bill aiming to reduce the United States' dependence on China for EV batteries and solar panels.
In February, the Treasury revised its vehicle classification definitions, making more Tesla, Ford, General Motors, and Volkswagen EVs eligible for up to $7,500 tax credits. However, some vehicles may see credits decline as the new battery guidance takes effect.
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It has been a long wait for FSD for European customers, many of whom paid for the feature years ago on now legacy hardware. While the FSD transfer program has come and gone multiple times, there’s something to be said about having it available in North America, where it can be used, and in Europe or other countries, where it still just remains the same as Enhanced Autopilot (differences between Autopilot, EAP, and FSD).
FSD Transfer is a nice goodwill gesture from Tesla that in theory doesn’t cost them anything. Instead, it keeps customers, especially those who have been waiting for years, loyal and happy. It also incentivizes them to upgrade to a newer Tesla with HW4, where FSD will hopefully be achieved.
In a reply to a post on X, Elon agreed with the suggestion that offering FSD transfers in Europe would be a fair solution for those who have already purchased FSD but can’t use its capabilities.
FSD Transfer directly addresses a growing concern for many long-term European Tesla owners. Thousands of customers purchased the full package, often many years ago, with the expectation that FSD would eventually be capable and approved for use. However, the reality is that FSD, even as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), continues to be pushed back in Europe.
Without the transfer program, it's a difficult choice: either throw away your original investment in FSD and pay for the package a second time (FSD price history), or subscribe to it in the future.
Offering FSD transfers is a good way for Tesla to meet them halfway. It's a difficult situation, and one that’s being hindered by processes beyond the control of both the customer and Tesla. However, a transfer helps both parties. Tesla sells another vehicle, and the customer gets to keep FSD.
When Will it Be Available?
Based on how FSD transfers have worked in the past following Elon’s announcements, this feature is likely to become available for a limited time period in the coming days or weeks. If it happens, we should expect an announcement from Tesla Europe on X and emails being sent out to Tesla customers.
Once the program is in place, all you need to do is complete your vehicle purchase and then inform your Tesla sales advisor that you’d like to transfer FSD. You don’t even have to sell or trade in your old Tesla; FSD will simply be removed from it as a feature.
Hopefully, Tesla enables FSD Transfers for everyone, regardless of region. It should be an ongoing offer until at least FSD is approved in the given country or region.
The introductory price for Tesla’s Robotaxi Network has finally been updated. In a post on X, Elon Musk confirmed that the new fare would be rolling out to complement the new Robotaxi geofence expansion.
This change marks the first adjustment to Tesla’s fares since the initial $4.20 launch price 23 days ago. While the price increase may seem significant in terms of percentages, when compared to other options in the ride-hailing area, it is still drastically cheaper.
But the price is now a princely $6.90, as foretold in the prophecy 😂
Robotaxi currently operates on a simple, flat-rate model. The new $6.90 fare gets you a ride to anywhere within the recently expanded geofence.
So far, this is the opposite approach compared to other services, such as Waymo or traditional ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft. All these services use dynamic pricing based on distance, time of day, and demand. A comparable trip on any one of these services could cost anywhere from $30 to $65, and potentially even higher during peak hours.
That doesn’t even include the tip fees for human drivers either - another win for Robotaxi (can you tip a Robotaxi?).
Even with the adjustment, the flat $6.90 fare remains less than half the price of a typical competing ride, making Robotaxi the most affordable point-to-point transportation option in Austin, aside from mass transit, for now.
A “Maturing” Service
The price change, moving from one meme-worthy number to another, is a sign that Robotaxi is finally graduating from its initial pilot phase. Following the first major expansion of the service area, this adjustment is a logical next step towards finding a more sustainable flat price.
While the new fare is a 65% increase over the old fare, the key takeaway is that it is still far cheaper than other options, and still just as meme-worthy. Tesla is aiming to have its early access riders complete as many rides as possible during these early months, and this pricing is still very reflective of that.
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