Connect with us

News

Tesla owners receive Holiday deliveries amid Q4’s end-of-quarter push

(Photo: Tesla)

Published

on

It is the end of the quarter once more, and in true Tesla tradition, the electric car maker is conducting an end-of-quarter push to deliver as many vehicles to customers as possible. This time around, though, Tesla’s delivery blitz also happens to cover the 2018 holiday season. Thus, for some reservation holders, their new Teslas proved to be a very welcome and incredibly memorable Christmas gift.

Over the past week all the way to Christmas, Tesla owners, both new and old, came to social media to share their delivery experiences. In Twitter alone, several families posted images from the delivery of their Model 3, Model X, and Model S. Tesla’s official Twitter account even shared a number of these pictures, captioning the photographs with a simple description that read “Holiday deliveries!”

Overall, it appears that Tesla did not miss a beat in its delivery efforts despite the holiday season. Considering the stakes of the fourth quarter, though, such determination is understandable, particularly since the end of Q4 also marks the end of the $7,500 federal tax credit given to Tesla owners. The fourth quarter is also an opportunity for Tesla to prove Elon Musk’s words right. Musk, after all, has noted since Q3’s blockbuster earnings that Tesla would be cash-flow positive moving forward.

Advertisement

A key factor in Tesla’s success for the fourth quarter, of course, remains to be the Model 3. Being Tesla’s highest-volume vehicle to date, sales and deliveries of the Model 3 would likely determine Tesla’s performance in Q4. Fortunately for the electric car maker, its Model 3 strategy for the fourth quarter might very well work. The carmaker, for one, has reached a point where it could comfortably produce the electric sedan at scale, with Musk noting that a production rate of 5,000 Model 3 per week is no big deal for Tesla today. Apart from this, the addition of a new Model 3 variant could be a difference-maker in the number of vehicles the company can deliver this quarter.

While Tesla has relied on the Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance Model 3 variants in the past, the company rolled out a new version of the electric sedan this fourth quarter. Dubbed as the Mid Range Model 3, the vehicle, which starts at $46,000 before incentives, brought the electric car within reach of more potential customers. Tesla has not revealed the number of Mid Range Model 3 that have been delivered so far, but factors such as VIN registrations point to the idea that the vehicle is likely being produced and sold in large quantities.

To prevent what Elon Musk described as “delivery logistics hell” during the third quarter, Tesla has reportedly gone the extra mile to ensure that cars ordered today would be delivered before the year closes. Musk, for one, noted in an announcement on Twitter that Tesla has acquired trucking capacity to facilitate deliveries. More recently, Musk also noted that Tesla would cover the tax credit difference if the company is not able to complete a committed delivery before the end of the month.

Advertisement

Apart from these programs, Tesla has also extended its long-running referral program until March 11. As could be seen in Tesla’s order pages today, electric car buyers could acquire an additional three months of free supercharging “if they order without ever having taken a test drive.”

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

Comments

News

China considering EV acceleration limits to curb high-speed accidents

If approved, the regulation would be a national standard.

Published

on

Credit: Tesla Asia/X

Recent reports have emerged stating that China is considering new national standards that would restrict how fast electric vehicles can accelerate upon each startup. The potential regulation is reportedly being considered amidst a rise in EV-related crashes. 

The draft for the proposed regulation was released by the Ministry of Public Security on November 10. If approved, the regulation would be a national standard.

New regulation targets default performance limits

Under the proposal, all passenger vehicles would start in a state where acceleration from 0–100 km/h (0-60 mph) would take no less than five seconds. This rule would apply to both pure EVs and plug-in hybrids, and it is aimed at preventing unintended acceleration caused by driver inexperience or surprise torque delivery. 

The public has until January 10, 2026, to submit feedback before the rule is finalized, as noted in a CNEV Post report.

Authorities have stated that the change reflects growing safety concerns amidst the arrival of more powerful electric cars. The new regulation would make it mandatory for drivers to deliberately engage performance modes, ensuring they are aware and ready for their vehicles’ increased power output before accelerating.

Advertisement

A rise in accidents

China’s EV sector has seen an explosion of high-powered models, some capable of 0–100 km/h acceleration in under two seconds. These speeds were once reserved for supercars, but some electric cars such as the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra offer such performance at an affordable cost. 

However, authorities have observed that this performance has led to an uptick in accidents. I recent years, incidents of crashes involving lack of control in vehicles with rapid acceleration have risen, as per an explanatory note accompanying the draft. 

Part of this is due to drivers seemingly being unprepared for the power of their own vehicles. For context, driving schools in China typically use cars that accelerate to 100 km/h in more than 5 seconds. This level of acceleration is also typical in combustion-powered cars.

@teslarati 🚨🚨 Tesla Full Self-Driving and Yap is the best driving experience #tesla #fsd #yapping ♬ I Run – HAVEN.
Continue Reading

News

Tesla Superchargers crowned best EV charging network in the UK for 2025

The Tesla Supercharger network was voted Best Large EV Charging Network for the second consecutive year.

Published

on

tesla-diner-supercharger
Credit: Tesla

Tesla has once again claimed the top spot in the UK’s most anticipated EV charging satisfaction survey. As per Zapmap’s 2025 driver satisfaction rankings, the Tesla Supercharger network was voted Best Large EV Charging Network for the second consecutive year. 

The annual survey, based on thousands of EV driver responses, measures reliability, ease of use, and payment experience across the UK’s public charging landscape.

Tesla tops the survey’s “Large” category

Zapmap’s 2025 rankings, which were drawn from nearly 4,000 battery electric vehicle (BEV) drivers, reflect how quickly public charging is evolving across the UK. For the survey’s “Large” network class, which includes systems with over 500 devices, Tesla once again stood out for reliability and cost efficiency. 

The automaker now offers 1,115 open Supercharger devices at 97 public sites, roughly 54% of its total UK network. That’s a 40% increase in public availability compared to September 2024. A particularly appreciated aspect of the Supercharger network is its cost, which continues to be “significantly lower prices than most rapid/ultra-rapid networks, with drivers also appreciating its reliability,” Zapmap noted.

Tesla Regional Manager’s comments 

Ollie Dodd, Senior Regional Manager for Northern Europe Charging at Tesla, shared his appreciation for the Supercharger network’s award. 

Advertisement

“We’re thrilled to win Zapmap’s Best EV Charging Network for the second year in a row. Being recognized by the drivers themselves shows that our customer-centric and data-driven approach to building sites is well-received. We look forward to showcasing more customer-centric features in 2026 as we expand the network further and look towards new initiatives in roaming and payment methods,” he said.

Conducted during September and October 2025, Zapmap’s eighth annual survey found that reliability and payment flexibility remain top priorities among EV drivers, two things that the Supercharger network particularly excels in. Fortunately for UK EV owners, the Supercharger network is also aggressively growing.

@teslarati 🚨🚨 Tesla Full Self-Driving and Yap is the best driving experience #tesla #fsd #yapping ♬ I Run – HAVEN.
Continue Reading

News

Tesla Superchargers to be opened for VW ID.4 and ID. Buzz owners

The adapter, however, would need to be purchased by eligible customers.

Published

on

Credit: Volkswagen

Volkswagen has announced that owners of the ID.4 and ID. Buzz will soon gain access to Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network across North America. 

Starting November 18, eligible drivers can charge at more than 25,000 compatible DC fast chargers using a Volkswagen-approved NACS adapter. The adapter, however, would need to be purchased by eligible customers. 

Volkswagen goes NACS

To connect with the Tesla Supercharger network, ID.4 and ID. Buzz owners will need a $200 Volkswagen NACS-to-CCS adapter, which is available from dealers or online at parts.vw.com. Original owners of 2025 models can claim a $100 rebate within 90 days of purchase, with the program running through July 15, 2026, as noted in a press release. Starting with model year 2026, the NACS adapter will be included as standard equipment on all new Volkswagen EVs.

It should be noted that Volkswagen’s NACS adapter enables charging exclusively on DC fast chargers compatible with Tesla’s North American Charging System. It cannot be used with Level 1 or Level 2 AC chargers, including Tesla’s own Destination Charger network. Select 2024 and 2025 models will also receive a software update to ensure optimal performance when charging through NACS.

Volkswagen of America SVP’s comments

Volkswagen of America Senior Vice President of Product Marketing and Strategy Petar Danilovic shared his excitement about the ID.4 and ID. Buzz’s upcoming use of the Tesla Supercharger Network. 

Advertisement

“This is great news for our EV owners,” he said. “They will now be able to access the more than 25,000 DC fast chargers on the Tesla Supercharger network across the United States, in addition to the more than 5,000 fast chargers on Electrify America’s grid. This makes life much more convenient, whether you are taking a road trip or you rely on public charging should home charging not be an option.”

To use the Supercharger Network, ID.4 and ID. Buzz owners could use the Tesla app to find compatible stations and pay directly for their charging sessions. Combined with Electrify America’s growing network, ID.4 and ID. Buzz owners now have more options for their charging needs, allowing them to travel long distances in their all-electric cars.

@teslarati 🚨🚨 Tesla Full Self-Driving and Yap is the best driving experience #tesla #fsd #yapping ♬ I Run – HAVEN.
Continue Reading

Trending