Tesla Model Y units with black Gemini wheels seen leaving Fremont factory

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Tesla seems to be preparing to begin offering its Gemini wheels in black, as one viewer has spotted the variant on a Model Y leaving its Fremont factory.

In a post on X on Saturday, The Kilowatts shared a photo of Model Y units with black and silver Gemini wheels without the aero covers, some of which were being readied to ship out on a hauling truck at Tesla’s factory in Fremont, California. The sighting suggests that Tesla could be getting ready to launch the black Gemini wheels in the U.S., and perhaps other markets, after only being available in certain markets in Asia and being highly requested elsewhere.

You can see a couple of the photos of the Model Y units below, including units with the normal silver Gemini wheels and with the black Gemini wheels—both without aero covers.

Credit: The Kilowatts | X

Credit: The Kilowatts | X

Many have requested that Tesla begin offering the black Gemini wheels on the Model Y in the U.S., though they’re currently only available in the silver color. It’s not entirely clear when Tesla could launch the black version in the U.S., though the sighting is good news for those awaiting the option.

Tesla also launched the black Gemini wheels for the Model Y in Australia last month, though that isn’t too surprising since those units ship from Gigafactory Shanghai. The black Gemini wheels were initially launched with Tesla’s latest Model Y designs at Giga Shanghai, which also saw the addition of ambient lighting on the interior, along with some performance updates.

Earlier this month, Tesla debuted a new Model Y configuration in the U.S., called the rear-wheel-drive Long Range, along with officially dropping the previous entry-level trim option. The new configuration features a range upgrade of 60 miles from the prior base-level Model Y, though Elon Musk has also said that owners of the previous entry-level trim would soon be able to purchase a range upgrade, too.

Tesla launches Quicksilver paint option for US Model Y inventory units

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 Model Y units with black Gemini wheels seen leaving Fremont factory





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Tesla warns owners new cars don’t have Steam Gaming support

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Tesla is warning vehicle owners that new vehicles will be without Steam Gaming support, which was launched with the Model S and Model X in December 2022 with the annual Holiday Update.

Steam is a gaming platform that offers a massive library of games, and Tesla enabled the ability to play various titles nearly two years ago. It was something CEO Elon Musk pushed as a major development in the Summer of 2022.

Tesla walks back Supercharger team layoffs, rehires executive

However, owners are now being told that their vehicles are set to lose Steam capability. The automaker told the owner of a new Model X that gaming features would be limited in a communication prior to delivery:

Tesla Model X LR Removed Steam Support
byu/FlipKB24 inteslamotors

The message reads:

“Tesla is updating the gaming computer in your Model X and your vehicle is no longer capable of playing Steam games. All other entertainment and app functionalities are unaffected.”

Tesla has been making widespread changes across its business to help preserve cash. One of the most notable is the massive layoffs the company has been performing over the past month or so, eliminating between 10 and 20 percent of its total employee headcount.

However, it seems some of the cost-cutting measures may be spreading to vehicles.

Several respondents to the initial Reddit post speculated as to why Tesla might be removing it. Everything from lack of regular use to a bad gaming experience, to battery drain was considered for a reason.

Many people thought Steam integration was a move toward entertainment while traveling as Tesla has pushed robotaxis and a complete Full Self-Driving suite would be complete. However, it does not appear that it will be included in future vehicle deliveries.

I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.

Tesla warns owners new cars don’t have Steam Gaming support





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Tesla adjusts Model 3 Performance pricing for second time since launch

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Tesla increased the price of the Model 3 Performance by $1,000 on Thursday night from $53,990 to $54,990.

Tesla launched the new Model 3 Performance on April 23, listing it at $52,990 and equipping it with a brand new set of specs, including a 163 MPH top speed and a 0-60 MPH acceleration time of just 2.9 seconds.

Just a few days after launching the new Model 3 Performance, Tesla pushed the price upward by $1,000 to $53,990. This was not expected, but Tesla has a knack for adjusting prices on a whim.

This point has been proven once again tonight, as the price went up by $1,000 once again. It is now $54,990. The Model 3 Performance currently qualifies for the $7,500 tax credit, and with Tesla’s estimated $5,000 in gas savings over five years, the company’s projected price is $42,490:

Along with the increase on the Model 3 Performance, Tesla also changed several other things, including the price of several interior options.

Interior Option Price Changes

Tesla increased the price of the following interior options for the Model 3:

  • White Interior for Model 3 Rear-Wheel-Drive – $500 more to $2,000
  • White Interior for Model 3 Long Range – $500 more to $2,000

Tesla also decreased the price of the White Interior on the Model 3 Performance, and it will cost no extra for this.

This is likely so it will still qualify for the tax credit, but buyers will have their choice of interior color.

Tesla Pricing Increase Strategy

Tesla pushes prices up on EVs to strengthen its gross margins, which were some of the best in the automotive industry a short time ago. This was a main concern for investors last year as Tesla slashed prices to push demand upward, as it pressured margins.

However, Tesla has to be careful with this move, as lower prices can hurt investors and the stock price. With that being said, affordability is the main concern, and bringing EVs to a price point that the average car buyer can afford is most important.

It is important to note that this may be the final price increase Tesla applies to the Model 3 Performance as it falls just under the $55,000 threshold that qualifies it for the EV tax credit.

I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.

Tesla Model 3 Performance price goes up $1,000





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