[Tesla News Summary] FSD, Starlink, EV!

Tesla is making significant waves this week with major shifts in its Full Self-Driving (FSD) strategy, rapid expansion of its Starlink network, and new energy product announcements. Meanwhile, the broader EV market is seeing intense competition and evolving consumer trends, impacting Tesla's sales in key regions.

Tesla's Evolving FSD & Vehicle Landscape

• Tesla is ending one-time FSD purchases in one market, signaling a shift towards subscription models, though FSD outright purchasing option was also pushed back in another market.
• US sales for Tesla are estimated to have dropped 17% in January, facing increased competition.
• The company launched the Model Y Long Range RWD in the UK, expanding its European offerings.
• Tesla will bring Supercharger site maps to Canada, with over 300 new sites per week rollout globally.
• A $200K fine was levied against Tesla for an unpermitted battery recycling line at Giga Nevada operating since 2021.
• Drivers can now use a single key card to open multiple Teslas, enhancing convenience.
• New insights were shared on how FSD works, specifically Tesla Vision, highlighting its advanced capabilities.

Starlink, SpaceX & xAI's Interstellar Growth

• Starlink has officially ended all waitlists worldwide and now boasts over 10 million active users globally, demonstrating massive expansion.
• Reports indicate Starlink terminals were smuggled into Iran amidst protest crackdowns, showcasing its global impact.
• SpaceX successfully launched Crew-12 on a Falcon 9, landing its first booster at the new LZ-40 pad.
• Bankers for Elon Musk are reportedly looking to trim xAI debt following a SpaceX merger, suggesting strategic financial moves.

Global EV Market Shifts & Tesla Innovations

• Tesla announced the Powerwall 3P with a native three-phase inverter, enhancing its energy storage solutions.
• The "Detroit’s $50B EV Reckoning" highlights the significant challenges and unraveling gambles in the traditional auto industry's EV transition.
• In China, the Xiaomi YU7 topped sales charts, even outselling the Tesla Model Y in January, underscoring intense competition in Asia.
• Rivian beat Q4 2025 earnings expectations and projects up to 67,000 deliveries in 2026, though R2 deliveries in Canada are pushed to 2027, showing a mixed outlook for the competitor.
• Canada confirmed 35 EVs eligible for its new rebate program, influencing market adoption.
• Rivian is also pushing for direct sales in Iowa, potentially challenging traditional dealership models.

These developments collectively paint a dynamic picture for Tesla and the broader EV industry. While FSD's purchase model undergoes changes and sales face regional pressures, Tesla continues to innovate in energy and expand its charging infrastructure. The incredible growth of Starlink and SpaceX's achievements underscore Elon Musk's wider vision, even as the EV market becomes increasingly competitive with new players and evolving regulatory landscapes.