Tesla debuts new Cybertruck off-roading app in exclusive video

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Tesla is set to roll out a new suite of Cybertruck off-roading features, as detailed in an exclusive video shared over the weekend.

The forthcoming off-roading tools for the Tesla Cybertruck were shown in an exclusive video shared by Top Gear on Sunday, set to include new features such as additional off-roading modes, access to pitch and angle settings, front and rear locking differential controls, and more.

The video shows both a Cybertruck and a Rivian R1T in Johnson Valley, California, as they test out whether Tesla’s pickup can effectively perform off-roading maneuvers. Both electric trucks are shown performing four off-roading tests: a rock crawl, a “whoops” test, a jump, and a sand dune crawl, with the Cybertruck using some of the new features.

The new off-roading features include four dedicated terrain modes, including all-purpose, rock, gravel/deep snow, and sand. The software also lets drivers toggle between turning the locking differentials all on, only the rear on, or all off.

You can see some of the menus navigating to the new Cybertruck off-road features below.

Credit: Top Gear | YouTube

Credit: Top Gear | YouTube

The Cybertruck has been spotted during a number of off-roading demos since before it was released in November, and Tesla has clearly made off-roading ability a priority focus. While the Cybertruck has drawn criticism for going viral during off-road tests that seemed to go wrong, some have suggested that these situations were due to inexperienced off-road drivers.

Others may also note that Tesla was not yet done rolling out the full range of off-road features for the Cybertruck, as evidenced by the upcoming feature release. The video also shows the highly anticipated Cybertruck light bar, set above the vehicle’s windshield.

In response to the news posted on X by reporter Sawyer Merritt, Tesla Cybertruck engineer Wes Morrill also commented on the off-road features, hinting that there may be even more in the upcoming release than the video shows. It’s also not yet clear when the new off-roading features will be released, but Morrill says that the detailed release notes for the update will soon be made public.

Watch the full Cybertruck off-roading video from the Top Gear team below.

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 debuts new Cybertruck off-roading app in exclusive video





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Tesla increases Model 3 Performance price in the U.S.

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Just a few days after it was launched, Tesla has increased the price of the Model 3 Performance, though basic options still render it more affordable than the Long Range configuration with the federal tax credit.

After Tesla officially launched the highly anticipated Model 3 Performance on Tuesday, the automaker has increased the configuration’s price by $1,000, as can be seen on its order configurator. The Model 3 Performance is now priced at $53,990 in the U.S. after debuting at $52,990, though it’s still the only configuration of the sedan that’s eligible for the $7,500 tax credit.

The Model 3 Performance price hasn’t increased in Canada, remaining at the launch price of CAD $69,990.

Credit: Tesla

When including the tax credit, the base-level Model 3 Performance price comes down to $46,490, or cheaper than the ineligible Long Range configuration ($47,740).

However, it’s also worth noting that, with certain package options, the Model 3 Performance can price above the $55,000 limit on the IRA tax credit, making it ineligible for $7,500 off. For example, adding the $2,000 Ultra Red paint upgrade will boost the Model 3’s price to $55,990, which prices the vehicle out of eligibility for the credit.

Some states also offer additional electric vehicle (EV) credits for additional stackable savings. For example, California and Colorado will give new EV buyers $7,500 and $5,000, respectively. These and other local rebates can often be stacked with the federal incentive to bring the sticker price of certain EVs down even further.

In addition to launching in the U.S. and Canada on Tuesday, Tesla debuted the new Model 3 Performance in several markets worldwide, including a number of European countries, China, Australia, New Zealand and others in Southeast Asia. The configuration has been highly anticipated since the first two variants of the upgraded Model 3 were launched in Europe and Asia last year, and in the U.S. earlier this year.

The Model 3 Performance was spotted being tested several times on public roads, and it was seen at an event in California earlier this month. In a statement in January, Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen confirmed that the variant would be coming, though Tesla didn’t officially say anything about the trim option until it launched earlier this week.

Elon Musk comments on Tesla’s pricing strategy following cuts

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 increases Model 3 Performance price in the U.S.





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Tesla gives Semi a late 2025 and early 2026 true launch date

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Tesla gave the Semi a late 2025 and early 2026 true launch date as the company has started construction of a dedicated manufacturing facility for the Class 8 truck.

Tesla has been utilizing the expertise of PepsiCo. for an early pilot program involving the Semi to test real-world efficiency and travel. For the past two years, Tesla and PepsiCo. have been working to understand how the vehicle will make fleets more efficient and environmentally friendly as the truck is still making its way toward volume production.

However, the Semi launch has been pushed back on several occasions, but executives on Tesla’s Q1 2024 Earnings Call on Tuesday gave a timeline of when they believe the hauling vehicle will be available for more deliveries:

“Our first vehicles are planned for late 2025 of external customers starting in 2026.”

The thing that has held up production is Tesla’s want for a more affordable and efficient manufacturing process. Additionally, Tesla’s Semi production facility, which is currently being built in Nevada near Tesla Gigafactory, is also being constructed:

“So we’re finalizing the engineering of the Semi to enable like a super cost-effective high volume production with our learnings from our fleet and pilot fleet and Pepsi’s fleet, which we’re expanding this year marginally. In parallel as we showed in the shareholder’s deck, we have started construction on the factory in Reno.”

Tesla also showed the land where the Semi production facility will be and the progress of the construction:

Credit: Tesla

Tesla broke ground on the site in January after announcing the $3.6 billion project nearly a year to the day:

Tesla breaks ground on $3.6B Giga Nevada expansion for Semi and 4680 cell

The Semi is one of the biggest developments in Tesla’s current pipeline, as it will help the company obtain a vehicle that is primarily dedicated to fleets and logistics.

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 gives Semi a late 2025 and early 2026 true launch date





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