The Tesla Model 3 now starts at under $33k after the tax credit in the US
Tesla
Tesla declared all Model 3 variants in the US are now eligible for the comprehensive $7,500 EV tax credit. This update meaningfully brings down the Model 3's introductory price to $32,740 post incentives, broadening its accessibility to a more diverse customer base. Consequently, in certain states, the final price could fall below $30,000, enhancing the affordability of this premium EV.
Greater Affordability through Strategic Battery Reallocation
The broadened tax credit now applies to all Model 3 variants, including the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range versions. It previously only extended to the Performance model. Tesla's strategic reallocation of U.S. 2170 battery cells to the RWD and Long Range models, along with its move to import Model 3 vehicles from China to Canada, appear to have freed up inventory for the U.S. market, enabling these changes.
Making EVs More Competitive
This announcement has significant implications, particularly in states with additional local EV incentives. As highlighted by Tesla observer @SawyerMerritt, potential buyers in Colorado can soon purchase a new Model 3 for as low as $27,740. The price difference between a new Model 3 RWD and a new Honda Accord, for example, is now around $5,000. According to @SawyerMerritt, the inclusion of federal and local EV incentives could bring the cost of a new Model 3 RWD down to $26,320 in Vermont, $26,830 in Massachusetts, $27,330 in Pennsylvania, and $27,820 in both Rhode Island and Delaware.
Additional Incentives for Existing Inventory
This enhanced affordability is an outcome of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which expanded the qualifications for certain EVs to receive a tax credit of up to $7,500.The enhanced tax incentives also apply to existing inventory Model 3 vehicles, offering potential buyers the opportunity to obtain a Tesla vehicle at even more competitive prices.
This new affordability is a testament to Tesla's commitment to making EVs more accessible, pushing boundaries and further closing the gap between EVs and traditional gas-powered cars.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news, upcoming features and software updates.
Rendering of what Tesla's license plate feature could look like
Not a Tesla App
Tesla update 2024.38 has started rolling out to several regions and vehicles. Thanks to Tesla hacker Greentheonly, we have a behind-the-scenes look at some new features coming to Teslas.
License Plate Display
According to Greentheonly, it looks like Tesla may soon let you display your actual license plate in the vehicle’s visualization on the screen. In our article, The Most Request Tesla Features, several readers suggested displaying the vehicle’s license plate in the visualization instead of a blank, white plate.
It looks like Tesla will be doing just that, at least in China. Green found references that appear to conclude that you’ll be able to display your vehicle’s plate on screen. This will likely be user input, so you could have it say anything you’d like, and it doesn’t have to be your actual license plate.
For many owners, who may find it difficult to remember their license plate, this could serve a practical purpose in addition to adding to the visualization's realism.
While Green was only able to say it’ll be available in China, we expect this is due to China’s software development team working on it and that it’ll eventually be released worldwide.
While code for this feature was found in update 2024.38, we may not be turned on in China yet. We suspect this feature may be a strong candidate for Tesla’s upcoming holiday update.
FSD Hardware Version Display
As part of the 2024.38 update, Tesla has now made it easy to determine whether your vehicle includes Hardware 3 or Hardware 4. You can now simply navigate to Controls > Software and tap Additional Vehicle Information. In addition to other hardware information about your vehicle, your Autopilot hardware version will now be listed as well.
You can see whether your vehicle has HW2.5, HW3, or AI4. This in-car display is useful, but if you don’t have access to the vehicle, you can always use our guide on how to determine the hardware version of a Tesla.
New Battery Health Test & Service Mode Improvements
Green found some additional things as well. There’s a new and improved Battery Health Test. The new test will show you how your car scores compared to similar vehicles in the Tesla fleet.
In addition, maintenance records can now be permanently stored “in the car.” It doesn’t appear that this feature is activated yet, but it’s likely in active development with some parts leaking out in the 2024.38 update.
Tesla has included various Service Mode improvements and new visualizations in this update.
Mr Li on X came across some covered-up Project Juniper vehicles recently and he managed to get various shots of the vehicle.
Juniper Images
This front image reveals what looks like two rows of lights, possibly confirming the front light bar for the Model Y refresh — similar to the one on the Cybercab.
The rear side has a lot of lights on it!
Mr Li on X
The rear side shows a ton of brake lights, but it’s not clear why. While it looks like the Model Y refresh will also feature a rear light bar similar to the Cybertruck, there isn’t strong evidence of that in this photo.
Mr Li on X
There's an obvious set of lights at the bottom, so it looks like the Model Y refresh will be similar to the new Model 3 where the bottom lights can operate as brake lights when the one-piece tail lights and trunk are up.
Mr Li on X
In the last photo, we see that the overall form factor of the refreshed Model Y will remain unchanged, and Tesla is focusing the changes on the front and rear ends of the vehicle, much like the Model 3 refresh. However, in this one shot, we can also see what appears to be red light leaking out of the rear camera cover opening, possibly due to the rear light bar.
The Model Y is not only Tesla’s best-selling vehicle but also the world’s best-selling car in 2023. This year, it’s expected to be the best-selling vehicle in the United States and again in the world, so this refresh will be huge for Tesla.
@DominicBRNKMN made another fantastic set of concepts based on these new images. Given he had the most accurate Model 3 Highland concept before the official launch, we’re pretty sure his latest work be close here as well.
@DominicBRNKMN
We’re super excited to see the eventual reveal of Project Juniper, which is expected in the first half of 2025. However, expect to see a few more leaks before production kicks off at Giga Shanghai.
![Tesla Safety Numbers Continue to Improve Alongside Feature Advancements [Vehicle Safety Report]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/2021/emergency-braking.jpg/fa9cced4bf8348db88679602faa5dae5.jpg)
![Tesla is Expanding the Free FSD Trial For Some [Updated]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/2024/trial_extension_tescalendar.jpg/a788359dad50b67c79e117776014e4b5/trial_extension_tescalendar.jpg)
