Tesla News This Week: A Look at Software Update 2023.20, Tesla App Updates and Model Y Hardware 4.0

June 4, 2023

By Not a Tesla App Staff

This week we take a look at Tesla's upcoming update, 2023.20, Tesla's improvements to Autowipers and its latest app update

Join us as we take a look back at this week's top Tesla stories. From an early look at the features included in Tesla's upcoming 2023.20 software update, to Tesla's latest app update, we dive into the top stories of the week.

An Early Look at Tesla's 2023.20 Update and Its Features

Tesla is introducing the ability to track your tire mileage in update 2023.20

Preparations are underway for Tesla's next software update, version 2023.20. Although currently in testing, this update has been drawing attention since it was first noticed last week. Considering Tesla's 2023.12 update brought numerous new features, it appears this next may be smaller. However, we now have our first look at some of the features included in Tesla's 2023.20 update.

A noteworthy improvement under the upcoming update pertains to tire service tracking. Post-update, vehicle owners can track how many miles have been driven since their last tire service.

Tesla has updated its app to 4.21.5

Not a Tesla App

This week Tesla updated their iPhone app to version 4.21.5. The updated features include a new Loot Box design and a notice to Canadians using their Superchargers. Tesla also hints at several upcoming features including Boombom v2.

Tesla's Model Y with HW4 is coming without radar

Tesla

As Tesla continues to redefine the automotive industry, insiders have revealed that the company's upcoming Hardware 4.0 (HW4) will not include the radar module in its Model Y vehicles, at least not initially. This marks a shift in the company's approach towards autonomous driving, relying more heavily on vision-based systems. This strategic decision builds on the recent introduction of HW4 in the luxury Model S and Model X models.

Previously, the integration of HD radar in the Model S and Model X indicated an evolution in the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) hardware.

Tesla has reduced the FSD suspension to one week with FSD Beta 11.4.2

Tesla

Tesla is again modifying the Full Self Driving (FSD) Beta suspension policy. Initially, the system, which is based on a strike policy, suspended users until Tesla reset strikes globally, which ranged from about every three to nine months. The driver has up to three strikes for vehicles without a cabin camera and five for those equipped with them.

More recently Tesla changed their policy to reset FSD suspensions on an individual basis after "approximately two weeks," according to Tesla. But with the introduction of FSD Beta 11.4.2, Tesla has now reduced the suspension interval from two weeks to approximately one week.

Ford will add a Tesla (NACS) port to its future EVs

Tesla

In a move that attests to Elon Musk's words on fostering industry collaboration over competition, Tesla and Ford have announced a partnership to enable the latter's electric vehicles access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network.

Contrary to earlier speculations that Tesla's move to open its proprietary charging connector might be a futile attempt at standardization, Ford has embraced the North American Charging Standard (NACS) - Tesla's charging system. With this, Tesla’s charging plug design, known for some advantages over the current CCS standard, might start gaining traction across the North American EV sector.

FSD Beta 11.4.2 introduces Autowipers v4

EVlectric/YouTube

For Tesla owners, the auto wiper system has been a contentious feature. Loved by some for its attempt at autonomous convenience yet criticized by others for its hit-or-miss performance, the system has often had trouble with extreme light conditions or misty weather. Now, Tesla has introduced v4 of their autowipers system that aims to correct past issues and enhance the user experience.

The updates come via the new Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta 11.4.2, as reported by Tesla hacker @GreenTheOnly. While release notes didn't indicate changes, Green pointed out significant differences under the hood.

Tesla will now give owners a 150km Supercharger credit

Tesla

Tesla has recently come up with a new way of doing things when it comes to delivering cars. The company claims this change has been made to align with some new rules in the industry. In the past, Tesla always delivered cars with a full charge. Now, they are to be delivered with only half charge.

When electric vehicles are being transported from one place to another, having them fully charged can pose a risk. Keeping the state of charge (SOC) at 50% during shipment reduces the chances of battery fires. This practice is not new. Other battery-operated devices, like e-bikes, are also shipped at a lower SOC for the same safety reasons.

Is Tesla getting ready to unveil the refreshed Model 3?

ffiarpg/Reddit

Tesla CEO Elon Musk's recent visit to China, his first in three years, has set the stage for widespread conjecture around the unveiling of the revamped Tesla Model 3. Dubbed Project Highland, this model refresh has been a topic of discussion for some time. Industry insiders believe Musk's significant stop at the Shanghai Gigafactory might be strategically timed to coincide with a potential sneak peek of the new Model 3 design.

A good view of all the displays available in a Model S

Tesla

Tesla is a pioneer in the automotive industry, and one of the most defining features of its vehicles is the use of large touchscreens. These screens are a central hub for most vehicle functions, including music, vehicle settings, navigation, and more. Tesla's commitment to a minimalist and user-friendly design is evident through integrating these screens, which have become iconic in electric vehicles.

Between 2012 and 2020, the Model S and Model X were equipped with vertical screens, which stood out due to their impressive size and orientation.

This Year’s Most Creative Cybertruck Halloween Decorations for Trunk or Treat

November 12, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

The Cybertruck has now celebrated its first Halloween, and owners did not disappoint in coming up with clever and unique decorations for their stainless steel trunk. Make sure you’ve got whatever is left of your candy nearby cause we’re going in.

Aliens

Up in the hero image to get us started - the Cybertruck is really a piece of alien technology. At least, that’s how it appears when it first arrives in town. So, why not celebrate the alien-ness of the Cybertruck to North American roads? We love it.

Spooky

@jayvee10x over on X put together this fantastic display for Halloween and included their Cybertruck! The Cybertruck would definitely be a good vehicle of choice to take on zombies and walking skeletons.

By @jayvee10x.

@jayvee10x

Halo

TeslaKen over on the Cybertruck Owner’s Club forums put together this outstanding Cosplay of Master Chief from Halo, and wrapped up his Cybertruck to look like a Warthog. Probably one of the coolest costumes we’ve seen so far.

By TeslaKen on the CT Owners Club

TeslaKen

Jaws

Sometimes, all you need to do to get a scare is to show some nice sharp teeth. The smoke machine just completes the look with the red glow.

Fangs!

Not a Tesla App

More Aliens

Terry Stach and Robert Martin captured some aliens in their trucks. Best to keep an eye on these ones, lest they whisk you away in their Cyber-UFO. Just watch out though, because @brandtsla over on X is being chased by that UFO!

Terry Stach over on Facebook.

Terry Stach

Here’s mine! pic.twitter.com/CANAPDVhiG
— Robert Martin (@RobbyMD3) November 1, 2024

CyberUFO spotted on Halloween night @Cybertruck @brandontsla pic.twitter.com/XjHFNwZvb3
— Zack (@BLKMDL3) November 1, 2024

Cyberbeast Cerberus

The Cyberbeast’s logo is the three-headed hound that guards the gates of hell - Cereberus. Turns out that S.E. Robinson let the dogs out. Our favorite, all things said. Maybe a smoke machine and some red lights to complete the look though! Oh wait, he’s got that too!

Cyberbeast is ready for Halloween 🎃 pic.twitter.com/zcc3h808JI
— S.E. Robinson, Jr. (@SERobinsonJr) October 20, 2024

The Cybertruck makes an incredible canvas for Halloween decorations, and we’re eager to see even more creative ideas emerge as it heads into its second Halloween season next year.

First Look at Tesla's New 'Service History' Feature [Photos]

November 12, 2024

By Karan Singh

Mahtava

Tesla has begun adding the ability for service technicians—both Tesla’s and third-party — to log repair history in their vehicles.

This new feature is part of update Tesla update 2024.38.2, which also includes other features such as Reduced Sentry Mode Power Usage, and Track Mode Powertrain Endurance.

While this isn’t exactly a feature most users will see often, Tesla has added some features that should help technicians know more about a vehicle’s history. Best of all, while Service History is aimed at technicians, it’s also accessible by any Tesla owner.

So, grab your wrench, and let’s take a detailed look at Tesla’s new Service History.

Service History

Service History is a new feature in Tesla’s Service Mode that tracks all the maintenance a vehicle has received. Technicians are prompted to use Tesla’s Correction Codes, which define the repair that took place and then provide an optional timestamp for the repair being completed. In short, it’s a way to keep track of repairs and services within the vehicle. This should make it easier for technicians to solve issues by being aware of the vehicle’s history.

Service History is accessible directly on the main panel of Service Mode. While Tesla already has internal tools to access a vehicle’s history, the real benefit will be when the vehicle is serviced by different technicians. For example, a local tech could now be services that Tesla serviced performed and vice-versa.

Service history is also permanent and stays with the vehicle. Once entries are added, they cannot be edited or removed, so there’s no tampering with a vehicle’s service history.

You can see the new Service History option on the bottom right.

Mahtava

These timestamped history logs are permanently saved to your vehicle and are accessible by Tesla and anyone else who can put their car into Service Mode. If you want to take a peek and are on 2024.38 or higher, you can follow our Guide on Service Mode here.

Entering a Service Item

When entering a new Service History entry, you’re given a few options, including a Correction Code. Tesla maintains a list of Correction Codes for pretty much everything under the sun, from a full-out swap of the battery pack or one of the motors to things as simple as replacing the wiper blades or adding windshield washer fluid.

Technicians servicing Tesla vehicles will have the option to indicate whether they’re a first-party doing the work (Tesla Service), a qualified third-party independent repairer, or an unknown—like the vehicle owner themselves.

The pop-up that displays when you open Service History.

Mahtava

If you’d like to add an entry yourself, you can give it a try, as it’s pretty straightforward. You can select a Correction Code for something you’d normally DIY, like adding washer fluid. You can then select a timestamp, which is optional, and then select what type of repairer you are - first party, qualified third party, or other.

The Record Service Menu.

Mahtava

Expanding Service History

Tesla’s new Service History is a really interesting idea. It puts third-party technicians and vehicle owners on equal ground, with everyone having access to a vehicle’s history. It’s also going to be useful for owners to keep track of simple tasks like tire rotations, wiper blade replacements, low-voltage battery replacements, and more.

Service History also helps solve the issue of Tesla not being able to effectively track vehicle services done by qualified third-party repair shops, who often won’t push the vehicle correction codes via Toolbox 3.

Instead, this allows even unfamiliar repair technicians an easy-to-see and easy-to-use solution to log and diagnose potential issues quickly.

We’d love for Tesla to make Service History even more accessible, potentially moving it out of Service Mode, which only a small percentage of owners will ever go into.

It’d be useful if Tesla moved certain options into the main Controls > Service area, allowing vehicle owners to add simple things like adding windshield wiper fluid. For more complex changes, Tesla could ask owners to enter Service Mode, and remind them that all entries are permanent and can not be changed or removed, even by Tesla.