Tesla (TSLA) is experiencing a late-quarter surge in U.S. demand for its best-selling Model Y, extending wait times to four to six weeks from just one to three weeks earlier this summer.
The rush comes as buyers race to secure the federal EV purchase tax credit worth up to $7,500 before it disappears at the end of September under legislation passed in July.
Analysts believe the credit’s expiration is pulling forward sales into the third quarter. Tesla is expected to deliver between 430,000 and 440,000 vehicles globally this quarter, an improvement over Q2’s 384,000 but still below the 463,000 sold in the same period last year. In the U.S., Tesla delivered about 144,000 EVs in Q2 — down nearly 13% year over year — as global sales have faced pressure from rising competition and political backlash toward CEO Elon Musk.
Robotaxi Program Gains Texas Approval Amid Safety Scrutiny
Tesla secured a key rideshare license in Texas, allowing it to expand its robotaxi pilot program launched in Austin earlier this summer. The state’s new autonomous vehicle regulations, taking effect September 1, require driverless operators to meet the same standards as human-driven rideshare companies, including mandatory cameras, insurance, and traffic law compliance.
The license is a step toward Musk’s ambition to serve half of the U.S. population with autonomous ride-hailing by year-end. However, the program faces federal investigations after incidents in Austin, including a Tesla failing to stop at a train crossing. The company has also been hit with lawsuits alleging misleading claims about its self-driving technology, and recently dismantled its Dojo supercomputer team, signaling a shift in AI development strategy.
Despite these challenges, investor enthusiasm for Tesla’s AI and autonomy efforts remains strong. Ark Invest’s Cathie Wood has purchased more than 318,000 Tesla shares in recent weeks, betting heavily on the long-term potential of its robotaxi business.
Tesla secured a key rideshare license in Texas, allowing it to expand its robotaxi pilot program launched in Austin earlier this summer. The state’s new autonomous vehicle regulations, taking effect September 1, require driverless operators to meet the same standards as human-driven rideshare companies, including mandatory cameras, insurance, and traffic law compliance.
The license is a step toward Musk’s ambition to serve half of the U.S. population with autonomous ride-hailing by year-end. However, the program faces federal investigations after incidents in Austin, including a Tesla failing to stop at a train crossing. The company has also been hit with lawsuits alleging misleading claims about its self-driving technology, and recently dismantled its Dojo supercomputer team, signaling a shift in AI development strategy.
Despite these challenges, investor enthusiasm for Tesla’s AI and autonomy efforts remains strong. Ark Invest’s Cathie Wood has purchased more than 318,000 Tesla shares in recent weeks, betting heavily on the long-term potential of its robotaxi business.
Expanding into UK Energy Supply
Tesla has also filed for a license to supply electricity to UK households, marking a potential expansion of its Tesla Electric business already operating in Texas. If approved by the UK’s Ofgem regulator, Tesla could compete directly with major utilities across England, Wales, and Scotland.
Energy has become an increasingly important segment for Tesla, with sales of solar panels, batteries, and other energy products nearly doubling last year to $1.5 billion. The UK move aligns with the company’s goal of integrating renewable energy generation, battery storage, and smart grid services to support a full transition to clean power.
Tesla has also filed for a license to supply electricity to UK households, marking a potential expansion of its Tesla Electric business already operating in Texas. If approved by the UK’s Ofgem regulator, Tesla could compete directly with major utilities across England, Wales, and Scotland.
Energy has become an increasingly important segment for Tesla, with sales of solar panels, batteries, and other energy products nearly doubling last year to $1.5 billion. The UK move aligns with the company’s goal of integrating renewable energy generation, battery storage, and smart grid services to support a full transition to clean power.
Conclusion
Tesla enters the final weeks of the third quarter balancing a short-term sales rush with longer-term strategic bets in autonomy and energy. The looming loss of the U.S. EV tax credit could challenge demand in Q4, while regulatory scrutiny could slow the rollout of its robotaxi service. Yet, with strong investor backing and diversification into the energy sector, Tesla is positioning itself for a future that extends far beyond car manufacturing.
Tesla enters the final weeks of the third quarter balancing a short-term sales rush with longer-term strategic bets in autonomy and energy. The looming loss of the U.S. EV tax credit could challenge demand in Q4, while regulatory scrutiny could slow the rollout of its robotaxi service. Yet, with strong investor backing and diversification into the energy sector, Tesla is positioning itself for a future that extends far beyond car manufacturing.
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