Tesla has introduced a 'Stanard Range' varient of the Model S and Model X
Not a Tesla App
Tesla has unveiled the Standard Range variants of the Model S and Model X. These original flagships symbolize the brand's essence but have historically not contributed to the bottom line like the less expensive Model 3 and Y have. This move can only be seen as responding to market demands for more cost-effective luxury electric vehicles. Tesla can cater to a broader spectrum of potential buyers and add some more Model S and X sales to the quarterly reports,
Features and Pricing: What's New?
The Model S and Model X Standard Range offer an intriguing blend of affordability and performance. The Model S Standard Range is priced at $78,490 USD, with an estimated range of 320 miles, a top speed of 149 mph, and acceleration from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The Standard Range sees the vehicle's range reduced by 80 miles and slower acceleration (slower to 60 mph by 0.6 seconds) when compared to the regular Model S.
Model S Comparison
Model S Standard Range
Model S
Model S Plaid
Range
320 mi
405 mi
396 mi
0 to 60 mph
3.7 sec
3.1 sec
1.99 sec
Price
$78,490
$88,490
$108,490
The Model X Standard Range, priced at $88,490 USD, shares the top speed with the Model S but has a range of 269 miles and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds. Both models have Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive and default Pearl White Multi-Coat paint. Similar to the Model S, the Model X Standard Range has its range reduced by 79 miles, and its 0 to 60 mph acceleration raised to 4.4 seconds (up from 3.8 seconds).
Model X Comparsion
Model X Standard Range
Model X
Model X Plaid
Range
269 mi
348 mi
333 mi
0 to 60 mph
4.4 sec
3.8 sec
2.5 sec
Price
$88,490
$98,490
$108,490
The anticipated delivery timeline for both new variants is September to October 2023. Tesla's potential software-locking strategy to create more affordable variants may spur sales and offer flexibility for future capacity unlocking through software updates.
The Gap in the Lineup: Analyzing the Numbers
Tesla's 2023 second-quarter numbers sharply illustrate the contrast between the original flagships and the more budget-friendly models. The Model S and X only accounted for 5% of sales:
Model S/X production: 19,489, deliveries 19,225
Model 3/Y production: 460,211, deliveries 446,915
Total production: 479,700, deliveries 466,140
With the Model 3 Performance priced at $53,240 and the Model S Standard Range at $78,490, the substantial price gap has long been a point of contention. The new Standard Range variants may attract customers looking for a midpoint between luxury and affordability, thus enhancing Tesla's market appeal.
Canadian buyers can enjoy savings of $13,000 CAD with the Model S and Model X priced at $108,990 CAD and $122,990 CAD.
Tesla's introduction of the Model S and Model X Standard Range variants marks a strategic milestone in its mission to expand accessibility. By offering a stepping stone between its entry-level and luxury models, Tesla is poised to attract a broader audience without compromising the performance and luxury that define the brand.
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Tesla has been improving its FSD features since introducing it in 2016
Tesla
Previously, the Tesla X account shared a video where FSD V12 appeared to consider a pedestrian’s hand gestures when navigating. Elon Musk also confirmed on X that hand gesture recognition would be improved in V12.4, and even better by V12.5.
Tesla has had plans for gesture recognition for many years, with Musk mentioning hand gesture recognition in 2021. FSD is supposed to be able to adapt to new and unique circumstances in a safe manner, whether following instructions from a police officer, or understanding the hand signals from a cyclist.
Boris Johnson and FSD
Boris Johnson, the ex-Prime Minister of the UK, recently got to experience FSD V12 in the crowded streets of LA, with his wife and child in the backseat. Tesla provided a vehicle and assistant for his self-driven experience through 5-road intersections, heavy traffic, and pedestrians.
At the end of about 45 minutes I feel like a driving test examiner – except that I want to tell the car that it has passed, with flying colours. -Boris Johnson
Gestures coming soon
Johnson had a single experience with hand gestures in his drive – being waved at a hotel. While the car didn’t recognize the gesture – even on FSD V12.3.6 – the Tesla official in the vehicle confirmed that “‘It doesn’t yet recognise that gesture, but we are fixing it for the next iteration. It should be done next month.”.
It’s not immediately clear whether the Tesla employee is referring to FSD v12.4, which is expected to start rolling out to the public later this week, or Tesla’s next major FSD release, V12.5. According to Musk, V12.5 is expected to handle much more complicated situations and even start vehicle-to-fleet communication.
Yeah, I wouldn’t count on this in 12.3.x, but 12.4 is a big improvement and 12.5 might nail it
When you’re tackling a problem like FSD, which has never been solved before, you sometimes have to pivot and realize there’s a better approach. That’s what Tesla has done with FSD and AI. Just a few years ago where people thought cars would need to be able to read signs to achieve autonomy, but with the latest approach, there’s no need to. As long as the vehicle has seen a specific sign before and has enough examples, it’s already trained on what humans do when such a sign is found. The same will be true for hand gestures, the vehicle won’t need to know what each hand gesture means, it’ll just recognize that when a current gesture is made, this is how the vehicle should react.
Tesla does this by feeding it millions of examples of very specific situations and AI recognizes patterns. This is an example where Tesla leverages fleet data. They can easily capture millions of examples of hand gestures and how humans reacted, and feed that to their AI training model.
As Tesla processes more video, FSD will continue to improve. Tesla is expected to spend $10 billion on AI this year alone, most of it going toward improving FSD.
Coming to Rivian vehicles over a software update is Google Cast and YouTube support, which will allow for seamless, high-quality content streaming to Rivian vehicles.
This is a big step forward for Rivian’s software integration, especially compared to Tesla, which has yet to integrate native apps or release the long-rumored Tesla native app store.
Google Cast
Google Cast is Google’s version of Apple AirPlay which is supported in a variety of audio and video streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and more. By using a supported app, a user will be able to cast content directly to Rivian’s main 15.6” center screen.
Like Casting to a TV or Smart Device at home, this will allow you to play, pause, or skip back and forth using the vehicle’s touchscreen. Google Casting automatically pauses when the vehicle shifts into Drive.
Native YouTube App
Alongside Google Cast, Rivian is also bringing a native YouTube app to vehicles, enabling users to access YouTube’s video and music library from anywhere with a data connection. These features will be integrated right into Rivian’s vehicle operating system, which means they will receive regular software updates, and not be reliant on browser-based capabilities.
Similar to casting content, YouTube content will also automatically pause when the vehicle is shifted into Drive.
Tesla Equivalents
For the time being, there is no way to AirPlay or Cast video from a phone or tablet to Tesla’s front or rear screens. However, for some apps such as YouTube, you can send the video URL to the vehicle and have it open the YouTube app to that video.
To do this, open the YouTube app and find a video. Once you’d like to share it with the vehicle you can tap on share. You’ll then need to share it with the Tesla app which will then send it to your vehicle. On iPhones this requires you to scroll to the right and tap on More, which brings up the native sharing screen and has the Tesla app.
However, this is far more limited than including AirPlay or Google Cast support which will work for practically and video, even personal videos in your photo library.
Elon Musk mentioned back in 2016 that Tesla would add mirroring of phone apps to the center screen, but that has yet to materialize. More recently Musk mentioned a native X App coming to Tesla vehicles.
Tesla Theater
Tesla Theater allows users to stream videos from various platforms, including YouTube, but these are web-based applications, with no native applications available. This leaves some marked limitations on usability.
Tesla most recently announced in their 2024.14 update that the browser will be able to be expanded to full-screen mode when parked, enabling more access to streaming services on the web. Meanwhile, Google Cast and Apple Airplay continue to remain highly requested features.
TeslaFi logs your drives and charging sessions, letting you keep a log of your vehice's activity. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. Visit their site and see everything they have to offer!
Tesla Android Project enables you to run Android apps in your Tesla. The platform is Open Source and you can deploy it on your own Raspberry Pi 4. Consider supporting the initiative by donating or purchasing the Compute Module 4 Bundle that delivers the best experience. Get $20 off by using the code: NotATeslaApp
The official Tesla app only notifies you if your car is broken into. By installing Sentry Pro on your phone, you will be notified for all Sentry Mode events. Stay connected and avoid potential surprises by receiving notifications. Stop constantly checking the cameras to ensure safety. Check only when necessary, save battery and get peace of mind. Get a 7 day free trial here!
Stay organized, connected, and stylish with Cyberbackpack — the #1 backpack, luggage & travel accessories for Tesla owners. We highly recommend checking them out if you commute or travel and would like a backpack or luggage that is sleek, secure and durable. View their products page and see everything they have to offer!
