Tesla Unveils Powerwall 3: Specs, What's New and How It Compares to Powerwall 2

Tesla has introduced its newest Powerwall, Powerwall 3

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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

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.

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

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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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