Tesla has updated the EPA range for the Model S, Model X, and Model Y due to changes in the EPA process. When determining vehicle range, the manufacturer must now test the vehicle in all acceleration modes and ride heights and then take the average of those ranges.
This has caused the range for various Tesla models to change, mostly resulting in lower estimates. However, the range reductions are merely a result of EPA testing requirements and are not related to changes in these vehicles.
Efficiency Refinements
The Model S, Tesla's longstanding flagship, has seen range adjustments. While the Long Range variant maintains its 405-mile range, the Model S Plaid experiences a reduction to 359 miles from 396 miles. Tesla also adjusts the range for different wheels, with the Model S Plaid with 21” wheels having a new range estimate of 320 miles, down from 348.
Like the Model S, the Model X also saw some reductions in its EPA-rated range. The Model X Long Range now offers a 335-mile range, down from 348 miles, and the Plaid variant is reduced to 326 miles from 333 miles.
The most significant changes come to the Model Y. The Model Y Long Range range is down to 310 miles (from 330 miles) and the Performance model to 285 miles (from 303 miles), while the rear-wheel drive variant remains steady at 260 miles.
The changes are only due to the EPA testing cycle in the U.S. (and possibly soon Canada), but will not affect the range in other countries. Given that it’s often hard to match Tesla’s previous EPA estimates, these changes should result in more realistic, real-world numbers, giving owners a better expectation of the range of their new vehicles.
2023 EPA Rating
2024 EPA Rating
Model S Long Range
405 mi
405 mi
Model S Plaid
396 mi
359 mi
Model X Long Range
348 mi
335 mi
Model X Plaid
333 mi
326 mi
Model Y RWD
260 mi
260 mi
Model Y Long Range
330 mi
310 mi
Model Y Performance
303 mi
285 mi
Model Y in Stealth Grey and Ultra Red
Tesla has also introduced two captivating color options for the Model Y, Stealth Grey and Ultra Red. Stealth Grey, a color first seen on the Model S and Model X in October 2023, is now available at no additional cost. Ultra Red, equivalent to "Flame Red" offered in China, was introduced in March last year and is now available for an additional $2,000.
Below, you can view the new colors and how they compare to the color they’re replacing on the Model Y.
Model Y color comparison: Old Midnight Silver Metallic vs new Stealth Gray (darker one).
This is the first new color the Model Y has gotten in the U.S. since the car launched nearly 4 years ago. Which color do you prefer? pic.twitter.com/d69A2WDfUf
For those waiting for Midnight Silver and Midnight Cherry Red, it looks like you’re out of luck. The beautiful colors are only available at Giga Berlin and haven’t crossed the ocean yet. These new colors, especially the striking Ultra Red, are expected to enhance the appeal of the Model Y further, already the top-selling EV in the world.
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It has been a long wait for FSD for European customers, many of whom paid for the feature years ago on now legacy hardware. While the FSD transfer program has come and gone multiple times, there’s something to be said about having it available in North America, where it can be used, and in Europe or other countries, where it still just remains the same as Enhanced Autopilot (differences between Autopilot, EAP, and FSD).
FSD Transfer is a nice goodwill gesture from Tesla that in theory doesn’t cost them anything. Instead, it keeps customers, especially those who have been waiting for years, loyal and happy. It also incentivizes them to upgrade to a newer Tesla with HW4, where FSD will hopefully be achieved.
In a reply to a post on X, Elon agreed with the suggestion that offering FSD transfers in Europe would be a fair solution for those who have already purchased FSD but can’t use its capabilities.
FSD Transfer directly addresses a growing concern for many long-term European Tesla owners. Thousands of customers purchased the full package, often many years ago, with the expectation that FSD would eventually be capable and approved for use. However, the reality is that FSD, even as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), continues to be pushed back in Europe.
Without the transfer program, it's a difficult choice: either throw away your original investment in FSD and pay for the package a second time (FSD price history), or subscribe to it in the future.
Offering FSD transfers is a good way for Tesla to meet them halfway. It's a difficult situation, and one that’s being hindered by processes beyond the control of both the customer and Tesla. However, a transfer helps both parties. Tesla sells another vehicle, and the customer gets to keep FSD.
When Will it Be Available?
Based on how FSD transfers have worked in the past following Elon’s announcements, this feature is likely to become available for a limited time period in the coming days or weeks. If it happens, we should expect an announcement from Tesla Europe on X and emails being sent out to Tesla customers.
Once the program is in place, all you need to do is complete your vehicle purchase and then inform your Tesla sales advisor that you’d like to transfer FSD. You don’t even have to sell or trade in your old Tesla; FSD will simply be removed from it as a feature.
Hopefully, Tesla enables FSD Transfers for everyone, regardless of region. It should be an ongoing offer until at least FSD is approved in the given country or region.
The introductory price for Tesla’s Robotaxi Network has finally been updated. In a post on X, Elon Musk confirmed that the new fare would be rolling out to complement the new Robotaxi geofence expansion.
This change marks the first adjustment to Tesla’s fares since the initial $4.20 launch price 23 days ago. While the price increase may seem significant in terms of percentages, when compared to other options in the ride-hailing area, it is still drastically cheaper.
But the price is now a princely $6.90, as foretold in the prophecy 😂
Robotaxi currently operates on a simple, flat-rate model. The new $6.90 fare gets you a ride to anywhere within the recently expanded geofence.
So far, this is the opposite approach compared to other services, such as Waymo or traditional ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft. All these services use dynamic pricing based on distance, time of day, and demand. A comparable trip on any one of these services could cost anywhere from $30 to $65, and potentially even higher during peak hours.
That doesn’t even include the tip fees for human drivers either - another win for Robotaxi (can you tip a Robotaxi?).
Even with the adjustment, the flat $6.90 fare remains less than half the price of a typical competing ride, making Robotaxi the most affordable point-to-point transportation option in Austin, aside from mass transit, for now.
A “Maturing” Service
The price change, moving from one meme-worthy number to another, is a sign that Robotaxi is finally graduating from its initial pilot phase. Following the first major expansion of the service area, this adjustment is a logical next step towards finding a more sustainable flat price.
While the new fare is a 65% increase over the old fare, the key takeaway is that it is still far cheaper than other options, and still just as meme-worthy. Tesla is aiming to have its early access riders complete as many rides as possible during these early months, and this pricing is still very reflective of that.