Tesla appears ready to enable the matrix headlights in the new Model 3
Not a Tesla App
According to a new document, it appears that Tesla is finally preparing to introduce support for adaptive headlights. However, it looks like support may be limited to the upgraded Model 3, at least initially.
Support for Matrix Headlights?
The documents from European certifications, dated November 8, 2023, indicate the upcoming addition of "Adaptive Main Beam" headlights for the new Model 3, which is expected through an over-the-air software update. This revelation, initially shared by @eivissacopter (via DriveTeslaCanada), suggests that older models like the original Model 3 and current Model Y may not receive this update despite some of them having matrix headlights.
Update: It’s not completely clear whether the new Model 3 contains full matrix headlights like some other models or if they simply have an adaptive beam.
European document reveals Tesla is adding matrix headlight support
eivissacopter
The decision to initially limit this feature to the upgraded Model 3 is interesting. There’s no reason to believe this feature won’t eventually be added to other Tesla models that include matrix headlights, but the documents specifically mention the new Model 3 and its adaptive headlights. It should be noted that Tesla likes to test new software with a small segment of owners initially, however, the new Model 3 does feature new headlights. So it’s not clear if this is a software strategy or if there are changes in the new Model 3’s headlights that allow Tesla to finally enable them in Europe.
What Are Matrix Headlights?
Matrix headlights, also known as adaptive headlights, are an advanced automotive lighting technology designed to improve nighttime driving safety and visibility. They consist of multiple LED elements or individual light sources that can be controlled independently. This fine control allows the system to adapt the light distribution pattern based on factors such as traffic conditions, road curvature, and the presence of other vehicles.
Matrix headlights let your car turn on and off individual LEDs
Lighting Manufacturer
The primary benefit of matrix headlights is their ability to selectively dim or deactivate specific LED elements to create "shadows" or dark areas in the beam pattern. This helps avoid dazzling oncoming drivers or those in front of the vehicle while maintaining optimal illumination of the road ahead. For example, when an oncoming vehicle is detected, the system will adjust the light pattern to prevent the high beams from shining directly into the other driver's eyes. The rest of the road, however, remains well-lit, ensuring clear visibility for the driver.
Varying Standards Globally
Globally, the rollout of these adaptive headlights will be subject to varying automotive regulations. Different countries have different standards for automotive lighting, and Tesla will need to navigate these as they introduce and expand the feature's availability. The European certification is crucial, as Europe often has more stringent automotive standards, potentially making it easier to introduce the feature in other markets afterward.
Customer Response
Adaptive headlights, a feature in luxury vehicles for some time, are now becoming more mainstream. This technology's primary benefit is safety. By dynamically adjusting the light beam according to steering input and its surroundings, these headlights significantly enhance night-time visibility and reduce the risk of accidents on curvy roads.
Customer response to this development will be critical. While some Tesla owners might be disappointed that their existing vehicles won't initially receive this feature, new buyers will likely find it a compelling addition. This dynamic could influence customer loyalty and brand perception, factors Tesla must manage carefully.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news, upcoming features and software updates.
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.
_300w.png)
