Tesla's New Wrap Service: First Photos and Impressions

November 22, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

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.

Rivian to Add Google Cast and Native YouTube App, Will Tesla Respond?

May 17, 2024

By Not a Tesla App Staff

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.

Tesla FSD V12.4 - Features and Release Date

May 16, 2024

By Not a Tesla App Staff

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.