Tesla’s Latest Moves: What’s New and What You Should Watch

 

Tesla is keeping the spotlight on it in 2025, with big shifts in pricing strategies, self-driving controversy, and infrastructure investments making waves. If you’re following electric vehicles (EVs) or just love tech drama, these updates are gold.

1. “Affordable” Versions of Model 3 & Model Y Launched

Tesla rolled out lower-cost variants of its bestselling models: the Model 3 Standard (≈ $36,990) and Model Y Standard (≈ $37,990) in the U.S. 
These trims drop some premium features (heated seats, second-row display, panoramic roof, etc.) but retain key performance specs. The goal? To recapture market share amid declining sales and lost EV tax credit support.

The reaction is mixed: some see this as Tesla finally delivering on its “affordable EV” promise. Others worry it’s just cutting costs by removing features rather than delivering genuine value. 

2. Regulators Probe Tesla’s Self-Driving (FSD) Technology

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into Tesla vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) tech after reports of crashes, signal violations, and erratic lane behavior. The probe covers nearly 2.9 million vehicles. 

This isn’t Tesla’s first brush with regulatory scrutiny, but the scale is significant and may force recalls or system revisions. 

3. Autonomous Robotaxis & Expansion Momentum

Tesla is pushing forward with its Robotaxi / autonomous ride-hailing vision. It recently gained approval in Arizona to test robotaxis with safety monitors in Phoenix. 

In Austin, its pilot program is ongoing, and the company is actively developing its Cybercab (steering-wheel-free autonomous vehicle) to be part of a future robotaxi fleet. 

4. Shanghai Gigafactory Ramps Up Production

Tesla’s Shanghai facility is entering a production ramp in Q4 2025, boosting output in its largest overseas plant. 
This comes as China remains a crucial battleground for EVs, and Tesla aims to stay competitive amid local rivals.