Tesla is planning various improvements to FSD Beta that could drastically increase its performance
As we explore the future possibilities of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta, we enter a realm of speculation and excitement fueled by hints and ideas shared by CEO Elon Musk. From integrating neural nets in vehicle control to the unique concept of "reverse creep" and independent navigation, Tesla's FSD Beta could be on the verge of a massive transformation.
Future Expansion of Neural Nets in FSD Beta
One of the most speculated advancements in Tesla's FSD Beta is the comprehensive application of neural networks for vehicle navigation and control. This move beyond their current use for vision processing could revolutionize autonomous vehicle technology, empowering FSD Beta vehicles to make informed decisions that more closely mimic human cognitive processes.
Reverse Creep: A New Dimension to Autonomous Safety
Imminent updates to FSD Beta may also include the intriguing capability of "reverse creep." This feature would enable the vehicle to move backwards when it senses potential danger, mimicking the cautious maneuvers of a human driver in a challenging driving situation. By extending its response beyond just creeping forward for improved visibility, FSD Beta could improve autonomous safety.
Towards Map-Free Navigation
Another potential leap for Tesla's autonomous driving tech is the ability of FSD Beta to navigate without relying on map data. This would allow Tesla vehicles to tackle even the most remote or poorly mapped routes, liberating them from the confines of pre-existing cartographic information. All it might need is a set GPS point or pinned location to embark on its journey.
Dead Reckoning Navigation: Pioneering GPS-Free Movement
Speculation is rife about the development of 'dead reckoning' navigation. This advanced feature could enable FSD-equipped vehicles to navigate based on inertial measurements, wheel movement, and vision, even when GPS data is unavailable. As such, Tesla vehicles could find their way through environments like underground parking garages, relying on their last known GPS location and determining subsequent positions using a combination of compass data, wheel movement, and speed.
According to Elon Musk, these are enhancements that Tesla is working on to improve FSD. They've been expected in previous versions of FSD Beta, but have likely been delayed or are still in development.
These features help showcase the dynamic trajectory that Tesla's Full Self-Driving Beta is possibly heading towards. As we look forward to these and many more breakthroughs, the future of autonomous driving promises to be nothing short of revolutionary.
Last night Tesla released FSD V13.2.1 with software update 2024.39.15. While the update is still going out in very small waves, it’s the first time FSD V13 has gone out to users beyond the initial early-access testers.
The update is going out to all HW4-based models, including the new Model S/X and the Model 3/Y, and includes the Cybertruck for the first time.
FSD V13
FSD V13 adds various new features, including the ability to start FSD from Park, Reverse, and Park at Destination. However, not all features are available on the Cybertruck yet. You can check out our detailed examination of the FSD V13.2 features here.
Start FSD from Park is also called Unpark - and it means that you can select your destination, and then tap and hold the new Start FSD button. FSD will engage, shift out of park, and into drive or reverse to get to your destination.
Next up, FSD is now capable of driving in reverse. It can now shift into reverse as required and will shift between the three gears as needed (Reverse, Drive, and Park). This means that FSD can now perform 3-point turns when necessary.
Finally, when FSD reaches its destination, it will navigate to an open parking spot if one is nearby and available. For now, FSD will only look for open parking spots, but soon you’ll be able to pick what the vehicle should do when arriving at its destination.
Take a look at the video below of one of the first drives of FSD V13.2.1.
V13 is MINDBLOWING.
Here’s the first drive video with FSD v13.2.1. 31 mins from parking lot to parking spot with ZERO disengagements or interventions. I can’t believe how smooth it is- it’s incredible.
This update is essentially a bug fix for the Model S, 3, X, and Y. However, the Cybertruck is receiving a modified release that’s missing several features compared to the other vehicles receiving 13.2.1. Here’s what’s missing from the Cybertruck version:
First off, Cybertruck does not get integrated Park, Unpark, and Reverse for the time being. In addition, there still isn’t support Actually Smart Summon in this release. With this update, Tesla is calling out the “Start FSD (Supervised) from Park” feature as a separate item in the release notes due to some changes (more on this below), but this is also not available on the Cybertruck.
This is likely because further refinements are needed for Cybertruck to be able to park itself or move accurately in tight spaces. The Cyebrtruck is significantly larger than other Tesla vehicles, and Tesla is likely waiting for more validation tests before releasing Summon or the Park-related features outside of Auto Park. T
Two other items missing from the Cybertruck version are Improved Camera Cleaning and the Redesigned Controller for smoother and more accurate tracking. Both are listed in the upcoming improvements section for the Cybertruck. Everything else in the release notes is identical to the other models.
Interestingly, this update still does not include the holiday update, so while users on FSD V13.2.1 get to enjoy the latest FSD build, they still do not have access to the features in the Holiday Update.
While FSD V13.2 included Start FSD from Park, it’s getting some changes in this update. Tesla is now specifying that the driver must be in the driver’s seat and buckled and that the camera camera must be unobstructed.
The process for starting FSD from Park has also been slightly adjusted. By default, you’ll need to tap and hold the Start FSD button after meeting the requirement above, but after pressing the on-screen button, you’ll also need to press the brake pedal before FSD is activated.
This seems like an additional safeguard to prevent accidental use of the feature, but it is optional. You can turn off the additional safety measure by going to Controls > Autopilot and turning on Start FSD (Supervised) from Park.
This feature is expected to arrive for the Cybertruck in a future release.
Upcoming Improvements
The Upcoming Improvements section doesn’t mention any features that weren’t previously mentioned in the FSD 13.2 update, which includes the following features:
3x model size scaling
3x model context length scaling
Audio inputs for better handling of emergency vehicles
Improved reward predictions for navigation
Improvements to false braking and slower driving in parking lots
Support for destination options including pulling over, parking in a spot, driveway, or garage
Efficient representation of maps and navigation inputs
Improved handling of camera occlusions
That’s an extensive list of upcoming improvements for FSD V13, so we’ll be seeing lots of changes and improvements as FSD approaches its Unsupervised phase in the near future.
Hardware 3?
Sadly, Tesla did not mention HW3 in their previous roadmap update and hasn’t referred to it since the original roadmap update. HW3 vehicles recently received the Holiday Update alongside FSD V12.5.4.2, which is the latest FSD build for HW3.
Besides saying that a future hardware upgrade will be available if Tesla can not achieve Unsupervised FSD on HW3, Tesla has been mum on the situation. However, there’s no word on whether FSD V13 will be made available on HW3 vehicles before such an upgrade is available.
There’s a good chance that Tesla will create a smaller model version of FSD V13 that’s capable of running on HW3 and is capable of some of the same abilities we’re seeing on HW4-based vehicles running FSD V13. However, it’s clear that Tesla’s focus is achieving Unsupervised FSD and meeting their goal of running it out next year.
HW3 vehicles are still waiting on the merger of the city and highway stack, so we’re hopeful we’ll see that, at least that, if not V13 in the coming months.
At 500kW speeds, charging times on long road trips will be significantly reduced. While we wait for the software and infrastructure updates needed to enable 500kW charging, Tesla has rolled out 325kW charging for the Cybertruck.
While it doesn’t have as significant of an impact as 500kW, it is still a big step in the right direction. This is one of Tesla's first steps towards using the Cybertruck’s 800V architecture, so we’re excited to see what it can do. Tesla mentioned that the rollout of updated V4 Superchargers is well in progress, but for the moment, only a few sites can provide the faster charging speeds.
325kW V4 Superchargers
This list of 325kW capable Superchargers sites is pretty sparse for now, but we expect Tesla to continue to expand it throughout North America.
Lebec, CA
Chemult, OR
Columbus, GA - Macon Road
Dayton, OH - North Springboro Pike
Dunnigan, CA - County Road
Lamoni, IA
Wilsonville, OR
Truckee, CA - Deerfield Drive
Harrison, NY
Farr West, UT
Tacoma, WA - S 40th Street
Highland, CA - 4154 E Highland Ave
Melissa, TX
Cedar Park, TX - East Whitestone Boulevard
Gillette, WY - South Douglas Highway
Rockaway, NJ - Green Pond Road
Mesa, AZ - South Signal Butte Road
Blaine, WA - Boblett Street
Santa Ynez, CA
We’ll keep an eye on this topic, as we’d love to see how Tesla has improved the 4680 battery cell - now dubbed the Cybercell. It previously had a reputation for charging slowly, leading to Tesla canceling the 4680 Model Y, but now we’re seeing it making a big comeback. Tesla has been hard at work on the Cybercell - it is the Gen 2 version of the 4680, and there are significant engineering improvements behind it.
We’re keeping a close watch on this topic, eager to see how Tesla has refined its 4680 battery cell—now branded the Cybercell. Previously criticized for slow charging, the original 4680 cells even led to the cancellation of the 4680-equipped Model Y. However, the Cybercell is making a strong comeback with the improvements Tesla made to the Gen 2 version of the battery cell.
We’re excited to see how fast the Cybertruck will charge and how it’ll sustain these new charging speeds. We should have more to report on this soon.
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