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.
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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.
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.
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.
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 10th 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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