In the latest episode of the Ride the Lightning podcast, Tesla’s VP of Engineering, Lars Moravy, addressed a question that’s been on everyone’s mind—what’s going on with the Model S and Model X?
It turns out Tesla’s engineering and design teams have been thinking about the same thing. They’ve heard the calls for a refresh loud and clear, and changes are on the way to Tesla’s flagship vehicles.
Most importantly, Lars put the rumors to rest—Tesla has no plans to discontinue the Model S and Model X. Not only are they here to stay, but a refresh is also in the works.
Just give it a minute, we’ll get there - Lars Moravy
Refreshed Flagships
According to Lars, the Model S and Model X will finally be getting some attention—but not until later this year. For now, Tesla’s top priority is launching its more affordable next-generation vehicle ahead of Q2 2025.
Still, a refresh is on the way, and many of the upgrades seen in the Model 3 and Model Y refreshes are expected to make their way to Tesla’s flagship vehicles. There’s a lot to break down from that simple statement, so let’s dive into what’s likely coming—and what we’re hopeful to see.
Interior Updates
Both flagship vehicles are expected to receive a Cybertruck-inspired update—though not in the form of sharp angles and stainless steel. Instead, Tesla, we may see many Cybertruck features move over to the Model S and Model X. We may see things like the removal of the driver’s gauge cluster display in favor of a larger center screen, similar to the Cybertruck’s design. Unlike the Model 3 and Model Y refreshes, this screen won’t tilt, simplifying production and increasing part-sharing across the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck.
These changes streamline Tesla’s supply chain while also making the vehicles easier to repair and service. However, it’s not all about cutting features. Last year, rumors suggested the Model S and Model X would receive a mid-cycle interior refresh, including ambient lighting—now a standard feature across Tesla’s lineup. This subtle yet elegant lighting improves the cabin’s aesthetics without being overly bright or distracting.
Another major update will likely be the transition to a 48V low-voltage electrical system, a move Tesla has already made with the Cybertruck. Tesla recently announced that a lot of the Cybertruck’s tech, such as this 48V LV system, its 800-volt HV architecture, bi-directional charging, and more are coming to future Tesla vehicles.
This upgrade could also bring support for steer-by-wire to the Model S/X, which would greatly improve the usability of the yoke steering wheel.
Exterior Updates
When it comes to exterior changes, we’re a little less sure of what to expect. A complete body makeover is very unlikely, but we could see updates to the front and rear fascias like we’re seeing with the new Model Y. We hope Tesla preserves the iconic design of the Model S. Its sleek, aggressive profile has a broad appeal—even among muscle car enthusiasts who appreciate its sharp lines and commanding presence.
For the Model X, Tesla might follow a similar strategy to the Model Y refresh, further differentiating it from the Model S. We could also see the introduction of a light or rear light bar like we’ve seen recently with the Cybertruck, new Model Y, and the Cybercab. Tesla has really perfected its grill-less look with recent models and we may see that carry over to the revamped Model S and Model X as well.
FSD Hardware Changes
The timing of the refreshed Model S and Model X could overlap with the launch of Tesla’s next-gen FSD hardware, AI5. While this would be unexpected—given that Tesla has yet to fully utilize AI4—it could align with Musk’s June 2024 statement that AI5 would be available in about 18 months. Afterall, the Cybercab will include AI5 when it hits production this summer.
Additionally, like the recently refreshed Model Y, the Model S and Model X have long been rumored to receive a front bumper camera, and this update will likely bring it. In turn, Tesla may remove the HD radar that has been shipping—albeit disabled—with every Model S and Model X. While the radar appeared to be included for data collection purposes, Tesla never fully committed to integrating it into its autonomy stack.
Drivetrain and Battery
The Model S and Model X still use a relatively outdated air suspension system. If you own one, you’re probably familiar with the issue: the camber (angle of the wheels) changes depending on the vehicle’s height, which increases wear on the inner or outer edges of the tires. Combined with the vehicles’ immense acceleration, this can lead to increased tire wear.
With the Cybertruck’s updated air suspension, this is considerably less of an issue due to how the new suspension functions. It would make sense for Tesla to integrate similar improvements, along with other updates to improve handling, much like the changes made to the refreshed Model 3 Performance. Track Mode V3 would also be a welcome addition to both Plaid models.
Additionally, adopting the Cybertruck’s 800V high-voltage architecture could enable the new Model S and Model X to charge faster, potentially reaching the 500kW speeds the Cybertruck will soon support at V4 Superchargers.
New Production Lines
There’s also another interesting tidbit circulating from stock analyst M44_1RJ. It’s rumored that the Model S and Model X production lines, known internally as the GA1 lines at Fremont, are undergoing upgrades. These improvements are likely part of Tesla’s preparations for the upcoming refreshed versions of these vehicles.
We’re eager to see what Tesla has in store for the refreshed Model S and Model X. While we could see completely new features added to these flagship vehicles, we’re more likely to see some of the Cybertruck improvements carry over.
There’s even hope that the Plaid+ variant will make a return to the Model S, providing a sleek and worthy competitor to the Lucid Air Sapphire and other electric hypercars making waves on tracks worldwide.
It seems Tesla has something big in the works, but it’s probably at least six months away. We can expect more tangible updates to surface around late summer, likely after the launch of the Cybercab and Tesla’s more affordable model.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news, upcoming features and software updates.
During the unveiling of the Cybercab at We, Robot last year, we saw the Cybercab use a strange laser-like lighting system to project an interesting light pattern. It was a rather peculiar projection, and many observers passed over it without wondering too much - perhaps it was just a trick of the show?
But we went back and thought - what is it really? What kind of lighting technology could Tesla be using to accomplish this visual effect, and does it have a purpose? That led us down the rabbit hole of Structured Light, and we think that Tesla could be using this technique for a few different things.
Cybercab’s Autonomy
Unlike other autonomous vehicles, which are often retrofitted with complex and expensive sensor arrays, the Cybercab is purpose-built to be a mass-market autonomous taxi. Because of that, Tesla is using several new techniques to drive down the cost and simplify the vehicle, from the paint-impregnated panels to the easy-to-clean interior.
However, the drive to keep costs down hasn’t stopped Tesla from looking for ways to present a premium and safe product, which has been one of the Engineering and Design team’s goals for a long time.
Structured Light is a technique involving the projection of light using a distinct pattern (see it in action below). In particular, it’s a machine vision technique for capturing 3D information. Unlike normal, ‘passive’ cameras that interpret ambient light, structured light actively projects a known pattern, such as lines, grids, or dots, onto the environment.
A camera will then observe how the pattern deforms as it hits objects. By analyzing these distortions, the system can precisely calculate the 3D shape and depth of the scene in front of it. Structured light can generate dense, high-resolution 3D data, which is particularly useful at short ranges.
But is this useful for an autonomous vehicle? Potentially. It offers a close-range means of mapping the environment directly in front of the vehicle, and could theoretically complement the existing camera suite for precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It could also be used for detecting low-lying objects, although this task could be handled by the bumper camera that is arriving on newer Tesla vehicles as well.
Structured Light vs LiDAR
Not a Tesla App
The mention of an active 3D sensor brings to mind LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) - which Elon Musk has repeatedly called a crutch for self-driving. But LiDAR is different than Structured Light - it emits a pulse of laser light and measures the time of flight to generate a 3D point cloud of the environment.
While both involve projecting light, structured light systems require specialized hardware distinct from Tesla's current Matrix LED headlights. Matrix headlights are designed to intelligently block parts of the main beam to prevent dazzling other drivers, using an array of controllable LEDs.
Structured light, conversely, requires a dedicated projector to cast a specific, known pattern (dots, lines, or a grid) precisely so a camera can analyze its deformation for 3D mapping. Implementing structured light would likely involve adding a new, dedicated projector component - perhaps another Cybercab exclusive feature.
Tesla already uses computer vision to navigate the environment, and adding Structured Light could potentially aid this process for Robotaxi challenges and edge cases, while not deviating from Tesla’s policy to use the same senses that a human uses to drive.
Structured light could be Tesla’s potential intelligent solution to an active 3D sensing system without adopting a more traditional approach like LiDAR.
Other Uses
Beyond the possibility of 3D sensing, could this light projection serve other purposes? Tesla is known for integrating novel new features into its vehicles - sometimes practical, sometimes just for fun. There are a few possibilities here.
Visual Communication - The lights could be used to project information onto a road surface - perhaps showing the vehicle’s intended path, or displaying warnings to pedestrians. It could even project a virtual crosswalk to signal that it is safe for pedestrians to pass.
Passenger Guidance - For a taxi without a driver, guiding passengers on how to approach and use the Cybercab could be useful. A projected welcome mat could show passengers exactly how to get into the Cybercab, reveal which passengers are being picked up, or provide other important information.
Improved Light Shows - We all know Tesla loves the little things in life. The projection could be used for more whimsical Light Shows in the future. We’re sure they’ll have more than just that in mind, though.
Wrapping Up
While we haven’t had any official confirmation that Tesla is using Structured Light, the possibility of the Cybercab using a novel new technology is relatively fascinating. It suggests that Tesla is looking into using its pre-existing tools and features in even more ways - something that they’ve always focused on. Whether this projection is for sensing or communicating, or even just for fun as a light show, we won’t know until Cybercab actually hits production.
One idea that consistently comes up when discussing the future potential of FSD is the ability to order a Tesla and have it arrive at your home—completely autonomously.
Picture this: a car rolls off the assembly line at Giga Texas, drives itself to the outbound delivery lot, and merges onto the highway—completely driverless. Its destination? A customer in upstate New York. Along the way, the vehicle independently plans its charging stops, navigates traffic, and drives nonstop, no breaks needed, until it pulls into the buyer’s driveway.
Of course, there’s a lot to consider and break down - but Elon Musk doubled down and said that he intends to have Tesla vehicles deliver themselves autonomously by the end of 2025. We’re sure there are some stipulations to that, but it’s an exciting idea that could save Tesla thousands per vehicle sold.
The core idea is that FSD Unsupervised is nearing completeness, with the upcoming launch of Tesla’s first Robotaxi network slated for June. Once Tesla can demonstrate that Unsupervised driving is safe, it will expand beyond simply transporting passengers from Point A to Point B.
That will include moving vehicles from factory to consumer, which will vastly streamline Tesla’s delivery process - and really make a statement about how far Tesla is ahead of the competition.
Reduced Delivery Costs
One of the biggest keys for Tesla throughout its history has been its ability to drive down costs. Delivery costs add to the price of a vehicle, and it’s not just the price of transporting the vehicle, but the cost of the whole delivery experience — delivery center and personnel included.
Instead, if a future Tesla drives itself directly to the consumer, Tesla can further reduce the price of its vehicles or improve its profits.
Improved Customer Experience
Money aside, the real game-changer is that no other vehicle delivery experience will come close to Tesla’s. What other brand will be able to deliver a car that drives itself to your home—straight from the factory?
Having a vehicle deliver itself can also provide other benefits, such as faster delivery times for customers. The customer also won’t need to drive to a delivery center to pick up their vehicle. The vehicle would go directly from the factory to the customer without any steps in between.
There’s something undeniably futuristic about getting a notification on your phone, glancing outside, and seeing your brand-new Tesla autonomously pulling into your driveway.
Limitations
Of course, with any new process or feature - there will be limitations and hurdles for Tesla to address, and these will take time and effort.
Let’s discuss some of the hurdles Tesla will need to solve.
Charging Infrastructure
Besides achieving true autonomy, another big challenge will be charging infrastructure. No Tesla can currently plug itself in at a Supercharger - they’ll need access to the upcoming V4 Superchargers with Wireless Charging to take on a road trip autonomously.
That will be a challenging rollout in the initial few years, especially as Tesla hasn’t been actively replacing older V2 Supercharger sites just yet - and is instead focusing on deploying new ones. We imagine that the rollout of wireless charging will likely also be limited, and it is likely that only Tesla’s more premium vehicles and Robotaxis will receive wireless charging compatibility.
Autonomy Policies / Geographic Limitations
Tesla has been consistently hamstrung by red tape, and unsupervised deliveries will also be a massive hurdle to clear with many states and provinces, as well as at the federal level. That will be an implicit challenge for Tesla in the infancy of the Robotaxi network as well, but once approvals spread wider, we can see these restrictions being lifted and relaxed.
Mileage and Damage
One item that could be a sticking point for customers is mileage and damage. If your brand-new vehicle was damaged on its trip over, what would you do? You’d have to take it from your driveway right to the Service Center, effectively invalidating the entire experience.
Of course, many people will also want to see a low odometer on arrival of a brand new, fresh-from-factory vehicle - and that’s understandable. Having a car arrive with several hundred or even a thousand miles of wear and tear on the tires and paint could be a big negative as well.
What Is Likely to Happen
We think that Tesla will continue to ship vehicles longer distances - but perhaps once they’re offloaded at your local Service Center, an employee taps a button, and begins the self-delivery process. That eliminates many of the above problems we’ve outlined, including charging and additional mileage, while keeping many of the advantages intact.
For any customers who order a Tesla in Austin later this year, it’s possible Tesla could have the vehicle delivered directly to you.
![Tesla’s Missing Voice: Why a PR Team Matters More Than Ever [Opinion]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/multiple-models/group_93.jpg/4e1056961f0480c7b9eff43dd2ec288e/group_93.jpg)
