This Week in Tesla: Model 3 & Y Price Increases, Yoke Experience Improved

Model 3 & Y Price Increases -

Overnight, Tesla instated a price increase for both the Model 3 and Model Y. Here are the price increases in the Model 3 lineup:

• Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus: from $39,990 to $41,990
• Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD: price stayed at $49,990
• Tesla Model 3 Performance: from $56,990 to $57,990

Here are the changes for Model Y:

• Tesla Model Y Long Range Dual Motor: from $52,990 to $54,990
• Tesla Model Y Performance: from $60,990 to $61,990

While not a very significant price increase, in the context of a couple other price increases over the past couple months, it limits the accessibility of both cars. Ultimately, Tesla knows that the Model 3 and Model Y will likely be the only cars eligible for the new tax credit that would exclude the more expensive models.

Yoke Experience Improved -

As expected, there have already been a few software changes to the way the driver interacts with the new yoke steering wheel in both the new Model S and X. Here are a few of the release notes from the latest update:

“Your turn signals will now automatically turn off when the vehicle detects a merge, fork or lane change maneuver has been completed. If an upcoming navigation event is detected in the direction of the turn signal, or if the vehicle detects a subsequent lane change, the turn signal will not turn off until the maneuver is complete. Turn signals will always latch when pressed.”

“Additionally, you can now press and hold to latch high beam or press and hold to activate wipers.”

“You can also warn your cabin faster, including Automatic seat heating via the Tesla App. Improved temperature consistency throughout the cabin offers more comfort in cold weather. The windshield wiper wash sequence automatically adjusts to your vehicle speed to better clear salt and grime.”

While none of these changes are very big, they show that Tesla has a clear intention of continuing on their path of trying to eliminate as much user input as possible and increase the features and usability of the car over time via over the air software updates.

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