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Tesla offers Model 3 Performance buyers free unlimited Supercharging in latest referral program update

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Tesla has updated the details for its latest Referral Program to include Model 3 Performance as a vehicle that’s eligible for incentives when purchased through a referral code. In addition, Tesla has extended free unlimited Supercharging to Model S and Model X purchases made between August 1 and September 16, which also includes Model 3 Performance. 

With a new Referral Program in place, owners can give five of their referrals free unlimited Supercharging with the purchase of a Model S, Model X, or Model 3 Performance. Vehicles purchased before September 16 would enjoy the full, unlimited fast-charging perk for the lifetime of the vehicle under its original ownership. After September 16, Tesla would be limiting unlimited Supercharging to one year for the Model S, Model X, and Model 3 Performance. The limits of the new Referral Program also indicate that all Model 3 Performance orders placed before August 1, 2018 would be given unlimited Supercharging, including vehicles not purchased through a referral code. This is the first time Model 3 buyers are being offered free use of the company’s global network of Superchargers.

Tesla has been rolling out a Referral Program for Model 3 owners over the past few months, though some owners were only able to receive their referral codes recently. Ultimately, the updated Referral Program features benefits designed specifically for the growing Model 3 community, but it also comes with a time limit. If the company does follow through and retires the program after September 16, it will only be a matter of time before new owners of Tesla’s vehicles, including its flagship Model S and X, would have to pay for Supercharging.

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Tesla’s introduction of rewards directly linked to the Model 3 Performance appears to be the electric car maker’s latest way of upselling the vehicle to reservation holders. Considering that the company is pushing for profitability this third quarter, every order of the Model 3 Performance, which starts at $64,000, would likely help Tesla become profitable this Q3. The Model 3, after all, has been found to the profitable, with a recent teardown and analysis of the vehicle from Detroit veteran Sandy Munro revealing that the electric car’s Long Range RWD variant exceeds 30% profit. The Model 3 Performance, being priced higher, would most likely give Tesla even more.

Apart from the introduction of free unlimited Supercharging to the Model 3 Performance, Tesla’s updated Referral Program still features much of the same perks as before. The following is a breakdown of referral awards for participating Tesla owners.

1 to 2 Qualifying Referrals

  • Signature Black Wall Connector – This item is only available under the Referral Program. Shipping started in July 2018.
  • Founders Series Tesla Model S for Kids – This item is a miniature version of the Tesla Model S, complete with working headlights, a sound system, and even a working charge port. Anecdotes from the Tesla community note that the large box of the Model S for Kids fits perfectly at the back of the family sedan with the rear seats folded down.

3 Qualifying Referrals

  • Early Access Token for Solar Roof – Customers who opt for this perk would get early access and priority scheduling for Solar Roof installations, which already begun earlier this year. This perk could be given to a friend.

4 Qualifying Referrals

  • 21” Arachnid Wheels for Model S or 22” Turbine Wheels for Model X — Wheels designed to improve the performance of the Model S and X.
  • One Week with Model S or Model X – The Teslas used for this perk could be used on a road trip. Customers who opt to not use this reward can give this to a friend.

5 Qualifying Referrals

  • Tesla Unveiling Invitation – Owners who reach five referral orders will be invited to a future unveiling event. The VIP invitation is valid for the Tesla owner and one guest.
  • Founders Series Powerwall 2 – This home battery storage unit features a unique red color scheme. 

Tesla is also extending its Race an Electric Semi Truck referral award. Just like before, the person who can get the most number of friends to sign up for Tesla’s newsletter would have the opportunity to race the Tesla Semi around the company’s test track.

Referral rewards for Tesla Solar have also been extended with the updated program. Owners could give their referrals a 5-year extended limited warranty on new solar energy system installations. One to four qualifying referrals would give Tesla owners $400 cash of $750 credit per installed referrals. Five qualifying referrals gives owners a free Founders Series Powerwall 2 battery.

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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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Tesla Full Self-Driving expansion in Europe continues with new addition

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) has taken yet another significant step forward in Europe. On May 29, Estonia became the third European Union country to approve the advanced driver-assistance technology, following approvals in the Netherlands and Lithuania.

Tesla Europe announced the news on X, confirming the expansion has continued across the continent that, at one time, seemed to be taking its sweet old time giving any approval to the FSD suite.

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Estonia’s Transport Administration (Transpordiamet) granted the approval by recognizing the type certification issued by the Dutch vehicle authority RDW. This mutual recognition mechanism, enabled by EU regulations, allows other member states to fast-track deployment without repeating extensive local testing.

The Estonian authority noted that Tesla’s FSD had undergone rigorous evaluation on European roads for approximately 18 months before the initial Dutch approval in April 2026.

FSD Supervised remains classified as a Level 2 advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS). Drivers must maintain full attention, keep their hands on the wheel, and stay ready to intervene at any moment.

The system assists with tasks such as automatic lane changes, navigation through city streets, and responding to traffic objects, but it does not constitute full autonomy. Estonian officials emphasized this distinction, underscoring that safety responsibility lies entirely with the driver.

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The rapid progression across the Baltic region highlights Tesla’s strategic approach to European expansion. The Netherlands provided the foundational type approval in April, unlocking doors for neighboring countries.

Lithuania followed swiftly in mid-May, with rollout beginning shortly thereafter. Estonia’s decision, coming just days later, demonstrates how smaller, digitally progressive nations are accelerating adoption.

Tesla owners in Estonia can expect an over-the-air software update in the coming weeks, bringing the latest FSD capabilities to compatible vehicles

This expansion builds on Tesla’s global momentum. FSD Supervised is now available in 11 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Korea. In Europe, the approvals signal growing regulatory confidence in Tesla’s vision-based AI approach, which relies on cameras and neural networks rather than lidar or radar-heavy alternatives used by some competitors.

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For Tesla, these European milestones are more than symbolic. They validate years of data collection and software iteration while opening new revenue streams through FSD subscriptions and purchases.

As the company continues refining its AI models with real-world miles from diverse driving environments, including Estonia’s variable winter conditions, the dataset grows richer, potentially benefiting global users.

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Elon Musk strikes down reports on SpaceX IPO rumors

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Credit: Grok

Elon Musk has firmly denied recent media reports suggesting that SpaceX has reduced its target valuation for an upcoming initial public offering.

The denial came directly from the SpaceX and Tesla frontman on his social media platform X, where he responded with a single word, “False,” to a post from ZeroHedge that cited Bloomberg sources.

This swift rebuttal underscores Musk’s ongoing effort to manage speculation surrounding one of the most anticipated market debuts in recent history.

According to the disputed reports, SpaceX had lowered its IPO valuation goal to at least $1.8 trillion from previous ambitions exceeding $2 trillion.

The claims emerged amid growing anticipation for the company’s confidential S-1 filing, which positions it for a potential public listing as early as June.

Some had pointed to strong revenue growth, particularly from the Starlink satellite internet service, which contributed heavily to the firm’s 2025 figures of $18.7 billion. Yet challenges persist in other areas, including substantial investments and losses tied to ambitious projects like Starship development and artificial intelligence initiatives, which plan to make life multiplanetary eventually.

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Musk’s response highlights a pattern in which he actively counters what he views as inaccurate portrayals of his companies’ trajectories.

SpaceX, already valued privately at extraordinary levels, stands as a cornerstone of Musk’s empire alongside Tesla and xAI. The entrepreneur has long emphasized the transformative potential of reusable rockets and global broadband access, factors that fuel investor enthusiasm despite operational hurdles.

By rejecting the valuation downgrade narrative, Musk signals confidence in SpaceX’s fundamentals and its readiness for public markets on terms favorable to its long-term vision. People have been waiting a very long time to invest in SpaceX, and the valuation, as well as the introductory share price, is not going to need adjusting.

They’ll have plenty of suitors.

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SpaceX just filed for the IPO everyone was waiting for

This episode reflects broader dynamics in the technology sector, where rumors often swirl around high-profile entities. Musk’s direct engagement with media narratives serves to maintain transparency and control the narrative around his ventures.

As SpaceX prepares for greater scrutiny in public markets, the founder’s denial reinforces optimism about its prospects. Supporters argue that the company’s innovative edge positions it for enduring success, far beyond short-term valuation debates. With the denial now public, attention turns to forthcoming regulatory filings that could provide clearer insights into SpaceX’s strategy and financial health.

The coming weeks promise to reveal more about how SpaceX will transition into a publicly traded powerhouse.

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Tesla’s Robotaxi dreams just took a massive step toward reality

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla’s dreams of operating a fully autonomous ride-hailing platform just took a massive step toward reality, as two separate events have indicated the company is perhaps closer than ever to achieving self-driving as a product.

On Thursday, Tesla was granted authorization by the State of Texas to operate driverless vehicles in a commercial manner. On May 28, Senate Bill 2807, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, took effect after being passed back on September 1, 2025.

The bill establishes a statewide regulatory framework requiring authorization from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for companies to operate automated vehicles commercially on Texas roads.

This covers driverless, or SAE Level 4+, operations for passenger transport, meaning Robotaxi, or freight.

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Tesla and other companies can self-certify their vehicles and tech as long as they:

  • Operate in compliance with Texas traffic laws
  • Maintain proper registration, title, and insurance
  • Use compliant automated driving systems
  • Record onboard activity and handle system failures and glitches safely.

The new authorization, which was first reported by James Stephenson on X, allows companies to utilize their own processes to determine if their vehicles are ready to operate without drivers.

It is a rule that expedites the entire approval process, keeping agencies out of a usually long, lengthy, and frustrating task that is essential to technological advancements. It essentially means Tesla can launch commercial Robotaxi operations at this point.

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On the very same day, Tesla continued the momentum as CEO Elon Musk shared a video of Cybercab units autonomously driving off the property at Gigafactory Texas. This is a major step in the story of the Cybercab.

Mass production of the Cybercab started at Giga Texas in April, and it is already heading out of the factory on its own.

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These two major events mark a drastic step forward in Tesla’s progress toward Cybercab and the permissions it needs to operate a self-driving ride-hailing service. Tesla is now able to operate autonomously under Texas law by self-certifying, and with the potentially imminent rollout of Cybercab, Tesla’s autonomous dreams are starting to take serious shape.

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