Tesla Model 3 and Model Y to have faster processors, 12v li-ion battery and more

November 29, 2021

By Nuno Cristovao

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.

First look inside the new MCU component, GPU (AMD Ryzen) is the same as Model S Plaid.#Tesla #TeslaChina #ModelYPerformance $TSLA @teslacn @elonmusk @AMDRyzen pic.twitter.com/boiDbIiuw0
— Jay in Shanghai ?? (@JayinShanghai) November 28, 2021

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?

What do you think?

AMD YES？

(Video shared by users in our community group) $TSLA @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/0kfLm2G6vo
— 42HOW (@42how_) November 26, 2021

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.

With the new Model S, Tesla switched to a lithium-ion based battery that is much lighter and lasts much longer than lead-acid batteries.

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.

This Year’s Most Creative Cybertruck Halloween Decorations for Trunk or Treat

November 12, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

The Cybertruck has now celebrated its first Halloween, and owners did not disappoint in coming up with clever and unique decorations for their stainless steel trunk. Make sure you’ve got whatever is left of your candy nearby cause we’re going in.

Aliens

Up in the hero image to get us started - the Cybertruck is really a piece of alien technology. At least, that’s how it appears when it first arrives in town. So, why not celebrate the alien-ness of the Cybertruck to North American roads? We love it.

Spooky

@jayvee10x over on X put together this fantastic display for Halloween and included their Cybertruck! The Cybertruck would definitely be a good vehicle of choice to take on zombies and walking skeletons.

By @jayvee10x.

@jayvee10x

Halo

TeslaKen over on the Cybertruck Owner’s Club forums put together this outstanding Cosplay of Master Chief from Halo, and wrapped up his Cybertruck to look like a Warthog. Probably one of the coolest costumes we’ve seen so far.

By TeslaKen on the CT Owners Club

TeslaKen

Jaws

Sometimes, all you need to do to get a scare is to show some nice sharp teeth. The smoke machine just completes the look with the red glow.

Fangs!

Not a Tesla App

More Aliens

Terry Stach and Robert Martin captured some aliens in their trucks. Best to keep an eye on these ones, lest they whisk you away in their Cyber-UFO. Just watch out though, because @brandtsla over on X is being chased by that UFO!

Terry Stach over on Facebook.

Terry Stach

Here’s mine! pic.twitter.com/CANAPDVhiG
— Robert Martin (@RobbyMD3) November 1, 2024

CyberUFO spotted on Halloween night @Cybertruck @brandontsla pic.twitter.com/XjHFNwZvb3
— Zack (@BLKMDL3) November 1, 2024

Cyberbeast Cerberus

The Cyberbeast’s logo is the three-headed hound that guards the gates of hell - Cereberus. Turns out that S.E. Robinson let the dogs out. Our favorite, all things said. Maybe a smoke machine and some red lights to complete the look though! Oh wait, he’s got that too!

Cyberbeast is ready for Halloween 🎃 pic.twitter.com/zcc3h808JI
— S.E. Robinson, Jr. (@SERobinsonJr) October 20, 2024

The Cybertruck makes an incredible canvas for Halloween decorations, and we’re eager to see even more creative ideas emerge as it heads into its second Halloween season next year.

First Look at Tesla's New 'Service History' Feature [Photos]

November 12, 2024

By Karan Singh

Mahtava

Tesla has begun adding the ability for service technicians—both Tesla’s and third-party — to log repair history in their vehicles.

This new feature is part of update Tesla update 2024.38.2, which also includes other features such as Reduced Sentry Mode Power Usage, and Track Mode Powertrain Endurance.

While this isn’t exactly a feature most users will see often, Tesla has added some features that should help technicians know more about a vehicle’s history. Best of all, while Service History is aimed at technicians, it’s also accessible by any Tesla owner.

So, grab your wrench, and let’s take a detailed look at Tesla’s new Service History.

Service History

Service History is a new feature in Tesla’s Service Mode that tracks all the maintenance a vehicle has received. Technicians are prompted to use Tesla’s Correction Codes, which define the repair that took place and then provide an optional timestamp for the repair being completed. In short, it’s a way to keep track of repairs and services within the vehicle. This should make it easier for technicians to solve issues by being aware of the vehicle’s history.

Service History is accessible directly on the main panel of Service Mode. While Tesla already has internal tools to access a vehicle’s history, the real benefit will be when the vehicle is serviced by different technicians. For example, a local tech could now be services that Tesla serviced performed and vice-versa.

Service history is also permanent and stays with the vehicle. Once entries are added, they cannot be edited or removed, so there’s no tampering with a vehicle’s service history.

You can see the new Service History option on the bottom right.

Mahtava

These timestamped history logs are permanently saved to your vehicle and are accessible by Tesla and anyone else who can put their car into Service Mode. If you want to take a peek and are on 2024.38 or higher, you can follow our Guide on Service Mode here.

Entering a Service Item

When entering a new Service History entry, you’re given a few options, including a Correction Code. Tesla maintains a list of Correction Codes for pretty much everything under the sun, from a full-out swap of the battery pack or one of the motors to things as simple as replacing the wiper blades or adding windshield washer fluid.

Technicians servicing Tesla vehicles will have the option to indicate whether they’re a first-party doing the work (Tesla Service), a qualified third-party independent repairer, or an unknown—like the vehicle owner themselves.

The pop-up that displays when you open Service History.

Mahtava

If you’d like to add an entry yourself, you can give it a try, as it’s pretty straightforward. You can select a Correction Code for something you’d normally DIY, like adding washer fluid. You can then select a timestamp, which is optional, and then select what type of repairer you are - first party, qualified third party, or other.

The Record Service Menu.

Mahtava

Expanding Service History

Tesla’s new Service History is a really interesting idea. It puts third-party technicians and vehicle owners on equal ground, with everyone having access to a vehicle’s history. It’s also going to be useful for owners to keep track of simple tasks like tire rotations, wiper blade replacements, low-voltage battery replacements, and more.

Service History also helps solve the issue of Tesla not being able to effectively track vehicle services done by qualified third-party repair shops, who often won’t push the vehicle correction codes via Toolbox 3.

Instead, this allows even unfamiliar repair technicians an easy-to-see and easy-to-use solution to log and diagnose potential issues quickly.

We’d love for Tesla to make Service History even more accessible, potentially moving it out of Service Mode, which only a small percentage of owners will ever go into.

It’d be useful if Tesla moved certain options into the main Controls > Service area, allowing vehicle owners to add simple things like adding windshield wiper fluid. For more complex changes, Tesla could ask owners to enter Service Mode, and remind them that all entries are permanent and can not be changed or removed, even by Tesla.