Should Tesla Phase Out Its Model X for the Model Y and Incoming Cybertruck?

By Kevin Armstrong
The Tesla Model X easily captures the attention of onlookers with its distinctive falcon-wing doors
The Tesla Model X easily captures the attention of onlookers with its distinctive falcon-wing doors
Tesla

Relax, don’t get your satin Tesla booty shorts in a knot. This article explores the role of Tesla's Model X, especially in the wake of the new Standard Range Model X and Model S. With the company's diversification, it's worth asking if the Model X still fits into Tesla's line-up.

Tesla's Model X had its Time

We all know that Model X picked up the momentum that Tesla had already created with the Model S, introducing an SUV with falcon wing doors. However, times have changed, and Tesla is now a major player, having flipped the automotive industry on its frunk. With the Model S and X combined equalling just 5% of overall deliveries in the second quarter and new models on the horizon, the Model X's position may be redundant.

A Stirring Discussion: Model X vs Model Y

Tesla enthusiast Sawyer Merritt wrote a post on X.com that made me wonder what the point of the Model X is when the Model Y is so close, even better in some ways, and less expensive. His tweet stirred up a robust discussion on the pros and cons of each model. In a series of tweets, Merritt extolled the virtues of the Model Y Long Range, praising its price point of $50,490, which he noted was a $38k saving over the Model X SR. The extended 330-mile range, the 4.8-second acceleration from 0-60mph, and eligibility for a $7.5k EV tax credit were other high points that he touted.

The comparison didn't just stop at highlighting the advantages of Model Y; it also drew attention to the Standard Range Model X's shortcomings. At $88,490 with a shorter 269-mile range and ineligibility for the EV tax credit.

The reaction was swift and varied, with some users agreeing with Sawyer and others exploring ways to enhance the Model Y even further. But the conversation also turned to the unmatched features of the Model X, like those amazing falcon-wing doors, the valet doors, the rear screen and the instrument cluster.

Model X and Its Trans-Siberian Orchestra Easter Egg

Model X, Cybertruck, Model Y

The discourse broadened into what Tesla could do to make both cars more appealing. Some speculated about selling the Model X at a lower price to capture a tax credit or offering software unlocks for added capacity. In contrast, others focused on the benefits of the SR Model X's charging capabilities.

The Cybertruck may also compete with Model X. It has the space and the wow factor that Model X owners love. Meanwhile, Model Y continues to improve, and besides no falcon wing doors, it's a suitable and affordable alternative.

Please engage in the conversation. The debate underscores the importance of knowledgeable readers and fans of Tesla. A well-placed comparison can spark meaningful reflection on what makes a car truly appealing and what is best for Tesla in the future.

Tesla Now Display Which Apps Are Accessing Your Vehicle's Location in Update 2024.20

By Karan Singh
Maxim

In an undocumented change in Tesla update 2024.20 and later, Tesla has added a minor, but privacy-focused change to its software. Tesla has a user privacy-first focused policy, which aligns with the expansion of user privacy changes.

Location Privacy

Since late 2023 (update 2023.38), Tesla has been showing a small location icon at the top of the screen any time the vehicle’s location is being accessed, either by Tesla or a third-party app.

This includes someone using the Tesla app, which displays the vehicle’s location on a map. However, as of update 2024.20 and later, Tesla is now expanding the information shown.

Previously, when the icon was tapped, it would display a general message explaining why the icon was appearing. The message stated:

“This icon appears when an app requests your vehicle's live location data.
You can turn off sharing anytime in Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access, including all Tesla app access.
When this setting is on, your vehicle communicates directly with the Tesla app and other apps, but Tesla doesn't track your location.”

The same text is still displayed, but now boldly says, “This icon appears when an app requests your vehicle’s life location data.”.

More importantly, Tesla now displays the service that is accessing the vehicle’s location (h/t DriveTeslaCanada). So if someone opens the Tesla app, the vehicle will now display that the vehicle’s location is being accessed by the “Tesla Mobile App.” In addition, it appears to also display which Tesla driver or account is viewing the location of the vehicle. If it’s a third-party app or service accessing the vehicle’s location, Tesla will display the name of the registered third-party app.

Disabling Location Sharing

Tesla states that you can still turn off sharing in the same location as before (Controls > Safety > Allow Mobile Access), but doing so prevents many features of the Tesla app from working. If you use a third-party service, the location information is also tied to gathering detailed data on the vehicle, making it an “all or nothing” option.

If you have a service request active, Tesla Service may also ask you to re-enable Location Services so that Mobile Service can find your vehicle.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a history of which apps have accessed your vehicle’s location over a certain period. The location icon and detailed information are only available for a few seconds when the icon is displayed.

Rimac Announces 'Verne' Robotaxi - Comparing it to Tesla's Upcoming Robotaxi [Photos + Video]

By Karan Singh
MotorTrend

Rimac, the company behind the Rimac Nevera electric hypercar, has announced that it intends to produce a robotaxi, and it looks quite similar to Tesla’s concepts. Much of what we’ve heard about Tesla’s upcoming robotaxi, the Cybercab, is featured in Rimac’s autonomous vehicle. From the two seats to the airy interior and the center-screen-focused interior, it’s all here, although there are significant differences as well. Rimac’s prototype, called Verne, was revealed on Wednesday, June 26th.

Verne Robotaxi

Verne will include a 43
Verne will include a 43
MotorTrend

The Verne is expected to begin operation in 2026 and is a two-seater robotaxi using Mobileye’s LiDAR technology. The vehicle is expected to be a level 4 autonomous vehicle, which means it would still require remote support for handling complex situations, similar to Waymo’s work in San Franciso.

The Verne has a 43” display, and 17 speakers, and is supposedly designed to emulate “a room on wheels”, with an inside-out design concept. Interestingly, rather than regular doors, the Verne has doors that swing forward horizontally, along with a keypad-based entry system.

A smaller screen between the front seats lets you control certain aspects of the vehicle
A smaller screen between the front seats lets you control certain aspects of the vehicle
MotorTrend

Rimac says they have signed agreements to launch in 11 cities in the EU, the UK, and the Middle East. They have also mentioned they are negotiating contracts with 30 more cities worldwide.

Rimac also showed off images of its robotaxi app and a concept building for its robotaxis – presumably a charging and service hub.

The verne will feature sliding doors, a lot like a minivan
The verne will feature sliding doors, a lot like a minivan
MotorTrend

Comparing Rimac’s Robotaxi to Tesla’s

Although Tesla has yet to reveal the Cybercab, there are several things Tesla has already talked about for their upcoming robotaxi. One key difference between Rimac’s vision and Tesla’s is that Tesla appears to be chasing the cheapest possible transport, with Tesla previously touting ride prices that would rival bus ticket prices. While Rimac appears to focus more on an ideal experience. While everyone loves extra luxury, at the end of the day, price usually wins.

The Rimac robotaxi app
The Rimac robotaxi app
MotorTrend

One example is Tesla’s single center screen, compared to Rimac’s two screens. In addition to the viewable 43” center display, which presumably is not a touch-screen, Rimac has a separate screen and controls between both passenger seats. Tesla’s approach appears to focus on a single screen, with the user controlling much of the car’s control such as music and climate through Tesla’s robotaxi app.

Another example is Rimac’s idea of including an entry pad and screen on the outside of the vehicle for passenger to be able to unlock the vehicle. Tesla’s approach to unlocking a vehicle is expected to rely on temporary keys that are tied to user’s phones leveraging ultra wideband, a lot like how Tesla’s phone keys work today on newer vehicles.

Tesla’s approach to autonomy is also drastically different than Mobileye’s, which relies on radar, LiDAR and more cameras than Tesla’s Autopilot suite today.

Viability

This announcement from Rimac is a bit of an oddity. As a company, Rimac has produced less than 150 vehicles in their short lifespan – all hand-designed and hand-produced Rimac Nevara hypercars. Their ability to scale to produce more than a handful of these Verne robotaxis, while visually appealing, is questionable at best.

On the same front, Rimac recently received a $200M Euro grant from the EU as part of a package to develop an economic recovery plan for Croatia. Rimac has also received $80M Euros in funding from Hyundai and Kia – but that was to collaborate on a high-performance fuel cell electric vehicle, and a high-performance EV sports car.

The exterior of the Verne robotaxi
The exterior of the Verne robotaxi
MotorTrend

Beyond that, Rimac has never done any work with autonomy – the self-driving tech that is running the Verne is entirely based on the outsourced work from Mobileye. It seems that the Verne will serve as Mobileye’s real-life test on whether its technology can be integrated into a Robotaxi platform on its own.

Tesla previously used Mobileye’s technology for its own autonomy during its inception years (AP 1) but quickly moved on towards using its own vision-based camera tech instead.

The Rimac robotaxi app
The Rimac robotaxi app
MotorTrend
The interior of the Verne
The interior of the Verne
MotorTrend

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