Tesla in introduce Waze-like features and warnings
Fortune
One of Tesla’s latest software updates, FSD Beta 11.4.8.1, which is update 2023.27.12, includes code pointing to several new, unexpected features. According to our favorite Tesla hacker, Green, also known as @greentheonly on X, there will be new Waze-like features, new routing options and a driver “liveliness” system.
Speed Cam and Red Light Awareness
A key highlight of this update is the integration of speed camera and red light cam awareness, functionalities that seem to be inspired by popular navigation apps like Waze. Waze has provided real-time traffic updates, including alerts about speed cameras, traffic congestion, and road hazards. By integrating a similar system, Tesla keeps up with some of the most wanted navigation features. This new feature includes the ability to detect fixed and mobile speed and red light cameras.
The importance of this feature cannot be overstated. Speed and red light cameras are critical in regulating traffic and ensuring safety. However, they can also be a source of anxiety for drivers. Tesla's approach not only assists in compliance with traffic laws but also adds a layer of security and peace of mind.
Tesla is also set to introduce several additional navigation features. One such feature is the "avoid construction on route" option, designed to enhance route efficiency and reduce unexpected delays. Another notable addition is the control over U-turns, allowing drivers to enable or disable U-turn maneuvers in routing options. One much-wanted routing option that owners have been asking for is the ability to use or disable highways. Unfortunately, and somewhat surprising, it doesn’t look like this option is included in this update.
Driver Monitoring Improvements
The update also includes an intriguing development in driver monitoring. The cabin camera now assesses "driver liveliness," a move to ensure the driver's attention is on the road. This feature appears to be aimed at owners who may have tried to trick the system by taping a static photo in front of the camera. It appears that the updated system will check whether the the driver is not only attentive, but also exhibits signs of a human driver.
Release Date
There is significant interest in the availability of these features outside North America, particularly in Europe and Asia. Green has indicated that while these features are currently not user-accessible in this update, its clear Tesla is continuing to develop them and they’ll likely be rolled out in a future update.
While the new routing options may become available worldwide, speed camera locations and red light camera awareness will likely depend on local laws and these features will only be released appropriate.
It’s possible that we’ll see these new features in Tesla’s upcoming holiday update later this month.
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Tesla recently showed off Giga Small Haus, an interesting new display project hosted at Giga Berlin. The small new house is located just outside the main entrance of Tesla’s Giga Berlin factory, with a Quicksilver Model Y parked inside.
Giga Small Haus is powered only by solar and Powerwall 3 - disconnected from the local grid and from Giga Berlin itself. It serves as a live demonstration of Tesla Solar and Tesla’s Powerwall battery backup.
Giga Small Haus
The centerpiece of the display is a Model Y in Quicksilver - a beautiful pick for a beautifully lit house. However, that’s not the real focus here - it's the Powerwall and Gateway on the wall.
The Powerwall is the focus of Giga Small Haus, and there’s a display with some additional information on the wall. Part of the display also includes a screen that displays the current output of the Powerwall itself versus the consumption of Giga Small Haus, as well as the input from solar.
The interior exhibit of Giga Small Haus
Not a Tesla App
The text on the exhibit is divided into several sections. Here’s a translated and edited version of what we can see from Tesla’s images. Some additional text is obscured. If someone visits Giga Small Haus, let us know.
Powerwall
Powerwall is a home battery system that stores energy from solar panels, the electrical grid, or during off-peak hours and powers your home during the day or during a power outage.
With Powerwall, you can use self-generated solar energy during the day and night, thus avoiding high electricity costs. You can also store excess energy produced during sunny periods for use during times of low production or power outages.
Key Features
Energy Storage: Powerwall stores excess energy from solar panels or the grid for later use or during power outages.
Backup Power: In the event of a power outage, Powerwall automatically switches to battery power to ensure continuous power supply.
Integration: Powerwall can be seamlessly integrated with existing solar systems and other power sources.
Scalability: Multiple Powerwalls can be installed to meet higher energy storage needs.
Smart Energy Management: Powerwall works with Tesla's software to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs.
How Powerwall Works
Storage: During the day, when solar panels produce more energy than needed, the excess is stored in Powerwall.
Usage: At night or during times of low solar production, the stored energy is used to power the home, reducing reliance on the grid.
Backup: During a power outage, Powerwall automatically provides power to critical circuits, ensuring continuous operation of essential appliances.
Benefits
Cost Savings: By storing and using solar energy, you can reduce your electricity bills.
Reliability: Provides backup power during outages, ensuring your home remains powered.
Sustainability: Promotes the use of renewable energy by storing excess solar production for later use.
Overall, Giga Small Haus is an interesting real-life demo of what Powerwall and Solar can accomplish. It would be neat if Tesla built more of these displays - perhaps near major Delivery and Service Centers and at Giga Texas, Fremont, Giga Shanghai, and other facilities. Many Tesla owners have yet to learn about and experience some of Tesla’s Energy products.
Tesla has added the Acceleration Boost option to the Tesla store for owners of the 2024 Model 3 Long Range - specifically owners in Australia and China. Acceleration Boost is an upgrade that provides a significant performance boost, drastically narrowing the performance gap between the Long Range and Performance versions of the same model.
This upgrade will likely become available in Europe, Canada, and the United States in the next few days as Tesla updates its shops globally.
Acceleration Boost
This new Acceleration Boost is retailing for $3,000 AUD, or approximately $2,000 USD. That’s the same price for current owners of older Model 3 or Model Y Long Range vehicles, which all have the option to purchase Acceleration Boost through the shop.
The boost provides improved 0-100km/h (0-60mph) performance, bumping the 2024 Model 3 LR from 4.4s to 3.8s. The 2024 Performance version comes in at a blazing fast 2.9 seconds, so while it isn’t equivalent to just buying a performance variant in the first place, it is still a noticeable and significant upgrade.
Performance variants also come with a different front fascia vent for cooling, performance drive units, sport seats, adaptive suspension, 20-inch wheels, and Track Mode V3. That’s a significant number of additional features in the $10,000 USD price difference between the Long Range and Performance versions.
Should You Buy It?
If you’ve purchased a Long Range model and are itching to go just that little bit faster at every red light, this is the upgrade for you. It previously came with the cost of slightly reducing vehicle range, but the Tesla store doesn’t make a note of reduced range this time around. The 2023 Model 3 and Model Y Long Range models had an efficiency loss of about 5% due to the additional always-available acceleration and cooling.
You could drive in Chill mode to mostly negate that efficiency loss, but what’s the fun in driving in Chill when you just got Acceleration Boost? Anyhow, the shop listing for the 2024 variant doesn’t include this detail, so it's possible Tesla may have worked some more engineering magic.
Overall, if you’ve got the $3,000 AUD burning a hole in your pocket, some Tesla referral credits sitting around, or just want to go faster, it's definitely an upgrade many users find valuable.
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