Tesla adds new features in app update 4.3

Tesla has updated their iOS app to version 4.3. Tesla has been on a roll with its app updates lately, recently introducing Sentry Mode Live Access, adjust scheduled charging, widgets and more.

This update continues Tesla's recent trend and introduces various new features.

You can now customize the Quick Action buttons

New Notifications

You can now choose to turn on notifications when Cabin Overheat Protection is activated. You can also choose to turn on or off notifications when your car is done preconditioning.

Tesla App 4.3 gives you more control over notificationss

Customizable Quick Actions

You'll now be able to customize the quick action buttons that show up underneath the car.

The app still limits you to four buttons, but it allows you to swap out any of the existing buttons for just about any function the app can control. You can set a quick action button for the trunk, defrost, Sentry Mode and many more.

If you'd like to make room for an additional quick action button, you can remove the Charge button and replace it with a button of your chosing. You can then access the charging section by tapping the battery icon instead.

Adjust Cabin Overheat Protection

Another new feature is the ability to adjust your Cabin Overheat Protection. Cabin Overheat Protection allows your car to try to keep the interior temperature under 105° F by either using the HVAC fan or air conditioner.

The three options are to turn off Cabin Overheat Protection, try to cool using only the fan, or cool using the air conditioner.

You can now customize the Quick Action buttons

Using the air conditioner option will do the best job in keeping the cabin cooler, but could result in significant battery usage on hot summer days.

Many users are unable to access the ability to adjust the Cabin Overheat Protection setting. It looks like this feature may require your car to have update 2021.40.5 or later in order to function.

It looks like the Cabin Overheat Protection options will appear in the Climate section of the app. They should appear within the slide up drawer, next to the Defrost and Bioweapon Defense Mode buttons.

Widget Improvements

The app widgets have also been improved and now feature the same quick action buttons that you define within the app.

Pressing on a quick action button within the widget will open the app and execute the function automatically. Some functions have confirmations, such as defrost. Once the app is opened, you'll need to confirm that you want to turn on the defrost function.

Tesla releases version 4.3 of its iOS app

Sentry Mode Live Access

Sentry Mode Live Access enables you to view live video feeds from the car's cameras directly on your phone. The feature has been available in previous iOS app updates, but Tesla is calling out it's functionality in this update as well.

Sentry Mode Live Access doesn't appear to contain any new features with this update.

Ability to Unlock Supercharger Floor Locks

In China Tesla uses floor locks on Supercharger parking spots to prevent other vehicles from parking in those spots. Up until today, it required a Tesla owner to scan a QR code on the lock in order to lower the lock and allow you to charge. With this app update, Tesla is now allowing you to unlock the Supercharger spot within the app.

Superchargers in China have floor locks

It's a great update for individuals living in China, but these floor locks are unlikely to be expanded to other regions as Tesla starts allowing non-Teslas to charge at Supercharger locations.

Tesla Taiwan testing out new supercharger ground locks solution to fix ICE issues. A camera identifies the Tesla via plate number as the car backs up and unlocks accordingly. @elonmusk @tesla pic.twitter.com/tFU1twMBdg

— Tesla Owners Taiwan (@TeslaOwnersTwn) February 14, 2019

If you're an iPhone user, you can update your Tesla app to 4.3 by visiting the App Store.

The app is not on the official Play Store for Android yet, but it should be released soon.

It will finally include Sentry Mode Live Access and the updates to quick actions and more described above.

You'll be able to download the updated Tesla app from the Google Play Store when it becomes available soon.

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Tesla and Uber Partner for Another Discount Off New Vehicles

Not a Tesla App

Tesla and Uber are partnering to offer a new discount for Uber drivers. The offer is similar to one that was offered earlier in the year. Uber and Tesla previously offered a $2,000 USD purchase incentive under a special Uber referral code. That offer ended in March, and Tesla is now offering a new, similar offer.

Both the previous incentive as well as this new offer are only available in the United States.

Offer Conditions

The new offer is simple: If you’re an Uber Driver, you’ll be able to get $1,000 in Tesla credits upon taking delivery and another $1,000 in Uber Cash after completing 100 rideshare trips. You’ll need to purchase either a new Model 3 or Model Y—any variant, including the Performance versions, is acceptable. The program is not available for used or demo vehicles.

For anyone interested in trying out being an Uber driver, this is also a nice way to get $2,000 off a new Tesla. While the discount is no longer a purchase incentive, you can use the $1,000 in Tesla credits towards accessories, service, Supercharging, swag, or another vehicle. The Uber Cash, on the other hand, will be paid out alongside your 100th trip.

The offer is combinable with the Military Purchase Program, but you can’t use the Tesla referral program to get $500 off. If you’ve already got referral credits, though, you can use them toward the purchase of the vehicle.

Finally, you’ll need to take delivery before the end of the year (December 31st) and complete your 100th trip before February 15, 2025.

How to Use It

To take advantage of the offer, go to Tesla’s Uber page and log in via Uber. Both companies will verify that you’re eligible for the discount. You’ll also have to be in good standing as an Uber driver - if you’re not, no discount.

It's interesting to see Tesla and Uber partner so closely, given that Tesla’s Robotaxi service will become a direct competitor to Uber. Tesla also recently launched the Trip Navigation and Battery Awareness feature for Uber drivers.

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Tesla Updates Cybertruck Range Extender Timeline and Specs

Not a Tesla App

Tesla has released updated specifications and a revised timeline for the Cybertruck’s Range Extender. Originally launched alongside the Cybertruck last year, the Range Extender offered a significant boost in range along with a notable price tag—requiring a $2,000 reservation deposit and an estimated price of $16,000.

Updated Specs

Tesla has updated the Ranger Extender's range, now increasing the vehicle’s range from 340 miles to 445 miles on the Dual Motor variant and from 320 miles to 440 miles on the Cyberbeast.

The updated specifications reduce the vehicle’s total range with the Range Extender by about 6% compared to the original specs, while the Range Extender itself sees a 20% reduction in range. This is a substantial reduction, and Tesla has yet to explain the change. It’s likely that they’ve started testing Cybertrucks with Range Extenders under EPA test conditions, which may have adjusted the initial range estimates.

Delayed Timeline

The Range Extender was originally supposed to be available for those who pre-ordered sometime in early-2025. That timeline has now been pushed back to mid-2025. However, given Tesla’s lackluster attempts at maintaining timelines, we could fully expect this timeline to continue to slip closer to 2026, but we remain hopeful that it’ll arrive on time.

Tesla has been working towards perfecting its dry-cathode process, which could also be a likely cause of the delays. Tesla may want to ship the Range Extenders as dry-cathode—it's a small batch product and one that’s easier to replace or repair than an entire truck.

Overall, the Range Extender itself is an interesting item. While it does provide a small range increase—one that’s necessary for towing—it has its fair share of demerits. It takes up a considerable amount of bed space and must be installed and uninstalled by Tesla Service. Additionally, the weight in the bed will result in a change in the center of gravity.

We’re interested to see what Tesla does with the Range Extender - we’ve only seen a few pictures of engineering samples on Tesla’s site, but it could come with considerable changes when it launches.

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