Tesla has started to offer a PPF wrap service at select locations
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We are getting our first look at Tesla's premium vehicle wrap service. A recent post by DennisCW on X showcases a Model Y wrapped in Forest Green. There are several images, including close-ups. While the wrap's quality is generally appreciated, there's debate over whether it's worth the high price tag, pegged at $8,000.
Tesla influencer Sawyer Merritt weighed in, emphasizing that Tesla's wraps are made from PPF and are more than just cosmetic enhancements. They are paint protection films designed to preserve the vehicle's original paint job, serving the dual purpose of aesthetics and protection. This perspective suggests that the wraps' value extends beyond mere color changes. From close up photos of the wrap, there are clear areas for improvement, although Tesla's quality and experience with wraps is likely to improve with time. It's also important to note that PPF wraps are much thicker than a traditional wrap, coming at about 8-12 mils thick (0.2mm - 0.3mm), compared to a regular car wrap, which has a thickness of 3-4 mils.
Range of Options and Clear PPF Wrap
Tesla offers a range of seven vibrant colors for their wraps, with prices starting at $7,500. This includes subtle shades like Satin Stealth Black and more vivid ones like Crimson Red. Additionally, a clear PPF wrap is available for $5,000, catering to those who prefer to retain their car's original color while enjoying protective benefits.
Still, the price point seems to be catching the attention. Typical wraps can be found for half the price, which still helps protect the vehicle's original paint job. That said, Tesla is offering a service, and many owners will choose to go to the company they trust and pay a higher price for a premium wrap.
Tesla's Strategic Expansion into Wraps
As we previously reported, Tesla's entry into the wrap business doesn't come as a surprise. We had speculated this move based on the unique wraps spotted on Cybertrucks. Tesla is offering these premium wraps for Model 3 and Model Y, with a likely expansion to other models, including the much-anticipated Cybertruck. We already saw a new matte black wrap on the Cybertruck and several designs. Who knows just how many wraps Tesla will consider offering?
Tesla's wrap service in the U.S. aligns with its initiatives in China, addressing critiques about the limited color options in Tesla vehicles. By offering customizable wraps, Tesla is tapping into the growing desire for personalization in the automotive industry, particularly among EV owners.
As the market reacts to Tesla's new wrap service, the pricing may be a point of contention. Tesla's products often command a premium, reflecting their quality and uniqueness. The success of this service, only available at two locations in California, may well hinge on how much value customers place on brand loyalty and personalization.
In Tesla’s upcoming update, 2024.32.3, Tesla has added hands-free support for opening the vehicle’s frunk. This follows the Spring Update (2024.14), which added Hands-Free Trunk support for certain vehicles.
When hands-free trunk support was added earlier this year, it was supported on vehicles that include an ultra wideband chip, which includes the refresh Model S, new Model X, and the 2024 Model 3. Due to the hardware requirement, these will be the same vehicles that support the new Hands-Free Frunk feature. Legacy vehicles without UWB will unfortunately not support either feature due to the hardware requirement. UWB enables far more accurate tracking of the phone key, allowing Tesla to pinpoint its exact location relative to the vehicle.
The Cybertruck interestingly also includes an ultra wideband chip, however, it didn’t include the automatic opening of the gate earlier this year. However, we expect the Cybertruck to also receive the hands-free frunk opening in this 2024.32.3 update or relatively soon afterward.
Update: The Cybertruck is receiving hands-free frunk support in the 2024.32 update as well.
Hands-Free Frunk
The Hands-Free Frunk works similarly to the trunk feature – with an iPhone 11+ and a recent version of the app, you’ll be able to stand in front of your vehicle, and the Frunk will unlatch after sounding a chime. On some vehicles, the frunk will immediately open after being unlatched, however, you’ll need to manually close it.
This new feature isn’t enabled by default – you’ll need to go to Settings > Locks > Hands-Free Frunk to enable it.
At this time, Tesla doesn’t support UWB on Android devices, though both the Hands-Free Trunk and Hands-Free Frunk support will come to Android users in a future app update, according to Tesla.
Exclude Home
With the addition of the hands-free frunk opening, Tesla has also added a new option. You can now choose to disable the automatic opening when your vehicle is located at home to prevent you from accidentally opening. This will apply to the automatic frunk and trunk. In addition, in the Model X, you’ll also be able to disable the self-presenting doors at home. This is a great addition as many people have kept the hands-free feature disabled due to it awkwardly opening in the garage.
In the 2024.32.3 update, Tesla also mentions that they’ve improved the detection of the phone key, which should make the feature more reliable and faster when approaching the vehicle from the front or rear.
Following its recent launch in the United States and Canada, Tesla has launched their referral program in several European countries as well.
The program is available in Germany, Norway, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and possibly others. The program is almost the same as the one available today in North America, with rewards for each referral and a discount for those referred. The cap in Europe is also ten per year.
This program comes right on the heels of a 0% financing offer for the Model Y in Sweden and France. While referrals aren't currently available in Sweden, the 0% financing still is.
European Referrals
The European Referral program accounts for country and local currency, where applicable.
Country
Referral Discount
Referral Award
UK
£1,000
£500
Germany, France, Netherlands
€1,000
€500
Norway
kr11,500
kr5,750
The referral reward program is comparable to the one available in North America. After exchange rates, there is only an approximately 10% difference between the available rewards in the US and EU.
Other Countries
We expect this program to start rolling out to other European countries over the next few days or weeks, as Tesla continues to expand its referral program.
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