Tesla’s Lead Engineer for the Cybertruck, Wes Morrill, discussed improving the Cybertruck’s off-road support on X's social media platform. Wes is considering adding a "stuck detection" prompt to the Cybertruck for off-road use.
Wes also announced the launch of the first responder webpage for the Cybertruck, which up until just now, had no first responder manual available. Wes also confirmed that a winter tire package is coming soon for the Cybertruck.
Stuck Detection
Wes has noticed that many people have been taking their Cybertrucks off-road – and for most owners, this is their first time doing so — ever. That means that educating customers on how to handle off-road situations is essential.
Wes has proposed adding "stuck detection" to determine if the Cybertruck is stuck in an off-road situation and then provide drivers with suggestions on how to get unstuck. These suggestions can include airing down tires to improve traction, using trail assist to get better control of the vehicle, raising ride height, or activating sand mode. The Cybertruck is equipped with a veritable load of off-road software features that can help in many situations, and it’s up to the driver to be able to use them well.
First Responder Page
Not a Tesla App
The Tesla First Responder Page provides guidelines on how first responders can safely handle emergency situations involving Tesla vehicles. This includes pointing out where the vehicle’s emergency disconnects are, as well as where high-powered cables pass through, where high-strength zones are, and where struts or springs are located.
These are all essential pieces of information for first responders, who may need to de-energize a crashed vehicle, and then safely extract a human from inside the body of the vehicle. Tesla maintains a rescue sheet for every one of its vehicles, including the Semi, and now the Cybertruck as well. These sheets are kept up-to-date and are easy to find in most languages, with standard symbology present throughout the documents, making them easy to understand in an emergency.
Winter Tire Package
Wes has also confirmed that Tesla is working on a Winter Tire Package for the Cybertruck - which will be rated with 3-peaks, for those who need full traction in winter conditions. We’re expecting this to launch with the Core Wheels, and will likely still be at the regular 35" size. The expected launch date for this new package will be in late Fall - just about when most people will be looking for winter tires.
The first Robotaxi prototype has been spotted, with a hefty layer of camouflage over its body – at the Warner Bros. Studios, where the Robotaxi event is expected to occur. This news comes right after Tesla recently announced that a stock draw was going to take place for Robotaxi event tickets.
Tesla has already begun to gather data in the WB Studio area using its Robotaxi mules – but this is the first actual Robotaxi prototype we’ve seen. The mule vehicles have been Model 3s with odd-shaped camera mounts in the rear windows – which appear to approximately line up with the shape of the new vehicle that’s rolling around the studio streets today.
Robotaxi Prototype
The prototype itself appears to be roughly the same size and shape as the Robotaxi Concepts that we’ve seen, along with a box in the back to maybe make its shape harder to discern. Of course, the Tesla-like headlights, aero caps, and curves are fairly obvious to the seasoned observer, and it looks like a compact Model Y.
Most interestingly, it seems that Tesla has camouflaged this vehicle to try and prevent people from discerning what it is – but astute Tesla fans on Reddit have noted seeing this vehicle and several others wrapped in eye-catching bright yellow, along with fake body panels.
@philroberts
It seems the prototypes have two doors and steering wheels, at least currently. In a now-deleted comment, a Reddit user also mentioned they caught sight of a straight and solid rear lightbar, similar to the Cybertruck—and perhaps the leaked Model Y Juniper that was seen last month.
Unlike the Cybertruck event – where the “unbreakable” windows shattered on stage, Tesla appears to be putting a lot of effort into preparing for this event and making sure everything goes right. It definitely feels like attendees will get to experience calling for a Robotaxi and getting a ride at the Warner Bros. studio, which will make this unlike any other Tesla event before.'
We’re looking forward to seeing all the cool things Tesla will reveal at the upcoming Robotaxi event – which is on October 10th. If you haven’t already signed up to be included in the random drawing for tickets, be sure to sign up soon, as entries for the drawing close on Tuesday, September 17th!
Tesla has announced that it will be doubling the annual openings of its Destination Charging Network.
Destination Chargers are located at hotels, restaurants, parking garages, and other locations where you’ll be likely to spend several hours using a facility. These are all level 2 chargers, providing you with a chance to plug in, charge, and relax while you’re on a trip.
Today, Tesla has over 40,000 Wall Connectors installed at its destination charging sites – and it is planning to continue increasing that number.
Tesla previously announced back in 2023 that it was partnering with Hilton Hotels to equip 2,000 hotels across the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a staggering 20,000 Universal Wall Connectors – which are capable of charging any EVs – not just Teslas. Many of these locations are already on track to be installed or have been installed – as the plan began in early 2024.
Destination Charging
Destination charging locations are available through your vehicle navigation – they appear as either one-bolt or two-bolt chargers at many locations. While destination charging isn’t as fast as Supercharging, you can pick up a full charge overnight at a hotel with destination charging, or top off your charge with a 1-hour dinner at a restaurant. Most destination chargers will be 11.5 kW or 9.6 kW, which will charge about 35-44 miles every hour, depending on your model.
11.5 kW (48 amps)
9.6 kW (40 amps)
Model S
41
34
Model 3
44
37
Model X
35
29
Model Y
44
37
With its Certified Installers program, Tesla also partners with local companies to get Tesla destination or urban chargers installed into environments. The Certified Installers program allows businesses to quickly find and work with Tesla-certified electricians and contractors who will be able to install the correct charging solution – and once it's enabled – make it show up within vehicle navigation.
Cost & Charging
Using a Destination Charger is as simple as plugging your vehicle in, in most cases. Some locations may charge to use them, and the Tesla app will get you squared away with automatic recognition and billing – just like using a Supercharger. One item of note is that Destination Charging prices are set by the location owner – not Tesla – so prices may vary. Many businesses use them as a way to attract customers and offer free charging.
Destination Charging is a fantastic solution for EV drivers to get from location to location without relying on Level 3 charging stops if they’re taking it slow. It also serves as a way for urban areas to get charging added to parking garages, theaters, restaurants, and other locations.
The best part about Destination Charging installs is that because its Level 2 charging for the most part – it only requires 48-amp services, which doesn’t require special infrastructure like a Supercharger does. This means that most businesses can install it fairly easily and without a big bill. We look forward to seeing Tesla’s 40,000 sites rapidly expand to the next big marker – 50,000, and then 100,000.
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