Tesla was exposed to reduce the allocation of domestic model components, saying that it complied with the regulations and did not affect safety

In response to the chip shortage, Tesla once again reported a reduction in parts.

Recently, the US Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC) reported that Tesla's internal letter showed that in response to the chip shortage, Tesla has reduced the allocation of Model 3 and Model Y cars made in Shanghai, removing one of the two electronic control units in the electronic power steering system.

CNBC says tens of thousands of adjusted cars have been shipped to customers in China, Australia and Europe.

The surging news contacted Tesla China's official customer service in this regard, and the other party said, "Every vehicle we leave the factory must comply with national regulations." ”

It is reported that the role of the electronic control unit is to convert the signal of the steering wheel rotation into the rotation of the wheel. CNBC quoted Tesla employees as saying that after discussion they did not see the need to inform customers of the news because the part was redundant and did not work in the current L2-level assisted driving system.

However, if Tesla implements L3 level assist function and allows the driver to release the steering wheel, it will need a dual electronic control unit system, and these vehicles will need to be modified.

Phil Amsrud, senior principal analyst at IHS Markit, said most automakers spend 1,000 hours or more testing changes, which can take more than four months. After the change, the quality or safety issues can also take years to become clear. However, Tesla employees told CNBC that it took less than a few weeks to decide to reduce the electronic control unit.

This is not the first time Tesla has reduced its allocation due to chip problems.

In May 2021, Tesla quietly removed the front passenger seat waist support on the Model 3 and Model Y models. The feature was also simply removed without Tesla offering any discounts or informing in advance. In response, Musk said on Twitter, "Records from Tesla show that the adjustable waist support function is barely used." When almost never used, it's not worth adding to this purchase for everyone. ”

In November 2021, foreign media reported that some Tesla owners reported that the new vehicle has no USB interface in the inner control and rear row, only the hole is reserved, and the wireless charging function of the mobile phone is also reduced, but before, Tesla did not inform consumers of the situation of vehicle reduction. Tesla officials responded that because chips and parts are out of stock, it is planned to refill USB interfaces from December.

In 2021, there are still many car companies and Tesla due to the lack of core problems and cut some functions. For example, General Motors has reduced the seat heating and ventilation functions of some general SUV and pickup models, and BMW has cancelled the screen touch function of some models, etc., but these car companies have informed the reduction and provided some price concessions to compensate consumers.

Source: The Paper