The next iteration of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software, expected to be numbered 10.12, is supposedly making some improvements to the visualizations shown on the vehicle screen.
Most notably, it will now display a new render for sedan-type vehicles that will show wheels and highlight open doors in yellow.
Tesla has been gradually increasing the number of visualizations available on the car display, demonstrating what the car can perceive and respond to in its surroundings. In the beginning Tesla mainly displayed road markers and a few vehicles, and over time started to gradually add more types of vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic cones, speed bumps, even dogs.
The car's visualizations aren't linked to what the computer is capable of recognizing and using to make decisions, but it is very closely coupled with object detection so that drivers have a strong grasp of what the car can see, and therefore increased confidence in their vehicle’s self-driving abilities.
The news come from Tesla owner and Twitter user Omar Qazi (@WholeMarsBlog), who recently posted on his Twitter page: “FSD Beta 10.12 will include a new model for cars in the visualization. The new model for sedans has wheels, unlike the previous floating Tesla key design. Open doors will also be shown in the visualization. Can’t wait.”
The statement gained credibility when it was replied to by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who tweeted: “The esthetics of the new rendering will improve”. Musk did not elaborate on how else exactly the rendering would improve, or if we might see any other changes in 10.12.
The 3D model Tesla uses to represent our vehicle on the display is much more detailed than other vehicle models. Tesla can make other vehicle models just as detailed, however they're purposely vague to represent any vehicle. This change is likely the beginning of more detailed vehicles in the visualization. It's not clear whether only sedan models will be updated or if other vehicle models will be updated as well.
Elon has previously said that Tesla will soon show vehicle turn signals, hand gestures and more in addition to brake lights. We may see future visualizations depict even more details such as open trunks, hazard lights and more.
In future iterations of the software, we can expect many more objects to be displayed, possibly including buildings, walls, trees, walkways, and other static items that the car will want to avoid.
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The Ride the Lightning podcast recently featured Tesla’s VP of Engineering, Lars Moravy, covering a wide range of topics—including the upcoming Model S and Model X refresh. However, some of the most intriguing details came from his comments on Tesla’s charging technology.
Moravy revisited Tesla’s once-hyped robotic charger snake, which was showcased years ago before quietly fading from the spotlight. He also dropped an interesting remark about wireless charging but didn’t go into detail.
Death of the Charger Snake
When discussing the Charger Snake, Lars had some strong opinions. It was an internal Tesla project that never gained much traction because engineers ultimately felt it wasn’t necessary.
At Superchargers, most people leave their vehicles to grab food, a drink or simply stretch—making manual plugging the vehicle in a non-issue. There was little justification for a complex, maintenance-heavy robotic charger, especially considering the challenges it would face in winter conditions. Just imagine the nightmare of keeping it operational in snow and ice.
But what about autonomous charging? As Tesla moves toward full autonomy, vehicles will need a way to charge without human intervention. And it isn’t like a Robotaxi passenger is going to like the idea of getting out of their vehicle to plug in either - which would ruin the seamless experience.
Wireless Charging and V4 Superchargers
Not a Tesla App
That’s exactly where Tesla’s wireless charging comes in. We got an early glimpse of its design during the We, Robot autonomy event, where the Cybercab was shown charging wirelessly—without a traditional charging port.
Compared to complex robotic systems for handling charging cables, wireless charging is a far more practical solution. A simple charging mat eliminates the need for moving parts while allowing vehicles to charge without human intervention.
In the future, Supercharger stations will likely support both wired and wireless charging, enabling Cybercab users or owners to charge their vehicles while sleeping, watching video content, or simply relaxing—without ever needing to step outside. Wireless charging may also be cheaper to install than a complete Supercharger stall, which Tesla is now able to install for below $40k per stall.
And here’s the most exciting part. When asked whether wireless charging would require new infrastructure, Lars hinted:
“Could be. But we’re making some smart plays about that with the new V4 Superchargers…”
This suggests that as Tesla expands its V4 Supercharger network, it will include wireless charging capabilities in the upcoming V4 cabinets. While every stall won’t need wireless capabilities, having the ability to add a few wireless chargers per major location will be enough to kickstart Tesla’s Robotaxi network.
The Cybertruck has been named MotorTrend’s 2025 Best Tech Winner for chassis technology—but surprisingly, not for its stainless steel exterior. Instead, the award recognizes its Steer-by-Wire system.
Steer-by-Wire is a technology that many automakers have explored for years, but Tesla was the first to bring it to mass production. Now, tens of thousands of Cybertrucks across North America are driving with this cutting-edge innovation.
As one reviewer put it, “Steer-by-Wire feels as natural as riding a bicycle.”
What is Steer-by-Wire?
Most modern cars use a rack-and-pinion steering system, which creates a mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front wheels. To make steering easier, most vehicles incorporate hydraulic or electric power assist, reducing the effort needed to turn the wheels.
The steering ratio determines how many turns of the steering wheel are needed to move the front wheels from lock to lock. In most cars, this requires 3 to 3.5 full turns, translating to a ratio between 12:1 and 20:1.
Some high-performance sports cars also feature adaptive variable-ratio steering, which adjusts based on speed. At higher speeds, the ratio becomes less aggressive, allowing for added precision and control.
How it Works
The Cybertruck uses a fully electronic Steer-by-Wire system, eliminating any mechanical connection between the steering yoke and the wheels. Instead, the yoke sends inputs to a computer, which then controls independent electric motors dedicated to steering the front and rear wheels.
This redundancy ensures that even if one steering motor fails, the vehicle remains steerable through the other. Tesla also built in a backup power system—one motor runs on 48V low-voltage power, while the truck’s high-voltage battery powers the other.
Cybertruck Steer-By-Wire wins @MotorTrend Best Tech award – thank you!
Steer by Wire replaces traditional mechanical steering with electronic controls, letting you turn the wheels with less effort
The steering inputs are triple-redundant, with two primary sensors monitoring wheel angles and a third acting as a tie-breaker. If the two primary sensors detect conflicting data, the tie-breaker determines the correct reading, and the system alerts the driver to pull over safely if needed. Tesla’s engineering played a key role in the Cybertruck earning a 5-star safety rating.
Beyond safety, the system also features a variable steering ratio. At low speeds, such as in parking lots, the ratio is around 5:1, making tight maneuvers easier. At higher speeds, it adjusts to around 12:1 for greater stability. Unlike traditional steering wheels, the Cybertruck’s yoke maxes out at 340 degrees, removing the need for hand-over-hand turning.
The system is surprisingly intuitive. According to MotorTrend, it only took them three turns to get comfortable with how the Cybertruck steers, describing it as feeling almost natural.
Because of how the steering is designed, there’s rarely a need to remove your hand from the yoke—unless you’re using FSD. Whether navigating a tight parking lot, off-roading, or cruising on the highway, maneuvering a full-size truck has never been this effortless.
On by default—super useful when traversing narrow jobsites, parking lots & more pic.twitter.com/pQHecxfyQJ
With the Cybertruck’s ability to turn its rear wheels, driving it feels almost effortless. Even if you’re not a fan of its design, we highly recommend visiting a Tesla showroom and taking one for a spin—you won’t regret it. The Cybertruck delivers one of the most enjoyable driving experiences, something you’d never expect from its bulky stainless steel exterior.
At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels, greatly reducing the turning radius for tighter maneuvers. At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction as the front wheels, allowing for smooth, stable lane changes without requiring dramatic steering adjustments. This makes highway driving feel remarkably fluid and controlled.
At low speeds, rear wheels rotate opposite to the front wheels—enabling tighter turns pic.twitter.com/Dv5yvjRw8L
Tesla has already confirmed that future vehicles will adopt features pioneered by the Cybertruck, with Steer-by-Wire being one of them. Since this technology requires a 48V low-voltage architecture, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, mentioned on the Ride the Lightning podcast that it will be introduced in future models. Moravy also mentioned that the Model S and Model X will be updated later this year, potentially being the first models to take advantage of this.
The main challenge lies in transitioning to a 48V supply chain. Eventually, all Tesla vehicles will operate on 48V, likely incorporating Steer-by-Wire as well. This change should result in simplified parts, easier repairs, and improved handling.
As MotorTrend put it, when Cybertruck engineers replaced the traditional intermediate shaft with a ribbon cable, they didn’t just redefine how to steer a truck—they set the stage for the future of the entire industry.