It’s obvious by now that Tesla is having a major impact on the automotive world, and this seems to be most felt in places where emissions regulations are tightening up in a big way. The state of California, for example, has a regulatory scheme that forces some major car makers into buying greenhouse gas (GHG) credits, and Europe’s impending CO2 restrictions are going to mean creative hoop jumping if manufacturers hope to avoid their fines.
Despite this fine-print qualifying, Tesla isn’t exactly sitting on the bleachers gloating in these companies’ attempts at compliance. Rather, they’re shepherding the changes and gaining a multifaceted advantage while they do so.
In fact, you might say Tesla is the benevolent harbinger of doom for transportation powered by fossil fuels.
In April this year, details of a deal between Fiat Chrysler (FCA) and Tesla were revealed where the companies’ vehicle fleets would be pooled together to bring down FCA’s emissions average in the EU. By doing so, FCA avoided CO2 fines for 2020, according to its CEO Mike Manley in a Q2 2019 results conference call. The arrangement is expected to continue until 2022, and Tesla’s payout from the bargain is estimated to be around $500 million.
Fiat Chrysler is also leaning heavily on Tesla in California where the Italian automaker was recently found to be purchasing GHG credits from the Elon-Musk-led venture. FCA isn’t the only one, though. General Motors (GM) was also found to be buying credits from Tesla, despite having its own battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on the market for years. The move could be to guard against regulatory uncertainties in the future, but the message is still clear: GM has a ways to go in revamping its fleet for an electrified future, and Tesla is offering a hand-up in the process.
The hand-up is quite lucrative, of course. Tesla reported $216 million in revenue from the sale of regulatory credits in Q1 2019 alone, and CFO Zachary Kirkhorn expects credit sales to be even more significant in the future.
Tesla isn’t just helping with “Get Out of Jail (for a price)” cards, either. Their patents have operated under an open source philosophy since 2014. Some things are not shared in order to maintain a business edge – namely their Full Self-Driving tech; however, altogether Tesla is pointing the way towards a zero emissions automotive world, and they’re offering to help others in the industry get there, too. Yes, cars powered by fossil fuels are probably doomed, and Tesla’s success is basically ushering in that apocalypse. But they’re being kinder and gentler about it than they have to be.
The reason I classify Tesla’s credit dealings as benevolent rather than, say, opportunist, is because of the company’s mission from the start. Followers of Elon Musk are well versed (or somewhat versed) on his “Master Plans” that use electric cars to drive energy sustainability. In the end, the transition that FCA and GM are hiccuping their way through was the intention all along. It’s just ironic luck (or hard work, really) that Tesla can be there to guide them and assist them across the bridge. Or through the gates. Or…well, pick your metaphor. Could Tesla be hospice for FCA?
Okay, I’ll stop.
Tesla has rolled out a new Supercharging safety feature in the United States, one that will answer concerns that some owners may have if they need to leave in a pinch.
It is also a suitable alternative for non-Tesla chargers, like third-party options that feature J1772 or CCS to NACS adapters.
The feature has been available in Europe for some time, but it is now rolling out to Model 3 and Model Y owners in the U.S.
With Software Update 2026.2.3, Tesla is launching the Unlatching Charge Cable function, which will now utilize the left rear door handle to release the charging cable from the port. The release notes state:
“Charging can now be stopped and the charge cable released by pulling and holding the rear left door handle for three seconds, provided the vehicle is unlocked, and a recognized key is nearby. This is especially useful when the charge cable doesn’t have an unlatch button. You can still release the cable using the vehicle touchscreen or the Tesla app.”
The feature was first spotted by Not a Tesla App.
This is an especially nice feature for those who commonly charge at third-party locations that utilize plugs that are not NACS, which is the Tesla standard.
For example, after plugging into a J1772 charger, you will still be required to unlock the port through the touchscreen, which is a minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience nonetheless.
Additionally, it could be viewed as a safety feature, especially if you’re in need of unlocking the charger from your car in a pinch. Simply holding open the handle on the rear driver’s door will now unhatch the port from the car, allowing you to pull it out and place it back in its housing.
This feature is currently only available on the Model 3 and Model Y, so Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck owners will have to wait for a different solution to this particular feature.
Tesla has revealed an awesome Model 3 and Model Y incentive to help consumers make the jump to one of its affordable mass-market vehicles, but it’s ending soon.
Tesla is offering one free upgrade on eligible inventory of the Model 3 and Model Y until February 2.
This would help buyers receive the most expensive paid option on the vehicle at no additional cost, meaning white interior or a more premium paint option will be free of charge if you take delivery on or before February 2.
Tesla states on its website for the offer:
“Only for limited inventory while supplies last. Price displayed on inventory listings already deducts the cost of the free option.”
Tesla says its one free upgrade offer on eligible U.S. inventory for the Model 3 and Model Y ends February 2.
With this incentive, buyers receive the most expensive paid option on the vehicle at no additional cost (up to $2k in savings). pic.twitter.com/IhoiURrsDI
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) January 21, 2026
This latest incentive is just another advantage Tesla has by selling its vehicles directly and not using some sort of dealership model that relies on approvals from higher-ups. It is important to note that these programs are offered to help stimulate demand and push vehicles into customers’ hands.
It is not the only incentive Tesla is currently offering, either. In fact, there is a much larger incentive program that Tesla is working on, and it has to do with Full Self-Driving transfers, which could result in even more sales for the company through Q1.
Tesla is ending its FSD Transfer program on March 31, as it plans to transition to a Subscription-only basis with the self-driving suite for anyone who has not already purchased it outright.
This could help drive some on-the-fence buyers to new vehicles, but it remains to be seen. Given the timing of the program’s demise, it appears Tesla is hoping to use it to add additional sales and bolster a strong Q1 2026.
Interior and exterior paint colors can add up to $2,000 if you choose the most premium Ultra Red body color, or an additional $1,000 for the Black and White interior option. The discount, while small, could help get someone their preferred design configuration, instead of settling for something that is not quite what they want.
Tesla is dominating in the United Kingdom so far through 2025, and with about two weeks left in the year, the Model Y and Model 3 are leading the way.
The Model Y and Model 3 are the two best-selling electric vehicles in the United Kingdom, which is comprised of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and it’s not particularly close.
According to data gathered by EU-EVs, the Model Y is sitting at 18,890 units for the year, while the Model 3 is slightly behind with 16,361 sales for the year so far.
The next best-selling EV is the Audi Q4 e-tron at 10,287 units, lagging significantly behind but ahead of other models like the BMW i4 and the Audi Q6 e-tron.
GOOD NEWS 🇬🇧 Tesla is absolutely crushing the UK electric vehicle market in 2025 💥
The numbers are in, and the dominance is clear. With an impressive amount of 42,270 vehicles delivered year-to-date, the brand now commands a solid 9.6% market share of the total auto market 🆒… pic.twitter.com/dkiGX9kzd0
— Ming (@tslaming) December 18, 2025
The Model Y has tasted significant success in the global market, but it has dominated in large markets like Europe and the United States.
For years, it’s been a car that has fit the bill of exactly what consumers need: a perfect combination of luxury, space, and sustainability.
Both vehicles are going to see decreases in sales compared to 2024; the Model Y was the best-selling car last year, but it sold 32,610 units in the UK. Meanwhile, the Model 3 had reached 17,272 units, which will keep it right on par with last year.
Tesla sold 50,090 units in the market last year, and it’s about 8,000 units shy of last year’s pace. It also had a stronger market share last year with 13.2 percent of the sales in the market. With two weeks left in 2025, Tesla has a 9.6 percent market share, leading Volkswagen with 8 percent.
The company likely felt some impact from CEO Elon Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration and, more specifically, his role with DOGE. However, it is worth mentioning that some months saw stronger consumer demand than others. For example, sales were up over 20 percent in February. A 14 percent increase followed this in June.
Tesla already has a complete Robotaxi model, and it doesn’t depend on passenger count
Tesla Cybercab spotted with interesting charging solution, stimulating discussion
