Tesla Update 2023.20: The Features You May Not Know About

Parked cars are now displayed in a lighter gray color

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While Tesla's software updates consistently attract attention for their headlining features, many more features are not mentioned but deserve some attention. These 'undocumented' enhancements of Tesla update 2023.20 subtly, yet surely, elevate the Tesla experience.

All-encompassing Camera Previews

This update has turned Tesla's omnipresent cameras into windows for owners. Drivers can tap into the vantage point of each, and every onboard camera, as it's no longer restricted to the cabin camera. This offers a fascinating glimpse into how Tesla's AI interprets the world around it. It's not just about making sure the cameras work; it's about gaining a deeper understanding of each camera's point of view.

Implementing 'PIN to Drive' via the Tesla App

You can now enable PIN to Drive through the Tesla app

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The ability to enable 'PIN to Drive' via the Tesla app amplifies security. It reinforces Tesla's mission to seamlessly merge vehicle ownership with the digital lifestyle of the modern driver. It's more than a remote lock feature; it's a step toward a future where vehicle security is as accessible as banking or home security, right from your smartphone. Having the ability to enable PIN to Drive remotely lets you enable the feature when you need it most — when you lose your keys.

Parked Cars

Parked vehicles are now displayed in a lighter gray in the visualization to help to distinguish them from other vehicles. Tesla will now display vehicles in dark gray for lead vehicles, blue for vehicles that are or may be in your vehicle's path, red for vehicles that require immediate attention and medium gray for other vehicles.

Better Named Bluetooth Keys

Tesla's Bluetooth keys now have more intuitive names

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Your Tesla phone key is now clearly prefixed with "Tesla," and a shorter identification number in Bluetooth settings, bringing a small yet meaningful improvement. Previously, phone keys included a 16-character name that made it challenging for some users to figure out what the Bluetooth device was for. Beyond eliminating unnecessary confusion, it represents Tesla's consistent pursuit of perfecting even the most minor aspects of user experience.

Navigation's New Informative Edge

Various locations will now display hours of operation when you search for them

Garth Schanock

The upgrade to Tesla's navigation system is a boon for drivers. The addition of real-time operation statuses of destinations seamlessly integrates essential information into the driving experience. In update 2023.26, Tesla goes one step further and will warn if you're navigating to a destination that is closed or may be closed by the time you arrive.

Changes to Trip Odometer

The 'Current Trip' odometer will now display minutes traveled

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The shift from kWh to minutes elapsed in the 'Current Trip' odometer provides a more user-friendly measure of journey duration and brings this feature back in line with how it worked before Tesla's 2022 holiday update.

Passenger Presence Recognition

The passenger climate temperature is now only displayed when a passenger is sitting in the front seat. The intelligent adjustment of displaying passenger climate settings underscores Tesla's focus on personalized comfort. It's not just an intelligent UI tweak; it's indicative of a broader vision where vehicles dynamically adapt to the needs of their occupants.

A Closer Look at Tesla's Updated Data-Sharing Policy

Tesla has updated its Data Sharing options

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The updated Data Sharing policy reflects Tesla's commitment to transparency, allowing owners to understand better and control how their data is used. It highlights Tesla's balancing act: gathering crucial data to enhance autonomous driving capabilities while respecting privacy. More so, it opens a dialogue about data ownership and its role in pushing the frontier of autonomous driving.

Windshield Wiper Control

You can now control your windshield wipers using the steering wheel customization feature

Simon

Update: Another feature that Tesla has quietly added is the ability to control your windshield wipers directly from the steering wheel in the Model 3 and Model Y.

In Tesla update 2023.12, Tesla added the ability to control various settings using the scroll wheel on the steering wheel. Notably absent was the ability to control the windshield wipers. However, with update 2023.20, Tesla has now added Windshield Wipers to the list of featues that you can control with the new Steering Wheel Customization feature.

Each of these unheralded updates contributes to a broader narrative of innovation at Tesla. They may not make the headlines but embody the meticulous refinement that distinguishes the Tesla experience.

Tesla’s New Signal Viewer Panel in Service Mode+ Allows You to View Real-Time Data

@scotsrule08 on X

Tesla’s latest software update, version 2025.2, brings new features to Service Mode, continuing the trend of improving in-vehicle diagnostics.

Currently, this feature is only available for vehicles with AMD Ryzen infotainment systems and requires Service Mode+, which is a subscription service aimed at technicians. Intel-powered vehicles aren’t supported yet, but we expect this feature to roll out to them as well unless hardware limitations prevent it.

Thanks to Spencer for providing an image of the panel in action.

Signal Viewer Panel

While update 2025.2.6 adds four service mode improvements, including updates to brake burnishing, charge port calibration, and noise recording panel improvements. In this article, we’ll focus on the new signal viewer panel.

This new panel offers a live data feed from selectable vehicle sensors. You select the signals you’re interested in and it’ll plot the signal on a graph. In addition to allowing you to view real-time signal data, it also allows you to record them.

The signals are searchable and can be easily added or removed from the panel. You can track up to 10 sensors, and the UI allows three of them to be viewable at once.

However, this is Service Mode and it’s more than just pretty looks. You can really dig down into these charts. You can pan them left and right through time, and tapping a specific point shows the exact value of that signal. The panel also supports pinch-to-zoom, enabling you to adjust the time scale across all panels simultaneously.

This feature is exclusive to Service Mode+, which requires a subscription to Tesla’s ToolBox3 software and a connection to a computer. It’s designed to help technicians diagnose issues related to signal quality, noise in the vehicle’s electrical systems, and signal variance in components during driving.

We’re excited to see Tesla’s continued focus on repairability, especially with additions like the Cybertruck’s Interactive Wiring Diagram and the launch of the Tesla Online Parts Catalog, which lets customers purchase parts directly.

Plus, with the reduced cost of ToolBox 3 subscriptions, even DIY enthusiasts now have access to tools that make Tesla repairs more accessible.

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Tesla Introduces New Model Y Variants in Europe; Ends Launch Series

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Tesla has updated its Model Y lineup in Europe, introducing new standard configurations while discontinuing the limited-edition Launch Series. With the new variants now available, European customers will have more choices and cheaper options to pick from.

The Launch Series and some of its exclusive features will no longer be offered—except in the UK, where it remains available alongside the new lineup.

New Models Introduced

Tesla’s new Model Y lineup in Europe includes three main variants. The prices vary slightly from country to country.

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Priced at €44,990, this model is the most affordable new Model Y, but it also has the shortest range and is missing a few features available on other trim levels.

• Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (LR RWD): Available for €49,990, this version is essentially the same as the RWD model, but with a larger battery. It has seen a €1,000 price increase compared to the outgoing Long Range RWD model.

• Long Range All-Wheel Drive (LR AWD): At €52,990, this model has seen a price drop of €2,000, making it a better deal than the previous LR AWD Model Y. This is also the only new Model Y to come with most of the same features as the Launch Series, including additional speakers, a subwoofer, premium materials inside the cabin and improved acceleration. Acceleration boost should also become available for this model, letting it match the performance of the Launch Series.

All Model Y variants come with all the improvements that we’ve discussed about the new Model Y, including the new front and rear light bars, improved aerodynamics, ventilated seats, improved heat and sound isolation, and the 8-inch rear touchscreen. Some exclusive options, like the Midnight Cherry Red paint, appear to no longer be available. However, Tesla has already said that they’ll be introducing new paint options for the Model Y in North America.

Compare Model Y Variants

Here’s how the various Model Y variants compare to each other:

Launch Series Ends

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The Launch Series, which debuted just weeks ago in Europe, has now been phased out. This limited-edition model was priced at €60,990 and included a suite of premium features comparable to a bundle deal you may find with other products. It came equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD), Acceleration Boost, and exclusive badging on the rear liftgate, door sill plates, and puddle lights.

While the Launch Series is no longer available for new orders in most European countries, customers can still get a similar vehicle by opting for the Long Range AWD model and manually adding premium features like FSD. Acceleration Boost, which was standard in the Launch Series, is expected to become available for purchase once these vehicles are delivered or soon afterward. However, some exclusive elements, such as badging and trim details, will remain unique to the discontinued edition.

For now, the UK remains an exception, still offering the Launch Series alongside the newly introduced models.

Performance Model Still to Come

With Tesla now introducing the expected variants of the refreshed Model Y, one notable absence is the Performance model. While the Launch Series was fast due to the Acceleration Boost addon, there’s no doubt the Performance version will be in a league of its own.

What we saw Tesla do with the 2024+ Model 3 Performance variant was more than just using binned motors. The vehicle featured unique bumpers, a spoiler, an improved suspension, sport seats, Track Mode V3 and other features that made the vehicle stand out compared to the Model 3 AWD.

The Performance version of the new Model Y is expected to become available later this year, however, expect it to carry a $5-$8k premium over the AWD model.

Other Regions to Follow

As Europe phases out the Launch Series, other regions are expected to see similar changes. With the other models now revealed, owners in other regions have a better idea of whether they should buy the Launch Series or wait for the additional models to arrive.

Tesla naturally adjusts its offerings based on market demand, and if sales of the Launch Series remain strong in other parts of the world, Tesla will likely wait it out a little longer before offering the other models.

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