Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by producing products far superior to fossil fuel alternatives and sourcing and manufacturing them sustainably. Tesla released its 2023 Impact Report yesterday, discussing their ongoing impact on the environment and the improvements seen.
Displacing Fossil Fuels
In 2023 alone, Tesla’s impact on the environment through its vehicles, Powerwall, and Solar Roof has been massively impactful – Tesla customers avoided releasing the equivalent of 20 million metric tons of CO2e into the environment. That is the equivalent of 51 billion miles of driving an average internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
Each Tesla vehicle that is on the road avoids an average of 51 tons of CO2e emission into the environment. After just 3 years of driving, a Tesla’s lifetime emissions are lower than those of a comparable ICE vehicle. After the average lifespan of a vehicle in North America – 17 years – a single Tesla will have exceeded that value 5.5 times over.
Integrated Ecosystems
Tesla offers comprehensive ecosystems of products to address clean energy and transportation needs, from Megapack, Solar Roof, and Powerwall, to the Model S, 3, X, Y, and Cybertruck.
On the software side, products like Autobidder, Full Self-Driving, and the upcoming Robotaxi work to maximize the productivity of electricity that is stored in vehicles, helping to further displace fossil fuels in a single ecosystem of well-designed products.
Tesla's ecosystem depicted.
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World’s Best EVs
Tesla’s Model Y is still the best-selling vehicle in 2023, a trend likely to continue in 2024. And it’s not for little reason. It is the world’s most efficient EV, capable of running Autopilot/FSD, and is considered one of the best safety picks in both North America and Europe. Tesla’s data has also proven that they are, on average, 7.63 times safer than a traditional vehicle when running Autopilot.
Additionally, the Model Y is priced $3,000 USD below the average new vehicle in the US before the Federal EV Tax Credit – a difference of $17,000 after factoring in the credit and gas savings over 5 years.
Battery Degradation
Model 3/Y battery degradation over time
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Battery degradation is often brought up as a concern for EVs and the environment. Batteries fade away, become useless, and cannot be recycled. According to Tesla’s data and experience, this is far from the truth.
Another interesting fact is that Tesla vehicles in particular – are 8 times less likely to be victim to a vehicle fire, compared against the US average.
Sustainable Sourcing
Sustainably sourcing materials is essential to reach Tesla’s vision of a world with reduced environmental impacts. In 2023, Tesla recovered enough battery materials to produce 43,000 Model Y RWD vehicles, while also sourcing Gigafactory Berlin with 100% renewable energy.
Overall, Tesla solar owners generated enough energy to power all Tesla locations, including all the Mega and Giga Factories, and all other facilities – over 3 times.
Tesla has also reduced water use by 25% over the last 5 years for vehicle production, marking a new milestone low – at 2.48 cubic meters of water, versus 3.37 cubic meters of water for an average ICE vehicle.
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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.
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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.
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.
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