Rendering of what Tesla's integration could look like
@dkrasniy
Tesla is adding support for Smart Child Seats in an upcoming update. Greentheonly, who typically decompiles and analyzes Tesla’s software updates, found references to smart car seats in update 2024.32. Tesla will sometimes release code in a software update that isn’t exposed to end users. There could be various reasons for this, such as Tesla wanting to collect data and running the feature in shadow mode, which is often the case with features like Park Assist, Autopark, or Autopilot changes.
Tesla also has the capability to turn on a certain feature in a remote configuration, letting them enable or disable the feature at their discretion. Whatever the case, Tesla appears close to releasing support for these new car seats that help alert parents of potential dangers.
Smart Child Seats
The Smart Child Seat in the preview image is the Babyark Convertible Car Seat, which retails for approximately $1,200 USD. In the code of Tesla’s update, they specifically refer to an “ISOFIX” base. ISOFIX is a standardized car seat fitting system that automatically locks onto a car seat.
The Babyark comes with a slew of smart features, including real-time notifications, buckle alerts, status notifications, and approximately how much time your baby has spent in the seat. Additionally, the Babyark can remind owners of reconfiguring the seat as your child grows. One of the key features of Babyark is a forgotten child alert – which prevents parents from leaving their child in the car.
At this point, we’re not quite sure exactly how many of these smart features will be integrated into Tesla’s UI, but most likely the forgotten child alert will be integrated, as well as possibly a means to automatically recognize when an ISOFIX style seat is installed. Currently, child seats need to be manually marked in the UI – which will dismiss the seatbelt indicator for that seat.
Tesla has time and time again placed a huge focus on safety features, and this upcoming support for smart child seats is another interesting integration to help ensure that parents can keep their children safe. And when they grow up – you can use Tesla’s parental controls to ensure that they drive their Tesla in a safe manner.
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The first Robotaxi prototype has been spotted, with a hefty layer of camouflage over its body – at the Warner Bros. Studios, where the Robotaxi event is expected to occur. This news comes right after Tesla recently announced that a stock draw was going to take place for Robotaxi event tickets.
Tesla has already begun to gather data in the WB Studio area using its Robotaxi mules – but this is the first actual Robotaxi prototype we’ve seen. The mule vehicles have been Model 3s with odd-shaped camera mounts in the rear windows – which appear to approximately line up with the shape of the new vehicle that’s rolling around the studio streets today.
Robotaxi Prototype
The prototype itself appears to be roughly the same size and shape as the Robotaxi Concepts that we’ve seen, along with a box in the back to maybe make its shape harder to discern. Of course, the Tesla-like headlights, aero caps, and curves are fairly obvious to the seasoned observer, and it looks like a compact Model Y.
Most interestingly, it seems that Tesla has camouflaged this vehicle to try and prevent people from discerning what it is – but astute Tesla fans on Reddit have noted seeing this vehicle and several others wrapped in eye-catching bright yellow, along with fake body panels.
@philroberts
It seems the prototypes have two doors and steering wheels, at least currently. In a now-deleted comment, a Reddit user also mentioned they caught sight of a straight and solid rear lightbar, similar to the Cybertruck—and perhaps the leaked Model Y Juniper that was seen last month.
Unlike the Cybertruck event – where the “unbreakable” windows shattered on stage, Tesla appears to be putting a lot of effort into preparing for this event and making sure everything goes right. It definitely feels like attendees will get to experience calling for a Robotaxi and getting a ride at the Warner Bros. studio, which will make this unlike any other Tesla event before.'
We’re looking forward to seeing all the cool things Tesla will reveal at the upcoming Robotaxi event – which is on October 10th. If you haven’t already signed up to be included in the random drawing for tickets, be sure to sign up soon, as entries for the drawing close on Tuesday, September 17th!
Tesla has announced that it will be doubling the annual openings of its Destination Charging Network.
Destination Chargers are located at hotels, restaurants, parking garages, and other locations where you’ll be likely to spend several hours using a facility. These are all level 2 chargers, providing you with a chance to plug in, charge, and relax while you’re on a trip.
Today, Tesla has over 40,000 Wall Connectors installed at its destination charging sites – and it is planning to continue increasing that number.
Tesla previously announced back in 2023 that it was partnering with Hilton Hotels to equip 2,000 hotels across the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a staggering 20,000 Universal Wall Connectors – which are capable of charging any EVs – not just Teslas. Many of these locations are already on track to be installed or have been installed – as the plan began in early 2024.
Destination Charging
Destination charging locations are available through your vehicle navigation – they appear as either one-bolt or two-bolt chargers at many locations. While destination charging isn’t as fast as Supercharging, you can pick up a full charge overnight at a hotel with destination charging, or top off your charge with a 1-hour dinner at a restaurant. Most destination chargers will be 11.5 kW or 9.6 kW, which will charge about 35-44 miles every hour, depending on your model.
11.5 kW (48 amps)
9.6 kW (40 amps)
Model S
41
34
Model 3
44
37
Model X
35
29
Model Y
44
37
With its Certified Installers program, Tesla also partners with local companies to get Tesla destination or urban chargers installed into environments. The Certified Installers program allows businesses to quickly find and work with Tesla-certified electricians and contractors who will be able to install the correct charging solution – and once it's enabled – make it show up within vehicle navigation.
Cost & Charging
Using a Destination Charger is as simple as plugging your vehicle in, in most cases. Some locations may charge to use them, and the Tesla app will get you squared away with automatic recognition and billing – just like using a Supercharger. One item of note is that Destination Charging prices are set by the location owner – not Tesla – so prices may vary. Many businesses use them as a way to attract customers and offer free charging.
Destination Charging is a fantastic solution for EV drivers to get from location to location without relying on Level 3 charging stops if they’re taking it slow. It also serves as a way for urban areas to get charging added to parking garages, theaters, restaurants, and other locations.
The best part about Destination Charging installs is that because its Level 2 charging for the most part – it only requires 48-amp services, which doesn’t require special infrastructure like a Supercharger does. This means that most businesses can install it fairly easily and without a big bill. We look forward to seeing Tesla’s 40,000 sites rapidly expand to the next big marker – 50,000, and then 100,000.
