Tesla FSD Beta: Major Changes Coming, According to Elon Musk

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla is planning various improvements to FSD Beta that could drastically increase its performance
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.

Musk also recently mentioned that Tesla would remove the beta label from FSD with its v12 update. Some of these features could be included in the next major update to FSD.

Tesla to Allow Drivers to Display License Plates in Vehicle Visualization

By Karan Singh
Rendering of what Tesla's license plate feature could look like
Rendering of what Tesla's license plate feature could look like
Not a Tesla App

Tesla update 2024.38 has started rolling out to several regions and vehicles. Thanks to Tesla hacker Greentheonly, we have a behind-the-scenes look at some new features coming to Teslas.

License Plate Display

According to Greentheonly, it looks like Tesla may soon let you display your actual license plate in the vehicle’s visualization on the screen. In our article, The Most Request Tesla Features, several readers suggested displaying the vehicle’s license plate in the visualization instead of a blank, white plate.

It looks like Tesla will be doing just that, at least in China. Green found references that appear to conclude that you’ll be able to display your vehicle’s plate on screen. This will likely be user input, so you could have it say anything you’d like, and it doesn’t have to be your actual license plate.

For many owners, who may find it difficult to remember their license plate, this could serve a practical purpose in addition to adding to the visualization's realism.

While Green was only able to say it’ll be available in China, we expect this is due to China’s software development team working on it and that it’ll eventually be released worldwide.

We’ve seen several features originally released in China and later applied to everyone. Some of these include the Air Quality Index display, the trip meter that displays traffic along your route, and even the ability to change your vehicle’s color.

While code for this feature was found in update 2024.38, we may not be turned on in China yet. We suspect this feature may be a strong candidate for Tesla’s upcoming holiday update.

FSD Hardware Version Display

As part of the 2024.38 update, Tesla has now made it easy to determine whether your vehicle includes Hardware 3 or Hardware 4. You can now simply navigate to Controls > Software and tap Additional Vehicle Information. In addition to other hardware information about your vehicle, your Autopilot hardware version will now be listed as well.

You can see whether your vehicle has HW2.5, HW3, or AI4. This in-car display is useful, but if you don’t have access to the vehicle, you can always use our guide on how to determine the hardware version of a Tesla.

New Battery Health Test & Service Mode Improvements

Green found some additional things as well. There’s a new and improved Battery Health Test. The new test will show you how your car scores compared to similar vehicles in the Tesla fleet.

In addition, maintenance records can now be permanently stored “in the car.” It doesn’t appear that this feature is activated yet, but it’s likely in active development with some parts leaking out in the 2024.38 update.

Tesla has included various Service Mode improvements and new visualizations in this update.

Leaked Images of the Tesla Model Y Juniper Refresh

By Karan Singh
Mr Li on X

It’s been a while since we saw the last batch of leaked images of the Model Y Juniper refresh. That inspiring photo, alongside other images, set the blood of many concept artists on fire. We saw a ton of awesome concepts of Project Juniper, and now there are even more leaked images.

Mr Li on X came across some covered-up Project Juniper vehicles recently and he managed to get various shots of the vehicle.

Juniper Images

This front image reveals what looks like two rows of lights, possibly confirming the front light bar for the Model Y refresh — similar to the one on the Cybercab.

The rear side has a lot of lights on it!
The rear side has a lot of lights on it!
Mr Li on X

The rear side shows a ton of brake lights, but it’s not clear why. While it looks like the Model Y refresh will also feature a rear light bar similar to the Cybertruck, there isn’t strong evidence of that in this photo.

Mr Li on X

There's an obvious set of lights at the bottom, so it looks like the Model Y refresh will be similar to the new Model 3 where the bottom lights can operate as brake lights when the one-piece tail lights and trunk are up.

Mr Li on X

In the last photo, we see that the overall form factor of the refreshed Model Y will remain unchanged, and Tesla is focusing the changes on the front and rear ends of the vehicle, much like the Model 3 refresh. However, in this one shot, we can also see what appears to be red light leaking out of the rear camera cover opening, possibly due to the rear light bar.

The Model Y is not only Tesla’s best-selling vehicle but also the world’s best-selling car in 2023. This year, it’s expected to be the best-selling vehicle in the United States and again in the world, so this refresh will be huge for Tesla.

We expect most of the interior to remain the same as the Model 3 refresh, which saw substantial improvements in quality, noise reduction, and performance. Check out our wishlist of more things we hope to see in the Model Y refresh.

Dominic’s Concept

Dominic's Concept, in all its glory.
Dominic's Concept, in all its glory.
@DominicBRNKMN on X

@DominicBRNKMN made another fantastic set of concepts based on these new images. Given he had the most accurate Model 3 Highland concept before the official launch, we’re pretty sure his latest work be close here as well.

@DominicBRNKMN

We’re super excited to see the eventual reveal of Project Juniper, which is expected in the first half of 2025. However, expect to see a few more leaks before production kicks off at Giga Shanghai.

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