Tesla update 2024.26.1 started rolling out to a small selection of lucky customers early this morning. While the update includes several exciting features such as Amazon Music and Parental Controls, we’ll take a look at the redesigned climate menu in this article.
In the ‘Other Updates’ section of the release notes, Tesla teased a new climate panel. Thanks to the update now going out to customers, we have our first look at Tesla’s updated climate screen.
New Climate Menu
The new climate menu compared to the previous one in update 2024.14
Not a Tesla App
Tesla’s updated climate screen doesn’t look a lot different from the previous one, but there has been a lot of reshuffling.
First, climate options that are used after you exit the vehicle such as Keep, Dog Mode, and Camp Mode (differences between these) have been relocated from the far right side to the top center — directly above the climate panel. This makes them a little more obvious and easier for the driver to reach.
When we first heard of the redesign we were hoping for front and rear climate options to be merged into one screen, but unfortunately, that’s not the case in this update. The tabs to switch from the front to rear climate options have just been relocated from the left to the top center. Although this is just shuffling some of the current options, it makes it easier for a passenger to reach and change rear climate options.
Simplified Look and Options
In general, the updated climate screen tries to simplify the interface. Every option, like AC, recirculate, etc, used to be a button with text or an icon inside of a rectangle. The color of the button also signified whether the feature was on, off, or unavailable. However, now all the buttons are simply text or an icon, without an accompanying rectangle or background color.
To simplify the interface further, Tesla has also removed climate options that are currently unavailable. For example, if you have the climate set to auto, you can't turn off the AC or choose which vents the air is blowing through. Previously, these options were grayed out when Auto was enabled, whereas in the new climate menu, they’re hidden when the option is unavailable. In order to change certain features such as which vents are being used, you’ll first need to turn off Auto mode, which will cause the other options to appear.
The new climate menu with Auto turned off
Frank2005/TFF Forum
By simplifying the number of options, it also has allowed Tesla to make the vehicle photo in the climate menu larger, which should make it slightly easier to adjust airflow. The view of the vehicle now goes edge-to-edge, which is about 2” larger width-wise.
Shuffling Options
Various other options in the climate menu have been shuffled around. The defogging, rear defrost, recirculate air and fan speed have been moved to the bottom center. Some of the key options such as climate on/off, Auto, Schedule and seat heaters have remained the same or very similar to their previous locations.
New Scheduling option
The new Schedule options in settings
enjustice3192/Reddit (Edited by NATA)
Perhaps more interesting are Tesla’s new scheduling options in this update. To get to the new scheduling options, there is a Schedule button at the top right, very similar to before, but the scheduling options have been greatly improved. Instead of a simple popup menu, the button now appears to take you to the new Schedule option in settings, where you’ll be able to create a schedule name and pick specific start and stop times for preconditioning or charging your car.
While a lot of the changes we’re seeing in this update make sense, there doesn’t appear to be any new functionality besides the improved scheduling options. A lot of the work appears to have been focused on simplifying the climate screen and making buttons easier to access.
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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