Tesla Model 3 News

Tesla has rolled out a key update for its Full Self-Driving Supervised technology, with version 14 (or v14.3.3) addressing the key flaws in the system’s earlier iterations and creating a near-flawless self-driving experience.Described by Elon Musk as “a banger”, the new version began rolling out on eligible Tesla vehicles in Australia on June 19, and now CarsGuide has taken the wheel (or not taken the wheel) to test the upgraded tech on Australian roads.But first, what’s new? Truthfully, a lot of stuff that’s difficult to understand. The neural vision encoder has been upgraded, for example, while the AI compiler has been rewritten with MLIR. But it’s less what's been done, and more why it has been done, with Tesla's intention to make self-driving technology feel more natural, and more decisive, while adding new features.Tesla says reaction time is now 20 per cent faster, and lane biasing and tailgating have been mitigated. There’s also faster response times for emergency situations, like oncoming traffic, the sudden appearance of emergency vehicles and the unexpected arrival of what the brand describes as “small animals” in the Tesla’s path.The driver monitoring system has also been sharpened, making it less keen to chirp the driver for not paying attention, while the system has been trained to push through "temporary system degradations" without asking the driver to take over.It's about reducing driver interventions, Tesla says, and to that end the brand has also included a kilometre counter that tracks how long self-driving was in use without the driver having to do anything.The biggest (and most noticeable from the driver’s seat) change is the way Tesla’s FSDS now operates, with the ‘driving’ modes expanded to include Sloth, Chill, Standard and Hurry. While only Sloth (which “comes with lower speeds and more conservative lane selection”) and Chill are new, all have been programmed to offer a more noticeable difference in driving behaviour. Hurry, for example, reacts like a harried human driver, overtaking slower-moving cars and darting into traffic gaps.“Driver profile now has a stronger impact on behaviour,” Tesla says. “The more assertive the profile, the higher the max speed.”Also new is the ability to choose how your trip will end, with your Tesla now able to pull into your driveway, or park at the front of your house. Alternatively, you can choose a carpark or indoor carpark.If that’s the on-paper changes, the real-world result is nothing short of staggering. One of my biggest complaints with self-driving technology is that it takes longer to get somewhere than if you drove yourself – especially in a busy city, where lane selection and gap seizing is absolutely crucial.But Tesla FSDS V14 pretty comprehensively addresses those concerns. My first journey was a 33km trek from the edge of Sydney’s Northern Beaches to the city’s inner west, on a rain-soaked afternoon on the edge of School Zone chaos, and at no point was I forced to intervene.Twice with an exit approaching in less than 800m, my Tesla Model 3 left its lane to overtake a vehicle travelling just under the speed limit ahead of me, cutting back into the correct lane in time to take the exit. In previous iterations, I’ve found the technology’s patience is a lot more forgiving than my own, but that was not the case this time, with the Tesla also quick to change into a faster-moving lane when it spotted an opening, too.When I arrived home, my Model 3 parked in a space out the front of my house, like it had been asked to.The changes might not sound revolutionary, and the core technology isn't that different from when FSDS first launched in Australia, but the on-road feel is massively different, with the system now feeling far more natural and human-like in its reaction times and decision making.Or to put it another way, I have now taken several trips in the Model 3, and the only time I have intervened is when I doubted the vehicle's ability to navigate a dangerous-feeling situation. That's not to say the system would have failed, just that I don't yet have the courage to launch it into a complicated and busy intersection on a dark and rain-soaked Sydney evening.Downsides? You might have noticed I said "near-flawless", and that is because Tesla's FSDS still has an uncanny ability to pick out a pot hole, of which there are many on Australian roads. Even when cars ahead swerved around them, the Model 3 clanged through them. Another time it clipped the edge of what appeared to be a bit of bumper in its lane, while cars ahead and behind dodged it.But even this is on the list for future updates, with Tesla promising to "add pothole avoidance" in its next update.

For the first time in Australia, electric cars are outselling diesel ones in what appears to be a major turning point for the Australian market.The latest data, compiled from both the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Electric Vehicle Council, shows registrations of electric cars have more than doubled year-on-year, and now account for just under 20 per cent of Australia’s new car market.This is the culmination of multiple factors, including an influx of affordable Chinese models as the country’s behemoth manufacturers seek export markets to flee tough local conditions, and Australia’s new vehicle efficiency standards (NVES) heavily incentivise lower-emissions models, either to avoid fines or rack up credits.On top of this, skyrocketing fuel prices have clearly made many Australians think twice about committing to another combustion car, and the prospect of government incentives ending further down the track as outlined in the latest federal budget has no doubt only bolstered the latest figures.Digging into the data and one thing becomes obvious - amongst the 10 best-selling EVs, all of them were built in China. In what should come as a warning to legacy automakers yet to embrace “China Speed” as part of their business model in our market, even the most successful models from Tesla and Kia are built in China.This trend looks to continue, with Mazda the next brand to introduce Chinese joint-venture models via the Mazda 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV, both of which use Changan platforms. The Japanese giant will no doubt be betting heavily on these two models to reduce its market-leading projected fine under the new NVES rules.Nissan will also begin to introduce its array of successful-in-China Dongfeng-based models in the coming years, with Suzuki, Toyota and Volkswagen potentially being left behind as they continue to source cars from more traditional manufacturing locations like Japan, Thailand and Europe.May in particular was a bumper one, not just for market leader Tesla, but also for keen newcomers Jaecoo and Geely. BYD dominates nearly half of the top-10 charts, including the Atto 2 and Atto 1, which both arrived in 2026.EV Sales May 2026The year-to-date numbers paint a slightly different, but overall familiar story, with the Model Y managing to maintain its lead over the Sealion 7.Some year-to-date surprises include Geely’s EX5 rising to third place and Jaecoo’s aggressively-priced J5 has largely captured the entry-level EV space.Zeekr has had a huge year off the back of the launch of its 7X as it keeps up with its big order bank, and Kia has managed to hold onto 9th place with its relatively popular EV5.The Tesla Model 3 is in seventh place and is the only sedan on the list.EV sales year-to-date 2026It is hard to say what this chart will look like by the end of 2026, although the complete and ongoing re-shuffle of Australia’s favourite cars looks to continue. One thing is for sure though, China has the market well and truly cornered on fully electric cars in Australia.

The electric car sales boom is still in full swing, with the latest data revealing a record-breaking month for Tesla in Australia.Tesla sold 6433 units in May 2026, equating to the highest single month recorded for the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) ever. This sales surge has been mainly driven by the Tesla Model Y SUV, which achieved 5605 sales in May 2026, more than 2000 units up compared to May 2025.This latest data likely cements the Model Y as the best-selling electric vehicle in Australia, with the BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7 still trailing the popular Tesla.The Model 3 sedan has also seen a big sales boost for May, more than doubling its total compared to the same time last year. Tesla’s increasing sales comes after the brand launched its six-seater Model Y L in Australia, adding further diversity to its lineup. Tesla experienced a tricky April this year, with both its Model Y and Model 3 copping big downturns in sales.The brand said delivery cycles impact how sales numbers look on a month-to-month basis, with differing numbers of cars being imported into the country. Polestar has also experienced some sales growth, with its Polestar 4 up nearly 40 per cent on year-to-date. It comes as high fuel prices continue to weigh on the minds of buyers, accelerating the EV transition.EVC Chief Executive Officer Julie Delvecchio said this data was a crucial point in the EV push."May 2026 is an important moment for Australia's EV transition - the strongest month on record for combined Tesla and Polestar sales,” Delvecchio said. “When fuel prices hurt, people look for alternatives. Electric vehicles offer exactly that - no trips to the servo, no price spikes at the pump, savings of around $3,000 a year.“We know Australians buy cars that save them money, suit their lifestyle and perform well. Record EV sales suggest more Australians are finding electric vehicles tick all three boxes.”Chinese brands such as BYD have also been getting in on the increasing popularity of EVs, with its Sealion 7 mid-sizer expected to continue its strong sales performance in Australia. 

Sedans used to be the staple of many brands in Australia, from the Holden Commodore to the Toyota Camry, but the SUV boom has seen numbers drop off significantly.Ten years ago, in 2016, the Toyota Camry was the fifth best-selling car in Australia, followed by the Commodore sedan in sixth.Fast forward to 2025, Toyota's sedan was the 35th best-selling car in the country, and the Commodore was nowhere to be seen.In 2026 there have been less than 10,000 mid-size sedan sales in Australia so far compared to mid-size SUVs, where almost 100,000 have already been sold. The Camry is still the dominant player in the sedan-only segment, owning nearly 70 per cent, but it looks like China’s next battleground in Australia will be a shot at shaking its dominance.BYD has led the way in this respect and it already has a fully-electric Seal and the just-launched plug-in hybrid Seal 6 on the market.The Seal in particular made some successful inroads into the sedan space. It accounts for the majority of sales outside of the Camry and the Tesla Model 3.The brand is not stopping there, with a larger Seal 7 plug-in hybrid sedan now approved for sale in Australia.MG is another brand focussing on sedans, having already brought in its MG5 a few years ago and the MG7 in 2026, both to middling levels of success so far.It’s not just BYD and MG that are getting in on the sedan act, however, with Geely confirming its Emgrand sedan next year initially in plug-in hybrid form, but possibly also plugless at a later date.Additionally the China-built Tesla Model 3 remains one of the best-selling EVs in the country.There are also 'legacy' brands pinning their hopes on a strong-selling sedan. Mazda recently launched its fully-electric 6e sedan, which is based on the Deepal L07 (not yet sold in Australia) - another China-made model. The 6e is a crucial model for Mazda as it looks to turn around extensive fines incurred under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) due to its predominantly petrol-powered range.The electric 6e saw its initiative pre-order allocation run out very quickly, starting from $49,990 (before on-road costs), highlighting early signs of it achieving its potential.Korean brands Kia and Hyundai have also seen solid sales from its hatch/sedan models, with the K4 and i30 plugging along with a decent amount of registrations, which will be bolstered thanks to the arrival of desirable plugless hybrid versions of both.As usual, price is a key factor where Chinese sedans are providing an enticing alternative, bucking the trend of sedans becoming more expensive as buyers focus on SUVs.While the Mazda 2 is the most affordable sedan on sale at just $28,490, it is the sought-after hybrid tech luring buyers to newer options.The plug-in hybrid Seal 6, for example, starts from $34,990, which is $5000 more affordable than the plug-less hybrid-only Camry, and it is both larger and offers genuine EV range over the barely more affordable Hyundai i30 plugless hybrid (from $33,250). It will no doubt be a similar story for Geely's Emgrand EM-i which is set to launch in 2027.While SUVs remain the biggest seller in Australia, this new wave of affordable and electrified sedans could see the once bustling segment reignited.The question remains whether this array of new options will just fragment a shrinking part of the market, or whether buyers are now looking for something different from the SUV trend.

The latest data has revealed Tesla has experienced a serious sales downturn in Australia.The brand managed 1225 sales in April, compared to 3485 sales the previous month.Year-to-date sales remain positive for Tesla, with more than double for April 2026 compared to April 2025.The Model Y remains Tesla’s best-selling car, but the brand sold around 2000 less units of its popular SUV in April than in March. It was a similar story for the Model 3 sedan, selling roughly 400 units, down from more than 600 for the previous month. The Model 3’s sales are also down comparing April 2026 and April 2025, meaning it is an EV that has gone backwards over the past year.Tesla Australia said the sales decline was down to delivery cycles on vehicles coming into the country.Tesla could experience a pick-up in sales when its six-seater Model Y L SUV, with deliveries beginning at the start of this month.This news comes at a time when EV sales are booming in Australia, due to skyrocketing fuel prices. Many brands are reporting increasing electric vehicle registrations, with them making up greater proportions of total sales.Kia said 40 per cent of all sales currently are coming from full EVs. Chery said 70 per cent of total sales are coming from electrified set-ups, which includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs. The EV boom has resulted in an increasingly diversified market for buyers, with more choices than ever in the segment. Most brands now have EV options across their range, while many Chinese brands are bringing cheaper options, which are proving popular.Rivals such as the Zeekr 7X SUV have put down solid roots in Australia, along with several BYD models like the Atto 1 hatch - a car still holding the cheapest EV in Australia title.BYD has already signalled its intention to dominate the EV market Down Under, with all of its models among the best sellers in the electric category. 

Although there are some swings and roundabouts in the equation there’s no denying Tesla’s strong sales performance in the first quarter of 2026.According to Electric Vehicle Council data, local year-on-year sales for the pioneer EV maker are up no less than 40.7 per cent to 7260 registrations to the end of March 2026 versus 5160 for the same period in 2025.And Tesla was knocking on the door of the top 10 sellers for March, its 3485 total for the month within sniping distance of MG in tenth (at 4218 units).But there’s a distinctly different story for the two models the brand currently offers in Australia, with the long-serving Model 3 sedan down 33.4 per cent for the first three months (1363 units vs 2046) and the Model Y medium SUV up a whopping 89.4 per cent (5897 units vs 3114).While steep fuel price rises have significantly lifted overall EV sales, Tesla’s turnaround marks a solid comeback from a less than stellar 2025, during which the brand’s local sales fell by just under a quarter compared to 2024 (28,856 units vs 38,347).And it’s worth noting that 2024 Tesla figure was itself down just under 17 per cent from 2023’s 46,120 unit total. Tellingly, established Model 3 competitors are down from their relatively modest base sales; the BMW i4 20.4 per cent behind for the first quarter (246 vs 309) and the Hyundai Ioniq 6 down 61 per cent (17 vs 44).But the big clue to the Model 3’s decline comes in the shape of the BYD Seal, up a staggering 209.3 per cent (934 vs 302) with the Polestar 2 13 per cent ahead (139 vs 123).Alternately, several of the Model Y’s key rivals declined in Q1 with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 down 54.5 per cent (115 vs 253) and the Kia EV5 1.6 per cent behind (1148 vs 1167).But others (operating from much smaller bases) have eclipsed even the Model Y, including the Cupra Tavascan up 366.7 per cent (112 vs 24), Skoda Enyaq up 129.1 per cent (126 vs 55), Subaru Solterra up 246.5 per cent (149 vs 43) and Toyota bZ4X up 300 per cent (840 vs 210) as well as the VW ID.4 up 243 per cent (429 vs 125) and ID.5, 101.4 per cent ahead (143 vs 71).With the current shipping blockade in the Strait of Hormuz further unsettling global oil supply and impacting local fuel prices, it will be interesting to track what is set to be Tesla’s strengthening performance as the year progresses. CarsGuide contacted Tesla Australia for comment on the brand’s sales performance.

Electric vehicle sales are booming in a way they never have before in Australia. Buyer options have increased significantly in 2026, with more affordable choices also appearing more regularly. There were 15839 electric vehicle sales for March in 2026, up from 8385 compared to this time last year, representing a near 89 per cent year-on-year growth. Established SUV players such as the Tesla Model Y lead the way with 2818 sales, along with the BYD Sealion 7 (1970). There are also some new competitors climbing up the sales charts, such as the Zeekr 7X performance SUV, which managed 679 registrations for March, having launched late last year.The Tesla Model 3 sedan (667) continues to be present among the top sellers despite its prolonged downturn.The SUV trend continues as Geely’s EX5 (606) and the Kia EV5 (587) are next on the list, before BYD’s presence resumes with the Atto 2 small SUV (572). Another new EV making an early impression is the Jaecoo J5, which launched at the start of this year and achieved 569 sales last month. The BYD Atto 1 (488) and Atto 2 (466) also make the list along with the Kia EV3 (461). Hatchbacks are proving popular amongst EV buyers as well. The MG4 (451) remains among the strongest selling EVs, as does the BYD Dolphin (373). The Toyota bZ4X is also experiencing an upturn to 447 sales for March and BYD is represented again with its Seal sedan (337) to round out the top 15. Top selling electric cars Australia March 2026

Electric vehicle sales are booming in Australia as international and domestic factors contribute to substantial EV uptake. The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) data for the first quarter of 2026 reveals EV sales are up 40 per cent compared to this time last year. In the first quarter of this year, Tesla and Polestar have sold nearly 8000 units between them, which is also a sizable increase on 2025 numbers. This number is likely to be even higher, with only Tesla and Polestar reporting to the EVC, meaning much of the ever-increasing range of electric cars are not part of this latest data set. Official data for April from VFACTS will be released next week.This includes strong selling EV models such as the Zeekr 7X, which has had a flying start to life in Australia, along with many electric BYD models. Tesla accumulated 3485 sales for March 2026, more than 600 extra units compared to March 2025. The Model Y SUV continues to be the brand’s most popular model, with 2818 units shifted in March 2026, more than 1000 up on the same time last year. Tesla will soon introduce a six-seater version of its best-seller called the Model Y L, which will arrive in the coming weeks. The Model 3 sedan has not had the same positive sales result as its SUV sibling, with a 40 per cent drop compared to the same period last year. Polestar has also not experienced the same sales increase, with its Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 experiencing sharp drop-offs, while Polestar 4 sales improved slightly. This latest data comes at a time when rising fuel prices are sending demand for EVs skyrocketing.EVC Chief Executive Julie Delvecchio said this latest data indicates an acceleration of the EV shift for Australia. “Volatile global oil markets are changing the conversation. Australians aren't asking whether EVs are the future anymore. They're asking which one they can get their hands on, and when,” Delvecchio said. This electric sale acceleration is also being brought on by the government's National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) which is placing pressure on brands to electrify their line-ups or face fines. Major brands have already started hiking prices on petrol units, while introducing new EV models to offset the potential impacts of the emissions-based scheme.

Elon Musk’s Grok artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot assistant is officially rolling out to Tesla vehicles in Australia in a staggered series of over-the-air software updates over the coming days.

A new player has joined the all-electric passenger car game, with the Mazda 6e officially priced in Australia ahead of its impending launch. Now is a good time to look at how this new competitor shapes up to its primary rivals in the BYD Seal, Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3. All four of these cars take on a sedan-style body shape (although some have a hatch tailgate), all are built in China, and all created some fanfare when they arrived in Australia. The established three players have had a few years to settle in, while Mazda’s EV will need to hit the ground running as the first of the brand’s renewed electric push, and a major part of its strategy to reduce its emissions as one of the manufacturers most exposed to Australia's new emissions laws.Here is how the 6e compares to those it will need to take down if it is to be a success. The 6e, which is a platform-share with the China-market Deepal L07, has been priced competitively.It is virtually the same price as the BYD seal, while coming in at roughly $5000 cheaper than the Model 3 and more than $10000 cheaper than the Polestar 2. As you walk up the line-up for these cars the 6e’s up-spec model costs an additional $3000, which gets you leather and synthetic suede seats, a leather steering wheel, and a synthetic suede interior. The other trio’s pricing for higher trim models extends into the $60,000s, $70,000s and even $80,000 range for the Model 3, but with that comes much more gear, larger batteries and the addition of all-wheel drive. The Mazda is the longest out of all its competitors, being closer in size to a large sedan rather than a mid-sizer.When it comes to power, the 6e lines up pretty closely to the rest of the pack of entry-level rivals, but it has the least grunt out of all of them.The Mazda wins out on driving range, with its bigger battery offering 560km, which is more than the Tesla and significantly more than the Seal and Polestar 2, which have ranges in the 400km bracket.There is not much in it on the charging front, but the 6e’s 10-80 per cent changing time takes the title on official numbers. All four cars have single rear-mounted motors. Unlike the 6e, the Seal, Polestar 2 and Model 3 all have options further up the scale for all-wheel drive. The 6e boasts an impressive list of standard features, which includes a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital driver display, as well as synthetic leather seats, which are heated and ventilated in the front. The Seal’s touchscreen is bigger than the Mazda’s, and shares many of the same features, which in part explains the similar pricing of the pair. It does only have 18-inch wheels as standard like the Model 3 compared to the BYD Seal and Polestar 19-inches. If you’re keen to pump your tunes, the Mazda 6e’s has the biggest audio system out of its rivals, with its 14 speaker Sony system. Wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on the 6e and the Seal, but the Polestar 2 only has a wired connection as standard, while the Model 3 does not have any such connectivity. Standard safety features for each car listed below:The Mazda 6e has not been crash tested yet, but its rivals have all achieved five-star ANCAP ratings.All models have the standard safety gear you would expect from modern cars, with a high number of airbags and advanced driving assistance systems.The Mazda 6e seems priced just about right to ensure buyers give it some serious consideration in the segment. In an age where driving range remains the key question of any EV, sitting at the top of the pile means it is a compelling proposition. It will have a fight on its hands to eat into the sales of competitors which have been around for much longer than it and boast similar specifications and trim. Time will tell whether the 6e will have the desired impact Mazda needs it to have as it paves the way for future EVs from the brand.