Model 3 and Model Y may soon get a rear display for entertainment

By Gabe Rodriguez Morrison
The Model 3 and Model Y may gain a rear display for entertainment
The Model 3 and Model Y may gain a rear display for entertainment

It looks like the new Model 3 and Model Y may be getting a secondary display soon. In a recent tweet from @greentheonly, it was discovered that new Model 3 and Model Y models with AMD processors have the capacities for a second display.

Connectors on the circuit board of the AMD powered Model 3/Y show that it has a connector to power a "2nd display". It is possible that the second display will be in the back of the car like the new Model S and Model X.

New Model 3 and Model Y vehicles have a circuit board that’s similar to the ones in the Model S and Model X, but they’re not the same, so this isn’t just the case of Tesla sharing parts between the two cars and letting the 2nd display port go unused.

According to Green, a similar situation occurred before, where the Model Y PCB had unused USB3 ports which were then populated in later revisions.

It’s possible that Tesla will add a rear display to the Model 3 and Model Y because it becomes a big selling point for Tesla.

The rear display gives you convenient features such as the ability to turn on rear seat heaters, and adjust the cabin temperature. It also allows you to manage music in the vehicle as well as some additional entertainment options such as play games and stream movies from Netflix, Disney+ and more.

And while games and movies on the vehicle’s main screen can only be used while parked, on the rear display your passengers are welcome to watch movies on the way to their destination.

This is a compelling feature and it’d actually cost Tesla little to add since the 8” display is powered by the same hardware as the center display.

Alternatively, it is possible, but unlikely that the second connector will be used for an instrument cluster display including speedometer, temperature, GPS, and battery information behind the steering wheel.

Tesla Now Lets You Pick the Battery Supplier in the Model 3 and Model Y Long Range Models

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has begun providing different Model 3 and Model Y Long Range variants for its customers – dividing the two variants between those who are eligible for the $7,500 Federal EV Tax Credit, and those who are not eligible.

Eligible vs Non-Eligible Customers

Tesla is making two versions of their Long Range models of the Model 3 and Model Y available to customers in the U.S. One of them qualifies for the tax rebate, and the other doesn’t. However, there are some underlying differences between the two models customers should know.

Customers who claim they are eligible for the tax credit will be provided a VIN for a vehicle that qualifies for the EV Tax Credit. Vehicles that qualify for the Tax Credit have their battery and its cells manufactured in North America.

Customers who aren’t eligible or don’t opt to use the tax credit will get a VIN that doesn’t qualify for the federal credit. Customers who aren’t eligible for the federal rebate may still be eligible for local or state rebates, and these cars should be eligible for those specific rebates.

Panasonic vs LG Batteries

So what’s the difference between the two variants? It essentially comes down to the batteries and where they’re produced. The Model 3 and Model Y cars that are eligible for the tax credit will contain Panasonic batteries, which are produced in the U.S., while the cars not eligible for the rebate will include LG batteries.

They’re both non-LFP, 2170 cells, and while there isn’t a huge difference on the surface between the battery cells since they offer similar “regular” charging speeds and range, one does tend to be a little better. The LG batteries have been known to not charge as fast at level 3 chargers – which include Superchargers.

We recommend getting the vehicle that qualifies for the rebate that includes Panasonic batteries, even if you’re not planning to take advantage of the federal rebate. Besides getting a better battery, it leaves you open to receiving the tax rebate if circumstances change later in the year. It’s possible Tesla may offer a discount on the LG battery-powered model in the future, but at this time with them being the same cost, the Panasonic version makes more sense.

The Performance variant of the Model 3 and Model Y also comes with the Panasonic batteries. The LFP pack in the Rear-Wheel Drive variants of either vehicle also charge faster than the LG batteries.

The video below shows some of the speed differences between the battery packs.

How to View Cars

To view the vehicles with their specific battery packs, you’ll need to use Tesla’s inventory system. Simply go to the Inventory section of Tesla’s site, and then enable (Panasonic batteries) or disable (LG batteries) the Tax Credit Eligible Vehicles toggle on Tesla’s site.

Tesla Issues Two Physical Recalls for the Cybertruck

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.

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