Lars Moravy, Tesla's VP of Vehicle Engineering, took an unexpected but welcome turn on X to engage with the community, answering questions and shedding light on Tesla's technology and the new Model 3.
Traditionally, Elon Musk has been the face of Tesla everywhere, especially on X, sharing updates and insights with his massive following. However, with Musk increasingly focusing on political commentary, Moravy stepped in to fill the void, offering a rare glimpse into the technical advancements and thoughtful considerations behind the Model 3. With less than 12 thousand followers, Moravy's engagement might seem modest compared to Musk's 172.6 million, but his detailed responses provided significant value to Tesla enthusiasts and potential buyers.
The Power of Frequency Selective Damping
One of the most intriguing revelations is the introduction of Frequency Selective Damping technology in the Model 3. This advanced suspension system is designed to significantly enhance ride comfort by targeting the shake frequencies that resonate with the human body, specifically in the 4-6 Hz range. Moravy's explanation on X underlines the dual advantage of the technology: eliminating minor road discomforts while preserving the vehicle's agile steering. Lars stated, “Know the body,” and posted an interesting picture.
Beyond the groundbreaking suspension system, Tesla's promotional efforts and Moravy's subsequent discussions highlight several key general updates to the Model 3 and Tesla.
Addressing a concern raised by The Cybertruck Guy (@cybrtrkguy) regarding the lack of published recommended tires by Tesla, Moravy acknowledged the significance of tire selection on vehicle range. Moravy revealed Tesla's intention to publish a list of recommended tires to guide customers in making informed choices that maintain or enhance their vehicle's performance and range.
Good idea. We’ll get on that. In the meantime, know we label all Tesla designed tires whether from Michelin, Goodyear, Hankook, Conti, Pirelli, etc with a T# marking and that can be seen at any tire store. get the T0, T1, T2 and know it’s from us. pic.twitter.com/tjPckFEWxV
Until this list is available, he advised customers to identify Tesla-designed tires by looking for the T# marking on products from leading manufacturers such as Michelin, Goodyear, Hankook, Continental, and Pirelli. This marking, visible in any tire store, is a hallmark of Tesla's endorsement, ensuring compatibility and optimized performance for Tesla vehicles. This initiative highlights Tesla's proactive stance on addressing customer feedback and its commitment to enhancing the ownership experience through informed tire selection.
More Details on the Model 3
Pioneering Energy Efficiency: The updated Model 3 boasts an impressive reduction in energy consumption, approximately 8.3% lower than its predecessor. Moravy attributes this to Tesla's systemic approach to efficiency, focusing on aerodynamics, tire efficiency, HVAC systems, and minimizing energy wastage.
Dual Microphones for Enhanced Call Quality: Addressing feedback on call clarity, the Model 3 now features two microphones, significantly reducing echo and improving overall sound quality during phone calls.
More Trunk and Rear Seat Space: Moravy also responded to questions about the space in the vehicle, telling X users that the new Model 3 has a larger truck and more space in the backseat. “We heard you,” stated Moravy.
Reflecting on Tesla's Dynamic Engagement
Moravy's engagement on X is reminiscent of Musk’s participation with the Tesla community. The company has thrived on user feedback and company discussions. By stepping into a role typically filled by Elon Musk, Moravy provided valuable insights into the engineering and design considerations. But he also re-engaged a fanbase thirsty for more interaction with the top people at Tesla. Perhaps Moravy could get a profile picture.
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Tesla has quietly launched a new monthly subscription service in the United States for windshield protection. This is separate from the recently announced Extended Service Agreement, an extended warranty that is paid for monthly.
This new plan specifically targets one of the most common and costly repairs: windshield damage, which is not covered by the extended warranty.
This new plan is a nice addition for users who prefer peace of mind, but it comes with some very specific and time-sensitive eligibility windows that all new owners should be aware of.
Coverage & Cost
For a flat monthly fee that varies by model, the Windshield Protection Plan provides comprehensive coverage for the front windshield, including the use of Tesla OEM glass and any required Autopilot camera calibrations.
The benefits include:
One free windshield replacement every 12-month period with no deductible
Any additional replacements incur a $100 co-pay per replacement
Unlimited chip and minor crack repairs
Tesla varies the pricing based on your vehicle:
Model 3 / Model Y: $12 per month
Model S: $15 per month
Model X: $23 per month
Who is Eligible and When?
This is the most crucial part to take away here.
You must enroll within 30 days of taking delivery of a new or used Tesla vehicle.
This is a very tight window, so new owners interested in the plan will need to subscribe pretty quickly. However, Tesla does offer alternative ways to get into the program.
Alternative Ways to Join
If you paid for a replacement windshield at Tesla, you also have 30 days to join the program. Likewise, if your vehicle passes a complimentary vehicle inspection, Tesla will also offer you the ability to join the program.
Although the complimentary inspection isn’t available yet, Tesla expects to begin offering the program sometime around July 2025. For now, the plan is only available in the US, similar to the new Extended Service Agreement Subscription. However, Tesla has announced plans to roll it out to other regions shortly, starting with Canada and Mexico.
No Cybertruck Coverage
Just as with the ESA, the Cybertruck is left out. The new Windshield Protection Plan isn’t being offered on the Cybertruck.
This exclusion is particularly important given the high cost of replacing a windshield for the Cybertruck. Out-of-pocket replacement costs exceed $2,300 USD. For now, Cybertruck owners will have to rely on their standard auto insurance for coverage.
How to Subscribe
Enrolling in the Extended Service Agreement or the Windshield Protection plan is handled directly within the Tesla App. If your vehicle is eligible, you’ll be able to navigate to Upgrades > Service Plans > Windshield Protection to review the terms and subscribe.
Once the complimentary inspection is available, you’ll be able to subscribe in person at a Tesla service center as well.
This new plan offers an affordable way for owners to hedge against one of the most common, frustrating, and expensive repair costs, and is expected to be a popular add-on.
Tesla has introduced a new, more flexible and affordable way for owners to get peace of mind after their factory warranty ends. This new service is a monthly subscription that replaces the previous Extended Service Agreement (ESA) in the United States.
The new subscription model makes it more appealing to owners, as it avoids a large upfront payment. This new subscription also offers better coverage terms than before.
Longer Coverage, Better Flexibility
The biggest upgrade in this new format of the ESA is the length of the coverage. The old prepaid ESA was limited to just two years or 25,000 miles beyond the factory warranty, for a total of up to 75,000 miles.
The new monthly program doubles the potential coverage period, offering protection for up to four additional years beyond the factory warranty, or until the vehicle reaches 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Coming from a basic vehicle warranty of 4 years or 50,000 miles, this is a huge jump up in customer protection.
Pricing & Deductible
The monthly price is simple, but it varies depending on the model. The Model 3 is the most affordable at just $50 per month, while the Model X is the most expensive at $150 per month.
Model 3: $50 / month
Model Y: $60 / month
Model S: $125 / month
Model X: $150 / month
However, Tesla will also charge a $100 deductible for each service visit that covers an included repair, on top of the monthly subscription fee.
Exclusions
The ESA is an exclusionary warranty, meaning it covers the repair or replacement needed to correct a failure of most parts manufactured or supplied by Tesla. However, there are some parts not covered under the ESA, which include:
Issues arising from accidents, modifications, or environmental damage
Essentially, the ESA is designed to cover the components other than the drivetrain. That includes the touchscreen, computers, heat pumps, suspension, or other non-drivetrain electronics that aren’t covered after the 4-year basic warranty.
Tesla vehicles come with an extensive battery and drivetrain warranty that covers these items for up to 8 years. The maximum mileage varies by model. RWD Model 3 and Model Ys are covered for the first 100k miles, while Long Range Model 3s and Ys are covered up to 120k miles. The Model S and Model X are covered for up to 150,000 miles or 8 years.
Eligibility and Sign-Up
Eligibility for the new ESA subscription is pretty clear-cut.
Your vehicle must be within its 4-year / 50,000-mile Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty. Tesla will send customers whose basic warranty is about to expire a notification approximately 3 months before the time-based expiry.
The subscription is not available for leased vehicles or vehicles that were purchased used. Tesla plans to offer eligibility to customers who purchase their vehicle at the end of a lease by the end of 2025, and for used vehicle customers in the near future.
The Cybertruck, due to its relatively newness to the market, doesn’t have access to the ESA quite yet - but it will be coming “in the near future.” For Canada and Mexico in particular, the ESA is not yet available, but Tesla has confirmed plans to bring this subscription to other regions soon.
Subscribing is done through the Tesla App. Tap Upgrades> Service Plans > Extended Service Agreement. Once you review the terms and the monthly fee, you can then hit Subscribe and confirm your payment information.
If the ESA is not visible, your vehicle is not eligible for the subscription.
Payments for the ESA only begin once your original warranty has expired. However, you can sign up at any time, and payments will automatically start when your factory warranty expires.
Other Service Plans
Tesla also offers a Windshield Protection Plan and a Wheel and Tire Protection Plan, if you didn’t already know. Both of these plans are subscription-based and are currently only available in the United States. However, Tesla has indicated that it plans to expand to other regions in the near future.
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