Tesla Changes Free Color Option, Pearl White Gets the Boot for the Model 3 and Y

By Kevin Armstrong
Midnight Silver is the new free color option for the Model 3 and Model Y in North America
Midnight Silver is the new free color option for the Model 3 and Model Y in North America
Tesla

There are a lot of white Teslas, says Captain Obvious. The free color of white mixed with record-high sales figures has produced a whiteout on many Tesla lots and several highways around North America. The stormtrooper paint job, also known as Pearl White Multi-Coat, will now cost you as the company has made Midnight Silver the free color option for the Model 3 and Model Y in North America.

The History of Tesla's Free Color Options

Tesla's history with color options tells a tale of evolution. Pearl White Multi-Coat has been the default color for the Model 3 since June 2019, taking the baton from Solid Black. The company's choice of free color heavily influences the vehicle's road presence, leading to waves of monochromatic Teslas. This new change to Midnight Silver promises to bring a touch of diversity to Tesla's presence on our streets.

In late 2021, a tweet from a Tesla owner to Elon Musk sparked a conversation around the abundance of white Teslas on the roads. The user suggested a change in the free color option, favoring silver over white. Musk must've taken this to heart, stating that he would discuss it with his team. Fast forward to today, and the team's decision is clear — Midnight Silver now reigns as the no-cost color choice.

Other Available Colors and Their Costs

Despite the change, customers can still opt for the Pearl White Multi-Coat, albeit for an additional fee. Other paid color options include Deep Blue Metallic for $1,000, Solid Black for $1,500, and Red Multi-Coat for a hefty $2,000. The color palette varies in different regions globally, adding to Tesla's distinctive and localized charm.

Model S and Model X Remain Unaffected

Importantly, this change in color options only applies to the Model 3 and Model Y. The Model S and Model X continue to offer Pearl White as the free color choice. Midnight Silver Metallic still comes as a $1,500 upgrade for these models.

A Colorful Future

This modification in Tesla's color offering is a fresh move that signifies the company's willingness to listen to its customers and adapt accordingly. However, there is no news on additional colors. We have seen Midnight Cherry Red and Quicksilver in other jurisdictions and Ultra Red offered for the Model S and Model X. While some may bemoan the additional cost of the previously free Pearl White Multi-Coat, others may rejoice in the change, adding a new hue to the Tesla family on the road.

Tesla App Adds Visual Interface for Selecting Areas That Need Attention

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

As part of a recent update to the Tesla App, Tesla has added some slick new user interfaces to the Service and Roadside sections of the app. These new interfaces allow you to easily select the areas that are damaged or need attention.

These new screens in the service and roadside menus have been available in North America since at least late August, but appear to be rolling out to more users.

For now, it also appears to be restricted to the Model 3 (both original and 2024 Highland refresh), as well as the Model Y. The Model S and X, both redesigned or legacy - do not appear to have this new service menu just yet. The Cybertruck is the same - no unique service menu for it just yet, either.

Exterior Select Screen

In order to see this new screen, you can open up your Model 3 or Model Y’s service menu in the Tesla app. From there, you can select “Exterior” as the area of concern. Once there, you’ll be greeted with a short tutorial that will show you through the new interface.

Instead of having to type your areas of concern which could be ambiguous, this new interface makes it easy to select the affected areas. Just swipe left/right to view the car from different angles and tap the area that needs service.

Areas you select become highlighted in blue, and once you’re done selecting all of them, you can provide notes to each particular area. You can even select areas under the vehicle, like the front aero shield or center skid plate. 

While most glass is selectable here, the windshield and top glass areas are a separate option in the service menu under Collision and Glass > Glass & Windows. However, windshield wipers in the second last visualization - Top.

Tire Select Screen

The Tire/Wheel Select Menu
The Tire/Wheel Select Menu
Not a Tesla App

Similar to the Exterior and Glass screens, you can open the service menu and then select Tires & Wheels as your area of concern. You’ll have two sets of options here.

You can either go to Wheels > Wheel Damage; or Tires > Replacement Tires. Here, you’ll be able to identify specific wheels or tires for service as required. 

The app's roadside section offers a similar tire view, which lets you select which tire is flat.

Thanks to its app and mobile service, Tesla has been providing one of the best service experiences in the industry. While they still have work to do regarding part availability and reasonable wait times, their technology and simplicity continue to impress. We’re excited to see what improvements they’ll make next.

Tesla and Uber Partner for Another Discount Off New Vehicles

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla and Uber are partnering to offer a new discount for Uber drivers. The offer is similar to one that was offered earlier in the year. Uber and Tesla previously offered a $2,000 USD purchase incentive under a special Uber referral code. That offer ended in March, and Tesla is now offering a new, similar offer.

Both the previous incentive as well as this new offer are only available in the United States.

Offer Conditions

The new offer is simple: If you’re an Uber Driver, you’ll be able to get $1,000 in Tesla credits upon taking delivery and another $1,000 in Uber Cash after completing 100 rideshare trips. You’ll need to purchase either a new Model 3 or Model Y—any variant, including the Performance versions, is acceptable. The program is not available for used or demo vehicles.

For anyone interested in trying out being an Uber driver, this is also a nice way to get $2,000 off a new Tesla. While the discount is no longer a purchase incentive, you can use the $1,000 in Tesla credits towards accessories, service, Supercharging, swag, or another vehicle. The Uber Cash, on the other hand, will be paid out alongside your 100th trip.

The offer is combinable with the Military Purchase Program, but you can’t use the Tesla referral program to get $500 off. If you’ve already got referral credits, though, you can use them toward the purchase of the vehicle.

Finally, you’ll need to take delivery before the end of the year (December 31st) and complete your 100th trip before February 15, 2025.

How to Use It

To take advantage of the offer, go to Tesla’s Uber page and log in via Uber. Both companies will verify that you’re eligible for the discount. You’ll also have to be in good standing as an Uber driver - if you’re not, no discount.

It's interesting to see Tesla and Uber partner so closely, given that Tesla’s Robotaxi service will become a direct competitor to Uber. Tesla also recently launched the Trip Navigation and Battery Awareness feature for Uber drivers.

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