Tesla's 'Automatic Emergency Braking' Now Works in Reverse and at Speeds Over 100 MPH

Tesla's Automatic Emergency Braking now works in reverse and at higher speeds

Tesla (Edited by NATA)

Tesla has made some subtle but significant changes to its owner's manual for the 2023.12 software update, revealing improvements to the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system. These changes include the ability for AEB to function while the vehicle is in reverse and an increased operational speed range. The latest improvements reflect Tesla's continued commitment to enhancing the safety and performance of its vehicles.

Thanks to a reader named Randall, who brought the changes to our attention. The latest 2023.12 software update includes these improvements outlined in the updated Tesla owner's manual. Previously, the manual described AEB as being designed to reduce the impact of frontal collisions. But, as of the 2023.12 owner's manual, which was released a couple days ago, Tesla has changed this word to:

Automatic Emergency Braking is designed to reduce the impact of frontal and reverse collisions with limited functionality while in Reverse.

AEB Available at Higher Speeds

The new description in the updated owner's manual highlights a few key changes. Now, the system is designed to determine the distance from detected objects, not just those in front of the vehicle. When a collision is considered unavoidable, AEB will apply the brakes to reduce the vehicle's speed and the severity of the impact, just as before. However, the operational speed range has been increased, with AEB now functioning between approximately 3 mph (5 km/h) and 124 mph (200 km/h); it previously maxed out at 90mph (150 km/h).

AEB Recognizes Threats in Reverse and More

In addition to the increased speed range, AEB now works while the vehicle is in reverse. This new feature is expected to be available outside of Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta and across various regions. Tesla typically specifies when a feature is limited to certain regions or requires FSD Beta, but no such limitations have been mentioned for the enhanced AEB.

These changes are in addition to the ones mentioned in the Impact Report, which included the system recognizing perpendicular threats.

The owner's manual also provides additional information on when AEB does not apply the brakes or stops applying them. These situations include:

• Turning the steering wheel sharply
• Pressing and releasing the brake pedal while AEB is applying the brakes
• Accelerating hard while AEB is applying the brakes
• The detected vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian is no longer ahead

Furthermore, the manual clarifies that AEB is always enabled when starting your Tesla. To disable it for the current drive, users can touch Controls > Autopilot > Automatic Emergency Braking. It's important to note that even if AEB is disabled, the vehicle may still apply the brakes after detecting an initial collision to reduce further impact.

These updates to Tesla's AEB system are expected to improve overall safety for drivers and pedestrians alike. With automatic emergency braking now functioning in reverse and at higher speeds, Tesla continues to push the boundaries of automotive technology and safety. As always, Tesla owners should remain vigilant and attentive while driving, as no system can guarantee complete protection against collisions.

Tesla's Automatic Emergency Braking now works in reverse and at higher speeds

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Tesla Improves Wrap Services: Cuts Prices Drastically, Adds New Colors and Expands Availability

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After canceling the in-house wrap program for the Cybertruck last month, Tesla has reintroduced the program with a lot of changes. Let’s take a look at the original program, then we’ll dive into what’s changed.

Tesla began the wrap program for the Model 3 and Model Y in the fall of 2023. With the arrival of the Cybertruck, Tesla launched Matte Black and Satin White options for the Cybertruck and later added 11 more colors.

These are high-quality PPF (Paint Protection Film) wraps, which protect the paint in addition to changing the color of the vehicle. PPF is thicker, lasts longer, and is far superior to traditional vinyl wraps, but unfortunately, the service is only available if your vehicle is brand new.

When the program shuttered last month, many people were disappointed about the closing as it allowed owners to bundle the cost of the wrap service into the vehicle’s financing.

New Wrap Prices

First things first - the price of the wraps has dropped considerably, and Tesla does not appear to be using a different material - it is still PPF, not vinyl. These new prices are a lot more comparable to third-party offerings that normally use vinyl wraps.

Tesla initially offered 11 wrap colors, but that selection has now been reduced to eight per vehicle. Interestingly, the color options vary by model—Model 3 and Model Y owners have their own distinct palette. The Cybertruck also boasts its own unique set of colors, though unfortunately, the popular Satin White option is absent from its catalog.

Of course, the ever-popular Matte Black is still available, along with a fairly unique set of other vivid colors.

New Locations

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When the wrap program launched, it was limited to just three locations in California and one location in Texas. That meant that unless you were taking delivery at West Covina, Oceanside, Costa Mesa, or Santa Clara, you’d be unable to get a first-party wrap done by Tesla.

Now, under the new program, Tesla is offering wraps out of all the original locations and adding Seattle, Washington. What initially seemed like Tesla scaling back its wrap service has turned out to be to them making it more affordable and efficient.

New Purchases Only

For now, the wrap offers are still constrained to new vehicle purchases—you won’t be able to have Tesla wrap a vehicle that’s already been delivered. Paint damage and scuffs can impact the installation of PPF and require additional time to smooth out the vehicle surface.

Either way, with cheaper wrap options, Tesla is now directly competing against third-party wrap shops when it comes to wrapping vehicles in PPF. While it’s still a bit more expensive than you’d find elsewhere, it also comes with a level of care and precision from technicians intimately familiar with your vehicle.

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Tesla Increases Price of Model S; Starts Offering Free Lifetime Supercharging

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For the first time in quite a while, Tesla has increased the price of one of its vehicle offerings. The Model S Long Range and the Model S Plaid have both received a hefty price increase. However, not all is bad - as Tesla also added a new benefit for buyers.

Price Increase

The price increase for the Model S is $5,000 - currently only in the United States. This price increase will likely impact other markets, including Canada, in the coming days.

The Model S Long Range now starts at $79,990, while the Model S Plaid now starts at $94,990. The Model S and Model X now have the same starting price. Interestingly, that’s also the same pricing point for the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast Trimotor non-Foundation Series. 

The vehicle configuration does not appear to have changed, so the new pricing is simply an increase rather than the addition or removal of features. Tesla previously cut the price of the Model S and Model X by 15% in 2023, so this could simply be an adjustment to ensure that the vehicle pricing stays in line with inflation and other factors.

Free Lifetime Supercharging

For those on the fence about ordering a Model S, Tesla has brought back Free Lifetime Supercharging when you order a new Model S on or after December 13, 2024. As always, Free Lifetime Supercharging is restricted to the buyer’s Tesla account and to that specific vehicle. It cannot be transferred to another vehicle or another owner after ownership transfer. It’s worth noting, that it also doesn’t exclude the owner from receiving Supercharger idle fees or congestion fees. There is currently no end date for this promotion.

There are currently no changes to the Model X, neither a price increase nor the addition of Lifetime Superchargering. However, when Tesla makes changes to one of their premium vehicles, it usually affects the other one as well. So be on the lookout for potential changes to the Model X offering in the coming days.

We’ve seen Tesla value Lifetime Supercharging at $5,000, so this falls in line with the price increase we’re seeing. It’s possible that Tesla will begin to bring back Lifetime Supercharging as a perk for buying into their more premium Model S and Model X cars, or this could be another temporary promotion to get buyers who are on the fence to go ahead and make their purchase while this promotion lasts.

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