Over the weekend, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a completely new 2022 Tesla Model Y AWD variant to their fuel efficiency listings.
According to Tesla hacker GreenTheOnly, Tesla reveals in update 2022.8.2 that there will be a Texas-made Model Y SR+.
The Standard Range Plus variant of the Model Y will likely be the first car configuration out of the new Giga Texas factory.
Further analyzing 2022.8.2: TX-made (2022Q1 dated) ModelY SR+ is added so I guess that would be the first car configuration out of that place pretty soon. Several new battery types added too (I don't dig in ECUs so I don't know what exactly they are)
Tesla’s new Austin, Texas factory is an important milestone that will continue to allow Tesla to expand their production capacity across all current models of cars and the upcoming Cybertruck, Roadster, and Semi.
There have been some speculations that the first Tesla from the new factory will use the new 4680 cells with a structural battery pack, but the efficiency reported doesn’t seem large enough to be the new battery cells.
Tesla has been using iron-based LFP batteries in their SR+ vehicles out of several factories. LFP batteries are cheaper to produce, but they also have a lower energy density per pound. However, LFP have some advantages as well. They're more environmentally friendly and can also be charged to 100% without any long-term effects.
Iron batteries compared
Tesla
There are various possible battery changes that Tesla may be making over the next few years at Giga Texas and other factories, but signs appear to indicate that Giga Texas will start with 2170 cell LFP batteries. Although it's possible that these SR+ cars will use the new 4680 structural battery cells since Tesla has had production constraints on those new cells and is looking to spread them out into more vehicles.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y was initially released in 2019 from the Fremont factory in California, at a base price starting at $54,190. Since the mid-size SUV was launched, there has only been a Long Range and Performance model available. With Tesla focusing on expanding the configuration options to their most popular vehicle, it will be another step up against other car manufacturers.
To meet the growing demand for electric vehicles, the Texas factory is a necessary step in maximizing production efficiency. It is the first factory outside of California, and it will produce the first cars to be built as Standard Range Plus Model Ys. We anticipate that the new Tesla Giga factory will house all new configurations while the California factory transitions to new batteries and vehicles.
Where Tesla plans to use LFP batteries
Tesla
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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 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽