It appears that the upgraded Tesla Model 3 is about to start its first deliveries in North America soon. As per posts shared by customers of the upgraded all-electric sedan on social media, some deliveries of the new Tesla Model 3 could start as early as this week.
While the upgraded Model 3 has been available in countries that are supplied by Gigafactory Shanghai since last year, the revamped vehicle was only launched in North America earlier this month. When Tesla’s order page for the upgraded Model 3 went live, the vehicle was listed with an estimated delivery date of January to February 2024.
This date was later updated to February to March 2024 just a few days later. Tesla did not share details about the upgraded Model 3’s new estimated delivery dates, though electric vehicle watchers noted that the vehicle might have seen a huge influx of orders following its North American debut. As per recent posts on social media platforms such as X, it would appear that deliveries of the new all-electric sedan are indeed starting this month.
NEWS Model 3 Highland orders in the U.S. are now showing updated delivery dates of Jan 25 – Feb 8
Looks like the early deliveries are starting this week! pic.twitter.com/OJbTJKOvID— David (@dkrasniy) January 23, 2024
This was hinted at in a post from Tesla UI Software Engineer David Krasniy, who noted on X that he ordered his upgraded Model 3 on January 10. As could be seen in a screenshot posted by the Tesla employee, his upgraded Model 3 has been listed with an estimated delivery date of January 25 to February 8, 2024. Other new Model 3 customers also showed screenshots pointing to delivery dates in late January, as well as early to mid-February 2024.
pic.twitter.com/5xPjER3Kkj— Shibby The Jabroni (@Shibbroni) January 23, 2024
Apart from an updated exterior, the new Model 3 also boasts a fully redone interior that includes customizable ambient lighting, a rear display, ventilated seats, and wireless charging pads. The vehicle also features a stalkless driving system similar to what is used in the flagship Model S sedan and Model X SUV.
-->Here is what mine is showing (I live in FL). I’m seriously so excited I can’t wait pic.twitter.com/Tjo9FzM9Ly— Radeon9 (@KoltnX) January 23, 2024
The upgraded Tesla Model 3 is currently offered in two variants: a base Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) version starting at $38,990 before options and the Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) version priced at $45,990 before options. Notably absent from the new Model 3’s current order page is the top-tier Model 3 Performance, which is expected to be rolled out sometime later this year.
Mine shows Feb 15-Mar 21! pic.twitter.com/rNexC66HSm— MTG (@mtgproductionss) January 23, 2024
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Tesla starts laying the groundwork for FSD tests in Austria
The job opening comes as the company pushes regulatory approvals and data collection in new European markets.
Tesla seems to be ramping its efforts to hire key personnel for FSD’s eventual expansion in Europe. This was hinted at in a new job listing for a vehicle operator role in Vienna, Austria.
The job opening comes as the company pushes regulatory approvals and data collection in new European markets.
Vienna’s vehicle operator role
Tesla posted the job for “Fahrer (Vehicle Operator) (m/w/d)” in its Vienna office on its Careers website, seeking candidates to drive and monitor test vehicles as part of the Autopilot and AI team. The role involves collecting real-world driving data to refine Full Self-Driving systems for the country’s local roads. Responsibilities include operating vehicles in urban and highway environments, documenting system performance, among other tasks.
Applicants need a valid Austrian driver’s license and at least two years of driving experience. Fluency in English is essential, along with a familiarity with driver assist systems. Tesla noted that the position offers a minimum annual gross salary of EUR 32,000, though relevant professional experience and qualifications will be taken into account. Similar to other Tesla roles, the position also offers TSLA stock as an incentive.
Tesla’s FSD Push in Europe
Tesla’s FSD efforts in Europe have accelerated in recent months, with significant progress in Spain serving as a key milestone. In July 2025, Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic launched the ES-AV framework to standardize automated vehicle testing, authorizing Tesla for nationwide FSD trials with 19 vehicles under Phase 3, which allows optional onboard safety operators and remote monitoring.
-->The program, running through November 2027, aims to position Spain as a leader in the field, as DGT stated: “The program is designed to complement and enhance oversight, regulation, research, and transparency efforts, as well as to support innovation and advancements in automotive technology and industry.”
Beyond Spain, Tesla has conducted FSD demonstrations in Germany, France and Italy for consumers, while pursuing national approval in the Netherlands for early 2026.
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Tesla Semi factory looks almost complete during Thanksgiving weekend
Based on recent drone videos, the Tesla Semi factory looks practically ready to start operations.
It appears that the Tesla Semi factory near Giga Nevada is already hard at work preparing for the initial production of the Class 8 all-electric truck. This was, at least, hinted at in a recent drone flyover of the facility from a longtime watcher.
The Tesla Semi factory after Thanksgiving
Drone operator and Tesla Semi advocate @HinrichsZane recently shared some footage he captured of the upcoming facility during the Thanksgiving weekend. Based on his video, it appears that Tesla gave its employees in the area the weekend off. One thing is evident from the video, however, and that is the fact that the Tesla Semi factory looks practically ready to start operations.
The Tesla Semi watcher did point out that the electric vehicle maker is still busy bringing in production equipment into the facility itself. Once these are installed, it would not be surprising if initial production of the Tesla Semi begins.
A new Tesla Semi
The upcoming completion of the Tesla Semi factory near Gigafactory Nevada seems all but inevitable in the coming months. What would be especially interesting, however, would be the vehicles that would be produced on the site. During Elon Musk’s presentation at the 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting, a glimpse of the production Tesla Semi was shown, and it looks quite a bit different than the Class 8 all-electric truck’s classic appearance.
As could be seen in the graphic from the CEO’s presentation, the updated Tesla Semi will feature slim lightbar headlights similar to the new Tesla Model Y, Cybertruck, and the Cybercab. Tesla also teased a number of aerodynamic improvements that increased the truck’s efficiency to 1.7 kWh per mile. Extended camera units, seemingly for FSD, could also be seen in the graphic.
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Tesla scores major hire as Apple scientist moves to Optimus team
Chen, who advanced from individual contributor to technical lead during his time at Apple, noted that he was blown away by Tesla’s efforts and synergy.
Former Apple research scientist Yilun Chen has left the tech giant to join Tesla’s Optimus AI team. Chen, who advanced from individual contributor to technical lead during his time at Apple, noted that he was blown away by Tesla’s efforts and synergy.
Apple veteran closes a major chapter
In a farewell note, Yilun Chen reflected on his tenure at Apple as a period defined by rapid growth and exposure to notable internal projects, some of which remain unreleased. His roles spanned engineering, research, early product incubation, and hands-on prototyping, allowing him to build expertise across both mature and emerging teams.
Chen credited mentors, colleagues, and cross-functional collaborators for shaping his trajectory, calling the experience unforgettable and emphasizing how each team taught him different lessons about scaling technology, guiding product vision, and navigating fast-moving research environments. “Each role has offered me invaluable unique lessons… My deepest gratitude goes to my colleagues, mentors and friends,” he wrote.
Tesla’s Optimus lab secured the hire
Chen said the move to Tesla was driven by the momentum surrounding Optimus, a humanoid robot powered by LLM-driven reasoning and Physical AI. After visiting Tesla’s Optimus lab, he admitted that he was “totally blown away by the scale and sophistication of the Optimus lab and deep dedication of people when I got to visit the office.”
His first week at Tesla, he noted, involved spontaneous deep-tech discussions, a flat team structure, rapid prototyping cycles, and what he called a “crazy ideas with super-fast iterations” culture. Chen emphasized that the team’s ambition, as well as its belief that humanoid robots are now within reach, creates an energy level that feels aimed at changing the world.
-->“You can feel the energy to change the world here,” he wrote in a post on social media.
Tesla starts laying the groundwork for FSD tests in Austria
Tesla Semi factory looks almost complete during Thanksgiving weekend
