Turquoise Lights Could Indicate an Autonomous Driving Vehicle
Not a Tesla App
Mercedes-Benz's introduction of turquoise Automated Driving Marker Lights for its DRIVE PILOT system, following the SAE J3134 Recommended Practice, marks another step in the evolution of automated driving technology. This move raises the question: Should Tesla and all automakers developing autonomous driving features follow Mercedes' lead? Considering the US's lack of a national regulatory framework and the implications for the future of autonomous driving, this topic will get more significant as technology evolves.
Establishing a Common Language for Automated Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz’s initiative underscores the importance of a standardized visual communication method for automated vehicles. Such standardization would help inform all drivers and pedestrians when vehicles operate autonomously, improving road safety and predictability. If Tesla adopted this system, it could contribute significantly to establishing a universal language for automated cars, fostering a safer and more efficient integration into the existing traffic ecosystem.
There is still a long road ahead to fully autonomous driving, mainly because the technology is dealing with human behavior, which, at times, can be unpredictable. But this kind of signal could alert other FSD vehicles to travel together, lessening the risk of human error during those long road trips.
Mercedes' turquoise light
Not a Tesla App
Risk of Misinterpretation
However, a significant concern for Tesla in adopting such a strategy is the potential for increased negative attention from EV critics. The move, known as 'rolling coal,' where diesel truck drivers intentionally emit large amounts of exhaust fumes near EVs, highlights tensions between traditional vehicle enthusiasts and the EV community. Introducing conspicuous turquoise lights might exacerbate this issue, making Tesla vehicles more of a target for such antagonistic behavior.
While using ADS marker lights offers clear benefits, concerns have been raised about their potential to attract intentional interference from other road users. There is also the risk of misinterpretation of these signals, which could lead to safety hazards. Tesla would need to consider these aspects carefully, ensuring that any implementation of such technology is accompanied by widespread public education and awareness campaigns to mitigate these risks.
There could also be an added risk of being a target on the road. If a pedestrian or vehicle knows that a vehicle is autonomous, they may take additional risks in passing or crossing in front of the vehicle, thinking that the vehicle will yield or stop for them.
Navigating the Regulatory Maze and Costs
Implementing turquoise lights as an indicator for full self-driving mode involves navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes. Currently, there is no nationwide framework in the US for such technology. Mercedes only has approval for the new light in California and Nevada. Standardization requires extensive discussions and adaptations to the national road traffic and regulatory frameworks. Tesla would need to engage in these conversations actively and adapt to evolving standards, which could be resource-intensive.
However, Tesla is a leader in this sector and has experience changing opinions and getting support from competitors. Most automakers have announced plans to adopt Tesla’s NACS charging system, making the company’s charging technology the winner in North America. Others will notice and likely follow if Tesla considers a new light for its FSD.
Additionally, integrating these lights into Tesla's existing vehicle designs might require significant engineering adjustments, adding to the cost and complexity of their vehicles. Who would pay for the retrofit of the current fleet or would it only apply to new vehicles?
Enhancing Accessibility and Safety for Persons with Disabilities
One of the critical considerations for automated driving systems is their potential to provide mobility solutions for individuals who cannot obtain a driver's license due to various impairments. Clear visual signals like turquoise lights could make these technologies more accessible and understandable to all road users, including those with disabilities. By adopting such features, Tesla would be taking a step forward in creating inclusive and universally accessible transportation solutions.
The decision for Tesla to adopt turquoise lights similar to Mercedes-Benz for indicating full self-driving mode is multifaceted, involving considerations of safety, inclusivity, regulatory compliance, and public perception. As the landscape of automated driving continues to evolve, industry leaders like Tesla must navigate these challenges thoughtfully, contributing to a future where autonomous vehicles are seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, enhancing accessibility and safety for all road users.
Tesla’s VP of Charging, Max de Zegher, recently confirmed on X that the first 500kW Supercharger sites are coming soon. These next-generation chargers will not only support the Cybertruck charging at 500kW, but they’ll also be more cost-effective to deploy than previous models.
Late last year, Tesla indicated plans to accelerate Supercharger deployments, with many future locations featuring V4 cabinets. Some sites are already being equipped with V4 posts, offering improved charging capabilities, but the V4 cabinets allow Tesla to get even more power to each stall.
500kW Charging
Tesla recently enabled 325kW charging for the Cybertruck at compatible Superchargers across North America - specifically those with V4 posts and V3 cabinets, which are typically referred to as V3.5 Superchargers. The upcoming V4 Superchargers will also have a V4 cabinet, which will take this even further—delivering up to 500kW per stall.
While the increase to 325kW has already improved charging times by approximately 3–5 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s state of charge (SoC), the jump to 500kW is expected to have an even greater impact. With this upgrade, the Cybertruck could potentially charge from 10% to 80% SoC in under 30 minutes—an impressive feat for a vehicle with a massive 123kWh battery pack.
The vehicle’s ability to maintain a high level of charge current can make an even larger difference, so we’ll have to see what the charge curve looks like at these new 500kW chargers.
One of the biggest advantages of the V4 cabinet is its streamlined design. It can power up to eight charging posts—twice as many as the V3 cabinet—reducing site complexity and minimizing the amount of electrical work needed between the cabinet and the posts. This results in a smaller footprint and a more efficient installation process.
Tesla has optimized deployments by pre-mounting Supercharger posts on factory-made concrete bases, making them ready for quick installation. With this approach, Tesla is able to install each post for less than $40,000, according to Max de Zegher.
This is a fraction of the $225,000 per stall cost recently revealed in a contract awarded to Revel Charging. This massive price difference benefits both Tesla and site owners, allowing for faster and more cost-effective network expansion.
Lower costs also mean potential savings for customers, who will enjoy cheaper and faster charging. With the first full V4 sites set to roll out soon, it will be exciting to see how quickly the Cybertruck can charge. Looking ahead, future Tesla vehicles with 800V high-voltage architecture could also take advantage of these next-generation charging speeds.
Supercharging is fast and convenient, but there are times when a station reaches full capacity, requiring drivers to wait for an available stall. When there are only a few vehicles in line, the wait is minimal, and figuring out whose turn it is to charge is straightforward. However, long queues can form during peak travel times or in high-traffic areas, leading to confusion and frustration as vehicles cut the line.
Currently, there is no official system for managing Supercharger queues—drivers rely on informal, self-organized lines. While many follow an unspoken order, disputes can arise when some claim they arrived first or attempt to cut ahead.
Urban Superchargers in cities like Toronto, Los Angeles, and New York often see long lines during busy hours, with drivers doing their best to maintain order. A structured queuing system could help streamline the process, reducing conflicts and ensuring a fair, organized charging experience for all, and that’s exactly what Tesla is about to implement.
Virtual Queue
The Tesla Charging account on X has confirmed that it plans to introduce a Virtual Queuing system, with a pilot program set to launch at select Supercharger sites next quarter. While Tesla has yet to specify which locations will be included, it’s likely the initial rollout will take place in the United States, where the company typically begins testing new charging initiatives.
Tesla says that if the pilot program receives positive feedback, they will expand the system to more Superchargers this year.
The goal of Virtual Queuing is to improve the charging experience whenever wait times occur. According to Tesla, this would apply to roughly “~1% of cases,” though many high-demand Supercharger sites frequently experience long lines. While some remote locations may see little to no wait times, busier stations could greatly benefit from a structured queuing system.
Potential Implementations
While Tesla hasn’t detailed exactly how the Virtual Queuing system will work, there are a few likely possibilities. One approach could involve locking a vehicle’s VIN into the queue, preventing other vehicles from starting a charge prematurely. In this case, any attempt to charge out of turn might trigger a “Stall reserved for next vehicle in line” message.
This method would provide a straightforward solution—only the next vehicle in the queue would be able to initiate a session. The queuing process itself could be automated when a vehicle navigates to the Supercharger, factoring in estimated arrival time, or it might require manual enrollment once you arrive.
Tesla may also impose limits on queue validity. If a vehicle leaves the charging area, its position could be automatically forfeited.
Software Solution
In China, Superchargers sometimes include locks that come up from the ground, preventing non-Teslas from parking in these designated Supercharger spots. Up until recently, Tesla users had to open up the Tesla app and choose a stall before the lock would go down and allow them to park. However, with a recent update, this is all done on the vehicle’s screen, where the driver can pick the charging stall and automatically have the lock lower.
We may see a similar implementation, where a driver would choose to add themselves to the Supercharger queue, and their position in line and estimated wait time would then be viewable on the vehicle’s screen.
Reservation Signage
Tesla’s reservation about this new queuing system could be around driver confusion. Superchargers weren’t built with a queue system in mind, meaning that there’s no way to tell whether a stall is reserved for a specific vehicle.
A physical indicator could help owners quickly identify when a Supercharger stall is available for the next vehicle in the queue. Tesla could implement a system similar to grocery store checkout lights, where a change in lighting signals whether a register is open or closed.
For example, the Supercharger post could pulse blue when it’s ready for the next user, with a corresponding message in the vehicle stating, “Use the Supercharger post that is pulsing blue.” This would provide a clear, intuitive way to direct drivers to the correct stall.
Tesla can also display a menu inside a vehicle when it first arrives at a Supercharger, letting the driver know that there’s a wait time and explaining the process and their estimated wait time. It can also prompt the driver to be added to the queue.
Tesla Priority
Another factor to consider is how Tesla will handle non-Tesla vehicles in the queue. One possibility is giving priority access to Tesla owners or those subscribed to the Supercharger membership. This would ensure that Tesla vehicles and paying members receive preferred access at busy Supercharger sites, making the membership more valuable while also incentivizing Tesla ownership—especially as the network expands to other EV brands.
Regardless of whether Tesla introduces priority access, the Supercharger queuing system will be a valuable addition, particularly in high-traffic urban locations and during peak travel seasons. By having an official queue Tesla will create a smoother and more organized charging experience for all users.
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