In 2015, the Tesla Model X crossover debuted and sold 208 units in he 4th quarter of 2015 and 2,400 units in the 1st quarter of 2016. To continue the trend of new electric vehicles, Tesla released a prototype and started taking pre-orders for the entry level Tesla Model 3. Tesla received over 325,000 $1,000 pre-orders totaling $325,000,000 in pre-order revenue. Tesla’s biggest move to reduce costs was to build its Gigafactory in Nevada to build its lithium-ion batteries that power all Tesla’s. Tesla also sells its vehicles directly through unfranchised dealerships. In 2015, Tesla released several software and hardware updates to its vehicles, specifically the Model S. In 2015, the Model S gained the 90 kWh battery pack and better electric motors …show more content…
With the introduction of the 70 kWh battery pack, Tesla provided its customers with a cheaper version of the car while still maintaining a 200+ driving range. In early 2015, Tesla invited hackers to attempt to hack the Tesla Model S and find any weaknesses in the Model S’s software. The software was so good, that the winner of the competition was only able to hack into the system and control the panoramic roof. With the various software updates came hardware updates to accompany them. After releasing the Tesla Model S with 360-degree sensors and cameras, Tesla developed software for semi-autonomous driving capabilities. With this software, the owner of a Model S or Model X car put their Tesla in “Valet Mode” locking the valet or other individual out of the system and limiting the vehicles capabilities. Another software update allows the car to be “Retrieved”. Using the GPS in the key fob and in the car, the car will drive itself to your location, totally driverless. Following the “Retrieve” mode came the semi-autonomous driving part. Utilizing the 360-degree cameras and sensors, the Tesla will control and navigate through traffic to a set destination the driver’s