Tesla's 'Automatic Emergency Braking' Now Works in Reverse and at Speeds Over 100 MPH

April 28, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

Tesla's Automatic Emergency Braking now works in reverse and at higher speeds

Tesla (Edited by NATA)

Tesla has made some subtle but significant changes to its owner's manual for the 2023.12 software update, revealing improvements to the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system. These changes include the ability for AEB to function while the vehicle is in reverse and an increased operational speed range. The latest improvements reflect Tesla's continued commitment to enhancing the safety and performance of its vehicles.

Thanks to a reader named Randall, who brought the changes to our attention. The latest 2023.12 software update includes these improvements outlined in the updated Tesla owner's manual. Previously, the manual described AEB as being designed to reduce the impact of frontal collisions. But, as of the 2023.12 owner's manual, which was released a couple days ago, Tesla has changed this word to:

Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to reduce the impact of frontal and reverse collisions with limited functionality while in Reverse.

AEB Available at Higher Speeds

The new description in the updated owner's manual highlights a few key changes. Now, the system is designed to determine the distance from detected objects, not just those in front of the vehicle. When a collision is considered unavoidable, AEB will apply the brakes to reduce the vehicle's speed and the severity of the impact, just as before. However, the operational speed range has been increased, with AEB now functioning between approximately 3 mph (5 km/h) and 124 mph (200 km/h); it previously maxed out at 90mph (150 km/h).

AEB Recognizes Threats in Reverse and More

In addition to the increased speed range, AEB now works while the vehicle is in reverse. This new feature is expected to be available outside of Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta and across various regions. Tesla typically specifies when a feature is limited to certain regions or requires FSD Beta, but no such limitations have been mentioned for the enhanced AEB.

These changes are in addition to the ones mentioned in the Impact Report, which included the system recognizing perpendicular threats.

The owner's manual also provides additional information on when AEB does not apply the brakes or stops applying them. These situations include:

Turning the steering wheel sharply
Pressing and releasing the brake pedal while AEB is applying the brakes
Accelerating hard while AEB is applying the brakes
The detected vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian is no longer ahead

Furthermore, the manual clarifies that AEB is always enabled when starting your Tesla. To disable it for the current drive, users can touch Controls > Autopilot > Automatic Emergency Braking. It's important to note that even if AEB is disabled, the vehicle may still apply the brakes after detecting an initial collision to reduce further impact.

These updates to Tesla's AEB system are expected to improve overall safety for drivers and pedestrians alike. With automatic emergency braking now functioning in reverse and at higher speeds, Tesla continues to push the boundaries of automotive technology and safety. As always, Tesla owners should remain vigilant and attentive while driving, as no system can guarantee complete protection against collisions.

Tesla's Automatic Emergency Braking now works in reverse and at higher speeds

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Tesla's New Model Y to Receive Adaptive Headlight Support in U.S. Soon

February 10, 2025

By Karan Singh

@DriveGreen80167 on X

In the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, confirmed that the new Model Y will feature adaptive headlights.

As Moravy was talking about the updated headlights in the vehicle, which now sit a few inches lower than before, he stated that in a couple of months, Tesla will add adaptive headlights in the U.S.

While Tesla has already introduced adaptive headlights in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, the feature has yet to make its way to North America.

Originally delayed in the U.S. due to regulatory issues, manufacturers have been able to implement adaptive headlights since mid-2024. Meanwhile, competitors like Rivian and Mercedes-Benz have already rolled out their own full matrix headlight systems, matching what’s available in other regions.

Update: This article has been updated to clarify that adaptive headlights will indeed be launched in the U.S., shortly after the vehicle launching in March.

Adaptive Headlights

Back in October 2024, Lars confirmed that matrix headlight functionality was just around the corner for North America. However, as we enter 2025, it’s still unclear when Teslas with matrix headlights will receive the feature.

Currently, Tesla in North America supports adaptive high beams and automatic headlight adjustment for curves, but full matrix functionality has yet to be rolled out. Meanwhile, matrix headlights are already available in Europe, where they selectively dim individual beam pixels to reduce glare for oncoming traffic and adapt to curves in the road.

It was surprising that matrix functionality wasn’t included in the comprehensive 2024 Tesla Holiday Update. This feature would likely improve safety ratings, so we can only assume Tesla is diligently working to secure regulatory approval.

Adaptive Headlights on Other Models

Lars didn’t confirm whether the refreshed Model Y comes with the same headlights as the new Model 3 and the Cybertruck, instead simply calling them "matrix-style” headlights.

The headlights on the new Model Y appear very similar to those available in the 2024+ Model 3, possibly meaning these other models will also receive adaptive headlight capabilities in the next couple of months.

For vehicles with older-style matrix headlights, it’s unlikely that adaptive beams support will launch at the same time, but they will hopefully become available soon afterward.

You can check our guide here to see if your vehicle includes matrix headlights.

Tesla Starts Underwriting Its Own Insurance: Will They Insure Their Own Robotaxis?

February 10, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

For the first time since launching Tesla Insurance in 2019, Tesla will begin underwriting its own policies, starting in California.

Tesla Insurance originally debuted in California and has since expanded to several U.S. states. Until now, policies were underwritten by State National, a subsidiary of the Markel Insurance Group. However, Tesla is now transitioning to fully in-house underwriting, beginning with its home state.

As part of this shift, California Tesla Insurance customers who receive an in-app offer to switch will be eligible for a one-time 3% discount on their next term’s premium—covered entirely by Tesla Insurance.

What is Underwriting

Underwriting is the process an insurance company uses to assess risk and determine whether to offer coverage, at what price, and under what terms.

Insurers evaluate factors such as driving history, credit score, age, vehicle type, and location. In Tesla’s case, vehicle driving data (not available in California) also plays a key role in risk assessment. These factors help classify drivers into risk categories, which influence their base premium.

From there, coverage limits, deductibles, and policy inclusions or exclusions can further adjust the final premium up or down.

Robotaxi and Other Benefits

At first glance, underwriting insurance might seem like a complex and costly process for Tesla. However, there are several compelling reasons why this move makes sense.

Insurance Income: Insurance is a highly profitable industry. Companies set rates based on risk, offering lower premiums to safer drivers and higher rates to riskier ones. This not only maximizes profitability but also incentivizes safer driving behavior, reducing overall claims.

Data Advantage: Tesla collects vast amounts of driving data through its Safety Score system. While California doesn’t allow Safety Score to impact premiums, Tesla can still use this data in the underwriting process to refine risk assessments and pricing for its vehicles.

Control Over Repair Costs: By underwriting its own policies, Tesla gains direct control over repairs and total loss decisions. This allows them to dictate when, where, and how repairs are done, optimizing costs for parts, labor, and service while ensuring vehicles are fixed according to Tesla’s standards.

FSD-Driven Discounts: Tesla has already begun offering insurance discounts for drivers using Full Self-Driving (FSD). By underwriting its own policies, Tesla could expand these incentives, potentially offering greater discounts to frequent FSD users in the future.

Preparing for Robotaxi: Perhaps the biggest long-term reason for this shift is the June launch of the Robotaxi fleet. How will Tesla insure these vehicles? The answer is simple—by underwriting its own policies and assuming liability.

Tesla’s decision to underwrite its own insurance isn’t just about cutting out middlemen—it’s a step toward lowering costs, increasing profitability, and preparing for the future of autonomous driving, a risk many insurance companies may be unwilling to make.

Further Expansion

This could be a strong sign that Tesla is preparing to expand its insurance offerings now that it has taken on the underwriting process itself. In July 2024, Tesla hired a former GEICO insurance executive to lead the expansion of Tesla Insurance and help reduce costs—a move that now appears to be paying off.

Rather than a traditional expansion, Tesla has instead made a bold move by bringing underwriting in-house, something few expected. However, it aligns with Tesla’s strategy of vertically integrating and controlling key aspects of its business, whether in manufacturing, software, or now, insurance.

If this pilot program proves successful, it could pave the way for Tesla Insurance to launch in more states—and potentially even other countries. With 2025 shaping up to be a pivotal year, we may see Tesla accelerate its insurance expansion sooner than expected.