The new Tesla Model 3, the Highland, was revealed with great fanfare. There is so much to take in that some minor details can be overlooked. As more videos and pictures emerge from fans and critics, we are learning just how meticulous Tesla was when renewing the popular sedan.
While the spotlight has shone brightly on the groundbreaking advancements and features, a subtle touch might have been missed, but it is worth taking note of the improved glove box.
Tesla modernized the glove box operation in the original Model 3, allowing users to open it with a voice command or lock it with a PIN code. Yet, the act of closing it retained its old-world charm, reminding us of its humble origins — until the Highland refresh. Out of Spec Reviews took their YouTube viewers to IAA in Munich. In one of their videos (below), the host is a little surprised when he closes the glovebox. Instead of a latch, a magnet sealed the glove box shut, offering a quiet, streamlined solution that not only reduces parts and increases reliability but reduces cost as well. You can view the glovebox in action below at the 23:20 mark:
Why the Magnetic Glove Box Matters
Tesla's decision to replace the conventional latch with magnets might seem trivial at first, but on closer inspection, it embodies the brand's ethos of constant evolution:
Durability Over Time: Unlike traditional latches that can wear out or break, magnets promise longevity, ensuring that users enjoy a consistently smooth experience.
Economical and Efficient: By opting for magnets over a mechanical latch, Tesla not only simplifies the design but potentially reduces production and maintenance costs — a testament to the company's dedication to value and innovation.
Fusing Old with the New: Closing a glove box with a gentle touch, thanks to the magnets, feels refreshing, especially in a car where you can command the same compartment to open with the power of your voice or touch. It's a blend of heritage and futuristic design.
A Brief Dive into Glove Box History
The glove box, or "glove compartment," as it was traditionally known, originates in the early days of motoring. The compartment was initially intended for drivers to store their driving gloves — hence the name. The very first glove boxes were just simple compartments, but as cars evolved, so did their accessories, leading to the inclusion of a latch for added security.
In a world of technological leaps, small, meticulous improvements often showcase a brand's dedication to progress and refinement. The magnetic glovebox is one of those small yet greatly appreciated moves that show the automaker is leaving no stone unturned or the glove box unopened in its endless improvements.
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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.
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.
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!
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.
@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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