This morning, Tesla initiated a recall of 694,304 vehicles across most of its lineup to help fix an issue with a non-illuminated tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). It will be fixed with an Over-the-Air software update.

The NHTSA now notes below the recalls that will be fixed with this convenient method that they are resolved with software updates:

It is a big step in the right direction as many, even Tesla CEO Elon Musk, have called for updated terminology for recalls over the past several years.

Elon Musk calls on NHTSA to update terminology following 1M unit Tesla ‘recall’

Although the NHTSA has acknowledged in its notices that the issues will be resolved with software updates, this is the first time we are seeing this note directly below the title of the recall on its website.

The issue impacts 2024 Cybertrucks, 2017-2025 Model 3s, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles, and could fail to warn drivers of low tire pressure in their vehicles. The lack of illumination from the TPMS light is a violation of FMVSS 138, S4.4(b)(3), which states:

“Continues to illuminate the TPMS malfunction telltale under the conditions specified in S4.4(a) for as long as the malfunction exists, whenever the ignition locking system is in the “On” (“Run”) position.”

Tesla will resolve it with the update, which will remedy the issue without any need for physical service.

As of December 13, Tesla is not aware of any injuries or accidents stemming from this issue.

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The Easter Egg is called “Aero Mode,” and it all has to do with the positioning of the obnoxiously large windshield wiper that Tesla installed on the Cybertruck.

According to the Cybertruck’s Lead Engineer, Wes Morrill, Aero Mode positions the wiper vertically along the A Pillar of the all-electric pickup.

It activates the mode automatically at higher speeds and helps decrease drag, which is a very important metric to minimize, especially for EVs, as it can greatly decrease range if it is not managed correctly.

The tidbit was shared by Morrill with Matt Wallace:

Learned something new about the Cybertruck from @wmorrill3 yesterday. At higher speeds the wiper will move slightly and enter what’s called “aero mode” to help with efficiency and aerodynamics. Super cool to hear it directly from the guy who helped build it. pic.twitter.com/D7bLoT2fgT

— Matt Wallace (@MattWallaceTech) December 19, 2024

The wiper will physically move to this position at higher speeds to help with range and aerodynamics.

Wallace said he has seen the wiper shift to this position while he drives his Cybertruck on the highway at certain speeds. Initially, he thought it was an issue with the wiper itself, thinking it was loose or not installed properly.

“Turns out it has a purpose,” he said.

It is just one of many features across the Tesla lineup that goes under the radar but was drafted up by company engineers to make the vehicle more efficient. Range loss and combating drag while driving an EV are usually always on the minds of the engineers at any manufacturer.

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Within the past few days, Tesla’s “Foundation Series” Cybertrucks have appeared on the company’s inventory page in states across the U.S. At the time of writing on Sunday afternoon, Tesla’s website still shows inventory Foundation Series units in at least California, Colorado, Florida, Texas, Minnesota, and likely several other states.

As noted on listings for these units, they still include many of the initial launch features that have always come with the Foundation Series units, including the subtle “Foundation Series” badges near the side mirrors, the inclusion of Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD), and lifetime premium connectivity, among other upgraded Tesla Cybertruck accessories still.

You can find the inventory units for both the tri-motor Cyberbeast configuration and the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) trim, which are listed at $119,990 and $99,990, respectively. By comparison, U.S. buyers can now purchase non-Foundation Series units, which don’t include the aforementioned upgrades, for $79,990 (AWD) and $99,990 (Cyberbeast) through Tesla’s online order configurator.

Credit: Tesla

Florida-based X user Bearded Tesla said that there were 13 Foundation Series Cybertrucks at his local delivery center, as well as several non-Foundation Series units. He also confirmed that the Foundation Series models would still include FSD Supervised, as can be seen on the inventory page when searching for Cybertrucks.

Credit: Bearded Tesla | X

Tesla effectively ended the Foundation Series program for the U.S. market in October, going on to launch the non-Foundation Series units online. The program lasted around 11 months since Tesla initially launched the Cybertruck last November.

Currently, the Foundation Series is still the only Cybertruck option available in the Canadian and Mexican markets, and some have been speculating that Tesla could continue this for a while, eventually rolling out non-Foundation Series units, just as it did in the U.S.

Tesla also achieved a positive gross margin on the Cybertruck for the first time in October, after ramping up production of the electric vehicle (EV) at its Gigafactory in Texas throughout much of this year. A recent recall of the Cybertruck that was resolved with a software update revealed that there were approximately 27,185 units affected—likely a good estimate for the number of units that had been produced thus far by the tenth month of the year.

What are your thoughts? Let me know at zach@teslarati.com, find me on X at @zacharyvisconti, or send us tips at tips@teslarati.com.

Tesla completes Cybertruck regulatory filing in China just days after rumor denial

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In September, Tesla eliminated 80 percent of its in-house wrap options for the Cybertruck in a move that seemed to limit available colors to the most popular.

On Friday, December 13, Tesla launched a new vinyl wrap service for the Cybertruck, as well as the Model 3 and Model Y, pricing the new service at between $4,000 and $4,500.

Tesla writes on its website:

“Customize your Tesla with a vinyl wrap. Available in a variety of colors, textures and patterns, these wraps are made from polyvinyl chloride, making them extra durable, versatile and removable. Choose between matte, satin and gloss finishes. Hand-wash only.”

Interestingly, there is no dropdown menu to select a color, only the finish. This likely means Tesla will be able to supply basically whatever the customer could want. On its website, it shows various screenshots of each vehicle in a variety of colors.

Here are a few Tesla is showing on the website:

The Cybertruck wraps are priced at $4,500, while the Model 3 and Model Y are $4,000.

Tesla has typically only offered a handful of colors with its paint, only expanding to wraps recently. The launch of the wrap service came as the Cybertruck became more readily available, and as it was available only in its stainless steel finish, customization was something many owners requested.

The wrap service is also only available in a handful of locations. Currently, Tesla will only make it available in the following Service Center locations:

• Costa Mesa, CA
• Oceanside, CA
• Santa Clara, CA
• West Covina, CA
• Seattle, WA

It is also only available on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles built during model year 2023 and older.

Teslarati also offers its own in-house wrapping service! You can check it out here!

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What’s in the video: 

• The 40-second video, which was shared on social media, showed the all-electric pickup truck being inspected by what appears to be several BYD employees.
• The apparent BYD employees could be seen inspecting the Cybertruck’s exterior and interior before driving it into the facility. The vehicle’s tailgate could also be seen being inspected.
• Based on the video, the Cybertruck that BYD has acquired is a Foundation Series unit, at least based on its white interior and wheels.

A Tesla Cybertruck rolling into a BYD factory? Now that’s a plot twist! @zhongwen2005 @WholeMarsBlog @Tslachan @teslashanghai @Tesla_Asia @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/LmwWSgc91C

— 爱恨两难 (@ahlnlj) December 11, 2024

What it likely means: 

• Speculations suggest that BYD will likely be benchmarking the Cybertruck in its China facility. Benchmarking is a pretty common practice in the automotive industry.
• Speculations also suggest that BYD may conduct a teardown of the Cybertruck to get a close look at the vehicle’s inner workings.
• The Tesla Cybertruck is arguably the most disruptive vehicle on the road today, and it’s not just because of its angular, brutalist design. 
• Tesla went all-out with the Cybertruck’s tech, from its 48-volt architecture to its steer-by-wire system, both of which have received acclaim from critics and users alike. 

Tesla China and the Cybertruck:

• While China does not have a huge pickup truck market, local electric vehicle enthusiasts have shown a lot of interest in the Tesla Cybertruck. 
• This was highlighted in the Cybertruck’s China tour, which featured the vehicle attracting large crowds across several cities.
• Recent reports have stated that there are no plans for Tesla China to release the Cybertruck locally. 
• However, Tesla has received an Automobile Energy Consumption Label for the Cybertruck after the company completed a filing with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

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Earlier this week, Tesla China said it had no intention of bringing the Cybertruck to the market currently, denying any reports that stated it would bring the pickup to one of its most popular markets.

It was a blow to those customers in China who wanted the Cybertruck to be available to them in Asia. For now, it seemed to be bleak on whether they would be able to own one.

Although the Cybertruck might not be making it to China within the next month or so, that does not mean Tesla is not trying to get things moving.

CNEV Post is reporting that Tesla has received an Automobile Energy Consumption Label for the Cybertruck after completing a filing with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Specs of the Cybertruck, including range, weight, and peak power, are available on the MIIT database, where the Chinese government has it listed as an M1 passenger vehicle.

This is just one of several moves Tesla needs to make for regulatory approval for the Cybertruck in China. The energy consumption is among several other things that need to happen in order for the Cybertruck to be eligible for sale.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has already said that it would be “very difficult” to get the Cybertruck to be road legal in China.

Getting Cybertruck road legal in China would be very difficult, but we could ship some prototypes over for display

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 14, 2024

This has catalyzed some thoughts of the Cybertruck getting a different version, something that would be more suitable for markets outside the United States. Tesla has thought about developing an international version, but there have been no true confirmations of whether it plans to do that or not.

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On Sunday, Cybertruck owner and YouTube host Teslatino shared a video detailing his experience driving 50,000 miles in the EV, following multiple cross-country trips and a 5,500-mile drive to and from the Arctic Circle with fellow Tesla community member Bearded Tesla. The video includes several useful insights, including details about his modified adventure rig, which includes a cargo rack and a carbon fiber rooftop, along with the use of Starlink for satellite internet.

Among the many insights were some details about range and towing, which are likely to be at the forefront of many other owners’ minds. Compared to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) 318-mile range rating for the dual-motor Cybertruck, Teslatino says his now gets around 309 miles of range after reaching 50,000 miles.

He also reports that he consumed 25,628 kWh of energy by the time it reached 50,000 miles, with an average of 513 Watt-hours per mile used. Although he points out that this number may seem fairly high to some, he notes that he spends the vast majority of his time driving on the highway, as well as adding that he’s a particularly fast driver.

On towing impact, Teslatino says he’s able to get about 120 miles of range driving uphill while towing, along with about 163 miles driving downhill while towing. Ultimately, he says that the Cybertruck is a perfect pickup for the average truck owner looking for versatility, durability, and performance, though he also notes that those regularly towing over 100 miles per day may want to consider a different option.

You can watch Teslatino’s full 22-minute video detailing his insights on Cybertruck ownership over 50,000 miles below.

Tesla initially launched the Foundation Series launch edition of the Cybertruck, the one Teslatino has, last November, with early deliveries commencing throughout the month of December. The company ceased the Foundation Series builds in October, along with opening orders to non-reservation-holders in August.

In October, Tesla reported that the Cybertruck had achieved a positive gross margin for the first time, along with saying that it expects annual production for the EV to surpass 125,000 units.

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Tesla reportedly told Cybertruck production workers to stay home for three days

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The Cybertruck was the first Tesla vehicle to not display the ‘T’ on the hood of the vehicle, but everyone knows who manufactures the vehicle. This is essentially what Musk believes will happen with the Cybercab, Tesla’s fully autonomous vehicle.

Tesla has held a unique thesis when it comes to product design. Many of the vehicles are simplistic yet luxurious. Some have some interesting features, the Model X’s falcon wing doors being one of the most easily identifiable amongst them, but Tesla vehicles, at their core, are more focused on tech and safety and not necessarily a flashy design.

This is what has led to Tesla vehicles being easily identifiable. However, the automaker hopes to develop products that will not need a logo at all, and Musk commented on why that might be in a recent post on X.

The Tesla CEO said in the post that products should be so special that they’re identifiable without any sort of logo:

If the product is special enough, no logo is needed

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 8, 2024

Interestingly, this is a point that can be drawn out to several companies, not just Tesla. Without an Apple, most people would be able to identify an iPhone. Without a logo, most people who like cooking would be able to identify a HexClad pan. It’s the look and the design that are recognizable to people.

The same cannot be said for other automakers, at least for the most part. One of the biggest reasons Tesla chose to build the Cybertruck in its polarizing design is because most pickups on the market today look the same. Musk said in the November 2019 presentation of the pickup that it was “hard to tell” which pickups were made by which manufacturers when you remove the company’s name from the front of the truck.

The vehicle itself should be a logo in Tesla and Musk’s minds. It seems it will be that way moving forward.

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The Cybertruck was unveiled in November 2019, and deliveries started in the United States on November 30, 2023. So far, the Cybertruck has only been delivered to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A look at Tesla China’s official website shows that only the Model Y, Model 3, Model S, Model X, and the Powerwall can be ordered in China. The all-electric pickup truck is not listed as available for order on Tesla China’s official website.

Tesla China’s reported denial surrounding the Cybertruck’s potential launch in the country is quite unsurprising. Elon Musk himself previously commented on the challenges of bringing the Cybertruck to China, stating on X that “Getting Cybertruck road legal in China would be very difficult, but we could ship some prototypes over for display.”

Getting Cybertruck road legal in China would be very difficult, but we could ship some prototypes over for display

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 14, 2024

Musk did not detail the specific legal hurdles that the vehicle may face in the country, though it should be noted that pickup trucks in China face significant regulatory restrictions. This was likely one of the reasons why Tesla called the Cybertruck a “crossover touring vehicle” when it brought the vehicle on a tour around China. 

As noted in a report from CNEV Post, the speed limit for pickup trucks on Chinese highways is capped at 100 kilometers per hour, while passenger cars can legally travel up to 120 kilometers per hour. Additionally, pickup trucks have a mandatory scrapping requirement after 15 years of use. Pickups face urban access restrictions in many cities as well, although these have been eased somewhat in recent years.

These restrictions have resulted in China’s pickup truck market being quite small. From January to October this year, China’s pickup truck sales were at 427,000 units, as per data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). In comparison, passenger car sales, which include sedans, SUVs, and MPVs, have totaled 17.84 million units in the same period.

Tesla has been quite successful in China. The Model Y crossover has become particularly popular in the country, with 373,852 units delivered in China from January to October, making up 74.67% of Tesla’s total deliveries. Overall, Tesla delivered 500,685 vehicles in China in the same timeframe, an 8.29% increase year-on-year, as per data compiled by CNEV Post.

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A report from Business Insider stated that Tesla emailed Cybertruck production line employees and told them they “do not need to report to work” on the dates of “Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week (Dec. 3-5).”

Credit: Tesla

Employees would still be paid as normal but were not required to show up for work.

Tesla has not commented on the report, and CEO Elon Musk has also not said anything on social media platform X, where he usually dispels rumors of this kind.

Considering the production pause is coming at the end of the year, it seems like a relatively interesting time, as Tesla is looking to increase deliveries for Q4 to meet expectations for annual deliveries.

Tesla is going to be close to matching its production and delivery totals from 2023. It was transparent that earlier this year it would be focusing its efforts on the next-generation platform, and would result in a “notably lower” growth rate in 2024.

Tesla Cybertruck deliveries have been going on for an entire year, so we are not sure if the pause has to do with a demand issue or if workers are getting the unscheduled break for other reasons, like a deserved break.

The latter does not seem to align with what Tesla or Musk have held as a narrative for the company for the last several years.

However, there are also a variety of other things that could totally be in play.

Line upgrades and other routine maintenance could be occurring on these lines at this time, which is something that would require a pause of this length.

It seems unlikely that if it were not absolutely necessary, Tesla would delay this pause until the beginning of 2025.

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