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BREAKING: Tesla Model 3 Highland goes live in North America

Credit: Tesla

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Tesla has officially launched the upgraded Model 3, better known in EV circles as the Model 3 Highland, in North America. As of writing, the upgraded Model 3 is now available for order in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. With this change, the previous generation Model 3 has been phased out. 

Tesla promoted the Model 3 Highland’s key upgrades over its predecessor on its official page for the vehicle. These include the vehicle’s range, which reaches up to 341 miles per charge, and an updated exterior that’s optimized for maximum aerodynamics. Tesla also focused on two new colors for the Model 3 Highland — Stealth Gray and Ultra Red — as well as new wheels that are optimized for efficiency. 

The electric vehicle maker also highlighted the Model 3 Highland’s fully updated interior, which features a wraparound styling that includes customizable ambient lighting. The Model 3 Highland interior’s premium materials, its stellar sound system, its 8″ rear display, ventilated seats, and wireless charging pads, were also mentioned by the EV maker. Of course, Tesla also highlighted the Model 3 Highland’s quieter cabin, which has been praised by reviewers since the vehicle was initially launched last year. 

The Tesla Model 3 Highland is currently offered in two variants in North America: the base Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) version and the Long Range Dual Motor All Wheel Drive (AWD) variant, which start at $38,990 and $45,990, respectively. The Model 3 Performance, the top-of-the-line version of the all-electric sedan and arguably Tesla’s most fun vehicle to drive, is currently not listed on the updated vehicle’s order page. 

The base Tesla Model 3 Highland features 272 miles of EPA estimated range, a top speed of 125 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor AWD is listed with an EPA estimated range of 341 miles per charge, a top speed of 125 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. 

Without options, the Model 3 Highland comes with Stealth Gray paint, 18″ Photon Wheels, and Black interior. Pearl White Multicoat and Blue Multicoat paint costs an extra $1,000, Solid Black paint costs an extra $1,500, and Ultra Red paint is a $2,000 option. The Model 3 Highland’s 19″ Nova wheels also cost $1,500, and the vehicle’s Black and White interior costs $1,000. 

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Similar to other Tesla vehicles, the Model 3 Highland comes with Basic Autopilot as standard. Customers, however, could add on Enhanced Autopilot, which features Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Land Change Autopark, Summon, and Smart Summon, for an extra $6,000. Full Self Driving (FSD) Capability, which features Autosteer on City Streets and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, is a $12,000 option. 

As of writing, Tesla Model 3 Highland orders have an estimated delivery date of January to February 2024. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

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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.

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SpaceX unveils Starlink next-gen V5 kit: here’s what’s new

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Credit: Starlink

SpaceX’s Starlink has launched its latest residential hardware kit: the V5. Designed for reliable high-speed internet, the new terminal represents a significant leap forward in user equipment.

The new V5 Starlink kit features a dramatically smaller and lighter form factor, measuring approximately 384 mm x 306 mm x 34 mm and weighing just 1.1 kg, which is less than half the weight of the previous V4 model, which was 2.9 kg.

This compact design makes installation easier and more versatile, whether mounted on a roof, pole, or even integrated with a pipe adapter. An integrated LED light aids setup in low-light conditions.

Power efficiency sees major gains too. The V5 draws only 35-50W, reducing energy consumption and making it ideal for off-grid or solar-powered setups. Despite its smaller size, performance remains robust. Starlink claims peak speeds of 375+ Mbps, supported by a new Wi-Fi 6 Router Mini that covers up to 2,200 square feet and connects up to 235 devices simultaneously.

The kit maintains strong signal reliability in diverse environments, from urban rooftops to remote rural areas, as demonstrated in the promo footage released by SpaceX, showing seamless operation under cloudy skies.

These improvements expand suitable applications considerably. Households can enjoy lag-free 4K streaming, smooth video conferencing, online gaming, and smart home device management without interruption. The V5’s efficiency and portability also benefit RVs, small businesses, and temporary installations in disaster-recovery zones where quick deployment is critical. Its lightweight build lowers shipping costs and simplifies user handling compared to bulkier predecessors.

Starlink’s Broader Impact on Global Internet Connectivity

Since SpaceX began launching Starlink satellites in 2019, the constellation has grown rapidly. By mid-2026, over 10,400 satellites orbit Earth, with thousands more deployed annually. This massive low-Earth-orbit network delivers broadband to approximately 160 countries and territories, reaching millions of users who previously lacked reliable internet access.

Starlink plays a vital role in bridging the digital divide. It provides essential connectivity to remote communities, maritime vessels, airlines, and regions affected by natural disasters or infrastructure gaps. By combining advanced satellite technology with iterative hardware upgrades like the V5 kit, SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of global internet access, fostering education, economic opportunity, and emergency response capabilities worldwide.

As production ramps up, the V5 promises to make high-performance internet even more accessible to users everywhere.

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Investor's Corner

Lucid denies rumors of bankruptcy after over 40% stock drop

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Credit: Lucid

Electric vehicle maker Lucid Group has denied rumors of an imminent bankruptcy after a report from this morning sent the stock on a dramatic drop on Wall Street, seeing losses of more than 40 percent during trading hours.

Lucid’s Director of Communications, Nick Twork, responded to the report from Eletric-Vehicles.com, which stated the company’s restructuring advisor, AlixPartners, was asked to review two decisions: taking Lucid shares private or filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The report also claims AlixPartners told the Lucid board to “concentrate on Gravity production while improving its quality, and to temporarily hold back the Lucid Air, the sedan that has defined the company since its launch.”

Twork said:

Shares rebounded after the response to the report, halving its losses as the trading day neared 3 p.m. Eastern.

Lucid has struggled to get its sales off the ground and into more respectable numbers, but the company is in its early years, when things are hard to begin with. It is also backed by several notable investors, including the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has nearly limitless money and likely would not ditch an investment of this size so soon.

Lucid shares were down just 14 percent at the time of publication, a far cry from the 55 percent its losses topped out at during the day.

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Tesla owner attempts resale of Model S Signature Edition for over $260k

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Credit: Tesla

A Tesla owner who purchased a Model S Signature Edition, one of the final 250 units of the all-electric flagship vehicle that the company discontinued earlier this year, is attempting to sell the car despite a no-resale clause that prohibits reselling for the first year.

The car is being sold by J&S Autohaus in Ewing, New Jersey, and is priced at $260,490, well above the $159,420 that Tesla sold it for earlier this year.

To those who do not know, the Model S Signature was a highly exclusive, limited-run farewell variant of the Model S Plaid that was produced this year to mark the end of production of both the Model S and Model X, Tesla’s two flagship vehicles.

Limited to just 250 units with invite-only sales, it serves as a collector’s item celebrating the legacy of the Model S, which helped pioneer Tesla’s electric vehicle success since its 2012 launch.

It bundles top-tier performance with bespoke cosmetic and luxury upgrades, plus Tesla’s Luxe Package. Here’s what the Model S Signature has over the typical Model S Plaid:

  • Exclusive Exterior – Unique Garnet Red Paint, matching door handles, gold Tesla “T” badges upfront, gold Plaid and Signature badging at the rear.
  • Premium Interior – White Alcantara upholstery with gold piping/accents, gold Plaid seat badges, Signature-marked door sills, individually numbered dashboard plaque, gold puddle lights, special interior lighting sequence, and a custom Signature key fob.
  • Performance Upgrades – Carbon-ceramic brakes with gold calipers
  • Bundled Luxe Package – Full Self-Driving (Supervised), four years of Premium Connectivity, free lifetime Supercharging
  • Performance Metrics – ~1,020 horsepower, sub-2-second 0-60 MPH, ~390-mile range

Tesla quickly introduced a No Resale Agreement for the Signature Editions of the Model S and Model X, which would penalize the seller for “the amount of $50,000 or the value received as consideration for the sale or transfer, whichever is greater.”

The company continues:

“If you sell or otherwise transfer the ownership of your Model S or Model X, the remainder of the Recommended Maintenance, Wheel and Tire Protection Plan, and Windshield Protection Plan will transfer automatically to the buyer. The Full Self-Driving (Supervised), Free Supercharging and Premium Connectivity will not transfer with the vehicle and will terminate once the ownership of the Model S or Model X is transferred.”

Tesla will likely come after the seller, especially as it has been about two months since Tesla launched deliveries.

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