New Tesla Model Y Performance models coming out of China this month have the biggest changes we've seen to the car so far. The cars have several major hardware changes that improve the infotainment system, noise isolated and more.
Tesla starts using 12v lithium-ion batteries
JayinShanghai/Twitter
Infotainment Processor
The first major upgrade is the processor that powers the car's infotainment display. It has been upgraded from the Intel Atom processor to a much faster AMD Ryzen chip. It's the same chip that's used in the redesigned Model S and X, although the Model S and X feature 16GB of ram while these new Model Ys appear to have only 8GB.
This processor is much faster than the Atom processors that are currently in Model 3s and Model Ys.
Graphics Processor
The new Model S and X feature a dedicated GPU that is capable of PS5-like graphics. The system is able to play one of the most intensive video games, Cyberpunk 2077.
We thought that this chip would be exclusive to Tesla's higher-priced vehicles, but surprisingly, the new Model Ys feature the same graphics processor in the new Model S and X.
.@xiaoteshushu GigaWorkshop Tear-down of Tesla MIC Model Y Performance.
It appears that Tesla plans to keep the infotainment and graphic processors the same across their entire lineup of cars. Having such an advanced processor will surely open up the possibilities to new games and enhanced capabilities in the car.
MCU 3
When the Model S was unveiled, it contained this new processor and high-end gaming capabilities. At the time, no one was sure whether this hardware would be exclusive to the Model S or whether it would trickle down to other vehicles.
Tesla MIC Model Y Performance First Look！
Does AMD Ryzen seem to make the new MIC Model Y Performance look smoother than ever?
However, at this point it's fairly certain that the AMD Ryzen chip and graphics processor Tesla is using will be a part of Tesla's MCU 3 and will be used across their entire fleet.
Software
Although the new Model Ys coming out of China contain the same CPU and GPU processors as the new Model S, they still feature the same 15" screen as other Model Ys. They also still use the same user-interface as all current Model Ys, although they're certainly capable of running the same Tesla interface in the new Model S.
It's not clear whether the new interface is still being adapted for slightly smaller screens, but we expect that these new Model Ys with MCU 3 will be running the updated Tesla interface in the future.
We don't know if vehicles with MCU 2 will be able to run the updated interface at some point. Tesla employees have previously said off the record that MCU 2 isn't capable of running the new interface found on the new Model S, but it's possible that Tesla figured out a way to run the new interface on MCU 2 vehicles. If the new interface comes to MCU 2 cars, it'll likely need to be adapted to be able to run on slower hardware or limit some of its features, such as dragging and docking windows.
12v Battery
All Teslas up until the release of the redesigned Model S and Model X used 12v lead-acid batteries. This lower voltage battery is used to power door locks, electronics and other smaller items in the car that can't be run off of the high voltage battery.
The 12v lead-acid batteries in Model 3 and Model Ys are the same kind found in just about every other car. The battery is recharged off of the car's main battery. These lead-acid batteries last about four to five years, but we've seen them last only a couple years as well.
These new Model Ys coming out of GIGA Shanghai are coming with the same lithium-ion battery that is found in new Model S and X vehicles.
The battery is estimated to last the life of the vehicle and never needs replacing. This is a nice improvement and it's a great way for Tesla to reduce Tesla service visits.
It also helps increase customer satisfaction and lower the maintenance required for Teslas even further.
Although replacing a lead-acid battery in a vehicle isn't an expensive procedure, having a lithium-ion battery that doesn't need to be replaced is a nice improvement for all future Tesla owners.
It'll be interesting to see whether Tesla will be able to upgrade lead-acid batteries to their lithium-ion models in future service calls for any customers that need one replaced.
Other Changes
Another change that has been noticed in these new models is that the rear passengers windows now have double laminated glass similar to the front windows, to help further isolate road noise.
It's possible that there are other smaller changes in these new models as well, but these have been the major changes observed so far.
These hardware changes are currently exclusive to new Model Y Performance models coming out of China. Tesla slowly makes changes to its lineup throughout the year when possible, but the changes we're seeing here are major improvements to the vehicle.
You can be sure that all Tesla factories will adopt the same hardware changes we're seeing in China across all models in the coming weeks or months.
There has now been a video posted that compares how much faster MCU 3 is compared to MCU 2 when loading various apps.
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With Tesla’s Robotaxi network launch approaching, it’s time for Tesla to start revealing some of their cards up their figurative sleeves. One of those cards just happens to be how it plans to maintain and clean its Robotaxi fleet that it will be deploying to Austin, Texas in just a few months.
We previously caught a glimpse of how Tesla was going to maintain its Cybercabs all the way back in October at Tesla’s We, Robot autonomy event using a specialized robotic arm with special attachments.
Cleaning Robot
Now, we’ve got an even better view of the arm with its attachments for cleaning the center screen as well as vacuuming the floor and seats of the vehicle. It looks fairly capable, although it’s very specific to cleaning the Cybercab.
The robot consists of a giant robotic arm with different attachments that would be used for cleaning the seats, screen and removing objects. It includes an automatic attachment switcher so that it can seamlessly go from cleaning one surface to another.
It also has the ability to pick up and grab objects that have been left behind, like the backpack in the video - or to dispose of plastic bottles or cans in the cupholders.
In addition, it can probably clean some of the interior surfaces - like the handles, door buttons, windows, and interior of the windshield using the same microfiber cloth. There are likely other tools that Tesla hasn’t shown off just yet that will help keep the robotaxi network running smoothly.
Those same tools can also go to work in the back of the Cybercab, ensuring that the trunk - which can store a considerable amount of luggage - is also kept spic and span.
In combination with a car wash that the Cybercab could drive through autonomously, keeping the vehicle clean seems something like a piece of the puzzle that Tesla is close to achieving.
This second video from Tesla really shows off the reach of the cleaning robot, which surprisingly doesn’t have a name yet.
If you’re wondering how Tesla plans to sanitize the rest of the vehicle, it seems like they’ve got that covered too. They’ve got a patent on exactly how to handle that.
We’ve already seen prototypes of the robotaxi app, the way it’ll wirelessly charge and now the way it’ll be cleaned. However, there will no doubt be exceptions where the vehicle isn’t able to charge or be cleaned automatically. We expect Tesla to be able to detect these unique situations and have a crew on hand that will handle one-off scenarios.
These wireless chargers and cleaning robots will likely only be available at upcoming Robotaxi hubs, which, like the Supercharger network, will take time to build out.
Hopefully, Tesla will continue to share additional information and videos related to its upcoming Robotaxi network, which is only a short four months away.
The Cybertruck brought a lot of technological advances to Tesla vehicles, and even with the launch of the refreshed Model Y, they’ve remained relatively exclusive to it. Tesla has yet to launch the vast majority of Cybertruck tech on any other vehicle, but as part of the Q4 2024 Tesla Earnings Call deck, Tesla revealed that future vehicles will leverage features that are exclusive to the Cybertruck today.
Let’s take a look at what Tesla introduced with the Cybertruck and what it expects to introduce to the rest of its line-up
Cybertruck Exclusives
There are a pair of features that are staying Cybertruck exclusive, but this isn’t surprising at all.
Stainless Steel Exoskeleton - The Cybertruck’s cold-rolled stainless steel exoskeleton is unique, strong, and heavy. And that weight really just orientates it towards a truck rather than other vehicle classes. As such, we doubt Tesla will bring it to another type of vehicle anytime soon - unless they actually have a CyberSUV planned.
Air Bending Manufacturing Process - Related to the cold-rolled stainless steel exoskeleton, Tesla utilizes a unique air-bending process that can bend the stainless steel - without touching it. Those bends are how Tesla builds the unique and distinctive shape of the Cybertruck.
Cybertruck Tech That Will Be Used In Future Models
With that being said, let’s move on to the features that Tesla said will be used in future models. Since the Model Y has already launched and doesn’t include these features, we expect these to potentially be in new vehicles such as the Cybercab, the next-gen model, and Tesla’s upcoming bus. Tesla likely left these features out of the redesigned Model Y for simplicity, but expect most of these features to define the future of Tesla.
Manufacturing & Design
Giga Castings - The Model Y uses a 6,000-ton Gigapress to build its castings - the Cybertruck, on the other hand, uses a 9,000-ton press to make the front and rear vehicle structures. This reduces the number of parts and final assembly complexity, creating savings while also resulting in an even more repairable vehicle.
Integrated Audio with Body Structure - Interestingly, the Giga Castings are actually designed to channel sound from the Cybertruck’s subwoofers - they’re reactive volume - which helps to channel the audio towards the vehicle’s occupants, improving clarity and response.
Powertrain and Electrical Architecture
48-Volt Electrical Architecture - The Cybertruck’s 48V Low Voltage Architecture is unique - and it reduces the overall cost of electrical wiring within the vehicle. This is because the current required is reduced by 4 times, while the heat generated is reduced by 16 times compared to traditional 12V wiring. Overall, that means a reduction in weight, simplifying electrical systems, and an increase in energy efficiency.
800-Volt Battery System - On the High Voltage side, Tesla is using a higher voltage powertrain - which is more energy efficient for larger vehicles that require more power. Just like the Low Voltage counterpart - this new system enables smaller cables, less thermal generation, and reduces the cost of electrical wiring. This also enables Cybertruck to be the first Tesla capable of 325kW Supercharging, and soon - a speedy 500kW.
Etherloop Communication Architecture - the new Low-Voltage architecture also enables communication through the LVCS - or Low-Voltage Connector Standard - a new industry standard introduced by Tesla to optimize wiring. LVCS enables communications throughout the vehicle - which means you can also create interactive wiring diagrams that can automatically determine where faults are or help technicians find the correct connector to replace.
Bi-directional Charging (Powershare) - Powershare is Tesla’s bi-directional charging, also known as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) or Vehicle-to-Home (V2H). This is the first time Tesla has confirmed they plan to bring Powershare to vehicles other than the Cybertruck, which is going to be interesting. That means you’ll be able to use other Tesla vehicles to either power your home in a blackout, or to power your tools or camping equipment - or really anything else when you’re not near a grid.
Ride and Comfort
Custom Laminated Glass - Tesla included a new laminated glass for the windshield, side windows, and the tiny little rear window in the Cybertruck. This laminated window helps to improve noise isolation - and also blocks quite a bit of the UV spectrum, which is helpful to keep the vehicle cooler.
Adaptive Air Suspension - The adaptive air suspension in the Cybertruck provides an astounding 12” of ground clearance. While the Model S and Model X also have adaptive air suspension, this Cybertruck’s suspension feels smoother and more comfortable going up or down, especially on rough terrain. We’d love to see more air suspension in Tesla’s lineup. While this may not arrive in all models, it may be included at higher price points or in Tesla’s upcoming bus.
Steer-by-Wire - Steer-by-wire is a Cybertruck feature that you have to try to understand. It fully replaces the regular steering column with an electronic column that automatically adjusts the steering ratio based on vehicle speed. This feature is made possible by the 48V low-voltage system, so we’re excited to see this in future vehicles. At low speeds, the wheel requires much less movement to turn, while it is the opposite at higher speeds. This makes it exceptionally comfortable and easy to maneuver, especially in combination with the next feature.
Rear Wheel Steering - The second half of the driving equation with the Cybertruck is the rear wheel steering. It enables improved turning at low speeds - far tighter than you’d expect for a truck - more comparable to the far shorter Model 3 and Model Y. Plus, it also increases vehicle stability at high speeds by crabbing over when you’re changing lanes.
Feature
Use in Future Vehicles
Stainless Steel Exoskeleton
-
Air Bending Manufacturing
Process
-
Giga-castings
✅
Integrated Audio with Body
Structure
✅
48-Volt Electrical Architecture
✅
800-Volt Battery System
✅
Etherloop Communication
Architecture
✅
Bidirectional Charging (Powershare)
✅
Custom Laminated Glass
✅
Adaptive Air Suspension
✅
Steer-by-Wire
✅
Rear Wheel Steering
✅
Wrap-Up
While the Cybertruck itself may not appeal to everyone, the technology inside is groundbreaking. While Tesla hasn’t said exactly which vehicles they’ll be using these features on or whether some features will be destined for more premium cars like, we expect most vehicles to leverage these new systems which reduce costs and enable faster charging.
We’re excited about what 2025 will be bringing - next on the horizon is Project Redwood - Tesla’s more affordable car model - which is supposed to be launching in the first half of this year. Do you think it’ll use any of these features? Let us know on social media or in the forums.
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