Tesla January 2025 Incentives Update: Leases Worsen, But Model Y Performance Leasing Arrives
Happy New Year, Tesla fans! Welcome back to another deep dive into Tesla deal hacking. In this post, based on my latest video stream, we're breaking down Tesla's fresh incentive updates as of January 1st. Spoiler: Most deals have taken a hit after December's fire sales, but there's a shiny new option for Model Y Performance lessees. Plus, we'll cover charging quirks, FSD updates, international financing trends, and more.
The Bad News: Leases Are Substantially Worse
December's killer $449/month Model Y lease is gone. Tesla hit the reset button:
- Model Y Standard Range (RWD): $479/month, $3,000 down.
- Model 3 Standard Range (RWD): $449/month, $3,000 down.
The $6,500 lease cash incentive? Vanished. These aren't great deals—especially with that hefty down payment. If you're leasing out of necessity (e.g., expense tracking), they might work. Otherwise, hold off unless you need a car now. Even then, financing looks better (more on that below).
The Bright Spot: Model Y Performance Now Available to Lease
Exciting news for performance seekers! The Model Y Performance is finally leasable:
- $799/month with $3,000 down.
Compare to the Model 3 Performance at $749/month (same down). For just $50 more, I'd pick the Model Y 9/10 times. You get SUV utility, higher ride height, and comfort—despite the Model 3's slight edge in handling.
| Model | Monthly Payment | Down Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 Performance | $749 | $3,000 |
| Model Y Performance | $799 | $3,000 |
Financing > Leasing Right Now
Skip leasing unless discounts are huge. Finance instead:
- Model Y Standard: 0% APR.
- Model 3/Y Long Range: 2.99% APR.
- Model Y Performance: 5.29% APR.
Inventory discounts are popping up: up to $3,000 off Standard models. America's Heroes still gets $500 off, and free upgrades persist on select inventory.
Pro Tip: Selling your current EV? Partnered with Plug—they've beaten Tesla trade-ins. Get an offer in 15 minutes!
Model Y Performance Charging: Why It 'Sucks' (For Now)
Reports of sluggish supercharging on new Model Y Performances? Blame Panasonic's new "21V" 2170 cells from their Kansas plant. Conservative curves due to production ramp-up and new tech. Cybertruck had similar issues—fixed via software.
Tesla/Panasonic are pushing these for IRA credits. A faster "21VC" variant is coming. Test yours and share results!
FSD v14.3: The 'Last Big Piece'
Fresh off v14.2 (huge improvements, especially with front cameras), v14.3 drops in months. Elon calls it the final puzzle: reasoning for parking spot selection, drop-off at store entrances, even auto-parking after you exit. Rainy day game-changer?
International Incentives Hint at US Trends
- China: 0% financing extended to 2026 on Model 3/Y, plus free paint.
- Japan: 0% on Model 3/Y continues.
These often trickle to the US. Expect 0% here by Q2/Q3?
Accessories Spotlight & Giveaway Recap
Keep your Tesla pristine:
- 3W All-Weather Floor Mats: Lifetime warranty, perfect fit. Use DENNIS35 for 35% off here.
- Joah Accessories: Shoutout to our giveaways (center console tray & MagSafe backseat holder won by Steve OG61 and AP Graph). Use DENNIS for savings + free shipping here.
White seats? Ceramic coat interiors with Gyeon or pros like 24K Shine (OC detailer, Dennis deal here).
Final Thoughts
Q1 reset means wait for Feb/March deals. Quarters end with pushes—best in Nov/Dec. Thoughts on these updates? Model Y Perf lease worth it? Drop comments below!
Hit like/subscribe on YouTube for more streams. Check partners: Plug, Joah, 3W. Happy deal hacking in 2025!
DennisCW
