Tesla Issues Two Physical Recalls for the Cybertruck

June 26, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Tesla has issued two voluntary recalls for the Cybertruck, both requiring physical servicing.

Wiper Motor Recall

The first recall is concerning the wiper motor, which has a build defect. Approximately 2% of delivered trucks (11,688 vehicles) have a malfunctioning gate driver component and will require a replacement. The full assembly will be replaced.

We’re expecting this replacement to be fixable by a Mobile Service Technician, as the refit of the motor assembly should be doable by just one individual, as per the Cybertruck Service Manual.

The NHTSA recall can be viewed here.

Sail Trim Recall

The Cybertruck’s unique sails (the triangular panel that connects the top of the truck to the back of the truck bed) have some uniquely attached trim pieces – and some of them are reportedly failing. Tesla has issued a recall for these sail trim pieces as well, which can become detached at speed due to wind catching the front edge of the trim piece, and lifting it away.

Tesla will replace or rework the cosmetic trim piece along the exterior of the sails, to ensure sufficient adhesion. This will include the application of a new adhesion promotor and pressure-sensitive tape.

We’re expecting this replacement to also be fixable by a Mobile Service Technician, as some Cybertruck owners on X have previously had the same issue fixed by mobile service.

This NHTSA recall can be viewed here.

Rivian and Volkswagen to Create Joint Venture as VW Invests $5 Billion in Rivian -- Stock Soars

June 25, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

According to recent Bloomberg and Businesswire publications, Volkswagen will be investing $5 billion USD to form a joint venture with Rivian. Rivian stock has also rallied an astounding 50% in the hours since the announcement.

$5 Billion Stake

Of the $5 billion being invested, $1 billion will be invested immediately in Rivian, and the remaining $4 billion will be invested over time. That initial $1 billion will be invested in the company by the end of 2024, pending regulatory approval. The remaining $4 billion could be a fair while out, pending the formation of the joint venture in the fourth financial quarter of 2024.

The new joint venture will be “equally controlled and owned”. This is at a critical juncture for Rivian, who has recently debuted their R2 and R3 platforms, as well as bringing a much-appreciated revamp for the R1 platform.

CEO of Volkswagen, Oliver Blume:

“Our customers benefit from the targeted partnership with Rivian to create a leading technology architecture. Through our cooperation, we will bring the best solutions to our vehicles faster and at lower cost. We are also acting in the best interest of our strong brands, which will inspire with their iconic products. The partnership fits seamlessly with our existing software strategy, our products, and partnerships. We are strengthening our technology profile and our competitiveness.”

Joint Venture

Part of the joint venture will be to help Rivian lower the cost per vehicle, while Rivian helps provide Volkswagen with its new Zonal control technology, which optimizes and shortens the circuit paths in a vehicle.

The Rivian platforms are also expected to serve as the foundation for future EV vehicles from Volkswagen. Rivian will be maintaining its intellectual property rights throughout the joint venture, which will provide an ongoing revenue stream for the company, as it settles into a new and faster production rhythm.

Rivian CEO, RJ Scaringe, said:

“We’re very excited to be partnering with Volkswagen Group. Since the earliest days of Rivian, we have been focused on developing highly differentiated technology, and it’s exciting that one of the world’s largest and most respected automotive companies has recognized this. Not only is this partnership expected to bring our software and associated zonal architecture to an even broader market through Volkswagen Group’s global reach, but this partnership also is expected to help secure our capital needs for substantial growth. Rivian was created to help the world to transition away from fossil fuels through compelling products and services, and this partnership is beautifully aligned with that mission.”

Battery Venture Speculation

There is another opportunity for both companies, as Volkswagen moves to establish a 370-acre battery “giga factory” in Ontario, Canada. This could be an opportunity for Rivian and Volkswagen to continue their cooperation on battery technology, as Volkswagen intends to use the Rivian platforms for their vehicles.

Volkswagen has only recently broken ground at the site and expects the factory to produce about 90 GWh of batteries per year – or enough for roughly 1 million EVs a year. Volkswagen and the Ontario government expect that the factory should be fully functional by 2027. We could expect batteries from this Ontario factory to end up in Rivian vehicles in the future!

Tesla's New FSD Transfer Window is Now Active: What You Need to Know

June 25, 2024

By Karan Singh

u/sb61g2

Earlier this month during the 2024 Shareholder Meeting, Elon Musk was convinced to agree to bring back FSD Transfers for “one last quarter”. It seems that a 3-month period will be starting today, according to Sawyer Merritt. User sb61g2 on Reddit has already started the transfer process. He already had an existing order, but was asked to place a new order so that it fell within the allowed transfer window. After placing the order, he requested the FSD transfer from his existing vehicle to his new one.

Transfer Window Availability

The transfer period is only available for orders placed between June 24, 2024, to August 31, 2024, for people taking delivery of a new Model S, Model 3, Model X, or Model Y. The Foundation-series Cybertruck comes with FSD, and non-Foundation hasn’t arrived just yet, so the transfer offer doesn’t apply to the Cybertruck.

What You Get

Tesla has previously brought this incentive forward as a demand lever, incentivizing prior owners who have purchased FSD to transfer it to new vehicles.

This incentive allows buyers who have purchased FSD, whether it be at the original $5,000, updated $15,000, or the new $8,000 price (FSD price history) to transfer it directly to a new Tesla purchase. The vehicle does not have to be traded in for this to occur – but you can simply transfer the FSD option from an existing vehicle to your new car. The old vehicle will no longer have access to FSD, but you can still subscribe to FSD on the older vehicle or purchase it later if you change your mind.

The offer is also stackable with any other incentives, whether it be inventory price adjustments, demo models, or EV rebates in North America, including the $7,500 federal rebate that’s available on select vehicles.

You Don’t Need to Trade In Your Tesla

To activate your FSD transfer, you’ll need to reach out to your local Tesla delivery center by text message and let them know you want to transfer FSD, as it’s currently not an option on Tesla’s site.

Final FSD Transfer Offer?

This could be the final FSD transfer period, as Elon Musk was very reticent to bring it back, citing shrinking margins on new vehicle sales. However, Musk did say Tesla will offer additional free FSD trials again in the future. The FSD transfer offer is an excellent opportunity for owners with HW3 vehicles to upgrade to HW4, in anticipation of the expected divergence of Hardware 4 or Tesla’s upcoming Hardware 5.0, which Tesla is calling AI 5.