

Tesla Model 3
Tesla Gigafactory 3’s completion will be an inconvenient truth for TSLA skeptics
A recent drone flyover of Tesla’s Gigafactory 3 in China reveals that the factory shell of the upcoming electric car general assembly building is all but complete. Seemingly in relation to this milestone, Tesla has also started teasing the vehicle that will be produced in the expansive facility: the Standard Model 3, which will be competing against locally-made electric cars in China.
Videos of the Gigafactory 3 site taken on Sunday, May 26, 2019 (credit to Jason Yang for the footage), reveal that the shell of the general assembly building is all but complete. Roofs and walls look almost complete, and the facade of the facility has even been lined with Tesla’s trademark red color. Fewer heavy cranes are also currently deployed on the site, suggesting that work is now shifting towards the interior of Gigafactory 3.
Near the general assembly building, color-coded modular units have been built. Tesla has not announced what these units are, though their construction and design suggest that they might be dormitories, possibly for employees who will be working on the factory. A wide staging area has also been completed near the facility, which seems to be designed for presentations and events.
Gigafactory 3’s progress and eventual Model 3 production could provide Tesla with an unexpected boost this year. So far, Wall St. analysts, particularly those who have downgraded the stock, and TSLA skeptics have largely disregarded Gigafactory 3 in their thesis. If Tesla pulls it off and actually starts producing the Model 3 in Gigafactory 3 this year, the facility could provide the company the help it needs to meet its ambitious, self-imposed production and delivery goals this year. Underestimated and ignored by the company’s skeptics over the past months, Gigafactory 3 could very well become an inconvenient truth for Tesla’s critics.
The upcoming completion of Gigafactory 3 means that Tesla is a step closer towards its goal of producing locally-made Model 3s in China. Tesla is already selling the Model 3 in the country, but the vehicles command a high price due to import tariffs. Producing electric cars in Gigafactory 3 will allow Tesla to tap into the lucrative and ever-growing Chinese EV market with vehicles that are competitive in price compared to offerings from local manufacturers.
Shanghai officials have urged Tesla’s construction partner to complete the first phase of Gigafactory 3’s construction within May, and looking at the pace of the factory’s buildout so far, this target appears to be quite feasible. Seemingly in conjunction with this, Tesla has also released a couple of teasers pointing to an important announcement on May 31. A recent teaser released on Tuesday involved the company introducing a guessing game for the price of locally-made Model 3. This all but suggests that the company’s announcement this Friday would be in one way or another related to Gigafactory 3 and the electric sedan.
The pace of Gigafactory 3’s buildout has bordered on the ridiculous, with China’s workforce adopting a 24/7 schedule in its attempt to meet the Shanghai government’s target completion date. The facility’s construction is progressing so quickly; it is on track to set a record for the fastest factory buildout in China to date. Gigafactory 3, after all, only broke ground last January, and the first pillar was set up in mid-March. This means that over the span of two and a half months, Gigafactory 3 has transformed from leveled ground and one pillar to a nearly complete factory shell.
Watch Gigafactory 3’s flyover last Sunday in the video below.
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Tesla is bringing back something it took from the Model 3…for a price
“Modify your Model 3 by replacing the turn signal buttons on your steering wheel with turn signal stalks. This modification is included in the purchase price and is installed by a Tesla Service Center.”

Tesla is bringing back the Model 3’s turn signal stalk in China after removing the part with the refresh of the all-electric sedan early last year.
However, it is going to cost you.
In 2024, Tesla launched the Model 3 “Highland,” a refreshed version of the vehicle that included several large-scale changes. One of the most noticeable was the lack of a turn signal stalk, something the company chose to remove and instead implement turn signal buttons on the steering wheel.
The buttons were met with mixed reviews, as some drivers complained that it was too difficult to get used to them. Others had no problem with the change, noting that it was slightly more convenient for them or that they enjoyed the minimalistic look.
Now, Tesla is offering Model 3 owners in China the opportunity to replace the stalk for a price of ¥ 2,499, or about $350:
“Modify your Model 3 by replacing the turn signal buttons on your steering wheel with turn signal stalks. This modification is included in the purchase price and is installed by a Tesla Service Center.”
Tesla notes on its website that the service is available for Model 3 vehicles without stalks manufactured after February 7, 2025. Any car without a stalk that was manufactured before that date will have the service available to them in the future.
Installation can be performed at a Service Center or by the owner. However, Tesla notes that it is not responsible for any damages resulting from self-installation and recommends that the part be put in by an employee.
The cockpit of the Tesla lineup has been under intense scrutiny by the company in recent years. After a few changes to things like the stalk, steering wheel shape, and others, Tesla has usually given drivers the chance to have things reverted back to their preferences if they want.
They did this for the Model S and Model X a few years ago after implementing the yoke steering wheel.
Tesla Steering Wheel Retrofits have started, and it’s easy to get rid of your yoke
The stalk was not supposed to be removed from the Model 3 and Model Y, but Tesla chose to do so with the refresh last year.
It seems the minimalization of the cockpit, overall, is a move that prepares drivers for autonomy, as eventually, Teslas will be void of pedals, steering wheels, and any other apparatus that are used to control the car.
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Tesla offers new deal on used inventory that you won’t want to pass up
Tesla opened up lease deals on used Model 3 and Model Y inventory in California and Texas on Tuesday, marking the first time it has launched the option on pre-owned cars.

Tesla is offering a new deal on its used vehicle inventory that consumers looking for a great deal won’t want to pass up.
Traditionally, Tesla has not allowed potential car buyers to lease its used inventory. The only two options were to buy with cash or finance it through Tesla or a bank.
However, with the elimination of the $7,500 new and $4,000 used EV tax credits, Tesla is breaking its own rules and is now offering lease deals on its used vehicle inventory, but only in a couple of states, as of right now.
Tesla is ready with a perfect counter to the end of US EV tax credits
Tesla opened up lease deals on used Model 3 and Model Y inventory in California and Texas on Tuesday, marking the first time it has launched the option on pre-owned cars.
The deals are tremendous and can cost as little as $0 down and under $225 per month for some vehicles.
Lease a Pre-Owned Model 3 or Y
As low as $0 down & $225/month
Now available in CA & TX https://t.co/LRYRIZP8VZ
— Tesla North America (@tesla_na) August 19, 2025
Tesla also allows customers to buy the vehicle at the end of their lease deal, which enables some really great ways to end up an owner of the car you plan to drive for the next two or three years.
The lease deal also helps Tesla rid itself of older vehicles that might not be of future use to the company. It formerly planned to use leased vehicles in its eventual Robotaxi fleet, but many of the cars in its used inventory have Hardware 3, which is less capable than Hardware 4, which is installed in the new Model 3 and Model Y.
More importantly, Tesla is giving people yet another way to be in the market for a Tesla before the tax credit ends on September 30.
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Tesla offers tasty Supercharging incentive as Q3 push continues

Tesla is offering a tasty Supercharging incentive on inventory Model 3 units in Canada as it continues to push sales in the third quarter.
In the United States, Tesla is preparing for the end of the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit. While it is offering a multitude of incentives in the U.S. to help push sales of its vehicles before the credit goes away, it is not saving the deals for Americans exclusively.
Yesterday, the company announced it is now offering Free Supercharging for life on all Model 3 inventory in Canada, a massive incentive for those who would use the vehicle as a daily driver:
Unlimited road trips through Canada
Free Supercharging now on all Model 3 inventory 🇨🇦
— Tesla North America (@tesla_na) August 15, 2025
The deal would normally only apply to Superchargers located in Canada, meaning if a Canadian drove over the border into the United States and Supercharged, they would have to pay for it.
However, Tesla also confirmed that the charging deal would extend to the U.S. Canadians will be able to drive across the U.S. and Supercharge for free for the life of the vehicle.
Free Supercharging is such a great perk because the money an owner saves on charging factors directly into what they are saving if they were to own a gas car. While Supercharging and home charging are, on average, cheaper than filling up with gas, the savings are not massive.
When Supercharging is free, it can save consumers hundreds of dollars per month, especially if they plan to use the Tesla for their daily commute. Some people could fill their gas cars up two times a week to get to work, spending $80-$100 every five days on gas.
Tesla has been using incentives like this to push vehicles into customers’ hands. Q3 could be one of the best three-month spans in recent memory with the push it is making.
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