FYI: Tesla introduces a new bundle for the Model S and Model X, including Full Self-Driving, Premium Connectivity, and unlimited Supercharging for three years at a discounted cost of $5,000.
Title: Tesla’s New Bundle Deal Offers Full Self-Driving, Premium Connectivity, and Unlimited Supercharging for Model S and Model X
Tesla has rolled out an enticing offer for buyers of the 2024 Model S and Model X. The new bundle, priced at $5,000, includes Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability, Premium Connectivity, and unlimited Supercharging for a duration of 36 months. Let’s delve into whether this deal offers substantial value for prospective buyers.
Breakdown of the Bundle Costs
Understanding whether this $5,000 bundle provides a worthwhile investment involves examining the individual components:
- Full Self-Driving (FSD): Ordinarily, FSD costs $99 per month, which adds up to $3,564 over three years.
- Premium Connectivity: Priced at $9.99 monthly, this feature totals $360 over the same period.
- Combined, these two components account for $3,924.
The remaining $1,076 encompasses the unlimited Supercharging, which is somewhat more complex to value due to variations in pricing and usage.
Valuing Unlimited Supercharging
Supercharging prices fluctuate by location. LeafScore’s estimates range from $0.25 to $0.35 per kWh. Based on a more generalized figure of $0.30 per kWh, a full charge costing $30 translates to about $0.075 per mile for a 2024 Model S Long Range, assuming the vehicle achieves its EPA-rated 402 miles per charge. Over 36 months, with the average U.S. driver covering 13,500 miles annually, the accumulated mileage would be around 40,500 miles.
Calculating the Supercharging Value
If a Model S owner exclusively uses Supercharging for the 40,500-mile span, it can be equated to approximately $3,022 in Supercharging costs, rendering the value above the bundle’s cost by $1,946. This assessment showcases significant savings and highlights the bundle’s value, particularly for users who heavily utilize all included features.
Tesla’s Strategy Behind the Bundle
This move to offer bundled services comes as Tesla grapples with stagnant FSD adoption rates and declining sales for the aging Model S and Model X platforms. Earlier, the FSD’s price had peaked at $15,000 in 2022 but was subsequently reduced to $8,000, and now also offers a $99 monthly subscription.
Declining the ability to renew the bundle after 36 months may further entrench users in Tesla’s ecosystem, enhancing continued reliance on FSD and other services beyond the initial period.
Competing with New Market Entrants
Tesla faces mounting competition in the premium electric vehicle market as other automakers introduce compelling alternatives. Additionally, some potential buyers might be dissuaded by Elon Musk’s polarizing public persona. However, the practicality and savings offered by this bundle may outweigh these concerns for many potential buyers.
Final Thoughts
For those keen on maintaining their vehicle for a limited period and capitalizing on exclusive Tesla Supercharging, this bundle presents an extremely attractive proposition. Tesla’s combination of FSD, Premium Connectivity, and unlimited Supercharging for just $5,000 over three years demonstrates the automaker’s effort to enhance software adoption and appeal to a broader customer base.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi