Tesla's Model 3 Turns 5 Years-Old

Tesla's Model 3 HVAC UI in 2017

Happy Birthday to Tesla’s Model 3. It’s hard to believe that five years ago, just 30 Model 3’s had rolled off the assembly line and been delivered. Now Tesla’s answer to a more affordable vehicle is the best-selling electric vehicle in the world, has been named car of the year, is considered one of the safest vehicles on the planet and has a long waiting list of eager buyers.

It’s a birthday, so we should reminisce about the early days. While this iconic car first appeared on the road in 2017, it was on Elon Musk’s to-do list for over a decade.

Elon Musk talks to Wired Science about the Model 3 in 2006

Years later, as it became more of a reality, the car was given the code name BlueStar. It was to be named the Model E, but Ford had already trademarked the wording. Then Musk turned the E into a 3, but he didn’t want the number; he envisioned 3 lines, similar to the current E in Tesla. But Adidas quashed that, arguing it was too close to that brand’s three stripes. So that’s how the 3 was named.

@awadsayeed Yes. Technically Model 3 or maybe three horizontal bars. Won't be three vertical bars.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 15, 2014

The Model 3 was supposed to be the smaller, stripped-down version of the Model S to invite more buyers into Tesla and EVs. However, this more affordable, entry-level Tesla holds its own against luxury sedans and even its big sister, the Model S. Tesla has been rolling out several updates throughout the Model 3’s existence, allowing the vehicles to keep up and even pass the Joneses.

In 2019 the Model 3 received a significant software boost when the beta versions of Navigate on Autopilot and Smart Summon were added. Voice commands, a voice keyboard and new language supports were also implemented along with the popular Camp Mode. Once owners posted photos and videos of comfortable beds in the Model 3 with the backseat down, Tesla had to add climate control and a camp fire to complete the experience.

Tesla introduced Dog Mode in Teslas in 2019. In fact, the manufacturer used a Model 3 to unveil the feature to the world. With the help of a sleepy Husky and an excited German Shepherd, Dog Mode was demonstrated to the world on all of Tesla’s social media channels. This made Tesla a must-have for any dog lover!

Also included with the Model 3 in late 2019 and early 2020 was Sentry Mode. This all-encompassing security system records and notifies the owner if anything is happening around or to the Tesla. It’s arguably the most advanced stock vehicle alarm system on the market.

In 2020 the Tesla Toybox was overhauled and updated in all Model 3s. Emissions, sketchpad and many more favorites were revised and made even more fun. But it wasn’t just the games that have been updated; although plenty of games were added over time, Tesla improved it’s maps and dashcam. Later in the year, the Beta version of Full Self Driving was added to all Teslas, including the Model 3. While FSD is still a work in progress, for the system to be available in even the entry-level Model 3 was a big attraction.

A crowd pleaser is the Boombox. This was another addition in 2020 to all models. With the car in park, the boombox blasts music or sound effects through an external speaker. You can even add your own sounds through a USB drive. Perhaps the Boombox should be used by all Model 3 owners to wish their Tesla a happy 5th Birthday!

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What’s Coming Next in Tesla FSD V14

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With FSD V13.2.6 continuing to make its way to AI4 vehicles, Tesla has been on a streak with minor FSD improvements since the launch of FSD V13 just a little over two months ago. 

FSD V13 brought a new slate of features, including Start FSD from Park, Reverse, and Park at Destination. It also introduced full-resolution video input using the AI4 cameras at 36hz and made use of the new Cortex supercomputer to get faster and more accurate decision-making.

So, what’s next with FSD V14? Tesla gave us a sneak peek at what’s next for FSD.

FSD V14

The standout feature of FSD V14 will be auto-regressive transformers. While that’s a complex term for those unfamiliar with AI or machine learning, we’ll break it down.

Auto-Regressive

An auto-regressive transformer processes sequential data in time, using that information to predict future elements based on previous ones. Imagine completing a sentence: You use the words already written to guess what comes next. This process isn't just about filling in the blank; it's about understanding the flow of the sentence and anticipating the speaker's intent.

FSD could analyze a sequence of camera images to identify pedestrians and predict their likely path based on their current movement and surrounding context. The system's auto-regressive nature allows it to learn from past sequences and improve its predictions over time, adapting to different driving scenarios.

Today, FSD reacts to what it sees, but soon it’ll be able to anticipate what will help, much like humans.

Transformers

The second part of that term is transformer, which is a component used to understand the relationships of elements inside a time sequence. It identifies which parts of the input are most crucial for making accurate predictions, allowing the system to prioritize information much like a human would. Think of it as weighing different pieces of evidence to arrive at a conclusion. For example, a transformer might recognize that a blinking turn signal is more important than the color of the car when predicting a lane change.

Putting It Together

Putting all that together, Tesla’s use of auto-regressive transformers means they’ll be working on how FSD can predict the plans and paths of the world around it. This will improve FSD’s already powerful perception and allow it to predict how other vehicles and vulnerable road users (VRUs) will behave.

What it all comes down to is that FSD will be able to make better decisions and plan its paths by making more informed, human-like decisions. That will be a big step towards improving V13 - which already has some very effective decision-making.

Larger Model and Audio Input

Tesla stated that FSD V14 will see larger model and context sizes, which coincidentally are listed in the upcoming improvements section of FSD V13.2.6.

Interestingly, Tesla says that context size is restricted by AI4’s memory, so it’ll need to be optimized. Tesla is already gathering audio data, and FSD V14 will be the first version to take advantage of it.

FSD V14 Release Date

We haven’t heard from Elon Musk or Ashok Elluswamy (Tesla’s VP of AI) about when FSD V14 will arrive. Ashok previously stated that FSD V13.4 would see audio inputs being used, but at Tesla’s earnings call, Musk said that audio input would become relevant in V14. It seems like Tesla may have scrapped V13.4 for V14.

Since Tesla is planning to launch their Robotaxi network in Texas this June, FSD V14 may be the version used for their autonomous taxi fleet.

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Want to See the New Tesla Model Y? Here's Where It’s on Display

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Tesla’s refreshed Model Y has started hitting display and Tesla showrooms across North America and Europe, where you can now get up close and personal with the new Model Y and all of its improvements, including the smallest of details.

The refreshed Model Y surprised all of us by sporting its own unique look instead of just being a stretched-out Model 3. While it’s available to order now through the Launch Edition, which includes FSD and Acceleration Boost, deliveries won’t start for another couple of months.

The new front light bar and rear indirect lights make the vehicle unique and worth checking out. There are plenty of new items to check out in the updated interior as well, including new door panels, powered rear seats, and more.

Here’s where you can check out the new Model Y in North America and Europe:

North America

In North America, the updated Model Y can be seen in 19 showrooms across the United States and Canada. The photo below shows the 17 locations in the U.S. and two in Canada. We expect this list to grow as Tesla produces more vehicles and we get closer to the official launch.

New Model Y Displays in North America

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Europe

In Europe, the Model Y is already on permanent display at two locations - the Mall of Berlin in Germany, and at Tesla’s Amsterdam Europe Headquarters - both publically accessible. If you’re in the area, definitely drop by and take a look.

Tesla is also holding special events throughout Europe where they’ll be showing the new Model Y through select dates. place to check if you’re far away from the ones above is on Tesla’s Events List.

We recommend checking Tesla’s page to confirm any dates, as Tesla will be adding new locations until each showroom receives its permanent display vehicles.

Tesla will also be visiting major auto shows, including the Toronto and New York International Auto Shows with the new Model Y - so keep an eye out for those events as well.

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