Tesla's lead engineer for the Cybertruck, Wes Morrill, took to X with a candid message that encapsulates the company’s stance on attempts to flip the Cybertruck for profit: "FAFO - we build vehicles for people who love and enjoy them, not to flip for profit without adding any value." If you don’t know the acronym, please do a quick search!
FAFO - we build vehicles for people who love and enjoy them. Not to flip for profit without adding any value. This shouldn't need to be said or enforced https://t.co/hNsNpLTirt
Tesla's anti-flipping policy got some attention after a Cybertruck owner listed their vehicle for sale on multiple websites. The owner shared the experience on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum. The owner was contacted by the local Tesla store leader, who issued the cancellation of their additional Cybertruck reservations. This action was accompanied by a clear message: any future attempts to order a Cybertruck—or possibly any other Tesla vehicle—would be denied, with reservation and order fees forfeited.
In a series of social media exchanges, the conversation around Tesla's policy against reselling the Cybertruck within the first year of purchase had Morrill's attention. He further elaborated on the policy, stating that if an owner must sell the Cybertruck within the first year due to unforeseen circumstances, Tesla may consider making an exception to its no-resale clause. However, this would require the owner to notify Tesla in writing and allow the company the opportunity to repurchase the vehicle, considering mileage, wear and tear, and the cost to repair the vehicle to Tesla's standards.
The debate over Tesla's approach intensified with comments arguing owners should be free to do as they wish with their property. Morrill countered these arguments: This strawman argument is not the purpose of the no-resale clause.
Convenient Timing
By prioritizing genuine enthusiasts over opportunistic sellers, Tesla aims to maintain the integrity of its brand and the unique ownership experience it offers. However, that does not explain the celebrities who got a Cybertruck within the first couple of months of delivery. Does anyone really believe that Kim Kardashian was waiting at her computer for the Cybertruck reservations to open? She is one of several celebrities who could have only gotten the Cybertruck one way: by buying it from someone else—AKA someone who is flipping.
Now that the Cybertruck is reaching more people, the flipping policy is being enforced. We still don’t know what happened to the owner of a Cybertruck that was auctioned off and then listed for $300,000 at a Porsche dealership. The policy was announced long before Cybertruck hit the roads, and it should be enforced for everybody, A-list or not. If it’s not enforced equally, then let capitalism do its thing.
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Tesla has finally launched a tow package for the refreshed 2024+ Model 3 in North America. While Tesla offered the tow package in the European and Asia-Pacific markets, this is the first time it has been made available in North America.
Until today, owners have had to use third-party hitch options, which do not support Tesla Tow Mode support or other features and can void your warranty.
Tow Package
The new package includes a high-strength steel tow bar, with the standard 2” receiver and 7-pin connector. As the package enables Tow Mode, the full trailer harness is also part of the installation.
As per Tesla’s specifications, this hitch supports towing up to 2,200 lbs (998kg), which is lower than the Model Y, Model S, and Model X, whose hitch supports up to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg). You’ll need a 2” hitch and a ball of your choice to get towing with this new receiver, which neatly tucks away underneath a panel that’s accessible via two plastic bolts, similar to the rest of Tesla’s lineup.
The tow package neatly tucks away when not in use.
Not a Tesla App
You can purchase the Model 3 Tow Package for $1,300 USD or $1765 CAD on the Tesla store or through your Tesla app. Installation is included in the price, and the parts are shipped directly to your local Tesla service center, where they’ll be installed. However, delivery can take one to two weeks.
As a note, this package is only compatible with the 2024+ Model 3 RWD and AWD. The Performance model is not compatible, likely due to the larger rear motor's size.
Installation
The total package price also includes shipping to your local Tesla Service Center. In addition, Tesla will enable the config changes that will allow you to use Tow Mode. The entire process takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the scope of work, as some Model 3s will require additional harness wiring.
It’s nice to see Tesla finally adding this much-missed feature to the North American Model 3, as many customers have had to use third-party solutions up to this point. Now, anyone can tow light loads with the refreshed Model 3 while also keeping their vehicle under warranty and taking advantage of Tow Mode.
Tesla has partnered with XPEL, one of the leading manufacturers of automotive tints, for an OEM-approved window tint. Previously, Tesla did not approve window tints on its vehicles and had even denied warranty claims for window issues if the windows were tinted.
Over the past year, Tesla Service has stopped denying warranty claims for cracked windows caused by excessive motor force, factory misalignments, or other minor issues — even when window tints are applied.
XPEL / Tesla Partnership
With this partnership, Tesla owners can find window tints directly through the Tesla app, just like they’d find any other Tesla accessory. The difference is that the purchase is completed on XPEL’s website instead of through the Tesla app.
Tesla is essentially promoting the service and presumably making it an approved product. However, the Tesla owner also benefits from having a better warranty instead of just going through XPEL directly.
XPEL offers two official tints for all Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck - its Prime XR+ and Prime XR lines. The best part is that XPEL and Tesla’s combined warranty covers the cost of reinstallation if the glass is damaged under Tesla’s vehicle warranty, which means you won’t have to pay anything additional to get your tint replaced.
You can check out the official specifications of the two tint options below.
Prime XR +
Prime XR
Infrared Heat Rejection
Up to 96%
Up to 85%
UV Protection
Blocks 99% of Harmful UV Rays
Blocks 99% of Harmful UV Rays
Glare Reduction
Up to 95% Glare Reduction
Up to 95% Glare Reduction
Technology
Dual-Layer Nano Ceramic
Single-Layer Nano Ceramic
Vehicle tints, like the ones XPEL offers, have numerous advantages. They reduce cabin heat, block UV rays, minimize glare from external light sources, and increase privacy.
The order is placed through XPEL’s website, and then you will be referred to your local installer. They will conduct the installation, and then you’re set and ready to go - no payment is needed from the installer. The process takes between 1-2 business days, including time for the tint to fully set on the glass. This reduces the chance of the window tint peeling prematurely from your frameless window, which automatically lowers and raises when you open and close the door.
For now, this service is only available in the United States, and you can get referred to an XPEL official installer through the button on XPEL’s Partner website here. You can select the shade/tint percentage of your window film on the installation date.
Of note, windshield tinting is not available through the partnership program, but XPEL advises that your local installer can provide you with an additional quote on the day of installation.