Tesla has re-released FSD Beta 11.3.6 on a newer branch
Not a Tesla App
Social media lit up early this morning as a new cohort of FSD Beta testers shared their excitement. For the first time, Tesla has re-released an existing FSD Beta version but based it on a newer branch. This makes this latest FSD Beta release available to all existing Tesla owners who subscribe to FSD or have purchased the FSD package.
Earlier this year, Tesla was compelled to issue an over-the-air (OTA) recall for more than 362,000 vehicles with FSD Beta installed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had raised concerns that under specific circumstances, the software might contravene local traffic regulations, potentially increasing collision risk if drivers failed to intervene.
Following the recall, Tesla halted the deployment of the software to new testers, putting a momentary brake on their FSD Capability option purchase or subscription. In March, Tesla resolved these issues with the release of FSD Beta 11.3.2, but new testers were still excluded from the rollout.
Tesla's FSD Beta is Back on Track
Late last night Tesla broke the ice by introducing the 2023.12.10 release, which includes FSD Beta 11.3.6. Notably, this release brings FSD Beta in line with the latest non-beta branch, a significant step forward in ensuring the continuous development of this innovative technology.
According to the release notes, this new beta update aligns with the existing 11.3.6 software version already in tester vehicles, which was version 2022.45.15. While this is excellent news for Tesla and its new testers, many were expecting to see beta 11.4.2, based on a recent tweet from CEO Elon Musk. Musk hinted that the 11.4.2 update would address "some easy-to-fix bugs" related to narrow roads and lane changes in heavy traffic.
With 11.3.6 being rolled out to new testers, it's hopeful that 11.4.2 will soon follow suit, bringing further enhancements to the FSD Beta software.
What Triggered the NHTSA Recall
Reflecting on the recall that led to the temporary rollout freeze, the NHTSA had identified several operational characteristics of the FSD Beta that could potentially infringe on local traffic laws. Issues raised included crossing intersections during a stale yellow traffic light, staying static at clear intersections for a prolonged period, adjusting vehicle speed in variable speed zones based on detected speed limit signs, and negotiating lane changes from certain turn-only lanes.
In the weeks following the recall, Tesla met with NHTSA representatives to discuss solutions. Despite initially disagreeing with the NHTSA’s analysis, Tesla has since issued a voluntary recall and promised a software update to remedy the issues.
The NHTSA's ongoing scrutiny of Tesla's Autopilot and FSD Beta software indicates the rigorous standards required for autonomous driving technologies. As Tesla rolls out its updated FSD Beta to new testers, it's clear that the company is committed to ensuring its technology's safety and continuous improvement.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on the imminent arrival of FSD Beta 11.4.2 and further developments in Tesla's pursuit of autonomous driving.
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Tesla recently showed off Giga Small Haus, an interesting new display project hosted at Giga Berlin. The small new house is located just outside the main entrance of Tesla’s Giga Berlin factory, with a Quicksilver Model Y parked inside.
Giga Small Haus is powered only by solar and Powerwall 3 - disconnected from the local grid and from Giga Berlin itself. It serves as a live demonstration of Tesla Solar and Tesla’s Powerwall battery backup.
Giga Small Haus
The centerpiece of the display is a Model Y in Quicksilver - a beautiful pick for a beautifully lit house. However, that’s not the real focus here - it's the Powerwall and Gateway on the wall.
The Powerwall is the focus of Giga Small Haus, and there’s a display with some additional information on the wall. Part of the display also includes a screen that displays the current output of the Powerwall itself versus the consumption of Giga Small Haus, as well as the input from solar.
The interior exhibit of Giga Small Haus
Not a Tesla App
The text on the exhibit is divided into several sections. Here’s a translated and edited version of what we can see from Tesla’s images. Some additional text is obscured. If someone visits Giga Small Haus, let us know.
Powerwall
Powerwall is a home battery system that stores energy from solar panels, the electrical grid, or during off-peak hours and powers your home during the day or during a power outage.
With Powerwall, you can use self-generated solar energy during the day and night, thus avoiding high electricity costs. You can also store excess energy produced during sunny periods for use during times of low production or power outages.
Key Features
Energy Storage: Powerwall stores excess energy from solar panels or the grid for later use or during power outages.
Backup Power: In the event of a power outage, Powerwall automatically switches to battery power to ensure continuous power supply.
Integration: Powerwall can be seamlessly integrated with existing solar systems and other power sources.
Scalability: Multiple Powerwalls can be installed to meet higher energy storage needs.
Smart Energy Management: Powerwall works with Tesla's software to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs.
How Powerwall Works
Storage: During the day, when solar panels produce more energy than needed, the excess is stored in Powerwall.
Usage: At night or during times of low solar production, the stored energy is used to power the home, reducing reliance on the grid.
Backup: During a power outage, Powerwall automatically provides power to critical circuits, ensuring continuous operation of essential appliances.
Benefits
Cost Savings: By storing and using solar energy, you can reduce your electricity bills.
Reliability: Provides backup power during outages, ensuring your home remains powered.
Sustainability: Promotes the use of renewable energy by storing excess solar production for later use.
Overall, Giga Small Haus is an interesting real-life demo of what Powerwall and Solar can accomplish. It would be neat if Tesla built more of these displays - perhaps near major Delivery and Service Centers and at Giga Texas, Fremont, Giga Shanghai, and other facilities. Many Tesla owners have yet to learn about and experience some of Tesla’s Energy products.
Tesla has added the Acceleration Boost option to the Tesla store for owners of the 2024 Model 3 Long Range - specifically owners in Australia and China. Acceleration Boost is an upgrade that provides a significant performance boost, drastically narrowing the performance gap between the Long Range and Performance versions of the same model.
This upgrade will likely become available in Europe, Canada, and the United States in the next few days as Tesla updates its shops globally.
Acceleration Boost
This new Acceleration Boost is retailing for $3,000 AUD, or approximately $2,000 USD. That’s the same price for current owners of older Model 3 or Model Y Long Range vehicles, which all have the option to purchase Acceleration Boost through the shop.
The boost provides improved 0-100km/h (0-60mph) performance, bumping the 2024 Model 3 LR from 4.4s to 3.8s. The 2024 Performance version comes in at a blazing fast 2.9 seconds, so while it isn’t equivalent to just buying a performance variant in the first place, it is still a noticeable and significant upgrade.
Performance variants also come with a different front fascia vent for cooling, performance drive units, sport seats, adaptive suspension, 20-inch wheels, and Track Mode V3. That’s a significant number of additional features in the $10,000 USD price difference between the Long Range and Performance versions.
Should You Buy It?
If you’ve purchased a Long Range model and are itching to go just that little bit faster at every red light, this is the upgrade for you. It previously came with the cost of slightly reducing vehicle range, but the Tesla store doesn’t make a note of reduced range this time around. The 2023 Model 3 and Model Y Long Range models had an efficiency loss of about 5% due to the additional always-available acceleration and cooling.
You could drive in Chill mode to mostly negate that efficiency loss, but what’s the fun in driving in Chill when you just got Acceleration Boost? Anyhow, the shop listing for the 2024 variant doesn’t include this detail, so it's possible Tesla may have worked some more engineering magic.
Overall, if you’ve got the $3,000 AUD burning a hole in your pocket, some Tesla referral credits sitting around, or just want to go faster, it's definitely an upgrade many users find valuable.
