News
The base Tesla Model 3 now costs less than the average new car in the US
Tesla’s entry-level vehicle, the Model 3 RWD, is now priced below the average cost of a new car in the United States. With Tesla’s price reduction efforts this year, vehicles like the base Model 3 have become cheaper than some new combustion-powered cars.
The Tesla Model 3’s starting price today stands at $42,990, exclusive of the $7,500 tax credit offered to US buyers of electric cars. This means that post-rebate, the cost of a Model 3 comes down to just about $35,500. That’s already in the territory of mainstream cars like the Toyota Camry.
A Bloomberg analysis has previously noted that even without the $7,500 tax credit, the base Model 3 already costs $4,930 less than the average new vehicle sold today. At the same time, combustion-powered cars are getting more expensive. As per Kelley Blue Book data, the average cost of a new car in January reached $49,388, an increase of 6% from the year prior.
Tesla’s decision to lower its prices last month ended up causing a price war of sorts, with competitors such as Ford lowering the prices of their electric cars like the Mustang Mach-E crossover, a rival to the Tesla Model Y. Yet as per Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives, Tesla is uniquely positioned in the EV sector today.
“In this EV arms race, Tesla is uniquely positioned around scale, brand, battery technology, and the Musk DNA while others are aggressively going after market share in this all-out Game of Thrones battle,” Ives wrote in a previous note.
Despite the headwinds that it faced in recent years, the electric vehicle industry is still projected to grow to $1.1 trillion globally by 2030. As noted by Ives, 2023 will be a “pivotal year” for electric cars. “There is a window of opportunity to gain share in the burgeoning EV market in our opinion and 2023 is a pivotal year that will establish the winners and losers in this EV landscape with Tesla high on top of the mountain,” Ives noted.
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News
Tesla reveals its first Semi customer after launch
Tesla revealed its first customer for the all-electric Semi truck after it launches next year. Who it truly is should not be a surprise.
The Semi is going to finally start deliveries to new companies outside of Tesla’s pilot program starting in 2026. The company has been building a dedicated production facility in Reno, Nevada, that has finally taken shape, but Tesla was evidently not finished with the Semi’s development.
Last week at the Annual Shareholder Meeting, Tesla said it had implemented some new designs into the Semi, helping with efficiency, updating its design, and making it a more suitable vehicle for hauling loads, as the changes also helped increase payload.
Tesla has obtained a lengthy list of companies that have committed to implementing the Semi in their own fleets, hoping to bring their logistics lineups up to date with electric powertrains and autonomous technologies.
While it is already operating a pilot program with PepsiCo. and Frito-Lay, Tesla will expand to other businesses, primarily using it internally after its launch.
Head of the Semi program at Tesla, Dan Priestley, said the company would be the first user of the vehicle after its launch next year. It has been using it to a certain extent, but the company has not been able to completely abandon gas haulers.
Instead, it will implement the Semi into its fleet for more sustainable vehicle logistics starting next year:
Tesla will be the first customer as we electrify our supply chain. This includes Texas operations.
— Dan Priestley (@danWpriestley) November 7, 2025
Tesla has already received orders for the Semi from a variety of large companies, including Walmart, Sysco, Anheuser-Busch, UPS, DHL, J.B. Hunt, among others.
Many analysts see the Tesla Semi as a major contributor to future growth and increasing value within the company, especially from a Wall Street perspective. Some firms say the Semi is one of several near and medium-term contributors to the company increasing its market cap.
Cantor Fitzgerald is just one of those firms, as last week it explicitly listed the Semi as a catalyst.
Analyst Andres Sheppard said, “Overall, we remain bullish on TSLA over the medium to long term. We continue to see meaningful future upside from Energy Storage & Deployment, FSD, Robotaxis/Cybercab, Semis, and Optimus Bots.”
News
Tesla China rolls out Model Y L V2L adapter, and it’s free for early owners
Tesla China announced the rollout of the Model Y L’s AC external power adapter on social media platforms such as Weibo.
Tesla China has released a useful new accessory for the Model Y L, and it is free for some owners. With the accessory, the Model Y L effectively becomes a giant power bank that owners can use to power appliances when they are camping, or if their homes are hit by a power outage.
Tesla Model Y L V2L adapter
Tesla China announced the rollout of the Model Y L’s AC external power adapter on social media platforms such as Weibo. As per the product’s advertisement, the Model Y L could provide up to 2,200W of power with its adapter, allowing it to support numerous appliances on the go. Of course, but could also be used to charge devices during power outages.
Tesla China notes that the adapter’s current is 220V, and it also features an IP44 protection grade. Tesla notes that the adapter could operate at temperatures between -30℃ ~ +50℃. The Model Y L’s V2L functionality would not work if the vehicle’s battery is less than 10%, however.
Tesla China’s official shop is selling its AC external power adapter for a reasonable price. The product could be purchased for RMB599, which is equivalent to $85. That’s a great price for an accessory that could make car camping sessions several times more convenient.
Free for early Model Y L owners
While the Model Y L’s AC external power adapter is priced reasonably at the Tesla China shop, the accessory is available for free for early owners of the extended wheelbase six-seat all-electric crossover. This was highlighted in a message that Tesla China reportedly sent to owners of the vehicle.
“Your Tesla account is eligible for a free Model Y L dedicated AC external power adapter. Please log in to the online store to add the adapter to your cart. Once the system verifies it correctly, the price will automatically change to 0 yuan before placing the order. We will send it to you via express delivery subsequently.
“This free qualification is only for the first owner of the Model YL who did not receive an AC external power adapter at pickup, valid until February 28, 2026. Failure to place an order upon expiration will be considered as a waiver of eligibility. If there is a temporary shortage of goods, please be patient and we will reschedule the replenishment by the end of January 2026,” Tesla China wrote.
News
Tesla Cybertruck and Model 3 program manager steps down
The now-former executive played a central role in several of Tesla’s key milestones.
Siddhant Awasthi, Tesla’s Program Manager for the Cybertruck and Model 3, has announced his departure after eight years with the company. Starting as an intern, Awasthi played a central role in several of Tesla’s key milestones, from the ramp-up of the Model 3 and Giga Shanghai to the launch of the long-awaited Cybertruck.
From intern to program leader
In a social media post, Awasthi described leaving Tesla as “one of the hardest decisions” of his life. He credited CEO Elon Musk, Tesla’s leadership team, and his colleagues for helping turn ambitious ideas into tangible vehicles. During his tenure, Awasthi contributed to Tesla’s global expansion and the evolution of its vehicle electronics and wireless systems, culminating in the Cybertruck’s long-anticipated rollout in late 2023.
He noted the intensity and innovation of his Tesla years, calling the experience “a thrilling journey” that shaped his career before the age of 30. “It’s been an absolute privilege,” he wrote, adding that working with “rockstar colleagues” made even the most demanding days worthwhile.
Tesla’s leadership transitions
Awasthi’s departure comes as Tesla continues to scale global operations and prepare for major product updates, including next-gen vehicle platforms and software-driven improvements. Despite stepping away, Awasthi voiced confidence in Tesla’s future. “I’m confident Tesla will nail its next big mission,” he said, highlighting his belief in the company’s capacity to deliver breakthrough products and improve safety for drivers worldwide.
“This decision wasn’t easy, especially with so much exciting growth on the horizon. Tesla vehicles are incredibly complex systems that often don’t get the credit they deserve, but I’ve witnessed firsthand how they’ve changed lives—for our customers, my friends, and my family—adding real value and, above all, improving safety. I’m confident Tesla will nail its next big mission (especially after last week), and I’m truly excited for the next chapter of my life,” the former Tesla executive wrote.
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