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Tesla debuts promos early ahead of Q3 earnings, end-of-year push

Credit: Andrea Conway/X

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Tesla has launched a wide range of promotions in the U.S. and other countries in the last several days, coming ahead of the company’s third-quarter earnings call this week and as the company aims to reach its end-of-year delivery targets.

It’s not unusual for Tesla to push promotions near the end of quarters, and especially near the end of the fourth quarter. However, this year Tesla is debuting several of its promotions earlier than usual, and the sheer scope of offers available in its home market shows just how hard the company wants to deliver (pun intended) on its 2024 goals.

Tesla reported its Q3 deliveries earlier this month, effectively meeting most analyst and shareholder expectations. Now, as it faces the last few months of the year and its third-quarter earnings call on Wednesday, Tesla is offering promotions in the U.S. and elsewhere, including Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised transfers, zero-percent financing, and more.

Tesla publishes its Q3 2024 vehicle safety report

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Tesla’s Q4 promotions in the U.S. and elsewhere

Tesla is offering several simultaneous promotions in the U.S.:

  • Zero-percent financing on Model 3 and Model Y when buyers take delivery by the end of the year.
  • Free FSD Supervised transfers on all vehicles when buyers take delivery by the end of the year.
  • The inclusion of on paid option on the Model X AWD, or free paint on the Model 3 Performance when buyers add FSD.
  • A year of free Premium Connectivity on inventory purchases when buyers take delivery by the end of the year.
  • A $1,000 discount for military members and family on all models, without bulk purchase limits.
  • Referral discounts still apply, though they’ve been reduced to $500 from $1,000.

Tesla has also launched zero-percent interest financing offers in other markets, as well as a similar FSD transfer program that recently launched in Canada. Crucially, however, some have noted that there aren’t any zero-interest financing promotions running in the North American country—though Tesla could still launch such promos in the coming weeks.

In China, Tesla also has an FSD Supervised transfer promo running, ahead of the company’s expected launch of the software in the country.

Tesla’s Q3 earnings call, and goal to reach 2023 deliveries

Tesla is largely expected to reach its goal of 1.8 million vehicles delivered total, which would be the same amount of units it delivered last year. In the first nine months of 2024, the company reported delivering 1.23 million vehicles.

The company is also likely to comment on this during its Q3 earnings call on Wednesday, as it highlights its goals for the remainder of the year. While many analysts and shareholders have expressed confidence in Tesla’s ability to reach the target, the company is definitely pulling out all the stops ahead of the last two months of the year.

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Tesla China sees 13,200 new vehicle registrations in Q3’s third week

What are your thoughts? Let me know at zach@teslarati.com, find me on X at @zacharyvisconti, or send us tips at tips@teslarati.com.

Zach is a renewable energy reporter who has been covering electric vehicles since 2020. He grew up in Fremont, California, and he currently lives in Colorado. His work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, KRON4 San Francisco, FOX31 Denver, InsideEVs, CleanTechnica, and many other publications. When he isn't covering Tesla or other EV companies, you can find him writing and performing music, drinking a good cup of coffee, or hanging out with his cats, Banks and Freddie. Reach out at zach@teslarati.com, find him on X at @zacharyvisconti, or send us tips at tips@teslarati.com.

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Elon Musk

President Trump touts new Air Force One with Musk technology

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Credit: Air Force

President Donald Trump unveiled an upgraded Boeing 747-8 at Joint Base Andrews on June 19, 2026, describing the Qatar-gifted aircraft as an interim Air Force One equipped with advanced communications systems, including Starlink, Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite internet service.

The plane, valued at around $400 million and modified for presidential use, serves as a bridge until the delayed VC-25B replacements arrive. Trump highlighted its luxury features and new technology during remarks to service members.

Trump stated:

“We have communication equipment up there that nobody’s ever seen before. It’s the highest level and, uh, including Starlink. My friend Elon is going to be very happy, but, uh, Starlink and we have, uh, four or five different sets of double and triple communications like people haven’t seen.”

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He added:

“And it represents what can happen with hard work, innovation, and aggressive timelines because we did this quickly and yet there’s never been communication like is on this plane.”

The aircraft features a redesigned red, white, and blue livery and has been outfitted with Starlink satellite connectivity alongside other secure systems.

Trump praised the plane’s uniqueness, calling it among the world’s most luxurious. The gift from Qatar and subsequent modifications have drawn attention, with the jet positioned as a solution for presidential travel. It is expected to support operations, including potential ceremonial roles such as Fourth of July flyovers.

The event marked the formal introduction of the converted jet, which will help maintain capabilities while the primary Air Force One fleet undergoes modernization. Defense observers note the inclusion of commercial satellite technology like Starlink as part of efforts to ensure resilient communications, crucial to keep the country running as the President is in the sky.

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President Trump’s comments underscored appreciation for rapid upgrades and innovation in equipping the aircraft. The plane remains a U.S. government asset and is slated for eventual transfer related to presidential library purposes after its service.

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Tesla Cybercab launch is imminent after latest sighting at Giga Texas

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Credit: Joe Tegtmeyer | X

Tesla just gave what is perhaps its biggest signal yet that the launch of the Cybercab, its autonomous ride-hailing-geared car, is imminent.

The Cybercab has been spotted outside of Gigafactory Texas in massive numbers over the past few days, with hundreds of units being stored on property just days after the vehicle received a Certificate of Conformity from the EPA.

Today, things were a bit different.

Cybercabs spotted on Giga Texas property today had an addition: a Cybercab decal on the side, reminiscent of the “Robotaxi” ones that were placed on Model Ys just as the company launched its ride-sharing platform about a year ago.

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Giga Texas drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer noticed the change today:

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Tesla could be signaling that the Cybercab is preparing to enter the Robotaxi fleet in the coming weeks or months with this move. It seems more symbolic than anything; Tesla is ready to throw Cybercabs in the ride-hailing platform just as it did with Model Ys last year.

The addition of the Certificate of Conformity awarded to the Cybercab is another major factor working to Tesla’s advantage. The company now has permission from the EPA to allow the vehicle to operate on public roads and enter the chain of commerce. It’s officially street legal.

Tesla Cybercab specs revealed: range, curb weight, range ratings, and more

The big question that remains is whether Tesla will be able to operate the car without a safety monitor, especially considering it plans to put the car out there without a steering wheel or pedals. With the Cybercab only having a seating capacity of two, it is hard to believe Tesla will even consider putting a Safety Monitor in the car.

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It did recently self-certify as Level 4 and has the ability to operate driverless vehicles in the State of Texas under a law that took effect on May 28. You can read more about that here:

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

We’d imagine Cybercabs will be on the roads as soon as July, but August will likely be a better estimate of when the car will be entered into the Cybercab fleet. It all depends at where Tesla is, as they’ve truly prioritized safety with the rollout of the Robotaxi platform.

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Elon Musk says this part of Tesla ‘makes no sense’

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Justin Pacheco, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Elon Musk has publicly questioned Moody’s credit assessments following the rating agency’s decision to assign SpaceX a Baa1 investment-grade rating, two notches above Tesla’s Baa3. The comments came amid discussions comparing the two companies’ financial profiles.

SpaceX earned its first-time Baa1 rating with a stable outlook from Moody’s. The agency highlighted the company’s leadership in orbital launches, the growing recurring revenue from its Starlink satellite network, strong vertical integration, U.S. government contracts, and emerging opportunities in AI infrastructure.

These factors were cited as supporting robust cash flows, margin expansion, and financial flexibility.

Musk responded directly: “Tesla’s credit rating is ridiculously low tbh,” and added, “Yeah, makes no sense. Tesla has over $40B in cash, no debt, and is consistently profitable!” His remarks underscored Tesla’s balance sheet strength and profitability at a time when many traditional automakers continue to report losses in the shift to electric vehicles.

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Tesla maintains a leading position in the global EV market, with diversification into energy and storage, battery technology, and robotics through projects like Optimus. Recent financial updates show the company generated positive free cash flow of $1.4 billion in Q1 2026, supported by operating cash flow of $3.9 billion. Cash and short-term investments stood at approximately $44.7 billion.

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Moody’s has affirmed Tesla’s Baa3 issuer rating with a stable outlook in periodic reviews, acknowledging the company’s EV leadership, technology strengths, including AI for autonomous vehicles, solid profitability, and strong liquidity.

Tesla (TSLA) scores Baa3 Moody’s rating for ‘stable’ outlook

However, the agency has also noted challenges in the automotive segment and expectations for margin pressures.

Musk’s critique highlights a common debate about how traditional rating methodologies apply to high-growth, capital-intensive technology companies. SpaceX benefits from long-term government-backed contracts and diversified, recurring revenue streams, while Tesla’s valuation reflects heavy investment in future technologies such as autonomy and robotics.

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Both ratings remain investment-grade, yet the one-notch difference has fueled online discussion about potential inconsistencies in evaluating innovative firms.

The exchange comes as SpaceX explores financing options following its recent valuation milestones, while Tesla continues executing on its multi-year roadmap. Musk’s pointed response serves as a reminder that credit ratings, though influential for borrowing costs, represent one lens through which markets assess corporate strength—and that company leaders often view their financial positions through the lens of long-term innovation and cash generation rather than short-term risk metrics alone.

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