In an unprecedented display of American manufacturing prowess, Tesla has carved out the top four positions in the 2023 edition of Cars.com's American-Made Index. A clear testament to Tesla's commitment to creating American jobs and stimulating the economy, the electric car manufacturer takes the lead for the third consecutive year.
Tesla's Clean Sweep: Model Y Leads the Pack
For the fourth time in the index's 18-year history and the third year in a row, Tesla stands firm at the top of the list. The automaker's Model Y, assembled at its Austin, Texas facility, leads the way for the second consecutive year. However, this year marks the first time that Tesla has dominated the index entirely, with its Model S, Model 3, and Model X completing the top four.
Tesla's Contribution to the US Workforce and Economy
A key factor contributing to Tesla's sweep of the top spots is the substantial year-over-year growth in employment at its Texas-based factory. The increase in the workforce, particularly for the production of the Model Y, not only aided all Tesla models in workforce calculations but also elevated the Model X and Model S to complete the sweep.
Tesla's new gigafactory in Texas will also build its upcoming Cybertruck this year
Cars.com
Usual American Made Suspects
The traditional giants of American automaking, General Motors, Ford, and Dodge, did not crack the top ten or even 15. General Motors saw the Chevrolet Corvette grab the number 19 position. The Ford F-150 Lightning, an electric variant of the classic truck, found itself at the 38th spot on the list. This position is also the highest spot for all of Ford's vehicles. The Dodge Durango slotted in at 21st position; yes, that is an internal combustible engine vehicle. However, the brand's parent company, Stellantis, is investing significantly in electric and hybrid technology, promising potential job growth in future years.
The Rise of American-Made Electric Vehicles
The 2023 index is a snapshot of the gradual shift towards electrification in the automotive industry. Electric and hybrid models now comprise 22% of the American-Made Index's vehicles, indicating a steady increase from 15% in 2022. This shift aligns with recent surveys by Cars.com that revealed nearly 50% of prospective car buyers would consider an EV or hybrid for their next purchase.
However, despite the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, not all models made the index. Notably absent was Rivian, the manufacturer of the R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck. Due to the models exceeding the weight limit required by the American Automobile Labeling Act, Rivian did not qualify for the index.
An Evolving Industry
The automotive industry is in flux, navigating the gradual shift towards electrification and grappling with rules around weight limits. Despite these challenges, the American-Made Index offers valuable insight into manufacturers' commitment to domestic production and its impact on the US economy.
Tesla's achievement in the 2023 index is more than just a victory for the brand; it highlights the potential for American-made electric vehicles to stimulate job creation and economic growth. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, the hope is that more manufacturers will follow Tesla's lead, contributing to a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable American auto industry.
Tesla's dominance in the index underlines its ongoing contribution to job creation in the US, a critical factor in bolstering the country's economy. Furthermore, the ranking underscores the electric automaker's commitment to maintaining substantial domestic manufacturing operations, significantly contributing to the local economy.
Service Mode allows anyone to access service-related features that help troubleshoot vehicle issues. It’s available for free to all Tesla owners, but caution should be exercised when making any changes. More information about how to access Service Mode is available in our Service Mode guide.
In update 2025.2, Tesla improved two existing Service Mode panels:
Brake Burnishing - Brake burnishing helps condition new brakes and rotors. Tesla states: “The Brake Burnish procedure parameters have been updated to reduce the need for coming to almost a complete stop during each cycle.
This change is available for all vehicles.
Charge Port Calibration - Users can now run a charge port calibration, which can help to either get the charge port to fully close or fully open if you’re having issues or if you’ve refitted or retrofitted the charge port on your own. This was previously a command-line tool in ToolBox3.
In the release notes for service mode, Tesla states: “The charge port door calibration routine (PROC_CP_X_DOOR-SENSOR-CALIBRATION) and charge port latch calibration route (PROC_CP_X_LATCH-CALIBRATION) have been added to the Charging panel. Those routines are required to be run following the replacement of the charge port or charge port door.”
This change only affects the legacy Model S and Model X.
Service Mode+ Updates
The rest of the improvements to Service Mode are exclusive to Service Mode+, which requires a subscription to Tesla’s ToolBox3 software and a connection to a computer. Tesla has added new panels and several improvements to Service Mode+ with update 2025.2.
Accessories Panel - “A new Accessories panel is available to view and change configurations for accessories during retrofits, such as tow package, power liftgate, and soiler. To access the new panel, tap Low Voltage > Accessories.”
Previously, technicians had to manually enter all these configuration changes using the terminal.
This is for all Model 3s and Model Ys.
Signal Viewer Panel - “A new Signal Viewer panel is available to monitor multiple signal values live on a graph. If one or more of the signal values is unavailable, the graph will stop updating. To access the new panel, tap Tools > Signal Viewer.”
This will help technicians diagnose issues in real time when they’re related to signal quality or signal noise throughout the vehicle’s internal electrical systems.
This new panel is available on all vehicles with the AMD Ryzen infotainment processor.
Noise Recording Panel - “To improve the user experience, the recording duration has been decreased to 30 seconds, and reliability of the download routine PROC_ICE_X_FETCH-DIAGNOSTIC-AUDIO-RECORDS has been improved.”
The Noise Recording Panel, which was introduced with the 2024 Holiday Update, has been better tuned to improve technician experience while debugging noises or audio issues within the vehicle.
This particular improvement is only for the Cybertruck.
There’s rarely a software update that goes out that doesn’t include improved or new Service Mode panels. While this update focuses more on improvements to Service Mode+, it still includes other improvements to Service Mode. While these updates are aimed at Tesla technicians and third-party technicians, they also help consumers’ right to repair.
Unplugged Performance makes some amazing performance upgrades for Teslas and other EVs. One of their most recent programs is UP.FIT - where they equip Tesla vehicles for police duty.
Law enforcement agencies have highly specific requirements and the UP.FIT program is designed not only to meet those requirements but exceed them. EVs also come with the additional benefits of reducing maintenance, repairs, and fuel costs.
And UP.FIT isn’t just for run-of-the-mill policing, Unplugged Performance also provides upfitted Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck, tailored for specialized roles such as tactical and defense applications. Let’s take a look at what real police officers think too.
“The difference is absolutely staggering. I don’t want to go back to this [ICE car] now.”
Hands-On With Teslas
Not a Tesla App
Police officers from eight different departments in California had the opportunity to participate in a unique event at an Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) facility. Law enforcement agencies in North America and Europe are beginning to look at EVs more often, and finding a properly up-fitted EV for police work can be a challenge.
“I’ve never driven one until today, I have a different mindset here at 2:00 than I did at 6 a.m. this morning. I was not necessarily sold, but I am now.”
Unplugged Performance let these officers get hands-on with the Model Y Performance, and compare it to the industry-standard Ford Explorer PIU edition. They also got a chance to see some of the other UP.FIT lineup, including the Model S Plaid Interceptor and Cybertruck Patrol Vehicle.
Not a Tesla App
Reactions
The best part of this was the honest, real reactions from the officers who were trying out modified Teslas on the EVOC track.
“I might go buy one now!”
“I’m thoroughly impressed by how it handled and performed. It’s kind of made a believer out of me.”
“First time driving an electric car… The difference between the [Tesla and Ford] is staggering… I didn’t want to be in the Explorer anymore.”
Several comments talked about the handling of the vehicles - how fun they were to drive, how tight they cornered, and how fast they accelerated. They also mentioned that because of that performance - these cars were able to do things that the Ford Explorer just isn’t capable of.
And when doing simulated chases - our favorite comment “It’s like you don’t even have to try!”
Another fun data point that elicited some great reactions was the battery usage of the cars. The Teslas arrived at around 97% state of charge at 6 am, and at 2 pm, the cars still had about 55-60% of the battery left.
You can watch the entire video from Unplugged Performance below.
Teslas Just Make Sense
At the end of the day, the thing is, Teslas - and EVs in general - just make sense for patrol vehicles. Officers can leave the heat or AC running the entire time without having to idle an engine. EVs also perform far better than their ICE equivalents, and they reduce maintenance and fuel costs massively - especially when you can just charge a whole fleet of patrol vehicles overnight.
Many police officers have commented online and mentioned how they burn massive amounts of gas just idling away with their vehicles, which just continuously burns fuel and increases wear and tear on the thousands of components in an ICE vehicle.
Not a Tesla App
On top of that, this sold individual people - not just as officers but as consumers - on the idea of Teslas and EVs. Putting butts in seats in important, and it’s one of the best ways to convince naysayers that the future is already here.
![Police React to Trying Tesla Patrol Vehicles [VIDEO]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/2025/upfit-cybertruck-defense.webp/45b4df6681a888faba03d8b2fbd9ca6f/upfit-cybertruck-defense.jpg)
![Tesla Adds HEPA Filter to New Model 3, Will it Get Bioweapon Defense Mode? [Update: Tesla Edits Post]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/images/news/2023/new-model-3-hepa-filter_300w.jpg)
![Elon talks about Twitter and job cuts at Bloomberg forum [video]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/images/news/2022/elon-musk-qatar-forum_300w.jpg)
