Tesla has introduced its newest Powerwall, Powerwall 3
Not a Tesla App
Tesla continues its foray into home energy solutions with the highly anticipated launch of Powerwall 3, a product that pledges to redefine sustainable home energy systems. Official details emerged, painting a promising picture of the capabilities and features of the next-generation home battery.
What Sets It Apart
Building on the success of its predecessors, the Powerwall 3 retains the same 13.5 kWh energy capacity in Powerwall 2. However, the noteworthy upgrade comes in the amount of power it can provide — an increase to 11.5 kW continuous power, instead of 10 kW peak on the Powerwall 2.
The Powerwall 3 also had its on-grid power increase substantially from 5.8 kVA (4.64 kW) to 11.5 kW, both continuously.
Built-in Inverter
A major distinguishing feature is the fully integrated solar inverter with a capacity to handle up to six solar inputs, facilitating high-efficiency direct solar connections. This move showcases Tesla’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions, setting a new benchmark in solar-to-grid energy conversion efficiency pegged at a staggering 97.5%.
Compatibility and Expansion Possibilities
While it’s built for the future, the Powerwall 3 seems to take a step back in terms of compatibility with existing setups. Tesla has clarified that this new release will not be compatible with Powerwall 2 units or other solar inverters, indicating a clear pathway Tesla envisions for its users — a one-brand ecosystem that promises seamless integration and efficiency.
Prospective buyers should note the enhanced scalability; a single unit can be easily expanded to meet growing energy demands, with a maximum additional capacity of 40.5 kWh per unit. However, it seems Tesla is looking to streamline its operations by directing new solar installations towards the Powerwall 3 while recommending Powerwall 2 for additions to existing solar setups.
Design and Installation
Tesla has slightly redesigned the Powerwall 3, making it compact yet heavier compared to its predecessor. With dimensions of 43.25 in x 24 in x 7.6 in and a weight of 287 lbs, it seeks to blend power with aesthetics. Installation includes the promise of seamless backup transition and resilience against flood and dust, adhering to North American safety and EMI standards.
Despite the buzz and some users reporting early installations, the wide-scale availability of Powerwall 3 is slated for 2024. Moreover, it will not be part of the $500 rebate offer that is currently applicable to Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+ installations happening between June 15, 2023, and October 31, 2023.
Comparing Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3
Feature
Powerwall 2
Powerwall 3
Energy Capacity
13.5 kWh
13.5 kWh
On-Grid Power
5.8 kVA continuous
11.5 kW continuous
Backup Power
10 kW peak, 106A LRA motor start
11.5 kW continuous, 150 LRA motor start
Size (L x W x D)
45.30 in x 29.6 in x 5.75 in
43.25 in x 24.0 in x 7.60 in
Weight
251.3 lbs
287 lbs
Warranty
10 years
10 years
Scalability
Single size
Up to 40.5 kWh max addition per unit
Inverter
Not included
Included (6 solar inputs)
As Tesla prepares to roll out the Powerwall 3, prospective users are keen on the transformative features it brings to the home energy landscape. The inclusion of an integrated solar inverter and system controller stands out, promising an efficient and versatile home energy solution. However, it's not without its limitations, particularly concerning compatibility and financial incentives.
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The greatly anticipated FSD v12.4 is around the corner, with Elon Musk mentioning that it will be going to employees this weekend, with limited external testers next week.
Several significant improvements are coming with V12.4, which is being compared to the leap in performance that was previously seen between V12 and V11.
Improved Comfort and Reduced Interventions
There are quite a few improvements expected with V12.4, which Musk has said will be focused on user comfort by reducing hard accelerations and sudden braking. According to Musk, FSD v12.4 is also expected to have a 5-10x improvement in time between user interventions, which means that Tesla is rapidly approaching its goal for the Robotaxi announcement on August 8, 2024.
Steering Wheel Nag Removal
FSD V12.4 is expected to eliminate the steering wheel nag, as Musk confirmed its removal last week. The camera-based driver monitoring system will be taking over, providing a hands-free experience. These improvements will most likely benefit owners who have cabin cameras with infrared lights the most, while Tesla may continue to use steering wheel nag as a fallback mechanism.
Driverless Autopark
The second key feature that may be included in v12.4 will be Banish Autopark, previously known as Reverse Summon, allowing you to choose a parking spot, exit the vehicle and have the car park itself. Whether this feature makes it in v12.4 is yet to be seen, but Musk has mentioned that parking without a driver is coming soon.
Automatically Seek Parking Spot at Destination
Finally, your Tesla will now traverse a parking lot and automatically enter Autopark mode when arriving at a destination, according to a post from Musk.
Eligibility and Branch
Tesla recently added FSD v12.3.6 to the 2024.14 branch with updates 2024.14.5 and 2024.14.6. This makes it very likely that Tesla’s next FSD version will also be based on 2024.14, meaning that it will be available to any vehicle on 2024.14.x.
For users on update 2024.3.25, this means that they’ll receive all of the features included in updates 2024.8 and 2024.14, which should make it a massive update.
Release Date
Musk has mentioned that FSD V12.4 is going out to employee vehicles for internal testing this weekend, with external testing starting next week. The rollouts typically go slower than predicted but looks like we may see this begin shipping to customers by the end of the month.
Today, as part of a broader change of tariff rates on Chinese goods, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that he’ll raise tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China, increasing the rate from 25% to 100%, effective this year.
This increase won’t just impact the import of vehicles, but also the rate for lithium-ion batteries produced in China, which will be moving from 7.5% to 25%.
Impact on Competition
The immediate impact of this new regulation is significant for Chinese manufacturers, who have been regarded as Tesla’s largest and greatest competition. Given the tariff hike, this means that new Chinese manufacturers, such as Nio, XPeng, or BYD, will either need to set up production in North America, or be subject to the increased import tariff.
Nio’s vehicles cost between $40,000 USD to $70,000 USD in China based on today’s conversion rates, and with an import tariff of 100%, an imported vehicle’s price would be doubled to $80,000 USD to $140,000 USD, not including other fees. Chinese manufacturers will have to closely weigh the advantages and disadvantages of opening up the North American market, with challenges including vehicle homologation, new tariffs, and a difficult EV market.
Tesla and Chinese Tariffs
Elon Musk recently visited China, engaging with officials to build a foundation for what is currently the world’s largest electric vehicle market. With the potential import of Chinese EVs becoming restricted to the United States, this places Tesla in an advantageous position over its Chinese competitors who have yet to establish their brands in North America.
On the other hand, this could also impact Tesla, as they import Chinese batteries for usage in some vehicles in the United States.
Tesla does not import Gigafactory Shanghai vehicles to the US, but has been increasing North American battery production lately, with expansions in Lathrop, California and a new facility in Sparks, Nevada.
Canadian Tariffs
In Canada, the Model 3 and Model Y are currently being imported from Gigafactory Shanghai. Given Canada’s close following of US foreign policy, this could impact either the prices of Tesla vehicles in Canada or have Tesla shipping vehicles from Fremont and Texas to the United States once again, should Canada also adopt a similar tariff policy.
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