The long-awaited Model 3 reveal is next week. I'll be at the event and can't wait to get in the car myself. The event will be livestreamed at tesla.com on Thursday, March 31, 8:30 PST.
Tesla Energy
Tesla cancels 10-kW Powerwall, leaving only 7-kWh model
We have seen enormous interest in the Daily Powerwall worldwide. The Daily Powerwall supports daily use applications like solar self-consumption plus backup power applications, and can offer backup simply by modifying the way it is installed in a home. Due to the interest, we have decided to focus entirely on building and deploying the 7-kilowatt-hour Daily Powerwall at this time.
Model S
Tesla officially confirms “price changes” for the Model S in “early April” right after Model 3 unveiling
"Tesla is constantly innovating and adding new features to our vehicles to perpetually improve Tesla vehicles for our existing and future customers. We price our vehicles consistently throughout the world which requires us to adjust pricing to foreign currency exchange rates. We have let customers know that some price changes will take effect in early April. We always encourage those interested in purchasing Model S to place their order so they can start enjoying the many benefits of Model S today."
Looks like Tesla is going to raise the price of the Model S in early April. My guess is that they will release a bigger battery size and perhaps an exterior front refresh.
Tesla introduces new Model X-like center console in the Model S by default
Tesla appeared to have updated its Model S online design studio over the weekend and now the center console is showed on the pictures featuring the car’s interior as a standard, and apparently irremovable option, like in the Model X.
Tesla confirmed using wearable tech to increase production efficiency at factory, likely Vuzix hardware
While multiple people close to the situation say that Tesla is still deploying both Glass and Vuzix hardware in some capacity at Fremont and running trials to compare the platforms, Tesla has reached out saying that “Tesla does not use Glass hardware in the Tesla Factory”. It seems that, while we’re confident Glass was at Fremont at one point, the company has recently moved away from Google’s platform. A person says that Google engineers were at one point referring clients like Tesla to Vuzix while the Enterprise Edition was in development.
Model X
Tesla Model X P90D is the Quickest SUV We’ve Ever Tested
The Tesla Model X is the first fully-electric SUV or crossover ever produced that provides a practical range on a single charge. It’s also the quickest. We don’t just mean it’s the quickest accelerating electric SUV ever built — it’s the quickest SUV we’ve ever tested. Period. The Tesla Model X P90D in Ludicrous mode ripped its way to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and to the end of the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds at 116.0 mph.
Model 3
Reserving your Model 3
Here are the details so that you know what to expect both on March 31st when reservations open and in the months ahead before you take delivery of your Model 3. Reservations for Model 3 begin on March 31st worldwide... There are two ways to make a reservation. The first, which will allow you to get a better spot in the queue, is to visit your local Tesla store when it opens on March 31st... The second is to make a reservation online at Tesla.com when the live unveil starts at 8:30pm PT.
Google Spreadsheet: Model 3 Line up and Camp Out
Folks at teslamotorsclub.com have started an online spreadsheet showing where various forum members will be reserving their Model 3 and what time they'll arrive at their store. Looks like some will be even camping out the night before.
Other News
Tesla Interview Process: What it’s like to interview with Tesla Motors
Employees describe an interview process that seeks to gauge an applicant’s passion for the company as much as his/her technical prowess. In one of the more interesting responses, a Tesla powertrain test engineer James Wong writes that there were two issues that seemed to permeate throughout the entirety of his interview process. 1. How passionate you are about the company and their mission. Do you have a compelling reason to work there? 2. Can you handle the stress and hit the ground running? It’s tough working here and no one will hold you hand.
Promotion
Ride the Lightning: Tesla Motors Unofficial Podcast
If you listen to podcasts on your commute or run, check out Ryan McCaffrey's unofficial Tesla Motors podcast. He publishes the podcast every week and he does a great job.