Reviews
Review: EVannex Tesla Center Console Insert (CCI)
Believe it or not, one of the major concerns I had when buying my Model S was about storage. While the Model S has a TON of storage for luggage and larger items, storage for your everyday items is extremely limited. I started looking for storage solutions before I took delivery of my Model S and have finally settled on one.
Space Challenged
I’m not one for clutter although I do like being prepared. I have toolboxes, extra charge cables (UMC and extensions), tire inflation kits, extra clothes, more windshield fluid etc. all stowed away throughout the car.
Despite having great storage capacity for larger items, I found the Model S lacking in compartmentalized storage for smaller items and basic creature comforts. This started with the cup holder situation. I knew there were only two cup holders in the Model S versus the eight I had in my Acura MDX, but there were other challenges:
- The arm rests are unusable when the cup holders are in use
- Drinks are hard to reach
- The spacing makes it hard to fit two large drinks
- Even with smaller drinks they’re too close and can pop each others lids off
I actually took my Dunkin to the Tesla store and did a “fit” test before taking delivery. Ok, perhaps that was a bit overkill.
There’s a cubby under the big 17” screen which is just large enough to fit a pair of sunglasses and a wipe cloth that I use for cleaning the touchscreen. There isn’t a lot of room so anything you place there has the potential to stick out and be in plain view.
The Model S glove box isn’t large so items placed within it will generally fall out when it’s opened. Your passengers end up having to open it since there’s nowhere else to put a tissue, an extra charge cable, an umbrella, etc. Every time it rains and I have to reach for that umbrella I cringe knowing things will fall out as I extract it.
My coins (for meters) ended up in a coin pouch in the glove box totally out of reach of the driver. I could have put them in the door but they’d rattle. In the little pouch of the drivers seat and they’d scratch my phone, and in the cubby, they’d consume too much space.
The Search
Tesla announced a center console solution around the time I ordered my Model S which was back in March of 2014. I quickly got on the waiting list for one but to this day I’m still waiting for it.
While waiting anxiously for it, I came across the EVannex Center Console Insert aka The CCI which other Model S owners had great things to say about. The CCI was about the same price as Tesla’s factory console solution and looked somewhat similar in design, and for those reasons I didn’t feel very compelled to cancel my order and make the switch. So, I kept waiting for the “official” Tesla one.
As each month passed and with no center console in sight, I felt my patience begin to wear thin. That’s when I began looking for an interim center console storage solution that was inexpensive yet effective. There are many Tesla owners that have come up with their own creative solutions for a center console but each of them had issues which I couldn’t overlook. Even something as affordable as a $10 center console solution didn’t seem worthwhile to me.
Meanwhile some Model S owners began receiving their factory Tesla center consoles in 2014 but ultimately were unhappy with the build quality. This made me second guess whether the factory solution was something I truly wanted to wait for.
As I waited, I saw more and more owners purchasing the EVannex CCI which prompted me to take a closer look at the differences between the two.
Tesla Center Console Comparison
Just to be clear I’m comparing vaporware that has no anticipated delivery date (Tesla’s center console) to the EVannex center console which is immediately available. You can’t even call your local Tesla store to see a Tesla console – they don’t have any to show you (at least here in New England they didn’t).
I started looking at every picture and video I could find online of the consoles and read through forum discussions around them. This led me to compile a comparison table of the two Tesla center console inserts side by side as follows:
Features that were common across both consoles were intentionally left out of the comparison (ie. having the ability to hold 2 beverages). Tesla’s factory center console and the EVannex CCI are also comparable in price at around $650 so that wasn’t considered in the comparison either.
Factory Tesla Center Console Solution (image source: Tesla Motors)
I’ll go into a more detailed look at the CCI below but if I were to highlight the two main differences between the two consoles it would be around the styling. The main benefit I saw in the Tesla console was that it had a nice and clean look when all of the compartments were closed where as the EVannex console has some spaces that are always open – mainly the main cup holder and the phone charging compartment. I wish the CCI design had a good way to hide these when not in use which frankly was what held me back from selecting it for quite a while.
EVannex CCI Packaging and Features
The EVannex CCI comes well packaged in a simple cardboard box. Included with the CCI is a quick start guide and other helpful documentation.
In addition to the quick start guide EVannex refers to an online installation video that I also found helpful.
The CCI offers 3 main storage spaces:
- A phone storage and charging area
- A cup holder
- A covered storage area
PHONE STORAGE
The phone storage area is an opening where you can place your phone (or other items) that you want easy access to. There are provisions to route cables into that area. I struggled the most with this area for the following reasons:
- Its an open space (which I don’t like)
- Its at a very odd and inconvenient angle to put your phone into
- The cable when not in use tends to take up a lot of the space. While you can push it back into the space that’s time consuming and not practical.
I also really like the pocket on the front of the driver’s seat for storing my phone and rarely need to charge my phone in my car. Overall I’d prefer that this space had a cover so I can use it for hiding a coin purse, Chargepoint card, etc. Right now I don’t really use this space but to be fair, I probably wouldn’t have used the space dedicated for a mobile device in Tesla’s center console either.
CUP HOLDER
Each cup holder is sized to accommodate large and small drink containers. There’s a rubber insert with flanges that provide a firm grip on smaller beverage containers. I always get large drinks and found the rubber inserts and flanges to get in the way and grip too much. Fortunately those are easily removable so I’ve removed them both.
Now that it’s removed, where do I store it? I found I could remove the entire cup holder to reveal a dead space within the interior of the CCI which very conveniently holds the rubber inserts when they’re not in use:
STORAGE AREA
The storage area has a nice sliding cover with a magnetic latch. It’s well made and the magnet is strong. The main storage area will store quite a bit of stuff and is lined with a rubber pad towards the bottom that helps prevent your belongings from shifting around.
A second cup holder can be slid into the main storage area of the CCI but keep in mind that this will take up about 60% of the main compartment.
Second cup holder inserted into the main storage area of the EVannex Tesla Center Console Insert
When the second cup holder isn’t needed you can still close the covered storage area to hide it from view. It is also easily removable, however my one gripe is that it’s not very secure. Your drinks wont spill but when you pull the drink out of the second cup holder, the cup holder itself will want to come out with it even with the rubber insert removed. It also shifts around in the space. I’m wondering if I got one with a bad fit since the instructions made it sound like the fit would be tighter for that insert.
Matching Tesla’s Interior Trim
One of the main drivers for the CCI over the Tesla console right now is that it is available in a variety of trims that matches the Model S interior trim. In my case I have the Tan leather interior with the Obeche Matte Wood trim.
The CCI was delivered to me within four days of placing my order which I found stunning especially having waited nearly a year (and still waiting) for the factory Tesla center console.
Before installation my CCI I held it up to my dash in order to get this comparison photo. I was shocked at how exact the CCI trim matched my factory Model S trim.
Perfect match between EVannex’s CCI trim with the factory Tesla Model S trim.
I’m very particular about fit and finish but my wife is the ultimate judge when it comes to color matching and she had nothing but glowing praise for the EVannex CCI. That’s when I knew we really had a keeper.
Installing the EVannex Tesla Center Console Insert (CCI)
Following the approach outlined in their video and quick start guide, I inserted the CCI into the empty space between the two front seats and below the dash. There is a trick to inserting it so be sure to review the guides. It is a press-fit so fitment is left intentionally tight.
You should think about what cables (if any) you want to route to the phone caddy area before installation although you can always do it later just by lifting the CCI from its resting area.
I found the fit to be tight and very secure once installed. The CCI does not block the cubby space under the 17” screen so you still have full unobstructed access.
The 2 USB ports and the 12V power port was also easily accessible. I still have a memory stick plugged into one USB port, a USB charge cable plugged into the other and a 12V to dual USB adapter (with cables plugged in) into the 12V power port. If you have devices that stick out a lot you may run into a fit issue but there are many solutions that work around that.
When I first installed the CCI I noticed a gap between the CCI and my storage rails:
I found that sliding the CCI forward just a bit (there’s a little give to do this but you have to apply a bit of force) closes up that gap for a nice clean look.
The CCI is very removable and I wouldn’t think twice about taking it out if I needed to. It is also very secure once installed and I’ve had no movement driving through snowstorms and over potholes and frost heaves. The Model S is tough and the CCI is designed to match that toughness.
Using the CCI in the Real World
I use the CCI every day. The main cup holder is my go-to spot for my daily Dunkin Donuts fix which sits in a much better location now.
When I have a passenger with a drink they use the second CCI cup holder. Nobody likes to lose their armrest or contort themselves to reach the Tesla cup holders. For short people the second CCI cup holder can be a bit of a reach so it often leads to some discussion over who owns the closer cup holder.
When there’s 3 or 4 drinks in the car, we make use of the factory Tesla cup holders. They’re the fall back plan for now but it at least allows back seat passengers to rest their beverage container somewhere.
RELATED: Premium Tesla Model S Rear Seat Cup Holders (PARZ) Review
Even with the second cup holder installed I still have napkins, a coin purse and other miscellaneous items placed in the CCI storage area. There’s more space there than you’d think, even with that second cup holder installed.
I’m starting to think about how I can use the phone caddy space for haven’t decided on something just yet.
EVannex if you’re listening: a drop-in that provided a cover would be cool. Perhaps a real coin holder?
The CCI has a great clean look from every angle. It’s shorter than you’d expect and your knees won’t bump into it.
There are times when you have paperwork, a wallet or some other items that you need to set down. Thanks to the slightly raised side rails of the CCI, you can safely place your items on top of the storage cover without having to worry about the items sliding off the sides. Be very careful not to scratch the surface though. Since the sides of the CCI are raised above the surface, (unlike the factory Tesla center console) you can use it as a stand for your laptop (when parked of course).
Summary
The CCI has surprised me in how well-made it is and also how effective it’s been in solving my internal storage problems. I find it amusing that Tesla is so keen on keeping space clean and uncluttered yet they decided to leave people with the hard choice between an open center section or a permanently installed factory Tesla center console. With the EVannex CCI you can have your cake and eat it too. Put it in when you need it; take it out when you don’t.
Ultimately, three things convinced me on the CCI:
- It’s immediately available.
- It’s easily removable and requires no modifications to the Model S.
- It has consistently good reviews among Tesla owners versus mixed ones for the factory Tesla center console.
Sounds good to me.
Tesla Cybertruck’s three configurations are all the same on the outside from an appearance perspective, but they differ slightly in price, range, performance, and other features. After yesterday’s price adjustment, Tesla’s Base All-Wheel-Drive Cybertruck is now priced at $74,990, a far cry from the $59,990 it started at several months ago.
At $60,000, the Cybertruck All-Wheel-Drive is a steal: no pickup, electric or gas-powered, comes close in terms of overall driving capability thanks to Steer-by-Wire; no truck is more fun to drive at that price, and add in Full Self-Driving for $99 per month, and you truly have the best possible pickup on the market, at least if you’re planning to use it for driving.
I unfortunately didn’t have the equipment to test towing and payload and how it impacts the truck.
But at $75,000, is it still worth it? Obviously, the question gets to be more difficult because of the $15,000 difference. But there’s still an argument.
I spent the last week with this awesome truck, and when I took it back, I was sad because it truly is the best Tesla in the lineup. I formerly said the Model S was my favorite Tesla, but after a week with Cybertruck, I can easily say it would be my choice over the now-defunct all-electric sedan.
What makes it so great? Well, a lot of things, and there are some things that I’d like to see change. However, this is a truck that truly has a serious argument for those who are thinking of trying something completely different.
Exterior and Interior
This build comes with 18″ Molten Wheels as the standard offering, but 20″ Core Wheels with 35″ tires are also available. The standard wheel option on this affordable model is not my favorite, but it can be easily swapped for something more attractive.
Overall, this particular build did have some panel gap issues that were especially noticeable between the hood and both front quarter panels. This is obviously not an “across the board” issue, as the Cyberbeast I took home for comparative reasons was significantly better overall.
It’s 📐 week. Cybertruck AWD!!! pic.twitter.com/0hkmTQDQYk
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) August 19, 2026
The interior is different, with its textile material instead of the vegan leather. Personally, I missed the leather due to the ventilated seats, but I prefer the textile as I personally felt like they were more comfortable. This is something I’d definitely consider if I were between the three trim levels and money was not really an issue.
After 610 miles on Monday in this thing, I did not feel any different than I did when I left my house that morning. It feels like a living room on wheels; after a long drive, you truly do not feel as if you’ve been in a car all day long.
My biggest interior complaints were that I’d like at least two USB-C ports in the front; you are confined to just one, and it’s hidden in the center console. The rear row has two ports. Additionally, the windshield is super difficult to clean, so if you end up buying one of these, save your back and get something that extends.
Driving Performance and Comfort
One of the most surprising things about Cybertruck is the fact that it is perhaps the smoothest ride of any Tesla available. Most believe it might be rough, stiff, and rugged like most trucks, maybe not as forgiving on the back and bottom as you sit in it for an extended period of time.
I’m here to tell you, you won’t regret sitting in a Cybertruck for a long drive.
I put as many people who dislike EVs, don’t like Cybertrucks, or use trucks for work, and judge the Cybertruck in this thing in the past week. Every single person who got in this truck loved it: they loved the speed, the handling, FSD, the space, the capability, and the feel.
As previously noted, even after hundreds of miles and 14 hours spent driving around Pennsylvania, I didn’t feel tired, exhausted, or in any hurry to come home. I would have driven another 300 miles without question.
Final Thoughts
If I had my choice of the three Cybertruck trims, I think I’d take the All-Wheel-Drive for a few reasons. Initially, the price is more attractive, it is not that stripped of features, and it has everything I need.
Is it worth it at $75,000? I believe it is. I’ve driven trucks that are at a higher price point and consider this to be a better product from a driving and experience perspective. However, other pickups on the market have more towing capacity, payload capacity, and range. They do not have FSD or steer-by-wire, the two things that truly make the Cybertruck in a league of its own.
I can’t think of a time in recent memory that I’ve been this excited to drive a vehicle each day, and I literally look for excuses to drive my Model Y on a daily basis. This Cybertruck just blows the Model Y out of the water in every possible way, at least in my opinion. With the size, performance, and driving experience, there is no better Tesla out there.
You can check out the full video review below. If you have any questions about the Cybertruck AWD, be sure to reach out and let me know:
🚨FULL REVIEW of the unbelievable Tesla Cybertruck AWD 📐 pic.twitter.com/S0wHALl87K
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) August 26, 2026
News
Tesla’s AI Chief just hinted at something big for FSD v14 lite owners
Tesla’s AI chief suggests the newest FSD v14 Lite build may finally go wide release.
Tesla’s head of AI, Ashok Elluswamy, noted on Sunday that the newest FSD v14 Lite build rolling out to Hardware 3 cars is likely the version that goes to wide release, the strongest signal yet that Tesla is near to closing out an early access phase that Hardware 3 owners have waited more than a year for.
Elluswamy made the comment in response to an extensive review from Tesla owner Zack, known on X as @BLKMDL3, who tested software version 2026.20.6.10 and detailed the changes in a lengthy post. “FSD v14 Lite (for Tesla AI3 hardware vehicles) review.
The update restarts a rollout that had stalled after its initial release. Tesla began pushing FSD v14 Lite to Hardware 3 early access drivers on June 29, bringing driving behavior learned on the newer Hardware 4 computer down to the more limited chip that has powered Tesla vehicles built between 2019 and early 2023. That release, as we covered in detail, gave roughly 4 million HW3 vehicles their first meaningful update since being frozen on version 12.6 in early 2025.
Tesla Full Self-Driving v14 ‘Lite’ Release Notes: new capabilities and features
The latest build adds features that bring Hardware 3 closer in line with what Hardware 4 owners already have. FSD can now start directly from park without a brake pedal confirmation, a change Zack called a small but meaningful quality of life improvement. The interface also picks up the blue “P” park icon, approaching destination alerts, and a dedicated Self-Driving app with streak tracking, all details previously exclusive to the AI4 branch of v14, as outlined in Tesla’s original release notes.
The stakes around Hardware 3 go beyond software polish. Tesla sold the Full Self-Driving package for years on the promise that every vehicle equipped with it had the hardware needed to eventually drive itself without supervision. That promise broke down during Tesla’s Q1 2026 earnings call, when Musk acknowledged HW3 cars could not run unsupervised FSD, prompting Tesla to offer trade-in discounts and hardware retrofits alongside the Lite software track.
Tesla confirmed HW3 can’t do Unsupervised FSD but there’s more to the story
Tesla has continued to frame v14 Lite as the primary path forward for the HW3 fleet, telling owners in April that international markets would follow the U.S. rollout once regulatory approvals came through. For now, HW3 owners in the early access group are the only ones running the new build. A broader rollout would mark the second major software delivery to the legacy fleet since Tesla first released FSD v14 to Hardware 4 vehicles, and the first sign since June that the Lite program is still moving rather than stuck in early access limbo.
The Tesla Model Y has won U.S. News award for “Best Luxury Electric SUV,” beating out a heavy lineup of worthy battery-powered sport utility vehicles.
The Model Y first was delivered to owners in early 2020 and was the automaker’s answer to the widely-popular crossover SUV sector. A sibling of the first mass-market vehicle the company offered, the Model 3, Tesla’s Model Y has quickly become the company’s best-selling electric car, and that’s saying something considering it is not the most affordable Tesla vehicle and starts at $62,990.
U.S. News recognizes Tesla’s influence in the changing automotive market, identifying that it was likely the catalyst in bringing EVs to mainstream status. Despite the rapid expansion of the EV segment, Tesla has remained at the top of the hill, fending off worthy competitors like Volkswagen, Ford, and General Motors, who have spent decades developing some of the best automotive technology the world has seen. However, Tesla has also managed to stay above tech-focused and savvy automotive startups entering the electric sector, with battery powertrains being their only focus. Rivian and Lucid, two of the most notable names to fit that description, still have not managed to catch up with Tesla.
The Model Y effectively expanded Tesla’s product line to include a new body style. While the Model X has been offered for seven years, the falcon-wing door-equipped SUV is still only produced for sentimental reasons, according to CEO Elon Musk. It also is much more expensive than the Model Y, and starts at $114,990.
Tesla plans to produce Model Ys with both 4680 and 2170 cells at Gigafactory Texas this year
Those who do not quite have the means to spend over $100,000 on an all-electric SUV have plenty of options, but if a consumer is looking for luxury, the Model Y may be the best choice. U.S. News highlights that, while the Model Y does offer less overall cargo and utility room than the Model X, it still boasts many of the same tech features that Tesla has been known to put in its cars. The Model Y has plenty of performance too, and its premier trim level will get you from 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.5 seconds, while still having over 300 miles of range and a 155 MPH top speed.
“Despite the onslaught of new competitors, the Tesla Model Y is one of the most capable and well-rounded luxury electric SUVs that you can buy at the moment,” U.S. News writes. “If you’re in the market, this is an option that’s well-worth a test drive.”
I’d love to hear from you! If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please email me at joey@teslarati.com. You can also reach me on Twitter @KlenderJoey, or if you have news tips, you can email us at tips@teslarati.com.
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