YouTube/T Sportline - Tesla Upgrades & Accessories
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Tesla had a lot of challenges in making the seemingly indestructible Cybertruck, but it appears the Achilles' heel is the tires, or more specifically, what is on the tires. The aero wheel covers are causing an issue, as insightfully documented by T Sportline - Tesla Upgrades & Accessories on their YouTube channel. Cybertruck deliveries started in December, which opens a conversation about Tesla's design and Goodyear's role in this scenario.
Identifying the Friction Point
The Cybertruck's futuristic design extends to its aero wheel covers, which have been flagged for causing excessive wear on the tire sidewalls. This issue was brought to light through detailed observations in T Sportline's video, revealing that the covers' design could lead to potential problems after extensive use. Given that Goodyear has been identified as the manufacturer of these specialized tires, questions arise about the testing and validation process of such an integral component of Tesla's electric pickup.
The wheel covers have been spotted on test versions of the Cybertruck for years, and so too have the Goodyear's tires. The collaboration between Tesla and Goodyear on this aspect begs the question: Should Goodyear have conducted more rigorous testing to anticipate the real-world implications of the cover's design on tire wear?
A video shared on X revealed several Cybertrucks poised for delivery, notably without their wheel covers. It appears Tesla has recognized the problem and promptly ceased dispatching Cybertrucks equipped with the existing aero covers. This implies an inevitable redesign of the aero covers, along with a potential revamp of tire design by Goodyear. The tire company recently unveiled new EV-specific tires.
Tesla's Proactive Stance and Future Directions
While Tesla is at the helm of the Cybertruck's overall design, including the aero covers, Goodyear's expertise in tire manufacturing also places some level of responsibility on their shoulders. It's essential to consider whether the testing protocols for these tires adequately reflected the unique dynamics introduced by the aero covers.
This scenario highlights the complexities of automotive design and the need for comprehensive testing that simulates real-world conditions as closely as possible. Both Tesla and Goodyear have an opportunity to learn from this experience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication between vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers. As Tesla works on redesigning the aero covers, there is a valuable lesson in ensuring that every vehicle component, down to the tires, is optimized for performance, safety, and longevity.
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According to filings found by Kees Roelandschap on X, Tesla has obtained a 2-year exemption from UNECE autonomy regulations to run FSD Supervised on public roads in Norway. This marks one of the first positive developments for regulations and autonomy in Europe — great news for European customers.
Previously, European transportation agencies stressed additional caution and requested more time to legislate, further delaying the widespread UNECE regulation changes for autonomous vehicles.
Norwegian FSD - Employees Only
Following the recent approval from the Norwegian Road Authority, Tesla will be permitted to use its Supervised vehicles on public roads in a testing capacity. This exemption does not yet apply to customers, so we will have to wait and see how testing progresses.
Tesla will specifically be allowed to run FSD V13 and its derivative builds (meaning AI4 vehicles only) with automated steering and speed controls on EU-registered and approved vehicles.
Tesla will also be required to have Tesla-trained drivers (employees) conduct the testing. There is no specific policy in place that enables the use of FSD for customers at this time. However, as testing is conducted and bureaucratic hurdles are overcome across various transportation departments, Tesla may be able to extend the offer to European customers. According to Tesla’s latest earnings call, the company still plans to release FSD in Europe by the end of the year.
— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) April 5, 2025
Article 39 Exemption
The UNECE can grant exemptions for innovative technologies that move faster than legislation under Article 39. However, Tesla requires the backing of a national ministry of transport to bring this to the UNECE’s attention. The next round of voting on critical issues is expected on May 12, 2025, which may not leave Tesla much time to present its findings to UNECE.
We don’t expect Tesla to receive authorization immediately. It may take several weeks or months of testing from the Netherlands or Norway teams before one of the two countries is willing to support Tesla’s exemption bid.
However, if Tesla achieves an Article 39 exemption, it could allow Tesla to roll out FSD to customers across Europe, provided there are no country-level exemptions.
Following customer requests, Tesla has once again returned FSD Transfers for North America. This comes after some new details we received on FSD Supervised and Unsupervised at the recent Q1 2025 Earnings Call.
Vox Populi, Vox Dei … FSD Transfer is back
All countries (in NA), all S3XY + @cybertruck (excl Foundation Series & Launch Series)
This latest round of FSD transfers doesn’t have a specific time limit - so if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and were worried about transferring FSD from a HW3 vehicle - now is the best chance.
This transfer opportunity is applicable for any new vehicle purchases, including the Model S, 3, X, Y, as well as the Cybertruck. The only vehicles it doesn’t apply to are the Foundation-Series Cybertruck or a Launch-Series Model Y, which already come with FSD included.
If you’re conducting an FSD transfer, you’ll need to reach out to your Tesla delivery coordinator through the Tesla app to confirm you’re eligible and to get the process started.
Note that once you take delivery, FSD access is removed from your older vehicle, regardless if you plan to trade in your vehicle or keep it.
Canada and Mexico
For those in Canada and Mexico, there’s some good news. This opportunity is available for customers in those countries as well, however, new vehicle orders are currently paused in Canada and Mexico for unknown reasons.
Running Offers
There are also several other offers running in North America, with the country flags indicating which countries their available in:
0% Financing on new Model 3 Orders (60mo, 0.99% for 72mo) 🇺🇸
Deep Blue Metallic and Pearl White are currently free on a new Model 3 Performance 🇺🇸
Original Model Y Owners are receiving $2,000 off the purchase of a Refreshed Model Y 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽
Free Supercharging on the Model S and Model X 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽
Free Supercharging on the Foundation-Series Cybertruck 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽