Week 47/24 Tesla Update: Model 3 TÜV Final Approval, Autopilot System Update, Electric Car for Families, NorthvoltBankruptcy
In the latest TUV annual report on defect rates in main inspections, the Tesla Model 3 has been ranked last among electric vehicles in the 2-3 year age category, due to a high failure rate primarily attributed to issues with lights, brakes, and suspension [1].
Key mechanical and safety-related defects, such as problems in critical systems like the lighting system, braking components, and suspension, have significantly contributed to the Model 3's fault detection rate of 14.2% [1].
Furthermore, design changes impacting usability have also been a concern. For instance, the removal of the traditional turn signal stalk from the Model 3 Highland refresh in 2023 caused driver dissatisfaction and was considered a problematic deletion by Tesla’s engineering head. This resulted in Tesla offering a costly retrofit (currently only in China) to restore the stalk [2].
Despite Tesla's strong global and European sales, these defect and design issues have negatively impacted its reliability perception and TUV performance in Germany. The high defect rate underscores that despite Tesla’s innovation, some core mechanical and design elements in the Model 3 have shown weaknesses leading to a relatively high failure rate in these inspections [1][2].
Meanwhile, Elon Musk has hinted at the launch of new electric vehicles based on the Model 3 and Model Y platforms in the first half of 2025 [4]. These new models, which may be more affordable than current ones, are expected to address the need for larger electric vehicles to support a family lifestyle in the West, as suggested by Musk [5].
In other news, Hyundai has announced the Ioniq 9 for 2025, an E-SUV with optional three rows and around 5 meters in length, but with more battery capacity and range [6]. The starting price of the Ioniq 9 is expected to be around 68,000 Euros, lower than Kia's EV9 [7].
Tesla has also made some updates to its vehicles. The in-vehicle navigation system for European customers has been improved, offering better battery range estimates on arrival and Supercharger availability predictions [8]. Additionally, Tesla has introduced a new "Summon" feature in Europe via an over-the-air update with version 2024.44.3 of its vehicle software [9].
The Tesla Model Y is now available in Europe with seven seats, and the refreshed Model Y, codenamed Juniper, could be one of the new models, but it may not fit the description of "new models" [10]. The Tesla Model X currently starts at around 100,000 Euros, always featuring all-wheel drive and 20-inch wheels, achieving around 625 km according to WLTP [11].
However, Tesla's European operations face challenges. The planned factory in the northern German heath is now in question, and Europe's future as a location for battery manufacturers is at stake due to Northvolt's insolvency [12]. Northvolt, Europe's biggest hope for battery production, has filed for insolvency under U.S. law [13]. The CEO and co-founder, a former Tesla manager, has stepped down and admitted mistakes [14].
[1] https://www.tuv.com/en/press/press-releases/2023/11/tuv-rhinos-e-cars-defect-rate-2023/ [2] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-3-highland-refresh-turn-signal-stalk-controversy/ [3] https://www.tesla.com/news/tesla-delivers-its-one-millionth-vehicle-in-europe [4] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/01/elon-musk-hints-at-new-electric-vehicles-based-on-model-3-model-y-platforms.html [5] https://www.tesla.com/news/elon-musk-says-tesla-will-address-need-for-larger-electric-vehicles-to-support-a-family-lifestyle-in-the-west [6] https://www.hyundai-global.com/global/news/article.do?newsid=24029 [7] https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/08/kia-ev9-pricing-starts-at-69000-euros-in-europe-for-base-version.html [8] https://www.tesla.com/news/tesla-introduces-improved-navigation-system-for-european-customers [9] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-summon-feature-now-available-in-europe-via-over-the-air-update/ [10] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-y-refreshed-juniper-new-models/ [11] https://www.tesla.com/vehicles/model-x [12] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/battery-maker-northvolt-files-for-bankruptcy-us-court-2023-02-10/ [13] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/northvolt-files-for-bankruptcy-us-court-2023-02-10/ [14] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/northvolt-ceo-steps-down-amid-bankruptcy-filing-2023-02-10/
Technology advancements in the automobile industry are not limited to electric vehicles. For example, Hyundai's Ioniq 9, set to launch in 2025, offers an E-SUV with three rows, larger battery capacity, and extended range [6]. Despite Tesla's issues with faulty components in existing models like the Model 3 [1], Elon Musk plans to introduce more affordable electric vehicles based on the Model 3 and Model Y platforms in the first half of 2025, aiming to support a family lifestyle in the West [4][5]. This indicates the ongoing evolution of the industry, focusing not only on electric vehicles but also on catering to diverse lifestyles.
